Today is rung 4 of 12 on this topic
The synthesis essay
Can do: Builds an original argument using several sources as evidence rather than as subjects.
Why it matters
It's the standard form in college and in every advanced course. Sources have to serve the argument, not organise it.
What it looks like when it's wobbly
Writes one paragraph per source, which is a book report in disguise.
⏱️ Two-minute check
Look at their outline. "Is each paragraph about a source, or about an idea?"
Solid looks like: Paragraphs organised by idea, with multiple sources in several of them.
The full activity for this topic · 35 minutes
Organise by Idea, Not by Source
- 1Make a grid: sources down the side, sub-questions across the top.
- 2Fill in what each source says about each sub-question.
- 3Read down the columns, not across the rows — each column is a paragraph.
- 4Write each paragraph using at least two sources.
- 5Check the thesis is theirs, not borrowed from the strongest source.
If it's too hard
Three sources, two sub-questions.
If it's too easy
Include a source that disagrees with your thesis and use it to strengthen the argument.
Say this
"Read down the column, not across the row. Each column is a paragraph — that's the whole trick."