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Using Sources Effectively Why Use Sources? To show that you (the writer) are knowledgeable about the topic you are writing about (i.e. you want to establish your credibility as a writer). You Can Use Sources… To give readers examples. To support your argument. To support your counterargument. To introduce a topic that may or may not be familiar to your readers. To synthesize a number of ideas expressed in the sources themselves. What is Synthesis? For the purposes of this class, think of synthesis as a “conversation” between two or more sources within the context of an argumentative essay. Well-synthesized sources use verbs of attribution (*see the worksheet on Blackboard) and are connected to the supporting argument or counterargument. How Do I Synthesize My Sources? Here are some steps that you can use to synthesize your own sources. Keep in mind that this is only one of many strategies you can use. Go through the step-by-step example and create an example of synthesis. At the end of the activity, post a copy of your synthesis example to the class discussion board forum. Step #1: Choose at least 2 quotes from different sources. Here are the quotes you should use for this example: From: Roberts, Donald F. and Ulla G. Foehr. Kids & Media in America. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2004 (pg. 135) “In 1999, some 78 percent of kids said they are somewhat or very interested in sending and receiving pictures on-line, and 70 percent wanted to have a live video conference with a friend online (Roper Starch Worldwide Inc., 1999).” Step #1: Choose at least 2 quotes from different sources, cont. From: Friess, Steve. “Yo, can u plz help me write English?” USA Today 1 Apr. 2003, late ed.: D8. (pg. D8) “Instant messenger lends itself to linguistic shortcuts, shoddy grammar and inappropriate or absent punctuation.” Step #2: List a number of issues that each quote raises. “In 1999, some 78 percent of kids said they are somewhat or very interested in sending and receiving pictures on-line, and 70 percent wanted to have a live video conference with a friend online (Roper Starch Worldwide Inc., 1999).” Possible issues: internet predators, kids are more frequent users of online technologies, etc. (List some of the issues that this quote raises for you.) Remember to repeat this step for BOTH quotes. Step #3: Find areas of connection among the issues raised. Friess Quote (IM) Roberts & Foehr (web) IM makes poor writers Internet predators IM language is specific to only users who are kids Kids are frequent tech users (your list should have more than 2 issues for each quote) Step #4: Put your sources in “conversation” with each other. Remember: – – – – – Use verbs of attribution (see the Blackboard worksheet). Introduce each source. Explain the connection(s) you see between the sources. Connect the “conversation” to a larger issue (this could be the CA, SA, or thesis statement). See the following example with color codes. Donald Roberts and Ulla Foehr use statistics from Roper Starch Worldwide Inc. to show that kids are anxious to use technology (135). This could be dangerous however if webcams and pictures fell into the hands of child predators. Not only are pictures and webcams a problem for children online, but the language they use to communicate online puts them at risk. In an article from USA Today, Steve Friess’ comment about kids using IM language to communicate socially describes how children have their own language and might even be specific in grammar and punctuation online (D8). Predators can pick up on this and use it to lure in children. While there are numerous dangers online there are also many benefits; children learn to work together and socialize as peers. Parents need to monitor online use of their kids if they wish to keep them safe. Now, try working with the sources you’ve collected for Synthesis Essay #1…