8.4 Synthesis, Thesis and Outlining

Notes

Synthesis means combining ideas from several sources into your own argument, rather than summarizing one source at a time.

• Look for patterns: where sources agree, disagree or build on each other.
• Your thesis is an arguable claim that answers your research question.
• An outline groups points by idea, not by source: introduction, body sections each with a claim supported by evidence from multiple sources, a counterargument, and a conclusion.
• Use signal phrases ("According to Hall," "Smith argues") and connect them with your own commentary.
• Worked example: "While Hall argues that technology isolates teens, Lopez's study suggests that connection can improve with moderate use, so limits matter more than total bans."