Which statement best describes the recommended approach to building a synthesis with sources?

Which statement best describes the recommended approach to building a synthesis with sources?

• A. Combine evidence from multiple sources to support a debatable claim while clearly showing how each source contributes.
• B. Rely on a single source for all claims.
• C. Quote extensively without analysis.
• D. Use sources only for background with no argument.

Answer: (A)

Synthesis with sources means weaving evidence from multiple texts to support a debatable claim, while showing how each source contributes to the overall argument. The best choice does exactly that: it combines evidence from several sources and clearly explains how each piece backs different parts of the claim, tying them together into a coherent argument. To do this well, compare and contrast the sources, noting where they agree or conflict and why their evidence matters for your thesis. You’re not just listing quotes; you’re explaining how the sources relate to each other and to your argument, creating a integrated perspective. Relying on a single source limits perspective and does not demonstrate your ability to synthesize ideas. Quoting extensively without analysis shows you haven’t connected the sources to your claim. Using sources only for background with no argument means there’s no synthesis to begin with.

Synthesis with sources means weaving evidence from multiple texts to support a debatable claim, while showing how each source contributes to the overall argument. The best choice does exactly that: it combines evidence from several sources and clearly explains how each piece backs different parts of the claim, tying them together into a coherent argument.

To do this well, compare and contrast the sources, noting where they agree or conflict and why their evidence matters for your thesis. You’re not just listing quotes; you’re explaining how the sources relate to each other and to your argument, creating a integrated perspective.

Relying on a single source limits perspective and does not demonstrate your ability to synthesize ideas. Quoting extensively without analysis shows you haven’t connected the sources to your claim. Using sources only for background with no argument means there’s no synthesis to begin with.