Synthesizing Complex Sources — Drills · Grade 12 English
Chapter: Research & Source-Based WritingWhat these drills covers
By the end of Synthesizing Complex Sources you should be able to:
- I can distinguish primary, secondary, and scholarly sources and weigh each by the kind of authority it carries, rather than treating all sources as equal.
- I can enter an ongoing conversation among many sources — mapping agreement, qualification, and live disagreement — and thread that synthesis across a whole essay by idea rather than source by source.
2 questions, written answer, each with a worked explanation.
Vocabulary used: synthesis, scholarly source, primary source, secondary source, entering the conversation.
Problem 1
Answer and explanation
Synthesis organizes several sources around your question or claim. It is more than a paragraph summarizing Source A followed by a paragraph summarizing Source B. Show an actual application before considering the method recalled.
Use the criteria to compare your reasoning, not to copy the model’s wording. A supported alternative interpretation may earn full credit.
Response criteria
- Make an accurate, focused claim or revision.
- Use a relevant detail or a clearly explained language choice.
- Explain the relationship and recognize a relevant limit.
Problem 2
Answer and explanation
A shared topic is not shared reasoning. State each position and connect specific agreements, conflicts, and conditions.
Use the criteria to compare your reasoning, not to copy the model’s wording. A supported alternative interpretation may earn full credit.
Response criteria
- Make an accurate, focused claim or revision.
- Use a relevant detail or a clearly explained language choice.
- Explain the relationship and recognize a relevant limit.