Praxis Writing
Praxis Writing examination for teacher certification.
Advanced Topics
Synthesizing Information From Sources
Combining Ideas
The source-based essay requires you to bring together information from different texts. Synthesis means weaving these ideas into a unified, original response, not just summarizing each source.
How to Synthesize
- Read Carefully: Identify the main idea of each source.
- Find Connections: Look for themes or points of agreement/disagreement.
- Integrate Sources: Combine information in your own words, using quotations or paraphrasing when appropriate.
- Cite Properly: Give credit to the sources you use.
Real-World Uses
Teachers often synthesize information from textbooks, research, and student data to make informed decisions or create lesson plans.
Examples
Merging statistics from two articles to support a claim about student motivation.
Paraphrasing ideas from different sources in a research-based report.
In a Nutshell
Synthesizing sources means combining multiple perspectives into your own unique response.