Summarizing Multi-Source Texts
In this unit, students write a synthesis summary that combines key ideas from multiple texts. Focus: accurate paraphrase, balanced comparison, and clear citation language (reporting verbs, attribution frames, and neutral academic tone).
SWBAT (Objectives)
- Write a synthesis summary that compares at least two sources (not separate summaries).
- Paraphrase key ideas accurately using changed structure, vocabulary, and emphasis.
- Use citation language (attribution frames + reporting verbs) to credit sources clearly.
- Balance viewpoints and avoid bias or “opinion language” in academic summaries.
- Integrate evidence types (data, examples, expert views) into concise sentences.
What is Synthesis Writing?
Source B says… Source B also says…”
The goal: show relationships between sources (agreement, contrast, cause/effect, limitations), and clearly attribute ideas.
Writing Process (From Notes → Synthesis)
Choose 3–5 key claims per source. Identify the strongest evidence and one limitation.
Group ideas into shared themes (e.g., benefits, risks, policy solutions, cost, equity).
Write one sentence for agreement and one for contrast per theme.
Use reporting verbs + attribution frames (according to…, X argues…).
Paraphrase Skills (Beyond Synonyms)
- Change sentence structure (active ↔ passive)
- Nominalise / de-nominalise
- Change clause order (cause → effect / effect → cause)
- Generalize or specify (when accurate)
- Combine two sentences into one (or split one into two)
Paraphrase: “A reduction in traffic appears to have resulted from lower levels of driving into the city.”
❌ Copying key phrases + changing a few words
❌ Changing meaning (too general/too specific)
❌ Removing attribution (“Who said it?”)
Citation Language (Attribution + Reporting Verbs)
According to Source A, …
Source B reports that …
In Source A, the author suggests …
Source B emphasizes …, whereas Source A argues …
Neutral: states, notes, describes, reports
Stronger: argues, claims, maintains
Cautious: suggests, implies, indicates
Critical: challenges, questions, disputes
“Source A (2024) argues that…”
“In contrast, Source B (2023) suggests…”
Teacher can adapt to MLA/APA later—focus here is attribution language.
Model Structure (150–220 words)
- Topic + scope (what both texts discuss)
- Shared point (agreement) + attribution
- Key difference (contrast) + attribution
- Evidence comparison (strongest evidence from each)
- Limitations / missing info
- Neutral concluding sentence (overall picture)
both · similarly · likewise · in contrast · however · whereas · while · on the other hand · nevertheless · overall
Practice (Paraphrase + Integrate)
Paraphrase each sentence twice (two different structures). Keep meaning identical.
Take your paraphrases and add: (a) an attribution frame and (b) a reporting verb.
Write one sentence that compares sources using whereas/while + accurate attribution.
Final Task: Synthesis Summary (180–240 words)
- Use 2–3 sources (A, B, and optional C)
- Include 1 clear agreement + 1 clear contrast
- Use 6+ attribution moments (according to…, X argues…)
- Use 6+ reporting verbs (variety + appropriate strength)
- Include 1 limitations sentence (“However, the evidence is limited because…”)
- No personal opinion (“I think”)
- No copying phrases longer than 3–4 words
- Use neutral synthesis linkers (whereas, however, overall)
- Keep it concise: one main idea per sentence
Add one sentence that integrates all sources at once: “Overall, the sources collectively suggest…, although they differ regarding…”
Materials & Downloads
- Unit 6 Slides — PPTX
- What is Synthesis? — PDF · Synthesis vs Summary — PDF
- Synthesis Process Sheet — PDF
- Paraphrase Toolkit — PDF · Paraphrase Drills — PDF
- Reporting Verbs List — PDF · Attribution Frames — PDF
- Practice Worksheet — PDF · Plagiarism Avoidance — PDF
- Synthesis Template — PDF · Rubric — PDF
Swap placeholders with real file paths. Keep links consistent:
/levels/c1/assets/.