Synthesis is an important skill in the academic writing which works on connecting different sources to support your ideas as evidence.


 

Language Focus 1

 

Example 1.

The writer synthesizes two sources to be able to support their argument for assignment-based examinations.

Example

 


Example 2

The writer synthesizes two connected sources to show the opposing views to assignment-based examinations.

 


Example 3

The writer synthesises another relevant source through quotation to further support the point against assignment-based examinations.


 

Example 4

The writer could synthesise a number of sources together to show they have applied comprehensive academic research into the subject

 



Et. al means 'and others' which shorten the list of authors name 

 Integral and non-integral referencing

When synthesising sources, it is important to incorporate and reference them accurately. This can be done in two ways:

Integral Citations are where the author is the main subject of the clause and only the year is placed in brackets. A reporting verb ( argue, claim, suggest etc) is required to introduce the rest of the clause.

 


 In Non-integral citations, both the author and year is stated in brackets at the end of a clause. There must also be a comma separating the name and year.

 

 



 Source: academic English Uk