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Synthesising

To make a strong argument, you’ll want to present evidence from a variety of different sources. This page explains the process of synthesising.

Synthesising involves combining ideas from a range of sources in order to group together and present common ideas or positions on a topic. It’s a necessary part of developing a sophisticated argument, and is used in many forms of academic communication.

Unlike summarising and paraphrasing, which only use ideas from one source at a time, synthesising combines ideas from multiple sources.

Synthesising allows you to:

  • develop and strengthen your arguments with a variety of evidence
  • show that you have read widely on the topic
  • demonstrate analytical and critical thinking skills.

How to synthesise

Use the following steps to synthesise information from different sources.

  • Read materials relevant to your topic, and make brief notes on the key points in each source that are connected to your argument. This makes it easier to compare and contrast information across different sources.
  • Identify common ideas or themes in your notes.
  • Use reporting words and linking words to explain common ideas, making sure to cite all the sources you have used.

Synthesis example

The following example uses four fictional sources to show how you might take notes and then synthesise the ideas in a piece of writing.

Note-taking for synthesis

Read each source and take notes on the main ideas in dot point format.

Topic: English is the dominant world language.

Text 1 (Watson 2019)

  • international language for business
  • used for international forums (e.g. UN)
  • second language in many countries

Text 2 (Lui 2018)

  • used in worldwide technology
  • computers key factor in spread of English
  • internationalisation of education

Text 3 (Hannan 2017)

  • small number of speakers worldwide
  • importance of English linked to US power, i.e. 'Political'
  • more people speak Chinese worldwide

Text 4 (Dowd 2019)

  • minority of speakers in world
  • Chinese dominant especially in future
  • English will decline in future

Writing a synthesis from notes

Look at your notes to identify similar and contradictory arguments. Group these together to develop and support your arguments, and cite your sources appropriately.

Supporting the contention that English is the dominant world language, Watson (2019) and Lui (2018) point out its importance as the medium of international communication in business, technology and other global forums. However, others argue that despite its apparent dominance, English is not the global language when the number of native speakers of other languages, for example Chinese, are considered (Dowd 2019; Hannan 2017).

Please note: The examples on this page use the RMIT Harvard referencing style. Check your course handbook or speak to your instructor about the referencing style required in your area of study.

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