BEGS 138 Important Question and Answers

SYNTHESIZING AS A Writing Strategy

1. Discuss with examples how synthesizing is a key strategy in writing.

Synthesizing is a writing strategy where you gather information from different sources and combine them to create a new understanding. It’s like having a conversation between sources, where you bring together ideas, facts, and arguments to show their relationships.

For example, if you’re writing about climate change, you might find one article that talks about the causes and another that discusses the impacts. By synthesizing these sources, you can show how the causes lead to the impacts, creating a more comprehensive view of the topic.

To effectively synthesize, you first need to read through all the material you have, even if it’s just a quick overview. Then, focus on the sources that are most relevant to your topic. If you’re using multiple sources, you’ll want to select key arguments or facts from each and possibly include a quote or two to support your points.

In essence, synthesizing is about creating a cohesive narrative that ties together different pieces of information to form a new understanding or insight. It’s a crucial skill in academic writing, as it allows you to demonstrate your understanding of a topic and contribute to the ongoing conversation in your field.

Strategies for Reading Critically

2. What are the strategies you would adopt to become a ‘critical reader’ ?

A critical reader is someone who reads with a questioning mind, actively analyzing and evaluating the content of a text. Critical reading goes beyond simply understanding the words on the page; it involves thinking deeply about the ideas presented, considering the author’s purpose and perspective, and assessing the validity of the arguments and evidence presented.

A critical reader is essential for understanding complex ideas, evaluating arguments, and developing informed opinions. Here are some strategies for becoming a critical reader:

1. Annotating: Take notes as you read. Write down your thoughts, questions, and ideas. This helps you engage with the text and remember important points.
2. Taking inventory: Look for patterns in your notes. Do you see the same ideas coming up again and again? This can help you understand the main message of the text.
3. Outlining: Note down the main ideas and supporting details of the text. Outlining helps you organize your thoughts and identify the structure of the text.
4. Summarizing: Put the main ideas of the text into your own words. This can help you understand the text better and remember key points.
5. Synthesizing: Combine your own ideas with what you’ve read. This can help you see the bigger picture and understand how different ideas are connected.
6. Contextualizing: Think about the context in which the text was written. Consider how this might affect the author’s message.
7. Explaining figurative language: Pay attention to metaphors, similes, and other literary devices. Think about why the author might be using them and what they add to the text.
8. Evaluating arguments: Think about whether the arguments in the text are logical and well-supported. This can help you judge the quality of the text.
9. Recognizing emotional manipulation: Be aware of how the text might try to influence your emotions. This can help you read more critically.
10. Judging the writer’s credibility: Consider whether the author is trustworthy and knowledgeable about the topic. This can help you decide how much weight to give to the text.

By using these strategies, you can become a better critical reader and understand texts more deeply.