Kyle Mac’s Blog

Synthesis is basically the combination of argument and analysis. Synthesizing something requires both skills; first by analyzing a certain text or source, then using that analysis to base an argument. Writing a synthesis paper requires citing several sources and being able to effectively analyze what the source means. The trick to writing a good synthesis paper is to use the sources, not to make an argument, but to strengthen YOUR argument.

1. Putman cites many credible sources and notes them at the end. This apeals to ethos and adds to his credibility.

2.  Robinson, Godbey and Kunstler are cited to in the selection. Robinson and Godbey wrote “Time for Life.” Kunstler wrote “Geography of Nowhere.”

3. Putman validates his sources by backing them up multiple times. This adds heavily to his credibility and ethos.

4. Putman gives seemingly obvious sources to make sure the reader knows he’s not making anything up. Also, it gives the reader an oppurtunity to learn more about it.

5. He uses to, one, show that more people are staying home and, two, that those people are watching more TV.

6. Using extremes of one side or another makes a person seem more level headed and strengthens their claim.

7.Putman uses a lot of statistics, which makes them hard facts. Putman was very thourough with his research.