. The introduction (usually one paragraph)     1.    Introduces the texts to be synthesized:             (i)  Gives the title of each source (following the citation guidelines of whatever style                     sheet you are using);               (ii)  Provides the name of each author;             (ii)  Sometimes also provides pertinent background information about the authors,                    about the texts to be summarized or about the general topic from which the                    texts are drawn.

Author. Title of Source. Title of Container, Other Contributors, Version, Number, Publisher, Publication date, Location

You will consider criteria such as the type of source, its intended purpose and audience, the author’s (or authors’) qualifications, the publication’s reputation, any indications of bias or hidden agendas, how current the source is, and the overall quality of the writing, thinking, and design.

“Is this source relevant to my purpose?” and “Is this source reliable?”

One way to learn better search strategies is to consult a reference librarian.

Magazine articles Biographical books Literary and scientific reviews Television documentaries

Research Articles Literary Texts Historical documents such as diaries or letters Autobiographies or other personal accounts Podcasts

The best way to revise your thesis statement is to ask questions about it and then examine the answers to those questions

It is specific and focuses on one to three points of a single idea—points that will be demonstrated in the body.

What the writer did well What needs improvement What the next steps are

it is helpful when your ideas are presented in an order that makes sense.

Regardless of your field of study, honing your writing skills—plus your reading and critical-thinking skills—will help you build a solid academic foundation