80 Application: Synthesis Tables
Application: Synthesis Tables
To better understand how other writers organically structure their paragraphs, try creating a synthesis table that will help you see how the parts (paragraphs as units of text) establish a whole (a system formed through units).
To start, locate a model piece of writing or a mentor text you want to emulate. Then, create a three-column table that features one row for every paragraph in the mentor text plus one extra row for creating column labels at the top of the table.
In the first column of the first row, write “Paragraph Number.” You can then number each row, and correspondingly, you can number each paragraph in your mentor text to match with the numbered rows.
In the second column, write the question: “What does the paragraph say?” In each numbered row for this column, you’ll provide a short sentence or a few relevant details that give you a sense of the paragraph’s most important points.
In the third column, write the question: “What does the paragraph do?” In each numbered row for this column, you’ll provide your reflection on the purpose of the paragraph. You might describe the overall rhetorical effect of this paragraph in comparison to other paragraphs or describe how the points in the paragraph support the thesis statement. Whatever you choose, try not to repeat what the paragraph is saying but focus on interpreting why the paragraph is making the points that it is. An excerpt from a completed synthesis table can be seen below:
|
Paragraph Number |
What does the paragraph say? |
What does the paragraph do? |
|
1 |
Gives a few statistics about cult activity; makes an argument. | This paragraph introduces the concept of cults through startling statistics before giving a thesis statement. |
|
2 |
Gives more information on a specific cult. | This paragraph provides more needed background information to provide the reader with context. |
|
3 |
Provides evidence-based information about the efficacy of cult culture specific to younger people and at-risk populations. | This paragraph ties back to the thesis statement and provides more facts to make the argument more persuasive. |
Once you’ve written out what each paragraph is saying and doing, you might look back at the synthesis table more holistically to understand how the writer carefully built out their argument. You can also create a synthesis table to reflect on your own approach to paragraphing, after which you might ask yourself:
- Do I need to rearrange any of my paragraphs to improve the flow of information in my piece?
- Do I need to add any paragraphs or information to paragraphs that will help each paragraph connect back to my thesis or central message?
- Is there anything more I need to say (or further points or facts to be added) or anything more that I need to do (adding or rearranging paragraphs) to increase the overall flow of this piece?