182 CHAPTER 7 | FRom SummARy To SynTHESiSA Practice Sequence: Writing a Synthesis■^1 To practice the strategies for synthesizing that we describe in this
chapter, read the following three essays, which focus on the role
that electronic media play in conveying information to diverse
groups of readers or viewers. As you discuss the strategies the
authors use to develop their arguments, consider these questions:- How would you explain the popularity of blogs, Twitter, and
youTube? - What themes have the writers focused on as they have
sought to enter the conversation surrounding the use of
electronic media? - To what extent do you think the criticisms of new media
presented by the authors are legitimate? - Do blogs, Twitter, and youTube pose a threat to traditional
journalism? - Do you think that blogs, Twitter, and youTube add anything
to print journalism? If so, what?
■^2 To stimulate a conversation, or a debate, we suggest that you break
up into four different groups:
Group 1: Print journalism
Group 2: Blogs
Group 3: Twitter
Group 4: youTube
Students in each group should prepare an argument indicating
the strengths and limitations of the particular mode of commu-
nication that they represent. In preparing the argument, be sure
to acknowledge what other modes of communication might add
to the ways we learn about news and opinions. One student from
each group will present this argument to the other groups.■^3 Based on the discussion you have had in exercise 1 and/or exercise 2,
write a synthesis of the three essays using the steps we have outlined
in this chapter.- Summarize each essay.
- explain the ways in which the authors’ arguments are similar
or different, using examples and illustrations to demonstrate
the similarities and differences. - Formulate an overall gist that synthesizes the points each
author makes.
07_GRE_5344_Ch7_151_210.indd 182 11/19/14 1:59 PM