Providing Guided Practice in Discourse Synthesis. Issue 1 (6th June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Numrich, Carol; Kennedy, Alan S.
• Is Part Of: TESOL journal. Volume 8:Issue 1(2017)
• Page Start: 28
• Page End: 43
• Publication Date: 2016-06-06
• Subjects: English language -- Study and teaching -- Foreign speakers -- Periodicals; 428.007
• DOI: 10.1002/tesj.258
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1056-7941

Abstract

Abstract : In this article, the authors discuss the importance of the skill of synthesis in university‐level writing. They outline specific challenges faced by students of English as a second language with synthesis as a writing skill. They then describe a lesson that they created for an English for academic purposes class for graduate students in the field of social work. Examples of texts are presented that contrast unsuccessful with successful synthesis of various sources on the topic of homelessness. The authors provide guidelines and language suggestions for teachers to introduce to students to use as this skill is addressed. Finally, they present positive testimonials provided by their students after having completed this lesson.