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English · Grade 11

Research and Source Synthesis

Learners research a contested policy the way scholars do. Using an invented source set about a district's proposed four-day school week, they build a synthesis matrix, evaluate each source's methods and possible bias, write paragraphs that put sources in conversation and weigh conflicting evidence, and integrate and cite multiple sources in MLA style, including how to quote a famous speech that survives only in a later reconstruction.

  • 4 lessons
  • About 145 minutes
  • Research synthesis check: 9 questions
  • Ways to answer: choose an answer, highlight a text, match pairs, put in order, sort into groups and arrange tiles
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What learners will discover

  • Build a synthesis matrix that maps what each source says about each sub-question of a research topic.
  • Evaluate sources' methods and potential bias: study design, sample, funding, date and the author's stake.
  • Write synthesis paragraphs that put sources in conversation and weigh conflicting evidence to reach a reasoned conclusion.
  • Integrate and cite multiple sources in MLA style, including indirect sources and quotations whose origin is uncertain.

Lessons

  1. Map the conversation 6 steps3 practiceabout 35 min
  2. Evaluate methods and bias 6 steps4 practiceabout 35 min
  3. Write synthesis that weighs evidence 5 steps3 practiceabout 35 min
  4. Integrate and cite multiple sources 7 steps4 practiceabout 40 min
  5. Research synthesis check 9 questions at the end

Keep exploring

More 11th grade reading

Guide for grown-ups