Synthesis matrix — English definition
Defined in 2 courses:
- A grid with subtopics as rows and sources as columns, used to see what every source says about each idea before drafting. (English 10: Choices, Conscience & Consequences)
- A grid organizing notes by sub-idea (rows) and source (columns) so relationships among sources become visible at a glance. (English 11: American Voices, Identity & Public Memory)
Where it is taught
- Synthesis Writing — Research & Source-Based Writing, English 10: Choices, Conscience & Consequences, Grade 10
- Synthesizing Multiple Sources — Research & Source-Based Writing, English 11: American Voices, Identity & Public Memory, Grade 11
In use
Instead of writing down everything Source 1 says, then everything Source 2 says (which quietly locks you into a source-by-source structure — the summary pile's evil twin), experienced researchers build a synthesis matrix: a simple grid with subtopics down the side and sources across the top.
Synthesis Writing
A synthesis matrix — a grid with sub-ideas down the side and sources across the top — lets you read across a single row and see instantly what every source says about one specific point.
Synthesizing Multiple Sources
Questions using synthesis matrix
Problem 1
- It counts how many total sources were gathered.
- It replaces the need to cite sources in the essay.
- It alphabetizes the sources for the Works Cited page.
- It organizes notes by sub-idea, so a writer can see at a glance what every source says about one point and spot agreement, tension, and gaps.
Answer and explanation
It organizes notes by sub-idea, so a writer can see at a glance what every source says about one point and spot agreement, tension, and gaps.
A synthesis matrix groups notes by idea rather than by source, making relationships among sources visible before drafting — exactly what synthesis requires.