Success in your document synthesis

Here is the method to succeed in the document synthesis test in general culture and expression. Perfect your confrontation table and find the best plan.

How to properly introduce ideas and authors in a document synthesis?

Depending on the idea to be conveyed, it is essential to vary formulations. Furthermore, avoid abbreviations like “doc 1, doc 2,” instead attributing the document to its author by name.

The modal terms to use absolutely.

To introduce an assertion

The subject is K

• According to… ;
• Based on… ;
• I think ;
• …believes ;
• Exclaims
• For… ;
• If we trust K ;
• Shares this idea
• …evokes

To introduce a contestation

The subject is Y:

• Refuses or is indignant
• Claims
• Contests
• Rebels against
• Regrets that Y doubts or regrets that Y questions to prompt reflection:
• Explains, shows
• Analyzes
• Highlights
• Demonstrates, reveals that Y emphasizes

To bring a confirmation:

•X insists that X emphasizes that X recalls that X agrees with

•X shares this idea

To add a complement

The subject is X:

• Extends
• Complements
• Adds
• Specifies

To introduce a question

• X wonders if X questions or questions
• X questions

To introduce a wish or advice

The subject is V:

• Wishes
• Recommends
• Proposes
• Advice

To introduce implicit information

• X hints that X implies that X suggests how better to confront ideas from a corpus of documents ?

We use specific vocabulary

If there is an agreement between the documents

• In the same way, the documents agree to say that  the documents converge
• The second document shares this idea
• X agrees with Y to say that the essay confirms this idea

If there is opposition

• On the contrary
• However
• Document 2 rejects this idea
• It contests this idea
• It does not share

If a document introduces a nuance compared to another

• Document 2 extends this idea
• This article clarifies
• This sentence adds

It suggests that it also implies that Correction of the 2017 topic on the extraordinary

You will find below the confrontation table, the plan, as well as the draft of the introduction.

Example of an introduction to a document synthesis

First, we will look at the extraordinary beings who serve as references for us (to each) and, secondly, we will study (note) the accessibility of everyone to the extraordinariness according to our corpus.

First of all, all the documents in the corpus agree on defining extraordinary beings through heroic actions. Indeed, in Pangrazzi’s article, the hero is capable of sacrificing himself for others, as seen at the beginning of the text. Similarly, Umberto ECO bases on Superman to prove that it is struggle that makes one superior. Margot, alias Dragon Girl, also has the mission to save the world, which makes her unique. Finally, the Emmaüs campaign poster presents volunteering as a dedication of great value, as demonstrated by the characters of “ORDINARY” which become, underneath, “the extraordinary by this very act of volunteering.

Thus, the four documents in the corpus show extraordinary beings who are models because they undertake heroic actions, possess remarkable qualities, and defend ideal values. Moreover, these extraordinary individuals are accessible to everyone who wishes to become one. Indeed, all are extraordinary at the core and serve as models to admire. Becoming a hero is simply a matter of will.

Therefore, the corpus supports that a hero can be an ordinary person, admired by all for their exceptional values.

Some years ago, a hurricane hit Saint Martin and Saint Barthélemy, devastating everything in its path. Facing this disaster, the inhabitants rescued as many people as possible. Then, rescue teams intervened with reinforcements from France, and generosity was expressed through donations to charities. All these acts are small extraordinary deeds for everyone.

The different types of synthesis

There are several types of synthesis, each with their own characteristics, requiring different approaches. They include:

• The synthesis note, written during an exam or a competition: this exercise aims to evaluate the candidate’s ability to analyze a text. It’s not about assessing their knowledge of the topic discussed in the proposed text but judging their synthesis skills, reasoning, and, of course, writing abilities. The challenge is that this work must be done within a limited time, and the candidate should not copy the text but summarize it by rephrasing. To succeed, you need to practice beforehand after learning the basics.
• The administrative synthesis: it is almost identical to the previous one. However, it can take the form of an administrative note when addressed to one or multiple services. It can be a statement letter when sent to citizens of the public service. This document can also be forwarded to a superior to convey information or proposals regarding a problem or specific dossier.
• The marketing synthesis: this one is written to promote a project or a commercial proposal. It should be concise, brief, and persuasive. It is intended to be read by partners, business leaders, or banks, for example. Several documents can be summarized, including a project proposal, a market study, etc.

To create a document synthesis, it is important to know the different parts. Indeed, this document should include a brief introduction that clearly presents the theme. Then, there is a development that provides answers to the problem raised in the introduction, ending with a conclusion that briefly summarizes the ideas discussed in the plan.

To go further:

I hope you now know how to produce a good confrontation table for your document synthesis plan.

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The different types of synthesis

There are several types of synthesis, each with their own characteristics, requiring different approaches. They include:

• The synthesis note, written during an exam or a competition: this exercise aims to evaluate the candidate’s ability to analyze a text. It’s not about assessing their knowledge of the topic discussed in the proposed text but judging their synthesis, reasoning, and, of course, writing skills. The difficulty lies in completing this work within a limited time, and the candidate should not copy the text but summarize it by reformulating. To succeed, you should practice beforehand after learning the fundamentals.
• The administrative synthesis: it is almost identical to the previous one. However, it can take the form of an administrative note when addressed to one or multiple services. It can also be a letter of information when sent to citizens of the public service. This document can also be transmitted to a superior to communicate information or proposals regarding a problem or specific file.
• The marketing synthesis : this one is written to promote a project or a commercial proposal. It should be concise, brief, and persuasive. It is intended to be read by partners, business managers, or banks, for example. Several documents can be summarized, including a project proposal, a market study, etc.

To produce a document synthesis, it’s essential to understand the different parts. In fact, this document should include a short introduction that clearly states the theme. Then, there is a development that provides answers to the problem posed in the introduction, ending with a conclusion that briefly summarizes the ideas discussed in the plan.