Outcome 2 (Integrating Ideas) – Be able to integrate their ideas with others using summary, paraphrase, quotation, analysis, and synthesis of relevant sources. (Word Count: 288)

Before I came to college, my analysis of quotes were a little weak. It was usually one sentence and that was it. Granted, my analyses still aren’t Pulitzer Prize winning, but they are a little better due to the time we have spent in class on integrating sources.

Even within the first essay, my analysis was not where it should have been. I only have one sentence explaining what I take the quote to mean. It does not add enough credibility to my argument. My quote is longer than the analysis which looks sloppy as well. With help from our workshops in class I started to strengthen my quote sandwiches with my own experiences in order to connect more to my thesis statement.

My analysis of the quote I chose in the final essay became much better. I picked specific parts of the quote to explain and had more connections from this quote to my thesis. I also felt more connected to this source since I love poetry which helped me analyze it better than something I didn’t connect to, such as the first quote from the first essay. My quote sandwiches became better due to the usage of templates from They Say/I Say as well. The book was a great resource for analyzing quotes that I didn’t connect to as well. The templates helped me do focused summaries as well, which help in adding more emphasis on the quote sandwiches and analysis.

By using the template from They Say/I Say I was able to truly focus on the most important parts of Konnikova’s article. Creating a focused summary had me learn how to create an effective synopsis with as little information as possible. Then through that, I could focus more on the quotes and analysis of the article which added to me proving my thesis statement.