Annotated Bibliography: Analysis-with-Synthesis Paragraph

This paragraph focuses on how the source relates to the debate around your research question (RQ):
The analysis part of the paragraph answers the question “What does the source offer (in terms of
information and/or opinions) to help answer your RQ that isn’t offered by the other 5 sources that
are in your AnnBib?”
The synthesis part of the paragraph answers the question “How does the source relate to ONE of
the other 5 sources?” (How do the two sources either agree or disagree with each other on some
point?)

EXAMPLE:
RQ: Should people eat less fast food?
First, briefly note the variety of perspectives and opinions/claims each source makes:

 Medical perspective
o Source 1: No! No one should ever eat fast food because it’s too unhealthy and potentially
addictive
o Source 2: People should avoid eating it too often (more than 4 times per month or once a
week) but eating it occasionally won’t do any lasting harm. If people do eat fast food,
they should be conscious of (1) choosing the healthier options and (2) avoiding large
portion sizes.
 Consumer/customer perspective
o Source 3: Fast food is a convenient option for people who don’t have a lot of time to
make their own meals or are driving from place to place and can’t stop at home to eat.
o Source 4: Fast food is a convenient option for people who lack the skill or confidence to
prepare their own meals. Not everyone was taught how to purchase groceries effectively
(e.g., saving money, not wasting time, etc.) or to prepare meals. Cooking can be
intimidating for many people! They may end up with a lot of food waste with failed
attempts or by unthinkingly making more food than they can use before it goes bad.
o Source 5: Fast food is a convenient option for people who can’t afford the upfront costs
of buying groceries and the equipment needed to prepare their own meals. While buying
food items in bulk is usually less expensive than buying a few items at a time as needed,
not everyone has the money to pay the upfront costs or to purchase the necessary
equipment (e.g., fridge/freezer, oven/stove/microwave, cookware like
pots/pans/bowls/spoons, etc.) and they may even lack the space in the residence to store
the foods that don’t need to be kept cool. Also, to prepare most meals on a regular basis,
people have to purchase staples like flour, sugar, spices, etc. in addition to the other foods
(fresh produce, canned, frozen, etc.) being used. Finally, grocery prices are increasing
and buying your own food to prepare isn’t necessarily cheaper than purchasing ready
meals from a fast food restaurant anymore (depending on what’s being purchased).
 Business perspective
o Source 6: Fast food businesses need regular customers to make enough money to employ
people, to pay taxes, and to remain open for those who need their services/products. The
more frequently people are stopping for food, the better off the business will be
financially. Besides, many fast food businesses offer some healthy options – it’s not their
fault if some customers prefer to purchase the less healthy ones.
Second, understanding each source’s perspectives now, map out how you might connect them to each
other.
Source 1  Source 2 disagrees with Source 1’s absolute statement (Never!) by arguing that
infrequent dining at fast food restaurants is fine.
Source 2  Source 6 argues for the financial benefits of regular fast food customers, implying
that Source 2’s argument for less frequent visits may harm these businesses financially.
Source 3  Source 4 agrees with Source 3 on the convenience of fast food, though they use
different points to support their arguments.
Source 4  Source 5 likewise agrees with Source 4 on the convenience of fast food, though again
they use different points to support their arguments. Both emphasize the challenges of preparing
your own meals, from different angles.
Source 5  Source 6 also discusses the financial side of this issue, suggesting their may be
financial advantages for both the customers and those involved in the fast food businesses
(owners and employees).
Source 6  Source 1 is in direct disagreement with Source 6 because if Source 1 had their way,
then all of the fast food restaurants may go out of business.