Synthesis Connection Chart

Define Your Themes

Synthesis happens when you find common threads, contradictions, or conversations between different authors. Start by defining the themes or lenses you want to track across your readings.

Your Connection Labels

Examples: Power Dynamics, Methodology Flaws, Call to Action, Economic Impact, Definitions of Truth.

Load Your Readings

Add up to 5 short texts or excerpts you want to synthesize. Give each a clear title (e.g., "Author Name" or "Source 1").

Connection Log

Select text from any of the readings above, choose the theme(s) it connects to from the bottom bar, and add it here. Write a brief note on why this quote fits the theme.

No passages tagged yet. Highlight text in your readings to start building connections.

Synthesis Matrix

This matrix visualizes the conversation. Rows represent your themes; columns represent your sources. Look for rows that have quotes in multiple columns—those are your key points of synthesis!

Step Back & Synthesize

Review your matrix above. Use the patterns you've mapped out to draw conclusions across the texts.

Your Name (optional — for your report) Where do these texts agree the most? Which theme connects them most strongly? Where is the friction or disagreement? How do the authors approach the same theme differently? What new understanding did you gain by reading these texts together rather than in isolation?

Export Your Work

Generate a comprehensive report containing your labels, matrix, tagged quotes, and final synthesis. Save it as a PDF or HTML file to submit.

"Save as PDF" will open your browser's print dialog. Choose Save as PDF as the destination. We recommend setting the layout to Landscape so your matrix fits perfectly.

Plain-text version (for copy/paste)

1 Define Your Themes

Your Connection Labels

2 Load Your Readings

3 Connection Log

4 Synthesis Matrix

5 Step Back & Synthesize

6 Export Your Work