After Matthew completed his standardized testing, we analyzed the two sources assigned for homework as the basis for the first synthesis essay. I discussed how the synthesis essay must not merely repeat the claims of the writer but the sources should be used to create an overarching thesis that the sources can support. As the first step in the process is to reduce the sources to a simple statement of the claims, we looked at the two sources , a humorous fiction story and a Rockwell illustration, and addressed the claim each conveys. We noted how both sources focus on contrasting teaching methods in education. From there we explored what overarching thesis could form the basis of the sythesis essay such as the difference in teaching adults and children or perhaps a comment on the perception that some schools coddle children too much.