Multiple Sources | Student Worksheet

Why Use Multiple Sources?

Smart readers don't rely on just ONE source. They read multiple sources to get a complete picture! Different sources might give you different details, different perspectives, or help you check if information is accurate. Putting it all together is called synthesizing!

Compare vs. Contrast

COMPARE

Find what's the SAME

How are the sources alike?

"Both sources say that..."

CONTRAST

Find what's DIFFERENT

How are the sources different?

"Source A says... but Source B says..."

Questions to Ask When Reading Multiple Sources

1️⃣

What does EACH source tell me? (Read carefully and take notes)

2️⃣

What's the SAME in both? (Shared facts, similar ideas)

3️⃣

What's DIFFERENT or UNIQUE? (Details only in one source)

4️⃣

What do I understand NOW that I couldn't from just one source?

Let's See It in Action: Monarch Butterflies

Source A: Encyclopedia Article

Monarch butterflies are famous for their annual migration. Each fall, millions of monarchs travel up to 3,000 miles from Canada and the United States to central Mexico. They gather in oyamel fir forests in the mountains, where temperatures are cool enough for them to rest. In spring, they begin the journey north. The entire round trip takes multiple generations, with no single butterfly completing the whole journey.

Source B: Nature Blog

I'll never forget the first time I saw the monarch butterflies in Mexico. The trees were covered in orange and black - it looked like the forest was wearing a living, breathing blanket! Our guide told us that the same trees have been used by monarchs for hundreds of years. Sadly, the number of butterflies has dropped by 80% since the 1990s. Climate change and loss of milkweed plants (which baby monarchs need to eat) are the biggest threats to these amazing travelers.

Organizing Information: Venn Diagram

Source A Only:
- 3,000 miles
- Takes multiple generations

BOTH:
- Migration to Mexico
- Oyamel fir forests

Source B Only:
- 80% decline
- Milkweed threat
- Personal experience

What is Synthesis?

Synthesis = Combining information from multiple sources to build a COMPLETE understanding

Example Synthesis: "Monarch butterflies make an amazing 3,000-mile migration to Mexico each fall (Source A). However, this journey is under threat - monarch populations have dropped by 80% due to climate change and loss of milkweed plants (Source B). Understanding both the wonder of their migration AND the dangers they face helps us see why protecting monarchs is so important."

Sentence Starters for Synthesis

"Both sources agree that..." (for similarities)
"Source A adds the detail that..." (for unique information)
"While Source A focuses on..., Source B emphasizes..." (for different focus)
"Together, the sources show that..." (for synthesis)
"Source A provides facts, while Source B adds..." (for different types of info)

Your Turn!

1. Look at the monarch butterfly sources above. What information appears in BOTH sources?

2. What information can you ONLY learn from Source B (the blog)?

3. How are the two sources DIFFERENT in their style or purpose?

A. Source A gives personal experience; Source B gives facts B. Source A gives facts; Source B adds personal experience and current problems C. Both sources are exactly the same style D. Source A is longer than Source B

4. Why is it helpful to read BOTH sources instead of just one?

Remember: Different Sources Have Different Strengths!

Source Type	What It's Good For
Encyclopedia/Textbook	Reliable facts, overview information
Personal Account/Diary	Emotions, personal perspective, what it was like to be there
News Article	Current events, recent information
Chart/Graph	Numbers, data, comparisons