BEAM and Source Synthesis: Home

Background

for materials a writer relies on for general information or for factual evidence.

The term background  refers to materials whose claims a writer accepts as fact, whether these “facts” are taken as general information or deployed as evidence to support the writer's own assertions. Sometimes this information is treated as "common knowledge" and can be left uncited.

Tertiary sources like encyclopedias, almanacs, dictionaries, directories, guidebooks, textbooks, or even Wikipedia are usually used for background.

Argument

for materials whose claims a writer engages.

The term argument refers to a writer affirming, disputing, refining or extending a claim. Arguments can asserted with a writer engages in "conversation" with other sources.

Secondary sources like textbooks, edited works, books and articles that interpret or review research, histories, biographies, literary criticism and interpretation, usually serve as arguments. 

Exhibit

for materials a writer analyzes or interprets.

The term exhibit refers to materials a writer offers for explication, analysis or interpretation. A simple example, or concrete instance that illustrates a claim or assertion; can require extensive framing and interpretation.

A good exhibit may be subjected to multiple and possibly conflicting interpretations.

Primary sources like maps, photographs, newspapers, diaries, interviews, artistic works, speeches, letters, memos, autobiographies, and correspondence are usually used as exhibits.

Method

for materials from which a writer takes a governing concept or derives a manner of working.

The term method refers to writing in which an author identifies a concept or manner of working. A method offers a set of key terms, outlines a procedure, or describes a model or perspective.