Analysis refers to dividing a whole into parts. Synthesis refers to the process of constructing a whole from an assortment of pieces.

Look at the big picture, look also at the individual pieces, and find a clear, systematic way of connecting them.

We've been considering a deck of cards, but the same principles apply almost everywhere. Imagine an eyeball, for instance. Do you see it first as a whole that fits into a larger system, or do you see it first as a cornea, a retina, an iris? Neither way of seeing it is better, and both ways are important.

Consider whether you're breaking a whole into parts or constructing a unified vision from individual components. Look at the big picture, look also at the individual pieces, and find a clear, systematic way of connecting them.

Activities

2.2  Pick one of the following subjects (or choose one of your own), and begin to analyze it by dividing it into parts: restaurants, teachers, automobiles, music, movies, politicians, dogs.

Construct at least two levels to your division.

Example:

2.3 Pick one of the following lists (or make a list of your own) and synthesize it into a single holistic concept. Again, try to construct at least two levels to your system

A. dolphin, carp, whale, salmon, elk, wolf, bear, bird, butterfly, wasp

B. lake, bathtub, river, ocean, creek, sea, swimming pool, fishtank, pond, hot tub

C. pencil, book, computer, pen, keyboard, floppy disk, monitor, notebook, typewriter

D. walking, flying, bicycling, hitchhiking, jogging, driving, crawling

E. shirt, pants, jacket, necklace, necktie, skirt, sweater, sock, shoe, blouse,

Example:

2.4 Look at a piece of writing that you want to organize better. See it as a whole. See it as a system of parts. Identify some essential divisions and categories. Write a short paragraph telling why these divisions are important and how they relate to your overall purpose in writing.