1. Writing 101
Synthesis and Transformation -
Combining and Changing

2. Learning Objectives

To understand the major changes that take place
during synthesis and transformation.

To avoid making mistakes when changing the
words and sentences in synthesis and
transformation.

3. Introduction

Synthesis means 'combine'.

Transformation means 'change'.

During Synthesis and Transformation (ST), you
combine sentences and change words.

We will explore these two processes in more
details.

4. Synthesis or Combining

Combining means the knowledge of using
different connectors to combine 2 sentences
together.

Connectors that are easier to use are
coordinating conjuctions – FANBOYS.

Subordinating conjunctions that form complex
sentences are harder to use.

Which type do you think will appear more
often in tests and examintions?

5. Learning Activity 1

With a partner, decide which Set you want to
do and combine your answers later.
• Whom Neither
• Since Yet
• In spite of No sooner
• In order to Neither nor
• Much to lest
(Set A) (Set B)

6. Learning Activity Answers (Set A)

Yesterday, I spoke to a man whom is my new
colleague.

He had not met Tom since he graduated from
college.

In spite of his diligence, he did not pass his test
with flying colours.

In order to recover as soon as possible, Kali
followed the doctor's advice strictly.

Much to his displeasure, John discovered that
he was disqualified from the contest.

7. Learning Activity Answers (Set B)

Neither of them likes to go out with Sam as he
is rather domineering.

Exercise is a simple yet effective way to lose
weight.

No sooner had Alice drunk her coffee, the
waitress offered to refill her cup.

Neither Rose nor her sisters have received the
news.

The bakery sale was held indoors lest it rain.

8. Transformation or Changing

The more difficult part is the transformation or
the changing of words when synthesis occur.

Two changes occur most frequently in the new
sentence:
• Aspects of Verb – how the action is done
• Parts of Speech – the role of the word

These two also form two most important rules
you muct check under IMPIGS in I(Items) and
G (Grammar).

9. Learning Activity 2 (Aspects of Verb)

Recap the different aspects of verb by
explaining the sentences below:
• The hunter has killed the tiger. (perfect)
• The tiger is killing the hunter. (continuous)
• Hunters will kill tigers. (future)
• Tigers have been killing hunters. (perfect
continuous)
• The hunter kills tigers. (simple present)

10. Learning Activity Answers

Recap the different aspects of verb by
explaining the sentences below:
• The hunter has killed the tiger. (period of time,
completed action)
• The tiger is killing the hunter. (just started,
ongoing)
• Hunters will kill tigers. (happening soon)
• Tigers have been killing hunters. (period of
time, ongoing action)
• The hunter kills tigers. (habitual killing)

11. Learning Activity 3

Change the following words to different parts
of speech:
• Heart
• Dead
• Success
• Complete
• Decide
• Strong

12. Learning Activity Answers

Change the following words to different parts
of speech:
• Heart – hearty, heartened, heartening
• Dead – die, deadly, death, dying, died
• Success – successful, succeeded, succeding
• Complete – completed, completion, completing
• Decide – deciding, decided, decision, decisive
• Strong – strongly, strengthen, strengthened,
strengthening.

Note the common suffixes that appear.

13. Discussion

What is the one important knowledge area in
combination of sentences?

What are the two important changes to a word
during transformation?

How do we avoid making mistakes in these 3
areas of knowledge?

14. In Summary

We must be knowledgeable of the different
subordinating conjunctions when combining
sentences.

We must also be skillful in changing the words
into their different parts of speech and verb
forms when combining sentences.

Apply IMPIGS to check our answers once our
written sentences are completed. Also, we may
read it a few times to see if they sound right.