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Writing a synthesis essay is one of the most engaging tasks you may face. The purpose of this type of paper, for a college or university student, is to demonstrate that you can deal with extensive research, take apart big concepts, and show the skeleton of the argument.
The perfect paper will take ideas from various sources, summarize them, and combine them into a thesis statement — a single position that the synthesis essay is trying to argue. Identifying the synthesis statement will help you combine it with other theses, helping you to write in cohesive synthesis essay format. If you have ever wondered how to write a synthesis essay, this article from EssayPro’s do my homework service will help you compose a synthesis paper outline, or give you a simple structure to guide you through the writing process.
What Is a Synthesis Essay
Writing a synthesis paper is just like creating any other form of thesis. According to the synthesis essay definition, it is a written discussion of ideas. They tend to draw on two or more sources from academic papers, fiction sources, speeches, interviews, articles, lectures, or observations.
In other words, if you have two ideas from a similar topic, you can isolate the core of what they’re trying to say. For instance, you might have a paper that examines the use of smartphones in the modern world, and another on the rise of teenagers in social media. After synthesizing the information, you may come up with a combined thesis like: smartphones and social media are not destroying a generation.
Two Types of Synthesis
- Explanatory Synthesis Essay
This type helps readers get a better understanding of a topic. Instead of arguing a point, the goal here is to explain a particular topic.
In the body, explain the topic using sources and present these sources objectively. Like in any regular writing assignment, back up each supporting claim with two or more credible sources.
- Argument Synthesis Essay
The goal of this type of paper is to argue a specific topic and justify it with evidence. Unlike the explanatory type, here you will do the same thing you would do if working on a regular argumentative paper. State your position, make supporting claims, and then provide credible evidence to back up each claim.
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How to Choose a Topic
A synthesis paper prompt must be debatable. Depending on your assignment, you may have to choose a primary text. Choose a book that might have opposing viewpoints.
Step 1: Browse through topics and ideas. Read from sources and check selected topics in-depth to see if any of them take your interest.
Step 2: Choose a topic, then gather relevant and useful sources to include in your synthesis paper.
Step 3: Apply ideas from the sources onto your synthesis essay outline. Doing so should make writing far easier and save you time.
It is important for good synthesis essay topics to be debatable as if they have been in public conversations for decades. This makes them emotionally-charged for all sides involved, and this will likely mean that a lot of evidence for them will be widely available.
Examples include:
- Income inequality
- Progressive taxation policy
- Immigration policy
- Drug legalization
- Gun control
Bad topics would be ones in which the debate has long been over, and the scientific community has provided an objective answer for them. Also, bad topics may include those that have a yes or no answer. For instance:
- The Flat-Earth theory
- The safety and effectiveness of vaccines
- Racial supremacy
- Does gravity exist?
- Should we trust doctors?
Synthesis Essay Structure
Creating an outline will be useful for structuring your synthesis paper and planning your work. Paste supporting evidence, sub-arguments, and specific points in the appropriate sections. Make sure that every aspect proves the claim of your thesis. Any extra information will only make your paper worse.
If the information goes against your central claim, then you should acknowledge it, as it will make your paper stronger. Make sure you check all of the sources you’ve picked carefully. When writing about the causes, do not summarize them – analyze them. Read further for a sample synthesis essay outline.
The basic synthesis essay outline template contains three major parts:
- Introduction with a thesis statement
- Body, which contains arguments and counterarguments to the thesis
An outline for a synthesis essay starts with an introduction, which is a brief description of what the paper will be about. The essay introduction is important. It will consist of a hook, the background and relevance of your topic, and the thesis statement. How to write a synthesis statement is explained below.
Example: An article published by Jean Twenge clearly warns readers that the rise in the use of smartphones in the modern world is ruining teenagers. Furthermore, the author makes a sensational claim that the rise in social media and smartphone usage are creating a metaphorical earthquake with a magnitude never previously witnessed in the world. The author then provides pieces of evidence from other studies concerning the issue as well as personal observations — all of which seem to support his claim. According to Twenge, the main hypothesis for claiming that smartphones and social media usage result in destroying a generation is that increased use of these two platforms results in mental depression and other mental issues. This paper will mainly refute the claims of the author by focusing on the issues raised by the work.
Synthesis writing always includes a thesis, which is the central argument of the entire paper. Your thesis should be the core argument of separately sourced theses.
Example of a synthesis thesis: Although technology has brought tremendous changes to society, the use of smartphones and social media are not in any way destroying a generation, especially when looking at the reasons portrayed by Twenge.
The first paragraph must present a counterargument to your thesis. This demonstrates your ability to think from an opposing point of view — which can be greatly valued in higher educational facilities. Be sure to note that the counterargument isn’t strong enough to discredit your thesis.
Example: One of the main reasons for not supporting the article and observations by the author is the fact that all of the pieces of evidence chosen found by the author are biased. Twenge only uses and reviews studies that inherently support her views.
Your next paragraphs should now present arguments in favor of the thesis. Remember to structure all paragraphs in the body using the following synthesis format:
- Supporting Argument
- Topic Sentence
- Analysis of Evidence
Example: At the same time, she ignores other studies which have been conducted to show that screen time does not have major impacts on depression and other mental health related conditions that affect teenagers. In one claim, the researcher used a study that contended that the more teens used social media like Facebook, the more they became depressed. However, she did not dwell on the issue of depression, yet the same research revealed that being depressed as a result of using Facebook did not result in more Facebook usage (Twenge). Such findings remove the blame from Facebook, as it shows clearly that unhappiness and Facebook are not entirely correlated—as portrayed by the Twenge. Moreover, by not using Facebook more often after they have become unhappy suggests that the use of Facebook has not entirely replaced how teenagers could use social media to find alternative happiness or to come out of their depression.
A conclusion should be a summary of the overall paper. Then, conclude the paper with a final sentence. In other words, restate the main points and address any unanswered questions.
Example: To replace various factors that signified the previous generation, such as teen pregnancy and underage alcohol usage, as some of the indicators of how harmful these devices are to the current generation. All of these issues that have affected the previous generation have also had an impact on the future lives of teenagers, and by reducing them, it definitely signifies a more prosperous generation, based on moAlthough Jean Twenge has certain valid claims on the use of social media and teenagers, there is a lot of bias in her article, which further reduces the credibility of her article. She chooses only to focus on one side of the issue and completely neglects to give any attention to ideas that would oppose her stance, which shows that social media and smartphones could be of great use to teenagers. She also chooses to replace various bad factors that signified the previous generation, such as teen pregnancy and underage alcohol usage as some of the indicators of how harmful these devices are to the current generation. All these issues that affected the previous generation have much impact on the future lives of teenagers, and by reducing them, it definitely signifies a better generation, based on moral and values
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Tips for Writing a Synthesis Essay
A key factor in working on a synthesis paper is doing a proper analysis of a given text or prompt. To successfully analyze it, you must comprehend the text’s purpose, rhetoric, and the argument the author claims. In other words, you are answering the question: “So what?” Then, you must build your application, and write your work around that.
- Avoid titling the assignment as ‘synthesis essay’ followed or preceded by a relevant title.
- Remember to address your readers appropriately.
- Use precise vocabulary. Don’t be shy about using a dictionary.
- Use a clear sentence structure. Avoid using passive voice.
- Proofread and correct errors: spelling, comma errors, subject-verb agreements, plurals, possessives. And avoid using the word “you.”
- Make sure your citations are correct.
- Make use of sentence and paragraph transitions.
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Writing Techniques
Make use of Summarizing: One of the simplest methods of organization. It allows you to summarize the sources that possess the highest amount of relevance. The issue with this is that this method doesn’t include any of your independent thoughts.
Examples: Paraphrase source material. Write segments of sources in your own words. Quoting sources can also be used under this technique. In every case of using examples, make sure to cite the source.
Multiple Reasons: Using multiple reasons – typically two – is known to be an extremely effective method.
Strawman: Present one argument against your thesis. Though, make sure the argument is not very strong. The advantage of this method is to teach awareness of the other side of the argument. This type of evidence presents an introduction and description. It is followed by the opposing view and a decisive factor.
Concession: This technique illustrates the opposing viewpoint. It shows the positives being much stronger than the negatives.
Compare and Contrast: The compare and contrast method allows writers to examine two sources at once. Comparing shows similarities, as contrasting shows the differences. Illustrating an in-depth analysis of your chosen topic is possible.
Synthesis Essay Format
The synthesis paper format depends on what style is required by your teacher or professor. The most common formats are: MLA, APA, and Chicago style. APA is used in fields of Education, Psychology, and Science; MLA is used for citing Humanities; and Chicago style is used for Business, History, and Fine Arts. Purdue Owl is a format guide you can use that focuses mainly on MLA and APA, and Easybib is a citation multitool you can use for citing any of your external sources.
Some key points are:
- Times New Roman 12 pt font double-spaced
- Top right corner includes last name and page number on every page
- Titles are centered
- The header should include your name, your professor’s name, course number, and the date (dd/mm/yy)
- The last page includes a “Works Cited” page
- Times New Roman 12 pt font double-spaced 1” margins
- Include a page header on the top of every page
- Insert page number on the top right
- The synthesis essay structure should be divided into four parts: Title Page, Abstract, Main Body, and References.
Chicago Style
- Times New Roman 12 pt.
- Use double-spacing amongst the lines of the paper.
- Use one-inch margins.
- Use ½ inch indents for paragraph beginnings.
- Write with left-justified text that has a rugged edge.
- Use full names of people or organizations.
- The bibliography is to be on a separate page.
Synthesis Essay Rubric
High range (8-9 points).
- Effectively develops a position on the assigned topic.
- Demonstrates full understanding of the sources or text.
- Correctly synthesizes sources and strengthens a position. The writer drives the argument, not the sources.
- The writer’s argument is convincing.
- The writer makes no general assertions and cites specific evidence for each point. His/her evidence is developed and answers the “So what?” question.
- The paper is clear, well-organized, and coherent. It is a stand-alone piece rather than an exam response.
- Contains very few grammatical and spelling errors or flaws, if any.
Note: 8-9s are rare. A strong ‘7’ paper can jump to an 8-9 if the writing style is mature and perceptive.
Middle-Range (5-7)
- Adequately develops a position on the assigned topic.
- Demonstrates sufficient understanding of the ideas developed in the sources.
- Sufficiently summarizes the sources and assumes some control of the argument. Those rated ‘5’ are less focused than a ‘6’ or a ‘7’.
- The writer's argument is sufficient, but less developed.
- The writer successfully synthesizes the sources and cites them.
- The writer answers the “So what?” question but may use generalizations or assertions of universal truth. The writer cites their own experience and specific evidence.
- The paper is clear and well organized —‘ 5’s are less so.
- Contains few minor errors of grammar or syntax.
Note: A ‘7’ is awarded to papers of college-level writing. A ‘5’ on one of the AP English Language and Composition essays designates a three on the AP exam. It most likely relies on generalizations that have limited control of the claim and argument. ‘5’s often lose focus and digress.
Low-Range (1-4)
- Inadequately develops a position on the assigned topic.
- The author misunderstands and simplifies the ideas developed in the sources.
- Over-summarizes the sources, lets the sources drive the argument.
- The writer has weak control of organization and syntax. The paper contains numerous grammatical/spelling errors.
- The writer does not cite the sources correctly, skips a citation, or cites fewer than the required minimum of the sources.
Notes: those papers ranked ‘4’ or ‘3’ do assert an argument but do not sufficiently develop it. A ‘2’ does not develop an argument. A ‘1’ has severe writing errors and does not assert a claim.
Synthesis Essay Example
Have you read the whole article and are still struggling? Check out these great critique paper example — from our term paper writer service . Feel free to use them as a reference.
Synthesis Essay Example MLA
An article published by Jean Twenge clearly warns readers that the rise in the use of smartphones in the modern world is ruining teenagers. Furthermore, the author makes a sensational claim that the rise in social media and smartphone usage are creating a metaphorical earthquake, the likes of which have never been previously witnessed in the world. The author provides pieces of evidence from other studies concerning the issue, as well as personal observations—all of which support Twenge’s claim. According to Twenge, the main theory for claiming that smartphone and social media usage result in destroying a generation is that increased use of these two platforms results in mental depression and other mental problems. This paper will mainly refute the claims of the author by focusing on the issues raised by the author’s work.
Sample Synthesis Paper APA Style
Society has various aspects that signify the difference in lifestyles and behaviors amongst individuals in a community. Language is one of these essential aspects that help to identify individuals in a society. Identification of a common language will generalize a specific group of individuals possessing the same culture, even if they are from different races. In this essay, let’s examine how language defines our identity in society. Let’s also look at how two different authors have given different views about how language defines black schoolchildren in the Oakland School District.
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How to Write a Synthesis Essay: Examples, Topics, & Outline
A synthesis essay requires you to work with multiple sources. You combine the information gathered from them to present a well-rounded argument on a topic. Are you looking for the ultimate guide on synthesis essay writing? You’ve come to the right place!
Our specialists will write a custom essay on any topic for $13.00 $10.40/page
In this guide by our custom writing team, you will find:
- a step-by-step writing guide;
- a list of 34 synthesis essay topics;
- a full essay sample in MLA format.
- 📚 Synthesis Essay Definition
- 📝 Essay Types
- ✅ Step-by-Step Guide
- ✍️ Topics & Prompts
- 📑 Example & Formatting Tips
📚 What Is a Synthesis Essay?
A synthesis essay is an assignment that requires a unique interpretation of a particular topic using several reliable sources. To write it, you need to understand, analyze, and synthesize information. That is why this type of essay is used in the AP Lang exam to assess students’ reasoning skills.
The key features of the synthesis essay are:
- Debatable topic . If your goal is to write a good synthesis essay, it’s necessary to choose an arguable topic. It’s best to choose something that people have different opinions about. This will allow you to use many sources with various viewpoints for your synthesis.
- Clear thesis statement. It’s a sentence that briefly describes the main idea of your essay.
- Reliable sources to prove your thesis . For a synthesis essay, your opinion is not enough. You also need to find the evidence. Keep in mind that simply reading an online encyclopedia won’t do; make sure to choose only reliable sources.
What Does It Mean to Synthesize Information?
Synthesis is a process that has huge importance in nature, science, and our everyday life. The word stems from Ancient Greek “synthesis,” which means “putting together.” In general, synthesis is the combination of components to form a connected whole.
In everyday life, we usually resort to it to synthesize information . This means taking the data from different sources and bringing it together. This process is the opposite of analyzing:
- For an analysis , you break problems into pieces,
- For a synthesis , you combine separate elements into a whole.
We use synthesis for analysis papers, research papers, argument papers, and business reports.
What Does Synthesis Mean in Writing?
Synthesis in writing means summarizing and connecting different sources considering a particular topic. Although synthesis and analysis are two opposite things, they usually go together in synthesis essays. The process consists of 2 stages:
- Conduct the analysis. For that, you break down a problem into parts and analyze the sources. It’s helpful to highlight everything regarding your topic while reading.
- Carry out the synthesis. The next step is to formulate an opinion and combine the highlighted information from the sources.
Synthesis is not only used in writing but also in reading comprehension . It’s useful to do this kind of reading while studying your sources. There are three reading comprehension stages:
- Your previous knowledge about the topic.
- Expansion of your knowledge while you are reading.
- Understanding of the problem when you have finished reading.
So, synthesized reading comprehension means combining three stages in one and formulating one statement.
Synthesis vs Summary: What Is the Difference?
A summary is a paraphrasing of the written source in your own words. For a good summary, it’s necessary to include all of the text’s key elements. Meanwhile, synthesis means combining different ideas from different sources. You don’t have to include all the key points; just choose everything related to your topic.
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Both of these techniques are used for the synthesis essay:
- The summary goes in the conclusion. You briefly sum up your paper’s main ideas.
- Synthesis goes in the body paragraphs. Here, you combine multiple sources to prove a point.
📝 Synthesis Essay Types
There are two main types of a synthesis essay: argument and explanatory synthesis.
Both of them require working with multiple reliable sources and analyzing information. The only difference is that an argument synthesis essay requires your own opinion, while an explanatory synthesis essay does not.
Argument Synthesis Essay: Outline and Definition
As you already know, an argument synthesis essay requires you to state your own opinion about the given topic and back it up with several reliable sources. The purpose of such an essay is to persuade the reader that your point is correct.
Here’s what an argument synthesis essay consists of:
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Explanatory Synthesis Essay: Definition and How to Write
An explanatory informative synthesis essay requires you to stay neutral towards the problem you are discussing. This means you cannot express your own opinion considering the given question or a problem. Your task is just to inform the reader. That’s why this essay type is also called informative synthesis.
Check out this explanatory essay outline:
✅ How to Write a Synthesis Essay Step by Step
When it comes to the synthesis essay outline, it’s not too different from other assignments. Have a look at this template:
How to Synthesize: Working with Sources
After you’ve decided on your topic, it’s time to figure out how to synthesize articles into one text. This is how you do it:
- Choose reliable sources: the ones printed in journals or published on academic websites.
- Become familiar with them and see if they fit into your essay.
- Try to find a few sources for each point. It will increase your essay’s reliability.
- Relate each source to your arguments and see similarities between them.
- Don’t forget to list every source in the references.
When you are done with a comprehensive analysis of related literature, try to step back and imagine a person who has a different opinion on this topic. Think of some arguments that they can provide to prove their opinion. After you have the list of arguments, find the written evidence of why they are wrong and put them in your essay.
Analyzing and organizing sources is the first and very important step for the synthesis essay. So make sure you do understand what the text means before using it as a reference.
Synthesis Essay Outline: How to Write
For structuring your essay, it’s useful to try mapping . This technique means combining the information from different sources and rearranging it to create a new direction. To do it, you need to analyze the authors’ ideas and come up with your own conclusions.
The best way to do that is called synthesis matrix or graphic organizer. It’s a chart that you can make when you start working on your essay. Here you have a horizontal column that states the main ideas and a few vertical columns that present sources. Your task is to take sources you have chosen and write down the main ideas from them.
Here’s an example of a matrix chart:
While doing that, you will see how many sources contain the same ideas. When you analyze them, you will be able to formulate your thesis backed up with evidence. The synthesis matrix also helps to see new arguments you can cover in your synthesis paper.
How to Write an Introduction for a Synthesis Essay
Now it’s time to start writing the paper. In the introductory part of the essay, you can include:
- A short yet catchy sentence or a quotation that would present the topic. The start of your essay should make people interested. It’s best to make the first sentence not only informative but also easy to understand.
- The texts that are used for the essay. Provide the titles and the authors’ names (use the appropriate guidelines depending on the writing style.)
- The background information which is needed to understand your essay. Definitions of terms or unknown words considering the topic can be included in this part. Otherwise, people may find it hard to understand what they are reading about.
How to Write a Thesis for a Synthesis Essay
A thesis statement is a point of view on a certain problem that you will defend in your essay. It should contain the key points that you want to include in your paper. Here’s how to create a perfect thesis statement:
- Find several central ideas in the chart.
- Choose the ones that are repeated the most often and the ones that you feel need to be in your essay.
- Combine them, and you have a thesis statement with all the key points.
- Make a draft of the thesis statement. Try to formulate the main idea you want to present in your essay.
- Elaborate on this idea. Add some details and expand it a bit further.
If the whole picture is coherent, and it conveys exactly what you wanted, then this is your perfect thesis statement. See the example below:
Gender inequality still exists at the workplace: women are less likely to get the most responsible positions, easily lose careers due to maternity leave, and often receive less pay for the same amount of work.
How to Write Synthesis Paragraphs for the Main Body
Your essay’s main body consists of a few paragraphs. Each of them presents a different argument considering the topic. When you start a paragraph, make sure to begin with a topic sentence, which informs the reader about the paragraph’s main idea. Then, include the synthesized sources and elaborate on them.
Here’s what you should and shouldn’t do when writing the main body:
You can use the following words to present the ideas from your sources. They will help you reflect the authors’ tone:
How to Conclude a Synthesis Essay
There are quite a few ways to conclude the synthesis paper. Have a look at some of the options:
- Paraphrase the thesis. As you remember, the thesis is the main idea of your essay. The conclusion is a good place to remind your readers about it. When they are done with the reading, they remember the most important thing from your essay.
- Synthesize the arguments. There is no need to repeat everything you wrote in your essay. Just briefly summarize the most crucial points.
- Answer the “So what” question. Tell the readers why this topic matters, why you’ve chosen it, and why it’s valuable for the reader.
- Provide a closure. It’s an effective strategy when you want to make the reader think. Leave them with a strong statement at the end of your essay.
Synthesis Paper Proofreading Tips
When you have finally written your paper, there is still one important thing left to do. You need to check your paper for any grammatical and contextual mistakes. You certainly can do it yourself, but it would be perfect if you could ask somebody else to read it.
The first thing you need to check grammar-wise is the tense you are using. There is no single tense you need to use for the synthesis essay. It depends on the format:
- If you’re writing in MLA format, use the present tense;
- For APA essays, you use the past tense.
The next step is to check whether your synthesis essay has everything that’s required. For that, we have prepared the checklist of questions you can ask yourself to proofread your essays.
- Is there a clear thesis statement?
- Did you include all of the key points from the synthesis?
- Are there clear transitions between paragraphs?
- Did you organize a paragraph around a single idea?
- Did you use reliable and up-to-date sources?
- Did you analyze sources rather than just summarize them?
- Did you mention every source you’ve used?
If you’ve answered “yes” to all the questions—congratulations, you are done with the essay! Otherwise, you need to come back and fix everything that you’ve answered “no” to.
✍️ Synthesis Essay Topics and Prompts
Sometimes, when you don’t have a topic , it is tough to come up with a suitable idea. That is why we have prepared two lists of topics that you can use for any synthesis essay type.
Explanatory Synthesis Essay Topics
The topics below are suitable for an explanatory synthesis essay:
- The beginning of Hollywood cinema . Cinema is a huge industry in the USA. Tell the readers about its history. Describe what it was like in the beginning, which movie was the first one, and who started this industry.
- Tactics on dealing with noisy children. Sometimes kids can be very loud, especially in public places. Write about different tactics that can help with this issue.
- Tactics on dealing with noisy children climate change on the water cycle. Climate change has affected the water cycle significantly. Your task is to explain how.
- The best American cities to live in. Provide the list of the best cities and explain why you’ve included them.
- The importance of a healthy diet . Keeping a healthy diet is beneficial in many ways. Write about all the advantages it brings.
- Who can become an entrepreneur? Entrepreneurship is not for everybody. In this essay, you can describe the qualities needed for having your own business.
- The correlation between overpopulation and poverty . Describe how overpopulation leads to poverty and vice versa.
- The advantages of taking an active vacation.
- Cultural shock as a part of moving to a different country.
- The consequences of the first wave of feminism .
- Difficulties you may encounter during the job interview.
- How does reading prevent Alzheimer’s disease?
- The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on small businesses.
- The connection between religion and politics in ruling the country.
- What can non-verbal signals tell you about a person?
- The psychology of leadership.
- The origins of the most common stereotypes about Americans.
Argument Synthesis Paper Topics
The list of topics for the Argument Synthesis Essay:
- Vaping is better than smoking . People are starting to exchange cigarettes for vapes and e-cigarettes. In what ways are they less harmful?
- Rich people should pay higher taxes. The same percentage of money doesn’t equal for rich and poor people. Explain why the ones who can afford more should share with others.
- Depression is a disease . Prove that psychological problems must be recognized as real health issues that should be cured and not ignored.
- Social media affects young people’s lives. Social media has a massive influence on people. In this essay, you can discuss which life spheres are the most affected.
- Beauty pageants should be banned. Provide the reasons why they should be banned and tell the reader about psychological problems they can cause.
- People should cut meat from their diet to stop global warming . Describe how the meat industry influences climate change.
- The voting age should be 25+. Your task is to show the reasons why the votes of people under 25 should not be taken into account during elections.
- A healthy lifestyle requires a lot of money.
- Each healthy man should serve in the military.
- School bullying should be punished by immediate exclusion.
- Does friendship exist between men and women?
- Drinking coffee is a bad habit.
- Working hard is more important than being talented.
- Everybody should visit a therapist at least once.
- Should universities be free ?
- Artificial intelligence will cause huge unemployment rates.
- Gaming should not be allowed to children under 18.
📑 Synthesis Essay Example & Synthesis Essay Format Tips
Now let’s talk about formatting. There are two writing styles you can use for a synthesis essay: APA or MLA. You need to choose the one that is required for your assignment.
We will start with the paper in APA format. It is usually used in science and education.
And these are MLA formatting rules:
Finally, we’ve prepared a synthesis essay sample for you to check out. Feel free to download the PDF file below:
First introduced in the Civil Rights Act of 1964, affirmative action policies aim to mitigate the discrepancy in opportunities available for underrepresented social groups by taking into account one’s minority background. The policies have become a pressing public issue that obstructs previously marginalized individuals, particularly in the educational environment.
Thank you for reading the ultimate guide on synthesis essay writing. We hope you found it helpful. Don’t forget to share it with your friends. Good luck with your assignments!
🔍 References
- Writing a Synthesis Essay: Bowling Green State University
- What Is Synthesis: University of Manitoba
- Synthesis: Biology Online
- Reading Strategies: Difference Summarizing and Synthesizing: WordPress
- Summary, Analysis, Synthesis Definitions: University of Utah
- Argumentative Synthesis: University of Arkansas
- How to Synthesize Written Information: Simply Psychology
- Mapping of Synthesis Essay: University of Nevada, Reno
- Writing a Literature Review and Using a Synthesis Matrix: Florida International University
- Synthesis Essay: Cleveland State University
- Literature Review: Synthesizing Multiple Sources: Louisiana State University
- Writing a Conclusion: Texas Women’s University
- General APA Guidelines: Purdue University
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How to Write a Perfect Synthesis Essay Outline
14 Jan 2022
Quick Navigation
❓What is a Synthesis Essay?
📑Synthesis Essay Structure
✒️What is an Essay Outline?
📃What Format Should Be Followed?
✍️How to Write a Synthesis Essay Outline?
📌How to Create a Synthesis Essay Outline?
📝Synthesis Essay Example MLA
✏️Synthesis Essay Example APA Style
Writing a synthesis paper is difficult, but we'll show you how to make an outline that will help you write an effective essay. A good outline is what makes your work easier and provides you with the structure that allows you to write an effective essay. This article will explain how to make an APA or MLA format outline of your paper. Throughout this article, we will discuss what synthesis essays are, how to choose a synthesis essay format, and how to define and write a good essay.
What is a Synthesis Essay?
A synthesis essay is a kind of academic writing that requires you to take two or more sources and compare and contrast them. You will have to make conclusions based on your analysis, which should be supported by evidence from the text. Sometimes, this type of essay requires you to use your own words as well as those taken from the original sources.
These papers are common in colleges and high schools as well. Commonly, they have a structure that consists of 5 paragraphs essay . These texts often reflect the writer's point of view. The writer usually presents his or her opinion to make a point based on the data gathered during the research.
When writing a synthesis essay, you should follow these steps:
- Choose your topic and sources.
- Analyze each source in detail.
- Bring all of the information together into one coherent argument.
Now that we’ve defined the synthesis essay, let’s go over the two main types – Argumentative and Explanatory Synthesis Essays.
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Argumentative Vs. Explanatory Synthesis Essays – Two Types of Synthesis Essays
Synthesis essays are the most common type of assignment in academic writing. They are usually assigned to students at the end of the semester, when they need to collect all the information they have learned and make a synthesis out of it.
There are two types of synthesis essays, argumentative and explanatory. In fact, they are the two most common types of essays that you will write in college, so it is important to understand how to write them well. In this article, you will learn more about these two types of synthesis essays and how they differ from each other:
- In an argumentative essay , the thesis will simply argue one point in the same way as in a classic essay. This type of synthesis essay is used to argue a particular point of view. It is an argumentative essay that supports or opposes a particular idea or viewpoint. The writer argues in favor of his/her point of view by using evidence, facts, and statistics.
- An explanatory essay has the goal of explaining a particular perspective. The writer must use sources from different perspectives and present them objectively without endorsing one over the other. This type of essay is used to explain a topic in detail. It is an analysis of the subject matter and is based on facts and figures. The writer describes the topic in detail by using evidence, facts, and statistics.
Synthesis Essay Structure
A great way to begin writing a synthesis essay is by first creating an outline plan for what sources you want to include in your final piece. You should also consider how much information each source contains so that everything matches up well with each other when put together into one document (that means no gaps between paragraphs). The synthesis essay structure has three main parts: the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
- The introduction of a synthesis essay gives background information on your topic and introduces your thesis statement, which is your position on the topic as you plan to defend it in the body paragraphs.
- The body paragraphs are where you provide details about your thesis statement and include evidence from different sources to support it, such as quotes from experts on the subject or statistics related to your argument.
- Finally, the conclusion summarizes what you've said in the body paragraphs and indicates if there are any remaining issues that need further study or investigation.
- In most cases, a synthesis essay will have five paragraph structure . To structure your essay correctly, you'll need to understand some key points. Let's go over them together.
Introduction and Synthesis Writing
In your introduction, you will introduce the topic of your essay, explain what it is about, and give some background information. In general, you should use this space to lay out an argument that synthesizes at least two ideas from other sources. If you find yourself with few sources on a particular topic, you may want to consider using only one source or writing about a different topic entirely.
A good introduction makes a reader want to keep reading. The writer can accomplish this by writing a statement that hooks the reader's interest and makes the reader want to read more. Be sure to include an opening sentence that clearly states who or what you are discussing (for example: “In his book _____, philosopher X discusses…”). This sentence will also help ensure that readers understand why they should care about what comes next in your paper.
The writer can then briefly discuss the points he or she will be addressing. The purpose of a good introduction is to engage readers by creating interest so that they want to read further about what is to be discussed.
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The Main Body
There are three parts to your essay, each using a different type of evidence. The first two sections should contain evidence that supports your thesis. This can be in the form of direct quotes from your sources , statistics, and/or other research that supports your claim.
The third section should contain evidence against your thesis - or what some might call “counterpoints” or “arguments against”. An example would be if you had a paper about a certain topic, but wanted to acknowledge that there are some people who feel differently about it. You could give an example here, such as “some people think” or "others believe".
It is important to include evidence and sources in this section. An informative body with analysis can become a great body when it is backed up by solid evidence.
The Conclusion
In the conclusion, you need to summarize the main points of your essay. It should be short, but it should not be an afterthought. You should also draw conclusions and provide a brief overview of the research. If you did your research well, writing a summary will be easy.
In addition, you should explain why your argument is valid, give a clear answer to the question and make recommendations based on your own findings. Simply review what you've talked about so far. You might want to remind your reader of your thesis statement or main point, and sum up your points.
A conclusion should:
- Summarize what has been said in the essay - this makes sure that readers don't miss anything important
- Explain how what has been said relates to an issue or problem (if you're writing an argumentative essay)
- Explain how what has been said relates to other people's ideas about the issue (if you're writing an analytical essay )
- The conclusion should end with a strong statement that brings everything together so that readers know what you think about the topic. You can use personal experiences or examples to illustrate your point if necessary.
Bibliography
A bibliography is a list of books, journals, and other sources of information used in the essay. The bibliography should be alphabetically arranged by the author's last name. All sources should be listed separately on a separate page following the main body of text or at the end of your paper.
Your research sources should be properly credited at the end of the essay, whether you're using MLA, APA, or another format. The most common form for citing an author's work is called "parenthetical citation" or "in-text citation." In parenthetical citations, you include the title of the work (italicized), page numbers if applicable, year published (if applicable), medium (e.g., book), and publisher's name (if not self-published).
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What Is an Essay Outline and Why Is It Important?
Writing a perfect synthesis essay outline is important because it helps you to organize your ideas and write a better essay. An outline for synthesis essay or structure is basically a map that shows you how to get from point A to point Z, every step of the way. It keeps you from going down any dead ends and makes sure that when you get there, it’s done right.
A synthesis essay introduction outline is typical for a synopsis of a synthesis essay. The thesis statement will be followed by an 'attention grabber'. You will then outline what each paragraph in the body will be about. Provide details about more than one piece of information. Finally, you will outline what your conclusion will cover.
A writer who does not do an outline before writing a paper may end up having problems with flow and focus. An outline and structure can help writers ensure that all of the necessary information is included and presented logically.
What Format Should Be Followed for a Synthesis Outline Structure?
If you don't know what format your instructor has in mind, it's best to study some examples. Here's how it works:
A good and simple synthesis essay template can take you a long way. This template makes writing the actual synthesis essay much simpler with adequate planning and research. Writers who disregard the outline process face so many challenges and end up having to deal with more complications than they need to. It's a great idea to plan out how many words each section can take up in a synthesis outline if you're limited by a word count.
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How to Write a Synthesis Essay Outline?
Prior to anything else, you should write a synopsis. By writing the synopsis, you can carefully plan what each paragraph will include. This is important because your points will be presented in order based on the word count and flow.
The outline will prevent you from getting writer's block or struggling to think of what to write.
It’s hard to find a good structured synthesis essay outline example on the internet. An explanatory synthesis essay outline is very rare, but not impossible to find. To help you get started, here is a synthesis outline example with some guidelines to follow:
Write an introduction. This explains how you arrived at your thesis and why it is important, as well as presenting background information on the topic at hand and any other relevant details that provide context for understanding it in greater depth later on in the essay. Also, be sure to make your introduction one paragraph long and about 10% of the total word count.
Start with a thesis statement. Begin your essay by clearly stating what you’re going to argue so that the reader knows what to expect from your paper. You should introduce your thesis statement by presenting one of your three main ideas. The reader may feel there is no need to read the rest of your essay if you reveal everything in your introduction.
The body of your outline should be composed of three paragraphs, each focusing on a specific idea. It is important to remember that any supporting evidence you use should be credible and properly referenced according to the writing style you are using. Quotations should be used when mentioning the exact same words that belong to another person or are taken from some source.
Write down sources. To avoid forgetting where a piece of information or a quotation came from, make sure to include the sources along with the information in your essay outline.
Write a conclusion . Like your introduction, your conclusion should constitute around 10% of the total word count. Readers should know that they are reading the conclusion and not just another paragraph of the body. Here, you shouldn't introduce new information - rather, you should summarize it.
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How to Create a Synthesis Essay Outline?
Writing a synthesis essay is not as simple as it may seem. It requires a lot of planning and organizing before you can even begin writing. The structure of your essay needs to be clear in your mind so that you know exactly where each piece of evidence fits into it and how long each section will be. Some people are doing it the old-school way with a pen and paper. Drawing, crossing out, and moving things until they get an outline they like. They then type it into their computer as the main synopsis.
A lot of people start with their research and then write the framework – while others read a little around the topic, sketch out their thoughts, then go back and find evidence to support their ideas.
Let’s go over the key principles you need to follow in order to create an amazing essay outline:
- Learn more about the topic by doing some general reading
- Brainstorm and write down ideas on paper
- Make a decision on what stance you will take or what your summary is going to be
- Choose 3 primary ideas that you will use in the essay body
- Write down the evidence and sources you found that you will use to back up the ideas
- Create your outline and start with the introduction - determine how long it will be and how it will affect the content
- You will need to refer back to the three ideas you chose from your brainstorming when laying out your essay. For easy referencing, don't forget to mention sources and locations. Take a few seconds to write down the brief text of your conclusion, and estimate how many words you have to play with (10%)
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Example of a Synthesis Essay in MLA
If you decided to write an MLA format synthesis essay, here’s the template example you should follow:
- Make sure to use Times New Roman font (size 12pt) that’s double-spaced.
- Your margins should be 1". In the top-right corner of each page, you should place your surname and the page number.
- Your title should be centered.
- The header should have your full name, your professor’s name, the course code or number, and the date in the dd/mm/yy format.
- A page called “works cited” should be your last page.
Synthesis Essay Example APA Style
The next style that's common is the synthesis APA format. If you’re wondering how to write a synthesis paper in APA format , you should follow this template:
- Have your header at the top of each page in your essay.
- The top-right side should have the page number.
- Your structure should follow this format: title page, abstract, main body, and references.
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Synthesis Essay
Writing a Perfect Synthesis Essay: Definition & Examples
18 min read
Published on: Mar 1, 2023
Last updated on: Mar 1, 2023
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Do you have a ton of research to synthesize but don't know how? Or maybe you're not sure what a synthesis essay is and how to write a good synthesis essay.
We know writing a synthesis essay is not an easy task to do; it’s challenging for most of us. But it can be perfectly done with the right guidance and preparation.
In this blog, we'll walk you through all the necessary information to craft a perfect synthesis essay. So you can get done with your assignments confidently!
Let’s get started.
What is a Synthesis Essay?
Synthesis essay definition states:
It is a piece of writing that takes a unique perspective on a central idea, topic, or theme. Then backs it up with evidence from multiple sources.
A synthesis essay is an important part of academic writing. The main purpose of this essay is to show your ability to prove an argument.
To make sense of these arguments, you need to use different credible sources. It demonstrates your basic understanding of the main subject. This type of essay help to enhance your critical, analytical, and research skills.
A synthesis essay is made up of ideas and conclusions based on the information reviewed. Also, this essay asks you to summarize the topic and add your own thoughts about it in relation to what you have read.
Furthermore, the synthesis essays can be similar to analysis, argumentative, or compare and contrast essays .
Synthesis Essay Types
There are three types of a synthesis essay:
1. Argument Synthesis Essay
This essay's purpose is to debate or argue on a certain topic or issue. It justifies its claims by providing evidence in the body of the essay.
In contrast to the explanatory essay, you will perform the same thing as if you were writing a typical argumentative paper. First, state your argument, make supporting statements, and back up each claim with reliable facts.
2. Review Essay
A review essay is frequently written as a preparatory essay to an argument synthesis. Review essays are commonly used in social science and medicine classes.
It is a discussion of what has already been published on a topic, with a critical examination of the sources mentioned.
An unwritten thesis statement is added to it, which is not final and indicates that further study is needed in that area.
3. Explanatory Synthesis Essay
In this essay, the writer helps the reader to grasp deeper knowledge about the topic. Rather than arguing or debating on some points, the goal of this essay is to explain a certain topic.
Like any other essay, it needs backing up with supporting claims and credible sources.
Synthesis Essay Format
The format of your synthesis paper is chosen by your high school, college, or university professor. MLA, APA, and Chicago styles are the most often used styles.
The APA format is followed in the disciplines of science, education and psychology. Chicago is commonly followed in the field of history, fine arts, and business. And MLA is the style of citation used in the humanities.
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APA Style Format
The following are some APA style important details:
- Add a page header to the top of each page.
- Times New Roman, 1” margins, 12 pt. Font, double-spaced.
- The format of a synthesis essay should be separated into four sections: title page, abstract, main body, and references.
- Insert a page number in the upper right corner.
Chicago Style Format
The following are some Chicago style key points:
- Use double-spacing between the paper's lines.
- Make margins of one inch.
- Font size: 12 pt. Times New Roman font style.
- Create text that is left-justified with a rugged edge.
- Mention the full name of a person, place, or organization.
- At the start of the paragraph, use half-inch indents.
- The bibliography should be on its own page.
MLA Style Format
The following are some MLA style significant points:
- The title must be centered.
- Font: Times New Roman, 1” margins, 12 pt font size, double-spaced
- Mention your name, professor's name, the course number, and the date (dd/mm/yy).
- On each page, the top right corner displays the last name and page number.
- The final page provides a “Works Cited” list.
Synthesis Essay Rubric
A rubric is essentially a list of criteria that your professor will use to grade your paper.
Knowing how each criterion is weighted can help make sure you get the best grade possible on your synthesis essay.
The Basics of the Synthesis Essay Rubric
The basic elements of any synthesis essay rubric include organization, focus/development, and language use/style.
- Organization refers to how well you structure your paper. It should flow logically and have clear transitions between sections.
- Focus/development looks at how well you develop your argument throughout the paper. Are you able to clearly explain why each point supports your thesis?
- Language use/style focuses on grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Was the paper proofread thoroughly or did careless errors slip in?
For example , your synthesis essay thesis statement is
“Capital punishment should be abolished in all states."
Do you provide evidence from different angles, such as legal history, religious beliefs, or moral arguments to back up this claim?
Does this evidence prove why capital punishment should be abolished?
How to Start a Synthesis Essay?
The following are some helpful techniques for writing an essay. These will help you start the process and avoid common errors that plague many writers.
1. Choosing a Synthesis Essay Topic
A prompt for a synthesis paper must be arguable. Based on your project, you may be required to select primary content. Select a book that may include contrasting perspectives. Here are some important tips for choosing a topic for a synthesis essay.
- Look through the themes and ideas. Read from sources and investigate specific topics thoroughly to see if any of them catch your interest.
- Select a topic and collect relevant and valuable references for your synthesis paper.
- Outline your synthesis essay using concepts or ideas from the sources. This should make writing a lot simpler and save you a lot of time.
It is necessary to find an arguable topic to make your synthesis essay effective. Another reason is that these topics have been discussed in public for decades.
Examples of good synthesis essay topics are;
- Legalization of drugs
- Immigration Law
- Income Inequality
2. Analyze Your Topic
Here's how you can fully understand your synthesis essay topic.
- Grasp the Idea of a Synthesis Essay
A synthesis essay's purpose is to establish meaningful connections between sections of a work. When conducting research on a topic, you have to look for connections to build a strong viewpoint on the subject. The ultimate goal of the essay is to present and prove a claim about a topic .
- Select a Topic Appropriate for a Synthesis Essay
The subject and topic must be extensive enough to include multiple relevant sources. If you have a free hand in deciding what to write about, some preparatory research may assist you in researching and choosing the right topic.
- Select and Study Your Sources Carefully
Research and find relevant information and sources. Generally, choose at least three references for your essay. It's a good idea to learn one or two additional sources for better understanding but no matter what it is, make sure that you study it properly.
Remember that it is better to read three sources properly than five sources poorly.
Compile each source by writing notes in the margins. This allows you to keep track of your thoughts, fresh ideas, and so on.
- Reread the Source Material
Reread your source material for elements that will help to support your argument.
Examine your sources for important statements, figures, thoughts, and facts that support your thesis. Make a note of them when you come across them. This will be very useful throughout your writing process.
3. Develop a Thesis Statement
Your thesis statement will be the central idea of your essay. It should cover the topic and express your viewpoint on it. After reading the sources and conducting your research, form an opinion on your topic.
It should be stated as a complete sentence. Based on the essay, your thesis statement could be the first sentence of the essay or the last sentence of the first paragraph.
- Structure Your Thesis Statement Creatively
To present your thesis, use a more creative structure. You can use a more elaborate structure than the one outlined above. You can develop your essay using the following approaches:
Straw man: In this approach, you will present the counter-arguments first. Then demonstrate their weaknesses and flaws.
Such an approach demonstrates your awareness of the opposition as well as your readiness to respond to it. You present the counter-argument immediately following your thesis statement, followed by evidence to refute it. And conclude with a positive argument that supports your thesis.
Concession: In structure, concessions in essays are similar to the straw man. But this approach acknowledges the validity of the counter-argument while demonstrating that your argument is stronger. This structure is suitable for presenting papers to readers who hold opposing views.
Illustration/ Example: It could be a thorough narrative, synopsis, or quotation from your source material that provides support for your position. However, you should not make your paper a collection of examples at the expense of supporting your thesis statement.
Comparison and Contrast: In this approach, similarities and differences between two subjects or sources demonstrate both aspects. It requires a thorough reading of your source material to identify both subtle and major points of comparison.
This type of essay can present its arguments source by source or by points of similarity or difference.
4. Create an Outline for Your Essay
An essay outline is a method for outlining the framework of your essay. Here’s what you have to do.
- Make an Outline to Arrange Your Thesis
You may do this as a formal outline or just form it in your thoughts. But you must select how to deliver your content for maximum impact.
The following is the structure:
- The introductory paragraph
- The body paragraphs
- The conclusion paragraph
Need a detailed guidance on how to write a synthesis essay? Check out this video?
How to Write a Synthesis Essay?
For writing a great essay, you have to do extensive research on your subject. This essay connects sections of multiple works and develops a strong viewpoint on a subject.
There are some major steps of the process:
1. Start Writing Your Essay
After getting done with the preparation part, start to write your synthesis essay.
2. Write Your First Draft Using Your Outline as a Guide
But be prepared to change your strategy if you discover fresh ideas and information. And make sure it supports your thesis and the source material.
Your essay should have an introduction paragraph with your thesis statement at the end of it. A body with evidence that supports your main topic and thesis statement. Lastly, a conclusion that summarizes your point of view.
3. Use Transitions
To make the content flow logically, use transitions between paragraphs. Transition words are an excellent method to highlight areas where your sources complement one another.
Longer quotes of three lines or more should be presented as block quotes to draw emphasis to them.
4. Wrap Up Your Essay
Here you have completed the writing process, but still, you need to make sure that your essay is flawless.
5. Revise Your Essay
This is the time to enhance transitions between points and paragraphs and to reinforce arguments. You should strive to make your argument as concise and clear to understand as possible. It is beneficial to read your essay aloud so you can spot problematic phrases or unclear ideas.
Request someone else to proofread your paper. Have you heard the cliché "two heads are better than one"? Is it still valid?
Ask a friend or coworker what they would add or eliminate from the paper. Most importantly, does your thesis statement make sense, and are your references clearly supporting it?
Answer these questions in your essay.
6. Proofread Your Content
Examine your document for any grammatical, punctuation, or spelling mistakes.
Are all the terms, names, and words accurately spelled? Are there any extraneous English language or sentence fragments? As you go, correct them.
Read the essay loudly to ensure that you don't accidentally add or remove words when reading in your mind. If possible, ask a friend or classmate to edit your writing.
7. Must Cite Sources
Use footnotes to mention information in the body paragraph and bibliography of cited books at the conclusion. Footnotes and in-text citations should be used for any information that is quoted, paraphrased, or cited.
8. Title Your Essay
The point of view expressed in your thesis statement and supporting arguments should be reflected in your title. Therefore, choose a title that suits your essay rather than constructing your essay to fit the title.
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How to Write a Synthesis Essay - Ap Lang
Are you an AP Lang student who’s been assigned the dreaded synthesis essay? Here’s how to write a successful synthesis essay for AP Lang.
- Understand the Prompt
The first step in writing any synthesis essay is to read and understand the prompt. It’s also important to note any specific requirements such as word count, formatting style, or sources that must be used in your essay.
- Organize Your Argument
Once you have all the information necessary, it’s time to start organizing your argument.
Start by identifying any common themes or ideas between the various sources of evidence and create an outline with these points at its core.
- Write Your Essay
Now comes the fun part—writing!
You should now have a comprehensive outline of all the points and evidence you want to include in your essay. So use this as a guide when crafting your argument.
Make sure that each point has supporting evidence from credible sources and that everything flows logically from one point to another.
Finally, don’t forget to proofread and edit before submitting so that there are no errors in grammar or spelling. These small details can make all the difference!
Here is an AP Lang synthesis essay example for your guidance!
ap lang synthesis essay example
Synthesis Essay Outline
Outlining can help you structure and plan your synthesis paper.
Further, you just simply need to copy-paste your supporting evidence, sub-arguments, and key points into the relevant area of the essay. Ensure that each component of your argument supports the claim you’ve made. Avoid additional information that may create more problems with your work.
If somehow the information you provided contradicts your central thesis. You must acknowledge it as it will strengthen your essay. Also, make sure that you thoroughly examine all of the sources you've chosen. While writing about causes, don't just describe them; instead, examine them.
The standard outline of a synthesis essay is divided into three sections:
Keep reading for a brief description of the essay outline.
- Synthesis Essay Introduction
An outline for a synthesis essay begins with an introduction, which is a brief explanation of the topic of the work. It provides a hook, background information about the topic or issue, and a thesis statement.
A thesis statement is the primary argument of the essay. It is always included in synthesis writing. Your thesis statement should be the central argument of your essay.
Synthesis Thesis Statement Example:
Despite technology has brought enormous reforms, the usage of cellphones and social media is not ruining a generation, particularly considering the arguments presented by Twenge.
2. Synthesis Essay Main Body
The first body paragraph should present a counter-argument of your thesis statement. This shows your capacity to think alternatively from your viewpoint.
In the next paragraphs, you must offer reasons in support of the thesis. Remember to use the following synthesis format to structure all paragraphs in the body:
- Include supporting arguments in your essay.
- Create a topic sentence.
- Provide evidence of your claim.
- Do evidence analysis with relevant sources.
3. Synthesis Essay Conclusion
A conclusion must be a synopsis of your entire work. The paper should be concluded with a closing sentence. To put it another way, repeat the major ideas and answer a query that is not properly answered in the paper.
Synthesis Essay Examples
Are you still facing difficulty writing a synthesis essay? Then, check out these great synthesis essay samples written by our expert writers. You can use them in your essay as a reference.
Synthesis Essay Example
Ap Lang Synthesis Essay
Synthesis Essay Sample
Synthesis Essay Template
Explanatory Synthesis Essay Example
Synthesis Essay Topics
Here are some interesting synthesis essay topics for your help.
- The process of hiring in the age of social media
- Social networks promote suicide
- Should higher education be free?
- Is it necessary to remove marks in education
- The importance of getting a good education
- 3D printers are not used efficiently nowadays.
- Is technology really helping people?
- Why has technology made surgery safe and effective?
- What is the cause of widespread obesity in teens?
- What is the role of gender today?
How to Choose a Topic
Most of the time, teachers will give you a topic to write about or a few options to choose from. But sometimes, they let you choose what you want to write about.
If that happens, here are some tips for choosing a good topic:
- The topic of your essay must be of interest to you and your readers.
- It should not be too general.
- The topic must be unique.
- It should never be too broad or narrow.
Synthesis Essay Tips
Working on a synthesis paper requires a thorough study of a particular given prompt. To evaluate it properly, you must first understand the prompt’s goal, argument, author’s claim, and rhetoric.
To compose a successful synthesis essay, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind.
- Use Multiple Reasons
It is well recognized that the use of various reasons (generally two) is a very successful approach.
Present one argument against your strong thesis statement. This type of evidence presents an introduction and description. The advantage of this method is to teach awareness of the other side of the argument. It is followed by the opposing view and a decisive factor.
This is one of the most basic ways of organizing. It enables you to summarise the sources that are most relevant to you. The problem is that this technique excludes any of your individual thinking.
- Compare and Contrast
Comparing reveals similarities, while contrasting reveals distinctions. It is feasible to show an in-depth analysis of your chosen topic. It allows writers to compare and contrast two sources at the same time.
Write quotations from sources in your own words. This approach also allows the usage of quotable sources. Ensure to cite the reference when you use the reference.
This method depicts the opposing point of view. It demonstrates that the positives outweigh the negatives.
Writing a synthesis essay is not as difficult as it may seem. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can craft an effective and detailed synthesis essay.
If you're still in doubt, contact our essay writing service at CollegeEssay.org for help and assistance.
Our essay writer is always ready to ace your assignments.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you end a synthesis essay.
A strong ending fulfills these 3 things:
- Restate your thesis.
- Summarize or synthesize key points.
- Make your argument's context explicit.
What is a synthesis paragraph?
A synthesis is a textual debate that includes support from multiple sources with opposing viewpoints. This type of work requires analysis by using different sources and determining their relevance to your thesis.
Why is synthesis important?
It is important because it allows us to:
- Test and validate hypotheses.
- Comprehend key processes.
- Plan future research efforts.
How to conclude a synthesis essay?
Synthesize rather than summarize your argument. No need to go over your entire paper again. Instead, include a brief summary of the main points of the paper and explain to your reader how you've made points.
What is an example of a synthesis?
Making connections or putting things together is all that is required. We naturally synthesize information to assist others in seeing connections between things. For example, synthesis occurs when you report to a friend what other friends have said about a film or book.
How many paragraphs is a synthesis essay?
According to the standard outline provided, you should stick to the basic five-to-six paragraph structure. In rare cases, there may be more paragraphs in the main body.
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Interesting Synthesis Essay Topics You Must Consider
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How to Write a Synthesis Essay
Last Updated: February 3, 2023 References Approved
This article was co-authored by Christopher Taylor, PhD . Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014. There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article has 12 testimonials from our readers, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 1,085,279 times.
Writing a synthesis essay requires the ability to digest information and present it in an organized fashion. While this skill is developed in high school and college classes, it translates to the business and advertising world as well. Scroll down to Step 1 to begin learning how to write a synthesis essay.
Examining Your Topic
- Argument synthesis: This type of essay has a strong thesis statement that presents the writer's point of view. It organizes relevant information gathered from research in a logical manner to support the thesis' point of view. Business white papers known as position papers often take this form. This is the type of synthesis essay that students will write during the AP test.
- Review: Often written as a preliminary essay to an argument synthesis, a review essay is a discussion of what has been written previously on a topic, with a critical analysis of the sources covered. Its unstated thesis is usually that more research needs to be done in that area or that the topic problem has not been adequately addressed. This type of paper is common in social science classes and in medicine.
- Explanatory/background synthesis: This type of essay helps readers understand a topic by categorizing facts and presenting them to further the reader's understanding. It does not advocate a particular point of view, and if it has a thesis statement, the thesis is a weak one. Some business white papers take this form, although they are more likely to have a point of view, if understated.
- Example of a broad topic narrowed down into a reasonable synthesis essay topic: Instead of the broad topic of Social Media, you could discuss your view on the effects texting has had on the English language.
- If you've been assigned a topic as part of a class, make sure you read the prompt carefully and fully understand it.
- Keep in mind that it's better to do three sources well than to do five sources incompletely.
- Annotate each source by writing notes in the margins. This allows you to keep track of your train of thought, developing ideas, etc.
- Example: Texting has had a positive impact on the English language as it has helped the millennial generation create their own form of the language.
- If you wish to take on a claim by an opponent of your idea, and to poke holes in it, you should also find some ideas or quotes that go against your thesis statement, and plan ways to disprove them. This is called a concession, refutation, or rebuttal, which can strengthen your argument if you do it well.
- Example : For the thesis statement listed above, excellent sources would include quotes from linguists discussing the new words that have developed through 'text-speak', statistics that show the English language has evolved with almost every generation, and facts that show students still have the ability to write with the use of grammar and spelling (which your opponents would bring up as the main reason texting has had a negative effect on the English language).
Outlining Your Essay
- The introductory paragraph: 1. An introductory sentence that acts as a hook, capturing the reader's interest. 2. Identification of the issue you will be discussing. 3. Your thesis statement.
- The body paragraphs: 1. Topic sentence that gives one reason to support your thesis. 2. Your explanation and opinion of the topic sentence. 3. Support from your sources that backs up the claim you just made. 4. Explanation of the significance of the source(s).
- The conclusion paragraph: 1. State further significance of your topic from the evidence and reasons you discussed in the essay. 2. A profound thought or thoughtful ending for your paper.
- Example/illustration. This may be a detailed recount, summary, or direct quote from your source material that provides major support for your point of view. You may use more than one example or illustration, if your paper calls for it. You should not, however, make your paper a series of examples at the expense of supporting your thesis.
- Straw man. With this technique, you present an argument opposed to the argument stated in your thesis, then show the weaknesses and flaws of the counter-argument. This format shows your awareness of the opposition and your readiness to answer it. You present the counter-argument right after your thesis, followed by the evidence to refute it, and end with a positive argument that supports your thesis. [6] X Research source
- Concession. Essays with concessions are structured similar to those using the straw man technique, but they acknowledge the validity of the counter-argument while showing that the original argument is stronger. This structure is good for presenting papers to readers who hold the opposing viewpoint.
- Comparison and contrast. This structure compares similarities and contrasts differences between two subjects or sources to show the facets of both. Writing an essay with this structure requires a careful reading of your source material to find both subtle and major points of similarity and difference. This kind of essay can present its arguments source-by-source or by points of similarity or difference.
- Summary. This structure presents summaries of each of your relevant sources, making a progressively stronger argument for your thesis. It provides specific evidence to support your point of view, but usually omits presenting your own opinions. It's most commonly used for background and review essays.
- List of reasons. This is a series of sub-points that flow from the main point of your paper as stated in its thesis. Each reason is supported with evidence. As with the summary method, reasons should become progressively more important, with the most important reason last.
Writing Your Essay
- Your essay should have an introductory paragraph that includes your thesis , a body to present evidence that supports your thesis, and a conclusion that summarizes your point of view.
- Lengthy quotes of three lines or more should generally be set off as block quotes to better call attention to them. [9] X Trustworthy Source Purdue Online Writing Lab Trusted resource for writing and citation guidelines Go to source
Finalizing Your Essay
- Ask someone else to proofread your paper. The saying “two heads are better than one” still holds true. Ask a friend or colleague what would they add or remove from the paper. Most importantly, does your argument make sense, and is it clearly supported by your sources?
- Read the paper aloud to guarantee that you don't accidentally add in or take out words when reading in your head.
- If you can, get a friend or classmate to proofread your essay as well.
- Example of citing in an AP synthesis essay: McPherson claims “texting has changed the English language in a positive way--it has given a new generation their own unique way to communicate” (Source E).
- For college essays, you'll most likely use MLA format. Whichever format you use, be consistent in its use. You may also be asked to use APA or Chicago style.
- Example title: : English and the iPhone: Exploring the Benefits of 'Text-Speak'
Outline Template
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- Just as your title should fit your essay instead of writing your essay to fit the title, your thesis, once chosen, should direct your subsequent research instead of subsequent research altering your thesis � unless you find you've adopted an unsupportable thesis. ⧼thumbs_response⧽ Helpful 21 Not Helpful 8
You Might Also Like
- ↑ https://success.uark.edu/get-help/student-resources/synthesis-paper.php
- ↑ https://www.unr.edu/writing-speaking-center/student-resources/writing-speaking-resources/mapping-a-synthesis-essay
- ↑ https://www.bgsu.edu/content/dam/BGSU/learning-commons/documents/writing/synthesis/planning-synthesis-essay.pdf
- ↑ https://writingcenterofprinceton.com/synthesis-essays-a-step-by-step-how-to-guide/
- ↑ https://jan.ucc.nau.edu/dso6/synthesis.htm
- ↑ https://owl.excelsior.edu/argument-and-critical-thinking/logical-fallacies/logical-fallacies-straw-man/
- ↑ https://www.montgomery.k12.ky.us/userfiles/2062/Classes/38481/outline%20for%20synthesis%20essay.pdf?id=480293
- ↑ https://writingcommons.org/section/rhetoric/rhetorical-stance/point-of-view/third-person-point-of-view/
- ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/mla_style/mla_formatting_and_style_guide/mla_formatting_quotations.html
- ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/the_writing_process/proofreading/steps_for_revising.html
- ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/the_writing_process/proofreading/proofreading_suggestions.html
- ↑ http://www.edhs.org/ourpages/auto/2010/5/17/41759867/Synthesis%20Essay%20Introduction.pdf
- ↑ https://writing.umn.edu/sws/assets/pdf/quicktips/titles.pdf
About This Article
To write a synthesis essay, start by coming up with a thesis statement that you can support using all of the sources you've read for your essay. For example, your thesis statement could be "Texting has had a positive impact on the English language." Once you've got your thesis, go through your sources to find specific quotes, facts, and statistics that back up your claim. Structure your essay so it has an introduction that includes your thesis statement, a body that includes your arguments and evidence, and a conclusion that wraps everything up. For more tips on structuring your synthesis essay, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No
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How to Write a Synthesis Essay?
13 June, 2020
16 minutes read
Author: Tomas White
We’ve all wondered how to write a synthesis essay. Synthesis papers are hard to write and offering general advice on them is even harder. However, we will give it a try! Thanks to our expertise and excellent understanding of the subject, you can learn how to write a synthesis essay in no time. So, let’s dive in!
An excellent synthesis essay is based on in-depth analysis of multiple sources. Often it is the sources that dictate the style and method of writing used to analyze, debate, and argue about the ideas in the source material.
What is a Synthesis Essay?
A synthesis essay is a discussion that is based on two or more sources that can come from various places (television, radio, adverts, lectures) but, frankly, it mostly centers on written pieces. Students can be often be assigned to write these types of essays in History class. Their teachers might ask them to analyze a few sources talking about a single issue and synthesize them.
What Does it Mean to Synthesize a Text?
The definition of synthesis is ‘the combination of components or elements to form a connected whole. So, to synthesize a text you have to combine information from a number of sources into a coherent paper.
Sure, dictionary talk on synthesis essay writing never makes much sense. So, to help you out here:
To synthesize your paper means to form a new perspective on an issue by placing extracts from sources next to each other.
One thing a lot of students have trouble with is understanding the difference between synthesizing a text and summarizing it . A summary of a synthesis essay reiterates the critical points of the text to provide an overview. Meanwhile, synthesis moves beyond this by contrasting the critical points of your knowledge on a subject to what other sources say about it.
Different Types of Synthesis Essays
There are mainly two types of synthesis essays – expository and argumentative.
An expository essay explains the issue in as much detail as possible. Expository synthesis essay can also be called research synthesis essay at times. As an excellent synthesis essay example, you can check out any literature review on issues related to the social sciences, such as sociology, linguistics, or psychology. Alternatively, look for synthesis essay examples in books on History.
An argumentative synthesis essay is one where you’re using the source material to prove your claim by citing credible conflicting theories, experiments where the theory was falsified, quotes or statistics. You’re not seeking to explain. You aim to understand how to persuade and write an argumentative essay that supports and proves your argument.
The Purpose of a Synthesis Essay
The purpose of a synthesis essay depends on the type of essay you’ve received, the question that was set and its subject.
Advanced high-grade essays must demonstrate these four things:
- Your understanding of the major issues presented in the synthesis essay.
- Your understanding of the smaller issues in the sources.
- Critical reading, analytical and evaluation skills.
- Your ability to develop an argument.
Basically, the purpose of writing a synthesis essay is to assess your ability to form and defend a viewpoint using source materials.
In general, the process of writing a synthesis essay consists of six steps:
- Analyzing the source.
- Choosing an interesting title.
- Building an outline.
- Crafting an introduction.
- Developing the main body paragraphs.
- Writing a conclusion.
So, if you are wondering how to write a good synthesis essay, we’ve got your back!
Now, let’s take a closer look at each one of these points.
Analyzing the Sources
If you have been assigned sources for your synthesis essay, start with reading them in-depth, drawing out how they connect and looking for common themes. Thus, if you are making a comparison on how money is presented in literature, look for what the texts are saying about society’s perceptions of wealth.
It goes without saying that you have to start with the sources. If there are two different perspectives in sociology, see what they have in common before you start working on a synthesis essay.
As you start to build a thread of interest, you can build up an argument or a thesis statement . It’s best to choose sources that encourage discussion.
And unless you lived under a rock you know that the best way to draw connections and threads together is by using some visual aid or tool. This can save you hours of work and take your synthesis essay to a new level.
Choosing an Interesting Title
Start with a working title based on the core issue you’re writing about. Don’t worry about the first draft of your synthesis essay. You’ll come back, clean it, and make it compelling later.
Besides, if you have been given a title, the taking out the keywords or the question can help you focus on the task too.
Nevertheless, bear in mind that the title has to be interesting. It should specify the problem and intrigue the audience. They need to want to keep reading your synthesis essay and to dig a little deeper into your exciting subject. In other words, grab their attention from the start and keep them on the hook!
Related Posts: Argumentative essay topics list
How to Write a Synthesis Essay Outline
Now, that you have studied the sources, understand the issue better and even have an interesting title for your paper, make sure you know how to create a perfect outline for your piece. It will keep you focused as you dive into the writing process and won’t let you lose your sight of the thesis.
As a rule, synthesis essay structure consists of:
- An introduction with a hook and a thesis statement;
- Main body paragraphs with each one of them supporting the thesis;
- A conclusion to summarize the whole piece.
Finally, comes the time to get the show on the road.
We will start the process with an introduction. After all, that’s where it all begins!
Crafting an Introduction to a Synthesis Essay
An introduction to a synthesis essay should:
Introduce the Topic You’re Discussing.
This is used to clarify the theme or topic you will focus on based on the sources you chose. Here’s an example of a synthesis essay introduction: ‘The sources all discuss and agree that climate change is a serious problem that the world is facing today but disagree over what causes the problems and the solutions to it.’
Specify the Main Sources.
Let the readers know what you are basing your synthesis essay on. And explain how the theme or topic emerges in the text, or how the author in each text addresses the idea and why it is important. For example, ‘Mr. Believer’s speech on climate change recognizes that there is a real threat from the climate affecting the planet. He states that measures should be taken to reduce C02 levels. Meanwhile, Mr. Doubter’s speech questions the science behind the above-mentioned plan using the anecdotal evidence to suggest that it’s a natural change not affected by man.’
Introduce the Thesis Statement.
At the end of the introductory paragraph of a synthesis essay comes a thesis statement. It should answer the question succinctly and state your position on the issue or title of the essay. Moreover, it should explain why this issue is important and how the world would be different without you raising this problem.
If you are not sure how to write a thesis statement , here is our complete guide to help you out!
Here is how your thesis statement should go: ‘Believer makes a compelling argument about how dangerous the climate change is as well as why we need to take an action now to prevent further damage by lowering the C02 emission.’
This is what a comprehensive introduction should look like. Now, let’s move on to the next section of your synthesis essay.
Developing Main Body Paragraphs According to the MEAL Approach
An excellent way to structure the body paragraphs is in applying the MEAL acronym – Main Idea, Evidence and Analysis and Link Back.
If that doesn’t make much sense to you, let’s see what it stands for when it comes to synthesis essay.
This is where you want to make a claim on the topic that presents an argument or an author’s position. With the climate change issue as the main subject of a synthesis essay, it can go something like this: “People may try to pass the climate change off as a hoax. However, there is an undeniable link between the human intrusion and CO2 emission problem on the planet.”
The evidence is a quote or a fact or a paraphrase from the sources you have been provided for a synthesis essay. ‘Mr. Believer states that ‘CO2 is the cause of climate change’ supporting his statement with credible scientific evidence.’
At this stage of writing a synthesis essay, you need to specify how the evidence above proves your argument. ‘This demonstrates the global warming theory has significant backing in the scientific community.’
This is just a link back to the central claim of your synthesis essay. ‘Although causal evidence cannot scientifically prove cause and effect, the number of studies cited in these sources find a correlation between an increase in CO2 emission and climate change.’
Last but not least comes a conclusion. Don’t underestimate its potential in the synthesis essay: after all, this is often the only thing the readers will remember after finishing reading your piece.
Writing a Conclusion
It is vital to ensure that a conclusion has proper structure too.
- Restate the thesis statement. Remind the readers what the main point of your synthesis essay was. It is always a good idea to help them remember it.
- Mention the evidence. You used various sources to support your thesis statement in a synthesis essay. And a conclusion is the perfect time and place to remind of them. Don’t take too long though. Just briefly go over each one of them. If someone forgot something and needs a more vivid reminder, they can go back to a particular place in your article and read it.
- Call to action. This might not be applicable all the time. However, if you are trying to persuade the audience in something, you should definitely make sure that use your chance now to encourage them to take measures after finishing your synthesis essay.
All in all, in a conclusion you need to reiterate how the topics are a connection, include a suggestion or conclusion to the arguments.
Synthesis Essay Format for an AP English Exam
Knowing what format meets the requirements of the description of an AP English exam is vital. That is why we strongly recommend you to pay close attention to the formatting you use in the AP language and composition synthesis essay.
The only way to ensure you are referencing correctly is by having the reference guide open as you edit.
If you need assistance with proper MLA and APA formatting at an AP English exam synthesis essay, you can check out our complete guides. They will provide you with comprehensive data on the synthesis essay format for AP English exam.
While still on the subject, you might want to check out our guide on how to write a rhetorical analysis essay , since it is a part of an AP English exam. We have all the answers for you here!
By now you are probably wondering what topics you can opt for when crafting a piece in question. We have prepared a list of themes to take a look at to help you out. So, read on!
Interesting Synthesis Essay Topics
When you choose synthesis essay topics, you should think of subjects that have debates around them. Pick issues with grey areas around them or the ones you can form a unique view or opinion on.
Here are a few synthesis essay topic ideas :
- Do video games lead to an increased violent behavior level among teens?
- Rehabilitation or capital punishment: Which is the most effective way to deter crime?
- How did the Treaty of Versailles contribute to the WW2?
- Social Learning Theory or Biology: Which has the most significant impact on crime?
- Does the UFO exist?
- Do people cause the climate change?
- Should abortions be made legal?
- How social media impact our day-to-day lives?
- Is euthanasia a murder or an act of mercy?
- Is sex education at schools really necessary?
Choose one of our topics for a synthesis essay – and you’ll definitely end up having a great piece with lots of sources to refer to and credible authors to cite.
Now, let’s polish your writing skills and see how general writing differs from the synthesis essay writing in the long run.
Tips on Writing the AP Synthesis Essay
Here are a few tips on how to write the AP lang. synthesis essay with flying colors:
- Keep a consistent tone and voice throughout the essay.
- Craft good strong argument and specify what your position regarding it is.
- Use some of the rhetorical techniques to craft a more compelling evidence (for more on rhetorical essay writing and preparation to the AP English exam or the synthesis essay ap lang. check our guides here).
- Know the style and purpose of the essay you are writing.
- Always have a clear synthesis essay thesis statement to help you write with purpose.
- Bear in mind the importance of the proper APA or MLA writing guides, and always edit with a reference guide in front of you for better results on your AP English synthesis essay.
- Analyze the existing sources to find common insightful traits between them.
- Develop a thesis statement for the essay to guide your outline.
- Map your main points visually. Do these main points have science-backed evidence to support them? Do they contradict each other? Or does one point support your thesis, the other one debunks your theory while the third one contradicts everything mentioned above? Be consistent in your writing and mapping the ideas.
These tips will help you better craft your synthesis essay. And if you’re still having hard times and struggling with the main points of the paper, remember that HandmadeWriting is the best place to ask for help with your synthesis essay! Our professional essay writers are available 24/7. And don’t forget to use our synthesis essay prompts to ease your writing.
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Synthesis Essay Materials
The two synthesis essay questions below are examples of the question type that has been one of the three free-response questions on the AP English Language and Composition Exam as of the May 2007 exam. The synthesis question asks students to synthesize information from a variety of sources to inform their own discussion of a topic. Students are given a 15-minute reading period to accommodate the additional reading required for the question.
Below is a sample synthesis essay question, sample scoring guidelines, comments from the Chief Reader about the sample student essays, seven sample student responses, and scoring commentary for each sample.
Approximately 300 AP English Language and Composition students from eight schools in New York, Maine, Texas, Tennessee, Washington, Florida, and New Mexico wrote responses to this synthesis topic. Students from these schools were given a 15-minute reading period followed by a 40-minute writing period in which to complete the sample synthesis assignment.
- AP English Language and Composition Synthesis Essay #1 (.pdf/84KB)
- Sample Scoring Guidelines (.pdf/43KB)
- Comments from the Chief Reader (.pdf/47KB)
- Sample Student Responses (.pdf/3.65MB)
- Scoring Commentary (.pdf/50KB)
An additional sample synthesis essay question is provided here.
- AP English Language and Composition Synthesis Essay #2 (.pdf/338KB)
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Well-Written Synthesis Essay Examples
- DESCRIPTION Research Synthesis Essay Outline
- SOURCE shironosov / iStock / Getty Images Plus
Essay writing is a craft many students have yet to master. Doing great research and having the right tools in place, such as synthesis essay examples and outlines, can make your writing process a breeze. Learn what it takes to write a synthesis essay through several example topics.
How to Write a Synthesis Essay
When it comes to a synthesis essay, it is all about the research. You must take a stand, but that position needs to be backed up by credible sources. Before you even start writing your essay , choose a topic . It needs to be something you can research and for which you can find informative and non-biased sources such as peer-reviewed journals.
Once you have your topic at hand, follow these steps:
- Create your thesis statement .
- Gather your research.
- Write an outline of your major points.
- Draft your essay .
Formatting a Synthesis Essay
Students typically write synthesis essays for high school AP language courses or college classes. Therefore, your professor will provide you with a writing guideline to follow like MLA or APA . These writing structures designate how you will cite your sources and format your bibliography .
Synthesis Essay Examples
With a basic understanding of a synthesis essay under your belt, dive right into the different examples. Use the synthesis essay examples to learn how to write a solid introduction and perfect conclusion to crush your AP lit class.
Synthesis Essay Introduction Example
This synthesis essay example discusses the topic of ‘is homeschooling a good idea?’ Learn how to craft a strong introduction in your essay.
In the movies, the doe-eyed homeschooler getting thrust into public education becomes either a comedy or horror fest. But does art truly mimic life when it comes to homeschooling? This might have been true of the religious-based homeschooling curriculum of the past, but in modern homeschooling education, students have access to online and personalized learning, socialization activities, and lasting friendships.
See this whole sample essay by clicking the Adobe PDF below.
Synthesis essay introduction example
Synthesis essay thesis example.
Looking for how to craft a perfect thesis for your synthesis essay? Make sure it is to-the- point and lists your points to be covered like in this example about sexism associated with school dress codes.
Dress codes are everywhere. According to the National Center for Education statistics, more than 53% of schools have dress code guidelines. However, these standards to conform students and promote learning become sexist by targeting females, sexualizing clothing, and leading to a disproportionate loss of learning time.
Dive more into this synthesis essay below.
Synthesis essay thesis example
Ap high school synthesis essay example.
Put all your knowledge together to create a well-written essay, such as this one covering ‘does Facebook make people less social?’ See how all the parts come together to create a cohesive and expertly-researched argument.
Social media apps are a dime a dozen. Feeling lonely, all you must do is hop on Facebook to connect with your thousands of friends. However, are you truly connecting? Social media giants like Facebook are supposed to make us feel more connected; however, they can lead to loneliness, less face-to-face connections, and lower self-esteem. With thousands of friends, how could a person possibly feel lonely? Having thousands of friends means nothing if they aren’t true friends. According to research from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, many people called friends on Facebook aren’t. There are few true friends you can rely on in social media. Additionally, these so-called friends are only showing you their best through their posts and tags, according to Sherry Turkle. This can make you feel more isolated and lonelier.
Want to see more? Click on the link.
Ap high school synthesis essay example
Creating a great synthesis essay.
Writing great essays is an art form. To get everything perfect, all your parts need to come together seamlessly, which makes research and preparation key. Learn more about creating essays by studying how to write a cause and effect essay through fun and interesting examples .
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
Synthesis essays will typically contain three body paragraphs. A good body paragraph contains three main sections: a topic sentence (or key sentence), relevant supporting sentences, and a closing (or transition) sentence. This structure keeps your paragraph focused on the main idea, providing clear, concise information.
A synthesis paper prompt must be debatable. Depending on your assignment, you may have to choose a primary text. Choose a book that might have opposing viewpoints. Step 1: Browse through topics and ideas. Read from sources and check selected topics in-depth to see if any of them take your interest.
There are two main types of a synthesis essay: argument and explanatory synthesis. Both of them require working with multiple reliable sources and analyzing information. The only difference is that an argument synthesis essay requires your own opinion, while an explanatory synthesis essay does not. Argument Synthesis Essay: Outline and Definition
The synthesis essay structure has three main parts: the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. The introduction of a synthesis essay gives background information on your topic and introduces your thesis statement, which is your position on the topic as you plan to defend it in the body paragraphs.
The format of a synthesis essay should be separated into four sections: title page, abstract, main body, and references. Insert a page number in the upper right corner. Chicago Style Format The following are some Chicago style key points: Use double-spacing between the paper's lines. Make margins of one inch.
There are two basic ways to structure these sort of synthesis essays: Summary. This structure presents summaries of each of your relevant sources, making a progressively stronger argument for your thesis. It provides specific evidence to support your point of view, but usually omits presenting your own opinions.
In general, the process of writing a synthesis essay consists of six steps: Analyzing the source. Choosing an interesting title. Building an outline. Crafting an introduction. Developing the main body paragraphs. Writing a conclusion. So, if you are wondering how to write a good synthesis essay, we’ve got your back!
Writing a Synthesis Essay . 1. What is a synthesis? A synthesis is a written discussion incorporating support from several sources of differing views. This type of assignment requires that you examine a variety of sources and identify their relationship to your thesis. 2. Synthesis is used in: • Analysis papers to examine related theories.
AP English Language and Composition Synthesis Essay #1 (.pdf/84KB) Sample Scoring Guidelines (.pdf/43KB) Comments from the Chief Reader (.pdf/47KB) Sample Student Responses (.pdf/3.65MB) Scoring Commentary (.pdf/50KB) Sample 2 An additional sample synthesis essay question is provided here.
Once you have your topic at hand, follow these steps: Create your thesis statement. Gather your research. Write an outline of your major points. Draft your essay. Advertisement Formatting a Synthesis Essay Students typically write synthesis essays for high school AP language courses or college classes.