intro for a synthesis essay

Synthesis Essays: A Step-by-Step How-To Guide

A synthesis essay is generally a short essay which brings two or more sources (or perspectives) into conversation with each other.

The word “synthesis” confuses every student a little bit. Fortunately, this step-by-step how-to guide will see you through to success!

Here’s a step-by-step how-to guide, with examples, that will help you write yours.

Before drafting your essay:

After reading the sources and before writing your essay, ask yourself these questions:

• What is the debate or issue that concerns all of the writers? In other words, what is the question they are trying to answer?
• On what points do they agree?
• On what points do they disagree?
• If they were having a verbal discussion, how would writer number one respond to the arguments of writer number two?

In a way, writing a synthesis essay is similar to composing a summary. But a synthesis essay requires you to read more than one source and to identify the way the writers’ ideas and points of view are related.

Sometimes several sources will reach the same conclusion even though each source approaches the subject from a different point of view.

Other times, sources will discuss the same aspects of the problem/issue/debate but will reach different conclusions.

And sometimes, sources will simply repeat ideas you have read in other sources; however, this is unlikely in a high school or AP situation.

To better organize your thoughts about what you’ve read, do this:

• Identify each writer’s thesis/claim/main idea
• List the writers supporting ideas (think topic sentences or substantiating ideas)
• List the types of support used by the writers that seem important. For example, if the writer uses a lot of statistics to support a claim, note this. If a writer uses historical facts, note this.

There’s one more thing to do before writing: You need to articulate for yourself the relationships and connections among these ideas.

Sometimes the relationships are easy to find. For example, after reading several articles about censorship in newspapers, you may notice that most of the writers refer to or in some way use the First Amendment to help support their arguments and help persuade readers. In this case, you would want to describe the different ways the writers use the First Amendment in their arguments. To do this, ask yourself, “How does this writer exploit the value of the First Amendment/use the First Amendment to help persuade or manipulate the readers into thinking that she is right?

Sometimes articulating the relationships between ideas is not as easy. If you have trouble articulating clear relationships among the shared ideas you have noted, ask yourself these questions:

• Do the ideas of one writer support the ideas of another? If so, how?
• Do the writers who reach the same conclusion use the same ideas in their writing? If not, is there a different persuasive value to the ideas used by one writer than by the other?
• Do the writers who disagree discuss similar points or did they approach the subject from a completely different angle and therefore use different points and different kinds of evidence to support their arguments?
• Review your list of ideas. Are any of the ideas you have listed actually the same idea, just written in different words?

How to Write a Synthesis Essay: Your Guide From Start to Finish

Today, we're swamped with information, like reading 174 newspapers every day. It comes from all over—news, social media, science, and more. This flood might make you feel overwhelmed and lost in a sea of facts and opinions. But being able to make sense of it all is crucial.

This guide isn't just about handling all that info; it's about using it to write awesome essays. We'll show you step by step how to pick a topic and organize your essay. Let's dive in and learn how to turn scattered facts into powerful essays that really stand out.

What Is a Synthesis Essay

The synthesis essay is a powerful tool in writing. It's not just about gathering facts but about connecting them to make a clear and strong argument.

Writing a synthesis essay allows you to dive deep into ideas. You have to find similarities between different sources—like articles, studies, or arguments—and use them to tell a convincing story.

In today's world, where we're bombarded with information, synthesis essays are more important than ever. They let us explore how different ideas fit together and help us express our thoughts on complex topics. Whether you're writing about literature, science, history, or current events, a synthesis essay shows off your ability to analyze and understand a topic from all angles. And if you're struggling with this task, just ask us to ' write paper for me ,' and we'll handle your assignment for you.

Explanatory vs. Argumentative Synthesis Essays

In synthesis writing, there are two main types: explanatory and argumentative. Understanding these categories is key because they shape how you approach your essay.

Explanatory:

An explanatory synthesis essay does just what it says—it explains. These essays aim to give a balanced view of a topic by gathering information from different sources and presenting it clearly. They don't try to persuade; instead, they focus on providing information and making things easier to understand. They're like comprehensive summaries, breaking down complex ideas for a broader audience. These essays rely heavily on facts and expert opinions, avoiding personal bias.

Argumentative:

On the flip side, argumentative synthesis essays are all about persuasion. Their main goal is to take a stance on an issue and convince the reader. They gather information from various sources not only to present different views but also to build a strong argument. Argumentative essays aim to sway the reader's opinion by using gathered information as evidence. These essays express opinions and use rhetorical strategies to persuade.

And if you're keen on knowing how to write an informative essay , we've got you covered on that, too!

Synthesis Essay Structure

To craft a strong synthesis essay, you need a solid foundation. Here's a structured approach to help you nail it:

Introductory Paragraph:

• To kick things off, grab your reader's attention with a catchy hook or interesting fact. Give a bit of background info about your topic and the sources you'll be using, as it can help readers understand your topic better! Then, lay out your main argument in a clear thesis statement.

Body Paragraphs:

• Each paragraph should focus on a different aspect of your topic or source. Start with a topic sentence that links back to your thesis. Introduce the source you're discussing and highlight its main points. Also, using quotes, paraphrases, or summaries from your sources can make your arguments stronger.

Synthesis :

• This part is where your essay comes together. Look for common themes or differences among your sources. Use your analysis to build a strong argument. Don't forget to address any opposing viewpoints if they're relevant!

Conclusion :

• Wrap things up by restating your thesis and summarizing your main points. Explain why your argument is important and what it means in the bigger picture. End with a thought-provoking statement to leave a lasting impression.

References :

• Finally, don't forget to list all your sources properly using the right citation style, like MLA or APA. Do you know that different citation styles have different rules? So, make sure you follow the right one!

Choosing a Synthesis Essay Topic

Picking essay topics is just the beginning. To write a great synthesis essay, you need to carefully evaluate and connect different sources to build a strong argument or viewpoint. Here's a step-by-step infographic guide to help you choose the right synthesis essay topics wisely.

How to Write a Synthesis Essay with Easy Steps

Writing a synthesis essay is similar to a compare and contrast essay . It requires a methodical approach to blend information from different sources into a strong and persuasive argument. Here are some crucial steps and tips to help you along the way.

• Clarify Your Purpose: First, decide if you're writing an explanatory or argumentative synthesis essay. This choice will set the tone and direction for your essay.
• Source Selection and Analysis: Choose credible and relevant sources for your topic, balancing different types like articles, books, and websites. Analyze each source carefully, noting the main ideas and evidence presented.
• Formulate a Strong Thesis Statement: Create a clear and concise thesis statement that guides your essay. It should express your main argument or perspective.
• Structure Your Essay: Organize your essay with a clear synthesis essay outline, including an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each body paragraph should focus on a specific aspect of your topic.
• Employ Effective Transition Sentences: Use transition sentences to connect your ideas and paragraphs smoothly, ensuring a cohesive flow in your essay.
• Synthesize Information: Blend information from your sources within your paragraphs. Discuss how each source contributes to your thesis and highlight common themes or differences.
• Avoid Simple Summarization: Don't just summarize your sources—analyze them critically and use them to build your argument.
• Address Counterarguments (if applicable): Acknowledge opposing viewpoints and counter them with well-supported arguments, showing a deep understanding of the topic.
• Craft a Resolute Conclusion: Summarize your main points and restate your thesis in the conclusion. Emphasize the importance of your argument or insights, and end with a thought-provoking statement or call to action. ‍
• Revise and Proofread: Check your essay for clarity, coherence, and grammar mistakes. Ensure your citations are correct and follow the chosen citation style, like MLA or APA.

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Synthesis Essay Format

Choosing the right citation style can enhance the credibility and professionalism of your paper. The format of your synthesis paper depends on the specific guidelines given by your instructor. They usually fall into one of the popular styles: MLA, APA, or Chicago, each used in different academic fields.

1. MLA (Modern Language Association):

• Uses in-text citations with the author's last name and page number.
• Includes a 'Works Cited' page at the end listing all sources.
• Focuses on the author and publication date.
• Often used in humanities essays, research papers, and literary analyses.

2. APA (American Psychological Association):

• Uses in-text citations with the author's last name and publication date in parentheses.
• Includes a 'References' page listing all sources alphabetically.
• Emphasizes the publication date and scientific precision.
• Commonly used in research papers, scholarly articles, and scientific studies.

3. Chicago Style:

• Offers two documentation styles: Notes-Bibliography and Author-Date.
• Notes-Bibliography uses footnotes or endnotes for citations, while Author-Date uses in-text citations with a reference list.
• Suitable for various academic writing, including research papers and historical studies.
• Provides flexibility in formatting and citation methods, making it adaptable to different disciplines.

Synthesis Essay Example

Here are two examples of synthesis essays that demonstrate how to apply the synthesis process in real life. They explore interesting topics and offer practical guidance for mastering the art of writing this type of paper.

Synthesis Essay Tips

Crafting a strong synthesis essay requires careful planning and effective techniques. Here are five essential tips to help you write your best paper:

• Diverse Source Selection : Choose a range of reliable sources that offer different viewpoints on your topic. Make sure they're recent and relevant to your subject.
• Seamless Source Integration : Avoid just summarizing your sources. Instead, blend them into your essay by analyzing and comparing their ideas. Show how they connect to build your argument.
• Balanced Tone : Maintain an impartial tone in your writing, even if you have personal opinions. Synthesis essays require objectivity, so they present different viewpoints without bias.
• Focus on Synthesis : Remember, synthesis essays are about linking ideas, not just summarizing sources. Explore how your sources relate to each other to create a cohesive argument.
• Address Counterarguments : Like in persuasive essays topics , acknowledge opposing viewpoints and explain why your perspective is stronger. This demonstrates your understanding of the topic and adds depth to your argument.

Concluding Thoughts

When writing a synthesis essay, it's essential to pick trustworthy sources, blend them effectively to build your argument and stay objective. Use smooth transitions, address counterarguments thoughtfully, and focus on analyzing rather than just summarizing. By following these steps, you'll create essays that inform, persuade, and engage your readers!

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How Should You Conclude a Synthesis Essay?

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

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How to write a synthesis essay: step-by-step guide.

Updated: May 17, 2024

Ever felt overwhelmed by the idea of writing a synthesis essay? Combining multiple sources into a coherent essay can be daunting, especially when each source presents a different view. A synthesis essay is an analytical or argumentative piece that draws together ideas and data from various sources to present a new, unified argument or perspective. This guide will walk you through understanding what a synthesis essay is, organising your thoughts, crafting engaging introductions and conclusions, and integrating sources effectively to master the art of synthesis essay writing.

Start Writing Your Free Essay!

Understanding synthesis essays: definition and purpose.

A synthesis essay is a form of writing that combines information and ideas from two or more sources. The purpose of this essay type is to make connections between parts of works or multiple works with the goal of ultimately presenting and supporting a claim about a topic. In essence, it involves gathering information from various sources and fusing it together to form a cohesive narrative or argument.

The main objectives of a synthesis essay include demonstrating critical thinking, deep understanding of the topic, and the ability to negotiate meaning among multiple perspectives. This form of essay is commonly used in academic settings to encourage students to think deeply about related topics, assess information critically, and articulate a strong thesis statement that reflects synthesized insights.

Organizing Your Synthesis Essay: Effective Structures

When organizing your synthesis essay, choosing the right structure is crucial for clarity and coherence. A popular method is the Comparison/Contrast structure, which is ideal when you have sources that directly oppose or complement each other. In this structure, you can:

• Summarize each source, highlighting similarities and differences.
• Move from one point to another, alternating between the sources to maintain a balanced argument.
• Discuss each source or point in blocks, fully exploring one before moving to the next.

Another effective structure is the Sequential Order , which can include the Problem/Solution or Climactic methods. This approach works well when your essay needs to build up to a strong conclusion or when explaining a process or issue over time. For instance, in a Problem/Solution structure, you:

• Introduce the problem in your opening sections.
• Discuss each potential solution in the subsequent body paragraphs, using sources that support or refute these solutions.
• Conclude with the most viable solution based on the evidence provided.

How to Write a Synthesis Essay: A Step-by-Step Approach

Writing a synthesis essay involves merging ideas from various sources into a cohesive argument. Start by selecting a topic that allows for comprehensive exploration through multiple perspectives. Ensure the topic is not too broad; it should be narrow enough to allow for in-depth discussion but broad enough to find sufficient sources.

Next, develop a synthesis essay outline to organize your thoughts and research. This outline should include an introduction with a thesis statement , body paragraphs each focusing on a different aspect or source, and a conclusion that revisits your thesis and synthesizes your main points. Here are some elements to include in your outline:

• Introduction with a thesis statement
• Body paragraphs with clear topic sentences
• Conclusion that synthesizes information

When writing your essay, use a clear and concise style to ensure readability. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea. Then, include evidence and analysis to support your points. Finally, ensure each paragraph links back to your thesis statement, reinforcing the central argument of your synthesis essay.

Crafting an Engaging Introduction for Your Synthesis Essay

Crafting an engaging introduction for your synthesis essay is crucial to capture your reader's attention. Start with a hook that piques interest, such as a startling statistic or a provocative question. Then, provide a brief overview of the topics you will cover, leading smoothly into your thesis statement. This approach sets the stage for the arguments to follow, ensuring the reader is intrigued and informed.

Concluding Your Synthesis Essay Effectively

A strong conclusion is essential in a synthesis essay as it ties all your points together and reiterates the significance of your thesis. Begin by summarizing the main arguments made in the body of your essay. Then, emphasize the synthesis of these arguments, highlighting how they support your thesis. Conclude with a powerful statement that underscores the relevance of your discussion, leaving a lasting impression on your reader.

Citing Sources Correctly in a Synthesis Essay

Proper citation is vital in a synthesis essay to avoid plagiarism and strengthen your argument. Use in-text citations to credit your sources accurately within the essay. When citing, include the author's name and publication year in parenthesis after the quoted or paraphrased text. For example, (Smith, 2020). This not only gives credit where it's due but also allows readers to trace the information back to the original source, enhancing the credibility of your essay.

Tips for Writing an Effective Synthesis Essay

Crafting a successful synthesis essay requires more than just understanding the content; it's about strategically organising and presenting your ideas. Start by creating a detailed outline that categorises your points and evidence, ensuring a logical flow that enhances the reader's understanding. This structured approach not only keeps your writing on track but also makes it easier to navigate complex topics.

When selecting a synthesis essay topic , choose one that allows for a broad range of perspectives, yet is narrow enough to be thoroughly explored within your essay's scope. This balance is crucial for developing a compelling argument. Remember, a good synthesis essay doesn't merely summarise sources; it intertwines them to reveal new insights and perspectives.

Mastering the AP Lang Synthesis Essay

The AP Language and Composition exam challenges students with a synthesis essay that assesses their ability to craft a cohesive argument using multiple sources. This essay is crucial as it tests students on not just their understanding of the content but their ability to engage with different perspectives and construct a well-founded argument.

To excel in the AP Lang synthesis essay, students must integrate at least three sources into their argument, ensuring each is cited correctly to support their thesis. Key strategies include:

• Developing a clear thesis statement as a response to the prompt.
• Utilising diverse sources to enrich the essay's depth and breadth.
• Maintaining a logical flow that seamlessly connects the argument back to the thesis.

Integrating Commentary and Analysis in Synthesis Essays

Integrating commentary and analysis in a synthesis essay is about weaving your insights with sourced material to deepen the discussion. Effective integration involves not just stating facts from sources, but also providing analysis that connects these facts back to your main argument. This approach helps in demonstrating a deeper understanding of the topic and enhances the persuasive power of your essay.

When incorporating commentary, consider the following steps: - Explain the relevance of the evidence in relation to your thesis. - Analyse the implications of the facts, considering what they suggest about your argument. - Reflect on the broader impact , discussing how your analysis affects the overall discussion of your topic. These steps ensure that your commentary is insightful and contributes significantly to the synthesis essay.

Elevate Your Synthesis Essay with Samwell.ai

Samwell.ai offers a revolutionary approach to crafting synthesis essays, making the process simpler and more efficient. With AI-driven writing assistance, students can seamlessly integrate diverse sources into a cohesive argument, ensuring all components align perfectly with their thesis statement.

Key features of Samwell.ai include:

• Advanced plagiarism checks to ensure originality and academic integrity.
• Access to credible sources and multimedia content, enriching the depth of essays.
• Tailored assistance that aligns with various citation styles , enhancing the essay's credibility and readability.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you start a synthesis essay.

To start a synthesis essay, begin with an engaging introduction that captures the reader's attention. Use a hook such as a startling statistic or a provocative question, provide a brief overview of the topics you will cover, and smoothly transition into your thesis statement. This approach sets the stage for the arguments that will follow and ensures the reader is both intrigued and informed.

What is the format of a synthesis paper?

The format of a synthesis paper typically includes an introduction with a thesis statement, body paragraphs that each focus on a different aspect or source, and a conclusion that synthesizes the main points and revisits the thesis. This structure helps in presenting a cohesive argument that integrates information from various sources.

How do you write a synthesis in writing?

To write a synthesis in writing, start by selecting a topic that allows for comprehensive exploration through multiple perspectives. Develop an outline to organise your thoughts and research. Include an introduction with a thesis statement, body paragraphs with clear topic sentences, and a conclusion that synthesizes the information. Use a clear and concise writing style, start each paragraph with a topic sentence, and ensure each paragraph links back to your thesis statement to reinforce the central argument of your synthesis essay.

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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!

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.

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:

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.
• The effects of 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.
• Synthesis of Tan and Rodriguez’ essays ideas. 
• Difficulties you may encounter during the job interview.
• How does reading prevent Alzheimer’s disease?
• The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on 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.
• Role of social media in business communication.
• The synthesis of personal nursing philosophy concept. 
• Behavioral components of schizophrenia and psychosis.
• Main components of successful entrepreneurship.
• Critical components of scientific research.
• Change in religion and human beliefs throughout history.
• The effect of global warming on modern life.

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.
• Components and strategies of social responsibility
• Integration of relevant ethical theory and conceptual principles in health care 
• Children under 10 should be banned from gadgets.  
• Social media platforms facilitate cyberbullying.
• Issues of distance education.
• Social media addiction is a serious disease.
• Deforestation critically contributes to global warming.
• Healthcare should be free for everyone.

📑 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 Synthesis Essay

Last Updated: April 7, 2024 Fact Checked

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 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,124,140 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. [5] 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. [7] 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

Community Q&A

• 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. Thanks 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://owl.excelsior.edu/argument-and-critical-thinking/logical-fallacies/logical-fallacies-straw-man/
• ↑ 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
• ↑ https://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

4-minute read

• 31st May 2023

Are you writing a synthesis essay? This is a paper that combines information from a variety of sources to form a new idea. Essentially, you’re synthesizing existing concepts and arguments to create something original.

As a student, you’ll probably have to write a synthesis essay at some point. Read on for our step-by-step guide on how to write one effectively.

Step 1. Define Your Idea or Argument

If you haven’t done so already, decide on a topic to write about. Read up about it using a variety of credible sources and make detailed notes while you research. Make sure you keep track of the sources you decide to pull information from so that you can cite them properly later.

Make a list of key points from your research. Once you have a good selection of material to work with, start developing your own idea or argument. This will be the focus of your essay.

Step 2. Create an Outline

Synthesis essays generally follow this format: an introduction, a handful of main body paragraphs, and a conclusion. It’s a good idea to come up with an essay plan before you start writing so that you can keep things organized while you work.

The outline is mainly helpful for deciding what to include in your body paragraphs. Decide what supporting points (and counterarguments ) from your research you want to include, and which order you want to discuss them in. You should have enough information to flesh out one paragraph for each point.

Step 3. Write Your Introduction

In your introduction, you should open with something that hooks the reader and captures their attention. Then, state your argument or idea (i.e., your thesis statement) and briefly summarize the material you’ll be including in your essay. You should also include any relevant background information here.

Step 4. Write the Body Paragraphs

Using your outline, discuss each point from your source material in more depth, devoting a body paragraph to each. Explain the information from the outside source, including appropriate citations, and discuss how it connects with your idea.

It’s a good idea to mostly focus on points that support your argument, but you should also include a paragraph with a counterargument or two. This means discussing a perspective that doesn’t necessarily align with your idea, and then explaining why your argument still works.

Step 5. Tie It All Together With a Conclusion

The conclusion should leave the reader feeling convinced of your idea. Restate your point clearly and summarize the main points you’ve discussed. You could also offer any concluding reflections on the topic.

Different Types of Synthesis Essays

While you can follow our steps for any type of synthesis essay, yours will probably fall under one of two categories: explanatory or argumentative.

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Argumentative essays are as they sound – they present an argument. With an argumentative essay, you’ll take a more definitive stance on something and use your supporting material to persuade the reader.

Explanatory essays don’t necessarily take a side one way or the other. Rather, they focus on developing and explaining a concept thoroughly. Knowing which type of essay you’re writing will help you to gather more effective source material for your purpose.

Cite Your Sources

Since synthesis essays are particularly dependent on outside material, it’s especially important that you cite your sources correctly. Familiarize yourself with your referencing system before you start researching so you know what information you need to keep track of, and include appropriate citations whenever you use someone else’s work.

At the end of the essay, you’ll need to compile your sources into a reference list following the requirements of your style guide.

Summary: Writing a Synthesis Essay

Hopefully, this post has helped you to feel more confident in writing a synthesis essay. Choose a topic first, do your research, keep track of your sources, and develop an argument or idea. From there, you can organize your thoughts into an outline and get to writing!

Once you’ve created a first draft, make sure you send it our way! We’ll check it for errors in grammar, spelling, referencing, and more. Try it out for free today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a synthesis essay.

A synthesis essay gathers ideas and viewpoints from several different sources and ties them together to form a new concept.

How long is a synthesis essay?

Synthesis essays usually follow the five-paragraph format, with an introduction, three main body paragraphs discussing different points, and a conclusion.

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Understanding and Writing a Synthesis Essay

Writing a synthesis essay can seem like a daunting task. After all, your goal is to synthesize and evaluate a variety of sources in order to create an insightful and impactful essay. Be at ease, though! You can become an expert at writing this kind of essay with time and practice. In this post, we'll define essays, offer advice on how to write an essay, and present a sample synthesis essay for your review. Additionally, we'll give you some resources to get the writing process going. Continue reading to find out more about what constitutes a strong synthesis essay—then put what you've learned to use! If you encounter any difficulty, you can get the assistance of professional analytical essay writers at Nerdpapers.

Steps to Writing a Brilliant Synthesis Essay

1. choosing a synthesis essay topic.

Although it can be difficult, writing an essay can also be immensely fulfilling. You must choose a topic, though, before you start writing the essay. If your teacher doesn't provide you with a specific topic to write on, then you'll have to choose one on your own. There are a few essential factors to take into account while selecting a synthesis essay topic. To begin with, you must ensure that the topic you choose is pertinent to both your English language and writing course and the materials you'll be employing for your essay. Additionally, there must be enough data available for you to use in order to provide focused proof to support the thesis. Last, but not least, think about the readers of this essay and their potential responses. A good synthesis essay topic should be intriguing enough to pique readers' interest and also appeal to them on a personal or public level, causing them to reflect critically on the topic at hand.

☑️Reading suggestion: “ How to write an AP Lang synthesis essay ”

2. Developing a Thesis Statement for Your Synthesis Essay

Read the relevant source material after deciding on your essay's topic. Understanding the knowledge and applying critical thought to it should be your objectives. Form your own thoughts about the topic as you read and weigh the various sources. Take notes as you go along, noting any quotes, information, or examples that can assist you to support your position and develop a strong thesis statement. When writing an essay, coming up with a thesis statement is the most crucial step in the writing process. Readers should be able to deduce from this statement both the topic of your work and the argument you are making. Do not forget that a quality thesis should be concise, specific, and arguable. Make sure to include material from all sources in your essay if they're relevant to your argument and summarize them. Your goal is for readers to understand why you chose the material for your synthesis essay topic and how you plan on presenting it in support of your argument or position.

3. Finding and Reading Source Materials for Evidence

It's time to delve deeper into the sources and uncover the precise evidence your argument requires. You should make notes on significant ideas from each source, keeping track of important details, quotes, and figures that you might utilize in your academic writing . As you read, remember to focus on how each of the sources ties in with your topic and contributes to your argument. Here are some tips to help you as you read:

• Look for key phrases or words that address the essay topic so you can quickly identify material related to it
• Jot down notes in the margins or highlight pertinent information as a reference when writing your essay
• Summarize those major points afterwards so they're fresh in your mind while writing
• Search for different perspectives related to your topic. This will help when forming an argument and refuting any opposing viewpoints
• If a source is not relevant or doesn't contain enough substantial evidence, discard it
• Ask yourself specific questions about each source as you read, such as “What kind of evidence does this provide?”.

By reading through the source materials ahead of time and taking detailed notes, you can come up with more organized thoughts for a smoother writing process. Wondering how to organize your sources effectively? Consider creating an annotated bibliography to keep track of your findings.

4. Outlining and Organizing Your Synthesis Essay

Writing a good essay starts with outlining and organizing the essay. Making an outline for your paper comes next after gathering all of your sources and reading them thoroughly. You'll be able to better plan your ideas and decide how to convey your information by doing this.

There are some fundamental elements that must be covered in the outline of a synthesis essay:

• Introduction: Where you introduce the thesis statement.
• Body Paragraphs: Each body paragraph should include a topic sentence and two or three pieces of specific evidence from one or two different sources that support your argument.
• Conclusion: Here, you will review the main points of your essay and offer any insights or observations gained from the process of writing it.

When organizing these basic components into an outline, it's important to make sure they flow logically from one point to another, while also linking all of your points back to the original thesis statement. Additionally, make sure that you are citing all of your sources correctly throughout the paper—English language and composition teachers are often very specific about this requirement! Understanding how to accurately cite sources is an essential part of writing a good synthesis essay.

5. The Writing Process: Drafting Body Paragraphs with Specific Evidence

When it comes to writing an essay, the writing process is key. Once you have read the sources and written a thesis statement, it's time to start drafting your essay. You want to make sure that each body paragraph supports your thesis with specific evidence from the source material.

a. Provide Context

Each body paragraph should introduce one point from your thesis statement and provide context for the evidence you're about to cite. It's also important to note that when you do cite evidence, make sure it is relevant and related to that particular point and argument.

b. Provide Specific Evidence & Explain How It Supports Your Argument

Now that you have provided relevant context, provide evidence from one or more sources while explaining how it connects back to the point and argument of your essay. Before moving on to the next piece of evidence, make sure that the previous one has been thoroughly explained. Instead of simply summarizing the sources, make sure to explain how the data supports your thesis and why it does so well.

c. Conclude Paragraph with Summary Statement

Finally, conclude each body paragraph with a summary statement that ties back in with either other parts of this same paragraph or other paragraphs from earlier in your essay. The connective thread between paragraphs will help readers see how all of these points come together as part of a cohesive argument in support of your thesis statement.

6.  Proofreading and Editing Your Synthesis Essay

Once you've written your synthesis essay, it's time to proofread and edit it. This is a crucial step as it's your chance to make sure that your essay flows logically, uses up-to-date sources, is error-free, and clearly expresses your idea or thesis statement.

a. Check Your Thesis Statement

Make sure the thesis statement or main argument of your essay stands out clearly and confidently. It's important to check the wording here—is it supported by specific evidence in the body of the essay? Have you made any sweeping generalizations?

b. Read Aloud and Listen for Errors 

Reading aloud helps you slow down and pay more attention to punctuation details such as commas in a series, colons, apostrophes, etc. You can also use text-to-speech programs if you're more comfortable listening than reading.

c. Check the Structure, Flow, and Transitions

Your essay should have a clear structure that follows logically from one point to the next so that readers know what to expect next. Also, check for smooth transitions between paragraphs so that there is a clear connection between them all.

d. Track Your Citations

Make sure all sources are credited correctly—both within the text as well as on the references page. Any source material that’s not cited correctly can be interpreted as plagiarism! Use formatting guidelines specified by your professor (e.g., APA or MLA ). Finally, don't forget to proofread like an editor would: read each sentence carefully with an eye for errors in spelling, grammar, syntax, or punctuation. If possible, run spell-check programs such as Grammarly after reading.

Writing a synthesis essay can seem daunting, but with the right process and understanding of the topic, it can be an informative and engaging experience. Starting out with copying keywords and sources onto a page can help you organize your ideas and give you a place to start. Knowing the task and how to develop your thesis statement, as well as how to pick and analyze specific evidence, is also important for forming your written argument. Finally, the writing process involves making sense of the topic and developing connections between your sources to build a stronger essay. With the right essay writing tips , writing a synthesis essay can be a smooth and enjoyable process. 

Table of Contents

Persuasive essay topics – how to choose one for you, how to write a persuasive essay- expert tips.

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27 How do I Write a Synthesis Essay?

A synthesis essay is a type of essay that gathers information from a variety of sources to form a new idea, question, or argumentative thesis. Writers composing a synthesis essay will discuss ideas, data, and evidence from a series of sources to either explain or argue something original.

Explanatory vs. Argumentative Synthesis Essays: How Are They Different?

Though the formatting is largely the same, there are two main types of synthesis essays: explanatory and argumentative.

• 1.   Explanatory : The purpose of an explanatory synthesis essay is to use different sources to explain a particular point of view. These synthesis papers objectively examine the similarities and differences between ideas but don’t necessarily choose a side or attempt to sway the reader in any direction.
• 2.   Argumentative : An argumentative synthesis essay follows the same structure as a typical argumentative essay. The thesis of an argumentative essay will argue one specific point.

Synthesis Essay Structure

Synthesis essays typically adhere to the five-paragraph essay structure, but there are slight nuances to structuring this type of essay. Here is how a synthesis essay is structured.

•   Introduction : The foundational ideas of your essay are expressed in the introductory paragraph. You will address the general landscape of ideas around your topic, introducing some of your sources. You will also introduce the argument to be made through a thesis statement, which succinctly states your primary argument in a sentence or two. The thesis statement typically comes at the very end of your introductory paragraph.
•   Body : The body of your synthesis essay is usually about three paragraphs long. This typically includes two paragraphs synthesizing your sources in a way that supports your argument, and one paragraph that acknowledges opposing arguments.
• Conclusion : The conclusion of your synthesis essay reiterates the argument that you’ve made throughout your essay. It may emphasize how each of the points you made and the sources you’ve cited substantiate your point.

How to Write a Synthesis Essay

A great synthesis essay walks readers through a series of ideas and sources to prove or explain a larger point.

Follow this step-by-step guide for writing your essay:

• Choose a topic you’re curious about . Brainstorm a few ideas for your synthesis essay topic, prioritizing the subjects you feel passionate about.
• Do your research . Once you’ve decided on a topic, use the internet, library, and other sources to perform extensive research. You can turn to academic primary sources to find quotes from scholars and experts, or look up statistics or scientific studies relevant to your topic. This research will help you develop a point of view that is backed up by concrete information. Use credible sources that are unbiased.
• Outline your point . Your entire essay should focus on either explaining a certain perspective or making an argument. Outline how each of your sources relates to your theme and support your idea.
• Write your introduction . An introduction is the first paragraph of a paper. Its main purpose is to present the general premise of the paper, provide any necessary background information, and hopefully, capture the reader’s attention. The introductory paragraph to your synthesis essay should be where you include a strong thesis statement. This is where you will state the point of view that you’re exploring or the argument you’re making.
• Include your body paragraphs . 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. Each body paragraph should discuss different elements and supporting arguments of your thesis, along with evidence drawn from each source. Explain the common theme between your resources, as well as how they are relevant to your text. Include counterarguments as well as how your source material can discredit those claims and support your own idea.
• Wrap it up with a strong conclusion . A conclusion is a final piece of writing in a research paper, essay, or article that summarizes the entire work. The concluding paragraph of your synthesis essay will restate your thesis, summarize the key supporting ideas you discussed throughout the work, and offer your final impression of the central idea.
• Proofread . Always proofread your writing a few times before submitting or presenting it. A few missed words or grammatical errors can sometimes change or discredit the entire crux of an argument or opinion. Make sure that your grammar, syntax, and flow are as accurate and clear as possible. This will help you come across as a credible source.

College Reading & Writing: A Handbook for ENGL- 090/095 Students Copyright © by Yvonne Kane; Krista O'Brien; and Angela Wood. All Rights Reserved.

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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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Writing Synthesis Essay: Make it Easy with Our Comprehensive Guide

Table of contents

• 1 Purpose and Objectives of a Synthesis Essay
• 2.1 Explanatory Synthesis Essay
• 2.2 Argument Synthesis Essay
• 2.3 Review Synthesis Essay
• 3 Common Topics Encountered in Synthesis Essays
• 4.1 Conduct Thorough Research
• 4.2 Look from Diverse Perspectives
• 4.3.1 Chronological Method
• 4.3.2 Thematic Method
• 4.3.3 Point-by-point Method
• 5 Make a Synthesis Essay Outline to Structure Content
• 6.1 Critically Analyze Sources and Identify Their Relevance to the Thesis Statement
• 7.1 Support Your Arguments
• 7.2 Address Counterarguments
• 8.1 Bibliography
• 9 Proofread and Edit Your Essay
• 10 Bottom line
• 11.1 How long should a synthesis essay be?
• 11.2 How many paragraphs are in a synthesis essay?
• 11.3 Is a synthesis essay argumentative?
• 11.4 Does a synthesis essay have a counterargument?

Being a student is a challenging task, as you have to handle different types of essays, particularly synthesis essays. What is a synthesis essay? Such creative writing helps students to develop research skills, conduct a thorough analysis and improve their writing skills. Also, it boosts their abilities to deliver original ideas, arguments, and clear explanations of particular viewpoints. Students might often receive such writing tasks for the AP English language exam. We know how challenging it can be for them to write a synthesis essay.

With this in mind, we uncover the key points of synthesis writing in this review, which are the following:

• We’ll define the main traits of this essay type
• What are the different types?
• We collect the best advice on how to write a synthesis essay.
• and prepared the list of synthesis essay topic examples.

If you find it difficult to start your synthesis essay, you can get help from our PapersOwl service. The best experts in academic writing await you to bring up a good synthesis essay with a high assessment grade.

Purpose and Objectives of a Synthesis Essay

First and foremost, it is vital to understand the definition of a synthesis essay. It is a type of essay in which you should provide justified arguments, ideas, or statements based on a particular point of view. Composing a synthesis essay requires a lot of time and effort. You must analyze many credible sources to collect specific data and create a unique research paper. Synthesizing sources has to do with analyzing them, but not vice versa. You should provide an in-depth analysis of each source and then combine the similarities or differences between them into one coherent and well-structured essay. The next section uncovers this matter.

Key Features and Components

A synthesis essay counts a few types depending on the objectives to reveal. But essential synthesis essay components are the same and consist of three main parts: introduction, main body, and conclusion. The introductory paragraph should be catchy and highlight the main points of your paperwork due to a good thesis statement. The main body should include at least three paragraphs separated by exposing different thoughts, arguments, or explanations. The conclusion should also leave a spot for meditating for your reader on what you have disclosed in it. Further, we explain three types of synthesis papers and their specifications.

Explanatory Synthesis Essay

This type of synthesis essay involves disclosing various facts, views, or points. That’s why it is required to explore many reliable sources to get as much relevant information about a topic under investigation as possible. Thus, a writer can explain the emergence of certain points of view and facts. This writing task helps high school and college students do deep research, compare facts and perspectives, and deliver a detailed synthesis analysis essay. It is essential to complement each statement with specific evidence and statistical data. This will underline the relevance of the information introduced in an essay and make it meaningful and reasonable.

Argument Synthesis Essay

When writing argumentative essays , one must choose a specific topic and present arguments supporting or opposing viewpoints. This writing assignment incorporates two objectives: gather and systemize information revealing the main topic and argue them from your perspective. It requires creativity and deep knowledge of the field and aspect you must put on paper. Writing an argumentative essay is not an easy task. You should stick to a particular perspective and move on to exposing it. It is crucial to provide enough facts and proof to convince your reader that your viewpoint is noteworthy.

Review Synthesis Essay

Review synthesis essays are often parts of larger projects and are used to make reviews of particular aspects, for example, in medicine and social sciences. When composing this type of essay, you should provide full information about the examined object, state, or problem. The literature review should contain as many key points and peculiarities as possible. Thus, it will draw a complete picture of an aspect that will bring clarification and worth to your topic. To hook your reader from the very onset, you should articulate a good synthesis thesis statement in your introductory paragraph.

Common Topics Encountered in Synthesis Essays

To help you with a topic choice for your AP Lang synthesis essay, we listed some from different fields and sciences. The first of three essays is about AI technology. We tried to single out the most relevant example prompt topics for you to get started with. Check them out below.

• Artificial intelligence: Big threat or valuable tool for modern society
• Cryptomarket: The ups and downs
• Technology in the traditional classroom: A threat or benefit?
• Explain whether testing new drugs on animals is ethically permissible
• Should alternative medications be covered by insurance?
• Disturbance regimes under Global Warming
• Explaining how the American way of life contributes to global warming
• Distance education: Its effect on college students on campus
• Can modern people keep complete control over their life?
• Nuclear or solar power: Benefits and Demerits
• Explain the impact of gas fuel plants
• Remote work impact on people: How is their physical activity?
• Explain the role of sport in the American education system
• Is it possible to buy happiness for money?
• The basic survival skills everyone should know

Tips on How to Write Synthesis Essay

It is easier said than done when it comes to writing a synthesis essay. That is true, and for this reason, we outlined the list of valuable synthesis essay tips we consider the most essential to focus on. They are helpful for both writing an AP lang synthesis essay and a term assessment. Check them out.

Conduct Thorough Research

A good paper is regarded as meaningful when it is based on deep and all-encompassing research. Don’t neglect to provide a thorough exploration of your topic. The more information you find, the more valuable and reasonable your essay will be. But make sure you use credible sources to summarize and synthesize the data. Once you have a viewpoint to reveal, look for sources that support it or oppose it so that you can use them to substantiate your perspective.

Look from Diverse Perspectives

When willing to express one particular point or argument, consider other perspectives that might contradict your ideas. Why is it important? You should be aware of all the main arguments or acceptances occurring around your topic. It is essential to study different points of view that emerged on the basis of your theme or aspect under study. This could help you disclose another side or significance of your essay topic and change the focus of the main content you want to unleash. Doing this can reveal a new perspective, idea, or aspect of your synthesis essay’s research.

Choose an Organizational Method

Although an essay has a standard structure, your content should be well-composed and introduced coherently. All data should be outlined so a reader will enjoy the smooth turn from one statement to another. Depending on the field and aspect you are preparing a synthesis essay about, there are three methods to organize the content in your paper. They are the following:

Chronological Method

If you include dates or other significant events in your review or argumentative essay, it makes sense to present them in chronological order. Every fact should be justified per its development. So later, you can introduce your perspective or statement that will explain the impact of prior events. For example, when revealing a particular historical period in the US, you should first mention all important events chronologically. So then, you can argue your idea about the changes they brought to the country from a political or international perspective.

Thematic Method

A synthesis paper can be written for any field of science to represent a shorter version of facts, viewpoints, research results, etc. That’s why students can come across some topics that require uncovering a few themes in one essay. It is where a thematic method of content organization takes place. You should determine what notions or terms should be mentioned and revealed in your paper. Then, think of what term might explain or continue a key message of another term. Once you find out this detail, you should present each term one after another, keeping coherence in the information flow.

Point-by-point Method

As synthesis papers deal with different ideas, arguments, viewpoints, etc., comparison as a research method has a place. You can operate with many hypotheses, approaches, ideas, and arguments, so comparing them and finding their similarities and differences makes sense. This content organization method involves explaining one point of the synthesis statement, and then another point to compare further.

Crafting a successful synthesis essay requires a well-structured outline, which can be challenging to develop without assistance. Luckily, many academic essay writing services, such as PapersOwl.com, offer support in this area. To help you get started, here is an outline you can utilize to write a compelling synthesis essay that will leave a lasting impression on your professor.

Make a Synthesis Essay Outline to Structure Content

Earlier, we emphasized the importance of orchestrating your main content under study. This section covers the crucial thing in writing a synthesis essay: an outline. The outline is a great synthesis essay template for structuring your entire paper. We recommend you always stick to it once you define your essay’s topic and objective. Thanks to it you will be able to keep your focus on the angle of your work.

If you want to deepen your knowledge, we have prepared steps on how to write a synthesis essay outline. The outline of your essay must include three main components, but it can vary, and mostly the main difference is in a short and cited presentation of the thoughts you want to reveal in your essay. Below, we introduce a brief outline structure:

• Introductory part

The beginning of your essay mustn’t be too long. It is enough to disclose your objective, the main topic, and a strong thesis statement in one paragraph. It doesn’t make sense to keep a reader’s attention for long in the introduction, explaining what you are going to describe or argue in detail. Present it shortly and precisely.

• Body paragraph

In this part of the essay, you should introduce all you have researched, analyzed, and systematized. Likewise, you should expose your material in a minimum of three paragraphs. Each part has an appropriate synthesis-paragraph structure. In the outline, we recommend you craft a bullet list of three here and note shortly what points you want to describe in each paragraph.

This is the summarizing part of the essay, where you conclude all the information introduced in your synthesis essay. It is essential to repeat the thesis statements here. It should also be concise.

Write an Engaging Introduction

A good synthesis essay should get a reader engaged straight from its introduction. An introductory part should be composed in an interesting way to keep reading your essay. Here is where a reader finds out about the background of the topic and what main problems or ideas will be discussed. Such information should be catchy, and it is essential to make the first opening sentence sharper.

Another important thing in the introduction is crafting a hooky synthesis essay thesis statement. The thesis will be like a compass to the main points of your essay. Try to make the topic sentence specific and intriguing by matching your essay objectives.

Introduction synthesis essay example: When it comes to running a successful business, there’s no doubt that having the right people on board is crucial. After all, a company is simply a group of individuals working together towards a common goal. However, not enough emphasis is placed on what the “right” people actually look like. That’s why I wanted to bring attention to an often overlooked but incredibly important attribute: resistance. In this article, I’ll explain what resistance is, why it matters, and how you can identify it in potential team members.

Critically Analyze Sources and Identify Their Relevance to the Thesis Statement

A thesis presents a key message of your paper. This is what both reveals the focus of an essay and captures a reader’s attention. That’s why it requires exploring many sources carefully and critically analyzing them to identify their relevance. So then, you can formulate a strong thesis statement that will combine the key points of the synthesis essay. The more valuable data you find and analyze, the more precious your thesis.

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”.

Building on this structure, it’s imperative to recognize that the very foundation of your thesis relies on the robustness of these supporting arguments. Let’s look closer.

Support Your Arguments

Every thought, idea, assumption, and definition from your thesis statement must be justified by supporting arguments. No one will get involved in a piece that tells about everything and nothing simultaneously when there is no evidence and proof of mentioned facts. This point is vital as your perspective must have a background, and you should explain the reasons you provide a particular argument or viewpoint.

Extensive research and analysis of credible sources allow students to come up with exciting and valuable solutions, ideas, and directions. That’s why the time spent on deep study will always pay you back. It is a very significant component in writing argumentative synthesis essays. So, make sure you find supporting arguments for the idea or perspective you want to convey to a reader. This will increase the persuasiveness and worthiness of your message in the essay.

Address Counterarguments

Sometimes, it is difficult to persuade someone when many counterarguments make your point of view unworthy. The same might happen when you decide to start a synthesis essay and prove your opposite perspective. This task is challenging and requires thorough research of counterarguments. Only by having analyzed a massive set of information, one can provide reasonable comparisons and meaningful explanations to let a reader take their perspectives into account. Here are a few helpful tips on how to maintain a persuasive stance while considering opposing viewpoints:

• Study all counterarguments that might be according to your viewpoint;
• Learn the background of the counterarguments;
• Find out what consequences they can lead to (if they are negative);
• Weigh the influence of opposing arguments and find their weak points;
• Justify your viewpoints clearly and precisely with supporting evidence;
• Provide comparative analysis to underline the significance of your perspective;
• Never ignore the counterarguments in your informative synthesis essay paper.

Craft a Strong Conclusion

The conclusion is the last but not least component of a synthesis essay structure. The train of thoughts and ideas kept during the entire paper shouldn’t be interrupted instantly. It must have an excellent finalizing part where you sum up all mentioned in your essay and leave a good touch for your reader.

To craft a strong conclusion, you should present an overview of your research and note the main points of your argument or perspective. But remember, the conclusion doesn’t have to be too long and saturated. It should be brief, concise, and precise. Remember to remind your reader of your thesis statement and emphasize the relevance and significance of your essay’s topic.

Conclusion synthesis essay example: Through our research, we have identified effective strategies for dealing with repetitive motions in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. It is clear that multiple behavior modification therapies are important for improving this behavior. Further exploration into behavior modification techniques could lead to finding more therapy techniques that can greatly improve the lives of those with repetitive motion behaviors. We believe that this research can make a significant impact in helping individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder lead more fulfilling lives.

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).

Proofread and Edit Your Essay

Even if you think your work is impeccable, it needs to be proofread and edited. While you are concentrating on the writing process, you might skip some other nuances. This can be punctuation, typos, grammatical errors, or incorrect sentence order. For this reason, a synthesis essay must go through thorough proofreading to detect any kind of errors. Apart from this, you can split one body paragraph into two, for example, if you find different points discussed in it. You should also format it using a particular format style to handle a well-structured, edited, and formatted essay.

Bottom line

Wrapping up, we encourage you to follow our tips on how to write a good synthesis essay. Although any type of writing isn’t easy work, you can do it well with the help of good supporting sources available on our website. If you are short on time and understand that you can’t cope with this task, you can find an expert who writes essays for you to meet your deadlines. But if you decide to make it up alone, make sure to craft an outline and follow all the insightful tips mentioned in this article.

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How to Write a Synthesis Paper: Key Strategies and Examples

• Dr. Huey Logan
• December 8, 2023
• Study Guides

Here’s how to write a synthesis paper . Whether you’re a student tackling an academic assignment or a professional seeking to improve your writing skills, this writing guide will provide you with key strategies and examples to help you succeed.

Here's What You'll Learn

A synthesis paper is a written discussion that incorporates support from multiple sources to examine a variety of viewpoints related to a thesis. It is commonly used in various types of assignments such as analysis papers, research papers, argument papers, and business reports.

To write an effective synthesis essay , it is crucial to establish a clear purpose, carefully select and evaluate sources, develop an organizational plan, and properly document sources to avoid plagiarism. Additionally, understanding different strategies for organizing a synthesis paper , such as climactic order, problem/solution, and comparison and contrast, can greatly enhance the structure and flow of your writing.

Remember that the tense to use in a synthesis paper depends on the citation style you are following, with MLA using present tense and APA using past tense.

Whether you’re new to synthesis writing or looking to refine your skills, this guide will take you step-by-step through the process and provide you with valuable insights and examples. Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways:

• A synthesis paper incorporates support from multiple sources to examine different viewpoints related to a thesis.
• Important tips for writing an effective synthesis essay include establishing a clear purpose, selecting and evaluating sources, developing an organizational plan, and documenting sources to avoid plagiarism.

Strategies for organizing a synthesis paper include climactic order, problem/solution, and comparison and contrast.

• Choose the appropriate tense based on the citation style you are using, with MLA using present tense and APA using past tense.
• Mastering the art of writing a synthesis paper can help you convey your ideas effectively and engage with multiple perspectives.

Understanding the Process of Synthesizing Multiple Sources

A synthesis essay is an intricate task that requires the writer to bring multiple sources into conversation with each other. It involves identifying connections between ideas and points of view from different authors in order to develop a well-rounded analysis. To successfully navigate this process, several key steps should be followed.

Pre-writing Techniques for a Synthesis Essay

• Identify the debate or issue: Start by clearly understanding the topic and the various perspectives that exist.
• Determine points of agreement and disagreement: Analyze the sources to identify common ground and areas of contention between writers.
• Imagine a verbal discussion: Envision a conversation between the writers, imagining how they would respond to each other’s arguments.

These pre-writing techniques help provide a solid foundation for the synthesis essay, allowing the writer to have a clear understanding of the sources and their respective viewpoints.

Organizing Ideas in a Synthesis Essay

Organizing a synthesis essay is crucial for presenting a coherent and well-structured argument. Three main approaches can be used:

• Point by point organization: This approach focuses on discussing similar points among multiple sources. It allows for a comparison and analysis of ideas that are aligned.
• Source by source organization: Here, each source is summarized and interpreted individually. This approach is useful when the sources have distinct perspectives.
• Blended organization: A blended approach combines both point by point and source by source methods. It allows for a more sophisticated and comprehensive analysis.

By selecting the appropriate organization style, the writer can present the information in a structured and logical manner, facilitating understanding and engagement for the readers.

How to develop a Synthesis Essay Thesis Statement

A synthesis essay thesis statement acts as the foundation of the essay. It should be carefully crafted to acknowledge alternative points of view and demonstrate an understanding of complexity. A strong thesis statement will:

• State a strong position on the topic
• Briefly summarize the writer’s main points
• Introduce the sources that will be analyzed

By establishing a clear and compelling thesis statement, the writer sets the tone for the entire essay, guiding the analysis and providing a roadmap for the reader to follow.

How to Write a Synthesis Paper in 5 Proven Steps,

Do you find the process of writing a synthesis paper intimidating? Are you unsure of where to start or how to effectively organize your ideas? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Writing a synthesis paper can be a challenging task, but with the right strategies and examples, it can become a much more manageable endeavor.

In this article, we will provide you with the key steps and techniques to write an engaging synthesis essay or synthesis paper. Whether you’re a student working on an academic assignment or a professional looking to develop your writing skills, this guide will equip you with the tools you need to succeed.

First, we will dive into understanding the synthesis paper format. By familiarizing yourself with the structure and requirements of a synthesis paper, you will be able to approach your writing with clarity and precision. Next, we will explore the importance of conducting in-depth research. You’ll learn how to gather and analyze relevant sources, ensuring that your synthesis paper is well-informed and well-supported.

Effective organization of ideas is crucial in any form of writing, and synthesis papers are no exception. We’ll provide you with strategies to arrange your thoughts and arguments in a logical and compelling manner. Additionally, crafting a strong thesis statement is essential for a successful synthesis paper. We’ll show you how to develop a concise and impactful thesis that serves as the backbone of your writing.

But that’s not all—we will guide you through the five proven steps of actually writing a synthesis paper. From outlining your paper to revising and polishing your final draft, we’ll cover each stage of the writing process. Furthermore, we will delve into writing clear and cohesive paragraphs, ensuring that your ideas flow seamlessly and your message resonates with your readers.

By following these five proven steps, you will be well-equipped to tackle any synthesis paper with confidence. Don’t let the writing process intimidate you anymore. Start unlocking your synthesis paper writing potential today and achieve the academic success you deserve! So, let’s dive in and discover how to write a synthesis paper that captivates and convinces.,

Understanding the Synthesis Paper Format

Understanding the Synthesis Paper Format is crucial when it comes to crafting a compelling and coherent piece of writing. By grasping the structure and components of this specific type of academic paper, you will be able to present your ideas in a clear and organized manner. In the following section, we will explore the key elements of the synthesis paper format and how to effectively utilize them to convey your arguments persuasively.

To begin with, the synthesis paper typically consists of an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The introduction serves as a roadmap for your readers, providing them with a concise overview of the topic you will be discussing and the thesis statement that anchors your paper. This section should capture the attention of your audience and establish the relevance and significance of your chosen topic.

Moving on to the body paragraphs, these form the backbone of your synthesis paper. Each paragraph should focus on a specific aspect or subtopic that supports your thesis statement. It is essential to present information from multiple sources and critically analyze them, highlighting the connections, patterns, and conflicts among the sources. As you incorporate evidence and examples, ensure that you cite your sources accurately and consistently according to the required citation style.

Furthermore, maintaining a logical flow between paragraphs is crucial to ensure that your synthesis paper is cohesive and easy to follow. Use transitional words and phrases to smoothly connect ideas and demonstrate the relationships between different concepts. This will help your readers navigate through your paper effortlessly and grasp the central argument you are presenting.

Finally, the conclusion brings your synthesis paper to a close by summarizing your key points and restating your thesis statement in light of the evidence you have presented. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the significance of your findings and suggest potential avenues for future research or discussion. The conclusion should leave your readers with a sense of closure and reinforce the main ideas you have conveyed throughout your paper.

By understanding and implementing the synthesis paper format effectively, you will be able to create a strong and impactful piece of writing. In the next section, we will delve into the first step of the writing process, which is conducting in-depth research.,

Conducting In-Depth Research

Conducting in-depth research is a crucial step in writing a synthesis paper as it lays the foundation for the entire writing process. It involves gathering relevant and credible sources, thoroughly understanding the material, and identifying the key concepts and arguments presented. By immersing yourself in the research phase, you will be equipped with the necessary knowledge and understanding to effectively organize your ideas and create a cohesive synthesis paper that resonates with your readers.

To begin conducting in-depth research, it is important to first identify your topic and determine the specific areas or aspects you want to explore. This will help you narrow down your search and find the most relevant sources. Utilize a wide range of resources, including books, scholarly articles, reputable websites, and even interviews or surveys, to gather a comprehensive understanding of the topic.

As you navigate through the sea of information, critically evaluate the sources you come across. Consider the expertise and credibility of the authors, the publication date, and the reliability of the sources themselves. By doing so, you can ensure that the information you include in your synthesis paper is accurate and trustworthy.

While conducting research, take notes and highlight the key points, arguments, and evidence presented in each source. This will help you keep track of the information and easily refer back to it later when organizing your ideas. Additionally, make note of any opposing viewpoints or gaps in the literature, as addressing these in your synthesis paper can strengthen your argument and provide a more well-rounded perspective.

To enhance your understanding of the material, go beyond surface-level comprehension and strive to grasp the underlying themes, connections, and implications presented in the sources. Look for patterns, similarities, and differences among the various viewpoints and arguments, as these will be the building blocks of your synthesis paper.

By immersing yourself in thorough research, you will be able to gain a deep understanding of your topic and develop a strong foundation on which to build your synthesis paper. With this knowledge in hand, you can now move on to organizing your ideas effectively, ensuring that your paper flows smoothly and engages your readers from start to finish.,

Organizing Your Ideas Effectively

To truly capture the essence of your synthesis paper, it is essential to organize your ideas effectively. After immersing yourself in thorough research, gaining a deep understanding of your topic, and establishing a strong foundation, it’s time to structure your thoughts in a way that flows smoothly and engages your readers.

Start by identifying the key themes and arguments from your sources. Look for patterns, similarities, and differences among the various viewpoints. By organizing these elements, you can create a logical flow that guides your readers through your paper.

Consider creating an outline to map out the structure of your synthesis paper. Begin with a strong introduction that sets the stage for your topic and captures your readers’ attention. Then, arrange your main points in a coherent order that supports your thesis statement. Each paragraph should be dedicated to a specific idea or argument, and transitions between paragraphs should be seamless, guiding your readers smoothly from one point to the next.

Within each paragraph, use topic sentences to clearly introduce your main ideas. These topic sentences serve as signposts for your readers, highlighting the focus and purpose of each paragraph. Connect these ideas with supporting evidence from your sources, ensuring that your arguments are well-supported and persuasive.

Remember to consider the balance between your own voice and the voices of your sources. Aim for a synthesis that blends your own analysis and insights with relevant quotes and evidence from your research. This integration creates a cohesive narrative that showcases your understanding of the material while demonstrating your ability to critically evaluate multiple perspectives.

Ultimately, organizing your ideas effectively lays the groundwork for crafting a strong thesis statement. Through a thoughtful arrangement of your main points and arguments, you can guide your readers towards your central claim with finesse and conviction. So, let’s dive into the next section and explore how to craft a thesis statement that captures the essence of your synthesis.,

Crafting a Strong Thesis Statement

Organizing your ideas effectively lays the groundwork for crafting a strong thesis statement. Through a thoughtful arrangement of your main points and arguments, you can guide your readers towards your central claim with finesse and conviction. As we delve into the next section, we will explore how to craft a thesis statement that captures the essence of your synthesis, setting the stage for the five proven steps of writing a synthesis paper.,

Five Steps of Writing a synthesis Paper

Through a thoughtful arrangement of your main points and arguments, you can guide your readers towards your central claim with finesse and conviction. As we delve into the next section, we will explore how to craft a thesis statement that captures the essence of your synthesis, setting the stage for the five proven steps of writing a synthesis paper. These steps will provide you with a clear roadmap to effectively synthesize information from multiple sources and present it in a cohesive and compelling manner, ensuring that your readers can follow your thought process seamlessly. By following these steps, you will be able to not only convey your understanding of the topic but also showcase your ability to critically analyze various viewpoints and synthesize them into one coherent narrative. So, let’s dive into the five steps of writing a synthesis paper and unleash your expertise in crafting insightful and persuasive arguments.,

Writing Clear and Cohesive Paragraphs

Crafting clear and cohesive paragraphs is crucial when writing a synthesis paper. Your paragraphs serve as building blocks for your overall argument, allowing you to present your ideas in a logical and organized manner. By following a few key principles, you can ensure that your paragraphs flow smoothly and effectively communicate your message to your readers.

Firstly, it’s important to start each paragraph with a clear topic sentence that succinctly introduces the main point you will discuss. This topic sentence acts as a guide for both you and your readers, setting the stage for the information that follows. It should be concise, yet informative, giving your readers a preview of what they can expect to learn in the upcoming paragraph.

Once you have established your topic sentence, it’s essential to provide evidence and examples that support your main point. This evidence can come from your synthesis of multiple sources, showcasing your ability to analyze various perspectives and integrate them seamlessly. Be sure to use credible sources and cite them appropriately to bolster the credibility of your argument.

Furthermore, as you develop your paragraphs, it’s crucial to maintain coherence and cohesion throughout. This can be achieved by using transitional words and phrases to smoothly connect your ideas. Words like “furthermore,” “in addition,” and “similarly” can help bridge different concepts, enabling a seamless flow of information. Additionally, using pronouns and referencing previously mentioned ideas can reinforce the connections between paragraphs, creating a sense of continuity.

In terms of paragraph length, aim for a balance between brevity and depth. While overly long paragraphs can become unwieldy and difficult to follow, excessively short paragraphs can lack the necessary substance to fully develop your ideas. As a general rule, try to limit paragraphs to around four to six sentences, ensuring that each paragraph focuses on a single main point.

Finally, don’t forget to wrap up your paragraphs effectively. Consider including a concluding sentence that summarizes the main idea and provides a smooth transition to the next paragraph. This helps create a cohesive narrative, allowing your readers to easily follow your thought process and understand the progression of your argument.

By writing clear and cohesive paragraphs, you can effectively convey your understanding of the topic and present your synthesis in a compelling manner. This attention to paragraph structure and organization not only enhances the readability of your paper but also showcases your ability to critically analyze information and construct persuasive arguments. So, with these principles in mind, let’s continue our exploration of the five steps of writing a synthesis paper, further honing your skills in crafting insightful and persuasive content.,

In conclusion, writing a synthesis paper may seem like a daunting task, but with these five proven steps, you can approach it with confidence and ease. By understanding the synthesis paper format, conducting thorough research, organizing your ideas effectively, crafting a strong thesis statement, and following the step-by-step process, you will be well-prepared to tackle any synthesis paper that comes your way.

Remember, the key to success lies in writing clear and cohesive paragraphs that seamlessly bring together different sources and ideas. This will not only impress your readers but also provide a comprehensive and insightful analysis.

So, don’t let the writing process intimidate you any longer. Start unlocking your synthesis paper writing potential today and watch as your academic success soars to new heights. As the saying goes, “The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” Embrace the challenge, trust in your abilities, and let your newfound synthesis paper skills take center stage.

Now, armed with the knowledge and strategies outlined in this article, it’s time to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and let your ideas flow. Remember, your synthesis paper has the power to inform, persuade, and inspire change. So, use your voice, make your mark, and leave a lasting impression.

In the words of Albert Einstein, “The only source of knowledge is experience.” So go forth, gain experience, and let your synthesis paper be a testament to your growth, intelligence, and passion. Good luck on your writing journey, and may your synthesis papers shine brightly among the sea of academic excellence.

Concluding Thoughts on Writing a Synthesis Paper

Synthesis essays require a thoughtful analysis of multiple sources and the ability to synthesize their ideas into a cohesive argument or narrative. It is in the conclusion that we bring together all the threads of our analysis and present a final statement that encapsulates the main points discussed.

Effective writing

in a synthesis essay involves crafting a strong thesis statement that acknowledges alternative points of view while demonstrating an understanding of the complexity of the topic. This thesis statement sets the tone for the entire essay and guides the reader through the writer’s analysis.

Organizing ideas effectively is another vital aspect of synthesis writing. Whether using a point-by-point, source-by-source, or blended approach, the goal is to present a well-structured essay that showcases the writer’s ability to connect different sources and their perspectives.

In conclusion , writing a synthesis paper allows us to delve into multiple perspectives and gain a deeper understanding of complex topics. By employing the right strategies and examples, anyone can master the art of synthesis writing and effectively convey their ideas to readers. The journey of writing a synthesis paper may be challenging, but it is a rewarding process that enables us to engage with diverse viewpoints and contribute to the academic discourse.

What is a synthesis paper?

A synthesis paper is a written discussion that incorporates support from multiple sources to examine a variety of viewpoints related to a thesis.

What types of assignments require synthesis?

Synthesis is used in various types of assignments such as analysis papers, research papers, argument papers, and business reports.

What are the tips for writing an effective synthesis essay?

Tips for writing an effective synthesis essay include establishing a clear purpose, selecting and evaluating sources, developing an organizational plan, and documenting sources to avoid plagiarism.

What are the strategies for organizing a synthesis paper?

How should i analyze the position of each source.

Use different verbs to analyze the position of each source depending on its argumentative, research-focused, or emphasis-driven nature.

What tense should I use in a synthesis paper?

The tense to use in a synthesis paper depends on the citation style, with MLA using present tense and APA using past tense.

What is the purpose of a synthesis essay?

A synthesis essay brings multiple sources into conversation with each other, requiring the writer to identify the connections between ideas and points of view.

What are the pre-writing techniques for a synthesis essay?

Pre-writing techniques for a synthesis essay include identifying the debate or issue, determining points of agreement and disagreement among writers, and imagining a verbal discussion between writers.

How can I organize my thoughts for a synthesis essay?

Creating a grid of common points can help organize thoughts and identify categories for analysis.

What are the different ways to organize a synthesis essay?

Organizing a synthesis essay can be done in three ways: point by point, source by source, or blended.

How should I craft a thesis statement for a synthesis essay?

A synthesis essay thesis statement should be qualified to acknowledge alternative points of view and show an understanding of complexity.

What should be included in the introduction of a synthesis essay?

The introductory paragraph of a synthesis essay should state a strong position on the topic, briefly summarize the writer’s main points, and introduce the sources being analyzed.

What is the importance of analysis in a synthesis essay?

Synthesis essays require a careful analysis of multiple sources and the ability to synthesize their ideas into a coherent argument or narrative.

How should I conclude a synthesis essay?

The conclusion of a synthesis essay should summarize the main points discussed and emphasize the significance of the analysis.

What are the key elements of successful synthesis writing?

Crafting a strong thesis statement, organizing ideas effectively, and including sufficient evidence and analysis are key elements of successful synthesis writing.

How can writing a synthesis paper enhance understanding?

By understanding the process of synthesizing multiple sources, writers can create compelling and well-structured synthesis papers.

Why should I write a synthesis paper?

Writing a synthesis paper allows writers to engage with multiple perspectives and develop a deeper understanding of complex topics.

How can I master the art of writing a synthesis paper?

With the right strategies and examples, anyone can master the art of writing a synthesis paper and effectively convey their ideas to readers.

Source Links

• 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://www.lsu.edu/hss/english/files/university_writing_files/item35404.pdf

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Synthesis Essay

Writing a Perfect Synthesis Essay: Definition & Examples

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Published on: Mar 1, 2023

Last updated on: Jan 31, 2024

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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.

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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 analytical essays , argumentative essays , 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.

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;

• 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?

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. 

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• 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. Outlining can help you structure and plan your synthesis paper. 

The standard outline of a synthesis essay is divided into three sections:

Need 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.

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.

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 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! 

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. You can also try our AI essay writer to generate plagiarism-free content and make the process easier. 

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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.

Caleb S. (Literature, Marketing)

Caleb S. has extensive experience in writing and holds a Masters from Oxford University. He takes great satisfaction in helping students exceed their academic goals. Caleb always puts the needs of his clients first and is dedicated to providing quality service.

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How to Write a Good Conclusion (With Examples) 

• Smodin Editorial Team
• Published: May 31, 2024

Students often spend a great deal of time crafting essay introductions while leaving the conclusion as an afterthought. While the introduction is one of the most vital aspects of an essay, a good conclusion can have just as much of an impact on its effectiveness. Knowing how to write a good conclusion is crucial, as it encapsulates your main points and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

A well-crafted conclusion should serve as the final pitch for your arguments. Your reader should walk away with a clear understanding of what they just read and how it applies to the core of your thesis. With the right approach, your conclusion can transform a good essay into a great one, making it both memorable and impactful.

This article will guide you through four simple steps of writing compelling conclusions. Each step is designed to help you reinforce your thesis and articulate your final thoughts in a way that will resonate with your teacher or professor. With a bit of practice, you can learn how to stick the landing and give every essay the finale it deserves.

What Is the Purpose of the Conclusion Paragraph?

Understanding the purpose of the conclusion paragraph is essential for effective essay writing. The conclusion paragraph should be more than just a summary of your essay. It should consolidate all your arguments and tie them back to your thesis.

Remember, all good writing inspires emotion. Whether to inspire, provoke, or engage is up to you, but the conclusion should always leave a lasting impression.

If in doubt, Smodin’s AI Chat tool can be handy for gauging the emotional impact of your conclusion.

By mastering the art of writing a powerful conclusion, you equip yourself with the tools to ensure your essays stand out. Whether it’s the first or last essay you’re writing for the class, it’s your chance to leave a definitive mark on your reader.

How to Write a Good Conclusion

This approach ensures your conclusion adds value and reinforces your arguments’ coherence. Here are three simple and effective practices to help you craft a solid conclusion.

Restating Your Thesis

Restating your thesis in the conclusion is a common practice in essay writing, and for good reason. It helps underscore how your understanding has deepened or shifted based on the evidence you provided.

Just understand that a restatement of your original thesis doesn’t mean a complete word-for-word repeat. You should rephrase your original thesis so that it elucidates the insights you touched on throughout the essay. Smodin’s AI Rewriter can help refine your restatement to ensure it is fresh and impactful.

Here are a few tips to effectively restate your thesis

• Show Complexity : If your essay added layers or nuances to the original statement, be sure to articulate that clearly.
• Integrate Key Findings : Incorporate the main findings of your essay to reinforce how they supported or refined your thesis.
• Keep It Fresh : Again, you want to avoid repeating the same things twice. Use different wording that reflects a nuanced perspective.

Finally, always ensure that the restated thesis connects seamlessly with the rest of your essay. Always try to showcase the coherence of your writing to provide the reader with a strong sense of closure.

Using AI tools like Smodin’s Outliner and Essay Writer can ensure your writing flows smoothly and is easy to follow.

Providing an Effective Synthesis

Providing an effective synthesis should enhance your original thesis. All good arguments should evolve and shift throughout the essay. Rather than simply summarizing these findings, you should integrate critical insights and evidence to demonstrate a deeper or more nuanced understanding.

Draw connections between the main points discussed and show how they collectively support your thesis. Also, reflect on the implications of these insights for the broader context of your subject. And once again, always use fresh and engaging language to maintain the reader’s interest.

The last thing you want is for your reader to view your essay as a collection of individual points. A good essay should read as a unified whole, with all the pieces tying together naturally. You affirm your argument’s significance when you tie all the pieces together in your conclusion.

Providing New Insights

Also, think of this step as your opportunity to propose future research directions based on your findings. What could a student or researcher study next? What unanswered questions remain? If you’re having trouble answering these questions, consider using Smodin’s research tools to expand your knowledge of the topic.

That isn’t to say you can leave open-ended or unanswered questions about your own thesis. On the contrary, your conclusion should firmly establish the validity of your argument. That said, any deep and insightful analysis naturally leads to further exploration. Draw attention to these potential areas of inquiry.

(Optional) Form a Personal Connection With the Reader

Forming a connection with the reader in the conclusion can personalize and strengthen the impact of your essay. This technique can be powerful if implemented correctly, making your writing more relatable, human, and memorable.

That said, slime academics discourage using “I” in formal essays. It’s always best to clarify your teacher’s or professor’s stance before submitting your final draft.

If it is allowed, consider sharing a brief personal reflection or anecdote that ties back to the main themes of your essay. A personal touch can go a long way toward humanizing your arguments and creating a connection with the reader.

Whatever you choose, remember that your conclusion should always complement the analytical findings of your essay. Never say anything that detracts from your thesis or the findings you presented.

Examples of Good Conclusions

Let’s explore some examples to illustrate what a well-crafted conclusion looks and sounds like. The following are two hypothetical thesis essays from the fields of science and literature.

• Thesis Topic: The Impact of Climate Change on Coral Reefs
• Introduction: “Coral reefs act as the guardians of the ocean’s biodiversity. These underwater ecosystems are among the most vibrant and essential on the entire planet. However, the escalating impact of climate change poses a severe threat to their health and survival. This essay aims to dissect specific environmental changes contributing to coral degradation while proposing measures for mitigation.”
• Conclusion: “This investigation into the impact of climate change on coral reefs has revealed a disturbing acceleration of coral bleaching events and a significant decline of reef biodiversity. The findings presented in this study establish a clear link between increased sea temperatures and coral reef mortality. Future research should focus on the resilience mechanisms of coral species that could influence conservation strategies. The fate of the coral reefs depends on humanity’s immediate and concentrated action to curb global emissions and preserve these vital ecosystems for future generations.”

Notice how the conclusion doesn’t simply restate the thesis. Instead, it highlights the definitive connection between climate change and coral health. It also reiterates the issue’s urgency and extends a call of action for ongoing intervention. The last sentence is direct, to the point, and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

If you’re struggling with your closing sentence (or any sentence, for that matter), Smodin’s Rewriter can create hundreds of different sentences in seconds. Then, choose the sentences and phrases that resonate the most and use them to craft a compelling conclusion.

• Thesis Topic: The Evolution of the American Dream in 20th-Century American Literature
• Introduction: “The American Dream was once defined by prosperity and success. However, throughout the 20th century, the representation of the American Dream in popular literature has undergone significant changes. Are these representations indicative of a far-reaching sentiment that lay dormant among the American public? Or were these works simply the result of disillusioned writers responding to the evolving challenges of the times?”
• Conclusion: “Works by F. Scott Fitzgerald, John Steinbeck, and Toni Morrison illustrate the American Dream’s evolution from unbridled optimism to a more critical examination of the American ethos. Throughout modernist and post-modernist literature, the American Dream is often at odds with core American values. These novels reflect broader societal shifts that continue to shape the national consciousness. Further research into contemporary literature could provide greater insight into the complexities of this concept.”

You will know exactly what this essay covers by reading the introduction and conclusion alone. It summarizes the evolution of the American Dream by examining the works of three unique authors. It then analyzes these works to demonstrate how they reflect broader societal shifts. The conclusion works as both a capstone and a bridge to set the stage for future inquiries.

Write Better Conclusions With Smodin

Always remember the human element behind the grading process when crafting your essay. Your teachers or professors are human and have likely spent countless hours reviewing essays on similar topics. The grading process can be long and exhaustive. Your conclusion should aim to make their task easier, not harder.

A well-crafted conclusion serves as the final piece to your argument. It should recap the critical insights discussed above while shedding new light on the topic. By including innovative elements and insightful observations, your conclusion will help your essay stand out from the crowd.

Make sure your essay ends on a high note to maximize your chances of getting a better grade now and in the future. Smodin’s comprehensive suite of AI tools can help you enhance every aspect of your essay writing. From initial research to structuring, these tools can streamline the process and improve the quality of your essays.

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Chemical synthesis of atactic poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (a-p3hb) by self-polycondensation: catalyst screening and characterization.

1. Introduction

2. materials and methods, 2.1. synthesis of racemic ethyl-3-hydroxybutyrate, 2.2. synthesis of atactic p3hb by self-polycondensation from racemic precursor and by ring-opening polymerization, 2.3. fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, 2.4. gel permeation chromatography, 2.5. uv–vis spectroscopy, 3. results and discussion, 3.1. synthesis of a-p3hb by self-polycondensation and rop, 3.2. screening tests with different catalysts, 3.3. optimizing the reaction parameters, 3.4. lca analysis of a-p3hb chemical synthesis, 4. conclusions, author contributions, institutional review board statement, data availability statement, acknowledgments, conflicts of interest.

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Share and Cite

Almustafa, W.; Schubert, D.W.; Grishchuk, S.; Sebastian, J.; Grun, G. Chemical Synthesis of Atactic Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (a-P3HB) by Self-Polycondensation: Catalyst Screening and Characterization. Polymers 2024 , 16 , 1655. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16121655

Almustafa W, Schubert DW, Grishchuk S, Sebastian J, Grun G. Chemical Synthesis of Atactic Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (a-P3HB) by Self-Polycondensation: Catalyst Screening and Characterization. Polymers . 2024; 16(12):1655. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16121655

Almustafa, Wael, Dirk W. Schubert, Sergiy Grishchuk, Jörg Sebastian, and Gregor Grun. 2024. "Chemical Synthesis of Atactic Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (a-P3HB) by Self-Polycondensation: Catalyst Screening and Characterization" Polymers 16, no. 12: 1655. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16121655

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