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.
In this guide, we'll show you steps for choosing the right topic and organizing your essay. Let's dive in and learn how to turn scattered facts into powerful essays that really stand out. If you're looking for assistance in writing a paper, you can consider the option to order essay from our expert writing service.
What Is a Synthesis Essay
Synthesis essay is an academic assignment where you take information from several sources and combine it to create a new, unified argument. Throughout the essay, you'll weave in evidence and insights from your sources to support your thesis, explaining how each source contributes to your overall argument.
Synthesis essays are commonly assigned in high school and undergraduate courses across various disciplines. They are a great way to develop critical thinking, research, and writing skills. They are particularly useful when a topic has multiple angles or ongoing debates, as they train you to analyze information objectively and form your own well-supported conclusions.
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How to Write a Synthesis Essay with Easy Steps
Writing a synthesis essay requires a methodical approach to blend information from different sources into a strong and persuasive argument. Here are steps to help you along the way.
1. Choose Your Topic:
- Make sure it's broad enough to allow for multiple perspectives but specific enough for focused research.
- Look for topics with ongoing debates or with room for your own interpretation.
2. Research and Gather Sources:
- Use credible sources like academic journals, books, and reputable news websites. Aim for a variety of perspectives to ensure a well-rounded analysis.
- Take notes while researching! Focus on key points, evidence, and the author's main arguments.
3. Develop Your Thesis Statement:
- This is the central argument of your essay, informed by your research.
- It should clearly state how the different sources will be used to create a unified perspective.
4. Structure Your Essay:
- Introduction: Briefly introduce the topic, highlight the various perspectives, and present your thesis statement.
- Topic Sentence: Briefly introduce the point you'll be making in this paragraph.
- Analysis & Evidence: Integrate information from your sources, explaining how they support your point. Use in-text citations and proper formatting.
- Commentary: Explain the significance of the source material and how it contributes to your overall argument.
- Conclusion: Summarize your main points and reiterate the importance of your thesis statement. You can also offer further implications or remaining questions on the topic.
5. Write and Revise:
- Draft your essay, ensuring smooth transitions between your ideas and source integration.
- Revise for clarity, proper citation format, and strong argument flow.
For a more detailed explanation on how to write a conclusion , check out our special guide.
Synthesis Essay Example
Here are a couple of synthesis essay examples that demonstrate how to apply the synthesis process in real life. See how they tackle a wide range of issues by drawing on diverse perspectives.
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Synthesis Essay Thesis Statement
A strong thesis statement for a synthesis essay is more nuanced than a simple opinion. It acknowledges the complexities of the topic and positions your essay as a bridge between existing perspectives. Here's how to craft an effective thesis:
- Avoid extremes: Statements like "Social media is destroying society" are too broad and lack specific arguments. Saying "Taxes are bad" ignores potential benefits or complexities.
- Acknowledge Nuance: Show you understand different viewpoints by using qualifiers like "often," "in some cases," or "to a certain extent."
- Bridge the Gap: Your thesis should connect various source viewpoints to create a new perspective.
Example transformation:
Original (weak): Video games are a waste of time.
Improved: While video games can be a source of leisure, their excessive use can negatively impact academic performance and social interaction. (This acknowledges the entertainment value while highlighting potential drawbacks.)
- Your thesis should be specific to your topic and the sources you'll use.
- It should be clear, concise, and directly address the prompt.
- It sets the stage for your argument by outlining the connections between your chosen sources.
Synthesis Essay Checklist
Writing a strong synthesis essay requires careful attention to detail. Use this checklist to ensure you've covered all the bases:
Synthesis Essay Format
A well-structured synthesis essay guides the reader through your analysis of multiple sources and effectively builds your argument. Here's a breakdown of the typical format:
- Double-space your essay unless otherwise instructed.
- Use a standard font (e.g., Times New Roman, Arial) and font size (e.g., 12 pt).
- Maintain consistent margins (e.g., 1 inch).
- Include page numbers in the top right corner (optional, but often recommended).
- Introduction (10-15% of word count):
- Body Paragraphs (60-70% of word count)
- Conclusion (10-15% of word count):
- The specific word count breakdown might vary based on your assignment instructions.
- Always follow the formatting guidelines provided by your instructor.
For a deeper understanding of a compare and contrast essay , including format and writing process, consult our dedicated article.
Explanatory vs. Argumentative Synthesis Essays
In synthesis writing, there are two main types: explanatory and argumentative. While both involve analyzing multiple sources, their ultimate goals differ. Here's a breakdown of the key distinctions between explanatory and argumentative synthesis essays:
And if you're keen on knowing how to write an informative essay , we've got you covered on that, too!
Synthesis Essay Topics
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.
There are myriads of essay topics , so how do you choose the right one? Don’t waste your time, here we offer some great ideas:
- What role does effective communication play in resolving international conflicts?
- Are video games a legitimate form of art?
- Does standardized testing hinder critical thinking skills?
- Is cultural appropriation a valid concern or does it stifle artistic exchange?
- Should economic growth outweigh environmental sustainability and social welfare?
- Is the traditional family structure the best model for child-raising?
- Should social media platforms curb misinformation?
- Is artificial intelligence a boon for scientific discovery, or does it pose ethical challenges?
- Is globalization more about economic prosperity or cultural homogenization?
- Should controversial historical monuments be preserved?
- Can renewable energy alone combat climate change, or are more drastic measures necessary?
- Should artistic expression face censorship or enjoy complete freedom?
- How can national security and individual privacy be balanced in the digital age?
- Does the cost of higher education hinder social mobility?
- Does automation threaten jobs or create new opportunities?
If you’re interested in persuasive essays topics , this guide's got your back.
Concluding Thoughts
Writing a synthesis essay is a great way to learn about a topic. It lets you explore different viewpoints and see how they fit together. This guide gives you the steps to follow for a strong essay. Remember, the goal is to use what you learn from your sources to create your own unique understanding. So next time you have a complex topic, give a synthesis essay a try! You might be surprised by what you learn.
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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
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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