How to write a synthesis essay simple guide

How to write a synthesis essay simple guide

Achieving success in your academic career often involves submitting top-quality essays. Writing a synthesis essay is a particularly engaging task that you’ll encounter on your academic journey. This guide is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how to craft a synthesis essay that will leave a lasting impression on your professor.

Understanding the Basics

If you’re wondering where to begin with your synthesis essay, this blog post will walk you through the process of creating a thesis statement and a compelling introduction. It’s common to feel disoriented when faced with the task of writing a synthesis essay, so gaining a solid grasp of its intricacies is crucial. Before you select a synthesis essay topic, it’s essential to fully comprehend what a synthesis essay entails.

What Is a Synthesis Essay?

A synthesis essay derives its name from the word “synthesize,” which means to combine or assemble. Essentially, a synthesis essay involves the art of connecting your own ideas, concepts, and research from diverse sources to construct a well-founded argument. The primary challenge for students tackling a synthesis essay is explaining how their perspectives align with the sources they’ve researched.

Synthesis essays can assume various forms depending on the writer’s objectives and the assigned topic.

Types of Synthesis Essays

1. Explanatory Synthesis Essay

– This essay type aims to provide a clear understanding of the topic without advocating a particular viewpoint.
– Support your explanations with information from two or more reputable scholars.

2. Argument Synthesis Essay

– When writing this essay, your task is to bolster the given topic with relevant evidence.
– Begin by stating your own perspective, develop supporting arguments, and substantiate them with credible evidence, similar to an argumentative paper.

3. Background Synthesis Essay

– Professors often assign this type of synthesis essay at the outset of a research project to assess your expertise on a specific subject.
– It entails extensive research from a variety of online sources.
– This type of synthesis essay typically involves exploring published articles, organizing the information related to your topic, and categorizing it based on common concepts.
– Unlike other essays, a background synthesis paper does not require a thesis statement; it focuses on evaluating your comprehension of the subject from multiple angles.
– Writing a background synthesis essay is an excellent technique for creating a compelling thesis introduction for argumentative papers and various research projects.

4. Literature Review

– Literature reviews are essential in numerous academic disciplines, requiring students to conduct thorough research and analyze published articles related to their topics.
– After identifying common themes, you must distinguish between thoroughly researched and under-researched points.
– While this essay type doesn’t necessitate a thesis statement, extensive research is crucial to present the main points effectively.
– The primary objective of a literature review is to justify the intended study.

5. AP Language Synthesis Essay

– Completing a synthesis essay is a requirement in APA Lang exams, aiming for a minimum score of 55%.
– To secure a high grade, it’s essential to understand how to craft an AP Lang synthesis essay.
– This guide outlines the steps to consider when writing your AP Lang synthesis essay.

a. Analyze the Prompt

– In this step, you must grasp the essential information within the prompt by briefly explaining your topic.
– This helps you clarify your viewpoints on the subject, whether you support or challenge the synthesis essay’s premise.

b. Carefully Review Your Sources

– After identifying the most critical points, you need to thoroughly review all the sources.
– This stage is essential for gaining a clear understanding of your topic, enabling you to address the prompt accurately.

c. Develop a Solid Thesis Statement

– Create a compelling thesis statement that ensures a logical flow throughout your essay.
– In this step, you decide how your arguments relate to the given topic.

d. Write a Concise Essay Outline

– Your thesis statement serves as the foundation for creating a basic essay outline for your synthesis essay.
– A well-structured essay outline helps you maintain coherence while writing your essay.

Selecting an Intriguing Synthesis Essay Topic

Before embarking on essay writing, it’s crucial to have a captivating topic. To achieve an A+ grade on your synthesis essay, choose a contentious topic. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Explore Various Topics and Theories Online

– Examine a range of topics and theories available online.
– Review published books to identify interesting topics.

Step 2: Select a Topic You Are Comfortable With

– Choose a topic that you feel confident in and then conduct thorough research from reliable sources to support your points.

Step 3: Develop Your Synthesis Essay Outline

– Combine your ideas and theories to create a coherent outline for your essay, saving you time during the writing process.

A compelling synthesis essay topic should encourage your audience to ask questions and present their own opinions. Opt for a debatable topic that allows you to present both opposing and supporting evidence, ensuring that you have sufficient detailed points for both aspects of your essay.

Examples of Engaging Topics:

– Income inequality
– Progressive taxation policy
– Immigration policy
– Drug legalization
– Gun control
– Drug abuse

Avoid topics that rely on outdated or scientifically disproven evidence. Also, steer clear of topics with simple yes-or-no answers, as they can be challenging to research due to a lack of substantial data. Here’s a list of topics to avoid:

– The Flat-Earth theory
– The safety and effectiveness of vaccines
– Racial supremacy
– Does gravity exist?
– Should we trust doctors?

Tips for Organizing Your Synthesis Essay

The structure of your synthesis essay depends on the specific type of essay you’re writing. For instance, early-stage research projects may require only a brief thesis statement. Regardless of the type of synthesis essay, a recommended format exists to help students craft impressive documents. Here’s a comprehensive guide:

Develop an Introduction

Ensure your synthesis paper begins with an attention-grabbing introduction that explains the topic and purpose of your writing. In the case of argumentative essay topics, understanding how to craft a thesis statement for a synthesis essay is essential to present specific positions effectively.

Arrange Your Body Paragraphs Using Themes

Each paragraph in your essay should focus on distinct themes within the body. To submit an exceptional essay, avoid presenting your essay source by source. Instead, group your facts according to the specific aspects of your research. Each paragraph should be supported by more than one source, and if you’ve used a thesis statement, it should be introduced in every section of the body.

Use Terminology to Express Your Research Effectively

A synthesis essay is characterized as informative, so it’s important to clearly illustrate how your research connects with the topic under discussion. By gathering accurate data from various articles, you should examine the similarities and differences between the theories being discussed. In argumentative synthesis essays, you’re expected to highlight ideas opposing the topic and refute your supporting statements.

Conclude Your Essay Effectively

Wrap up your synthesis essay by briefly summarizing the main theories presented in the document. Your conclusion should explain how each concept relates to the topic at hand. You can also include recommendations in this section by sharing your thoughts and suggesting sources for further research.

If you’re still uncertain about how to conclude your synthesis essay, rest assured that we possess the expertise to assist you in developing a compelling conclusion.

Writing a Synthesis Essay Outline

Before diving into the writing process,

it’s essential to create a synthesis essay outline. This outline serves as the backbone of your essay, ensuring a well-organized document that flows smoothly from introduction to conclusion. An outline helps you stay on track with your topic and prevents deviations. Failure to create an outline can lead to challenges in composing a successful synthesis essay. While drafting an outline may take some time, following these steps can simplify the process:

Understanding the Impact of HIV/AIDS in the Black and African American Community

Begin with a Brief Introduction

Your thesis statement should provide a concise explanation of your topic, using one to three key concepts.

Main Body

A well-structured body outline typically consists of three to four paragraphs, with each paragraph introducing a new concept in its opening sentence. Utilize credible sources to support your theories, ensuring accuracy in data presentation. If you quote exact words from a book or journal, use quotation marks and cite the source appropriately, adhering to your professor’s citation guidelines.

The Conclusion

The conclusion section should briefly illustrate how your synthesis outline connects to the primary topic. Avoid introducing new ideas and instead provide a concise recap of what was discussed in the introduction and body sections.

Structure of a Synthesis Essay

To excel in crafting a quality synthesis essay, it’s essential to meticulously evaluate your data before addressing the format. Proper formatting is key to leaving a positive impression on your professor. The basic recommended structure for a synthesis essay is a five-to-six paragraph format, with each paragraph introducing a new theory. In exceptional cases, particularly when researching a more intricate topic, the body may contain additional paragraphs. Ensure a logical flow exists between paragraphs and ideas to avoid a disjointed and poorly written document.

Writing an Engaging Synthesis Essay Introduction

The most challenging aspect of writing often involves translating your ideas into written words. Many students invest considerable time brainstorming ideas for crafting outstanding essays. When approaching your synthesis essay, the key is to consider what would captivate you as a reader. It’s crucial to take into account the specific requirements of a synthesis essay while brainstorming ideas for writing. Several techniques can be employed to commence your essay effectively:

1. Begin with Unique and Intriguing Facts and Ideas

– Start your essay with compelling facts and ideas that capture the reader’s attention, without immediately referencing sources.

2. Incorporate a Relevant Quote by a Prominent Author

– Use a quote from a renowned author that aligns with your topic as an impactful introduction to your essay.

The ultimate goal is to quickly engage your reader, as the overall success of your paper largely depends on the initial impression you make.

Writing a Synthesis Essay Conclusion

The conclusion is another section that many students find challenging to compose. For some reason, it’s often easier to write an introduction and main body than to conclude an essay. When crafting this section of your essay, the key is to reiterate your thesis statement and summarize the main points you’ve presented throughout your document. Conclude with a final sentence that leaves your readers with the impression that they’ve just read an exceptional article.

Tips for Crafting a High-Quality Synthesis Essay

Writing an excellent synthesis essay requires careful planning and adherence to key steps and techniques. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you create a well-structured and compelling paper that can earn you a top grade.

Conduct Thorough Research

When tackling a synthesis essay, start by conducting in-depth research on your given topic. To provide a relevant analysis, it’s crucial to understand the topic’s purpose, rhetoric, and the author’s arguments. Essentially, you should answer the question: “So what?” Then, focus on how this information can be applied and gather your ideas based on the collected data.

Follow These Steps for Effective Synthesis Essay Writing:

1. Select an Appropriate Topic

Choosing a topic you are already familiar with can make the writing process smoother. While tackling new subjects can be valuable, it’s often more efficient to work on a topic you understand well. This approach not only facilitates smoother essay completion but also enables you to delve deeper into the subject matter, improving your writing skills and increasing your chances of achieving a top grade.

2. Use Updated and Reliable Sources

Ensure you gather information from reputable sources such as academic journals, books, trustworthy websites, and scholarly articles. Avoid relying on unreliable sources like Facebook or blogs, especially when working on academic assignments.

3. Reference Your Work Properly

Accurate referencing is crucial to avoid poor grades. Familiarize yourself with the required citation style, whether it’s MLA, APA, or Harvard. Failure to follow the specified referencing style or omitting citations can result in lower grades. Seek help from experts or resources online if you’re unsure about the citation style.

4. Always Proofread Your Work

After completing your essay, dedicate time to proofreading. Correct grammar and spelling mistakes, and ensure that your paper maintains a logical flow. Many students submit their papers immediately after writing, leading to lower grades. By thoroughly reviewing your work, you can identify and rectify errors and ensure that your paper meets high-quality standards. Consider getting a fresh perspective by having a friend or family member review your essay.

5. Effective Writing Techniques

Employ various writing techniques to structure your synthesis essay effectively. These include:

– Summarizing: Provide an overview of key ideas from your sources, offering readers a snapshot of your topic.
– Examples: Paraphrase information from sources, conveying it in your own words. You can also quote your references by rephrasing the examples you use.
– Different Reasons: Present multiple arguments or reasons related to your topic, providing a well-rounded perspective.
– Strawman: Introduce an opposing argument, even if it’s weak, to offer a balanced view. Explain this opposing viewpoint’s introduction, description, and supporting factors.
– Concession: Highlight opposing viewpoints, emphasizing their advantages over disadvantages.
– Compare and Contrast: Examine two sources simultaneously, discussing both their similarities and differences, allowing for a comprehensive exploration of your chosen topic.

Synthesis Essay Format

The format of your synthesis paper should adhere to your instructor’s specified writing style, which typically includes MLA, APA, or Chicago styles. These styles vary depending on the subject matter.

A. MLA Format:

– Use Times New Roman 12 pt font.
– Maintain double-spaced text.
– Set 1-inch margins.
– Include your last name and page number in the top right corner of each page.
– Center titles.
– Create a header with your name, professor’s name, course number, and date (dd/mm/yy).
– Conclude your paper with a “Works Cited” page.

B. APA Format:

– Utilize Times New Roman 12 pt font.
– Maintain double-spaced text.
– Set 1-inch margins.
– Insert a page header with page numbers in the top right corner.
– Organize your essay into four sections: Title Page, Abstract, Main Body, and References.

C. Chicago Style:

– Use Times New Roman 12 pt font.
– Maintain double-spacing between lines.
– Set 1-inch margins.
– Start paragraphs with ½-inch indents.
– Employ left-justified text with a ragged right edge.
– Use full names for individuals or organizations.
– Allocate a separate page for references.

Rubric for Evaluation

Understand the rubric that your professor will use for grading your synthesis essay. This enables you to align your writing with the grading criteria, increasing your chances of achieving a higher score. Rubric categories often include:

– Top Range (8-9 points):
– Demonstrates a complete understanding of research material.
– Effectively supports arguments.
– Correctly analyzes sources, presenting an argument rather than solely summarizing research materials.
– Presents convincing concepts and points.
– Avoids assumptions, providing specific evidence for each point.
– Delivers a precise, well-formatted, and coherent paper.
– Contains minimal grammatical and spelling errors.
– Is an original work.

– Middle-Range (5-7 points):
– Provides sufficient support for points.
– Demonstrates a basic understanding of source material.
– Briefly analyzes sources, occasionally with assumptions.
– Offers sufficient but less-established points.
– Develops sources adequately and provides citations.
– Addresses the “So what?” question but may include general facts, overviews, and assumptions.
– Maintains concise and well-formatted content.
– Contains minor grammatical or syntax errors.

– Low-Range (1-4 points):
– Inadequately develops supporting points.
– Misinterprets and simplifies source material.
– Over-summarizes sources without fully presenting arguments.
– Exhibits weak control of the paper’s structure and organization.
– Contains numerous grammatical and spelling errors.
– May involve excessive copy-pasting.
– Fails to cite sources as required, omits the reference section, or includes fewer than the minimum required sources.

In Conclusion

Writing a synthesis essay can be challenging, but by following this comprehensive guide, you can simplify the process and increase your chances of producing a high-quality paper. Whether you’re struggling to select a captivating synthesis essay thesis or require assistance with completing your essay, consider seeking expert guidance to ensure your work meets the highest standards. We have a strong track record of providing quality synthesis essay writing services to students at various academic levels, so feel free to reach out for support. Ordering your synthesis paper from us today can significantly improve your grades and overall writing skills.