When asked to compose an excellent synthesis essay, you may need to learn how to proceed with your collected information. This writing guide will show you how to choose a topic for a synthesis essay and teach you how to write a synthesis essay correctly by focusing on all the essential elements. The key is collecting and integrating information into one complete assignment that provides a synthesis. Read on to find out how to get it done!
What is a synthesis essay? Definition
If the word “synthesis” frightens you, do not let it bring you down because this fascinating work is more interesting than it seems! In basic terms, a synthesis essay is where you must collect information from all the possible sources before turning it into an integral piece. It must be united with the same reasoning as you explore all currently available related to your chosen subject. To write a synthesis essay faster, you may explore topics based on Literature or Healthcare or talk about the problem of bullying in college. As a student planning to start a synthesis essay, you may use academic articles, journals, newspapers, books, scientific magazines, or blogs! Depending on your subject and the availability of first-hand sources, you can approach lecture notes, personal observations, or conduct interviews with specialists in a related field.
The challenging part of writing a synthesis essay is learning to conduct extensive research and sort all your sources. It means you must develop a common concept and combine all your findings to make it flow logically for your target audience. To provide a clear synthesis, you must do so without a particular bias by simply collecting information. In a certain sense, it is a summary of the common points based on sources that you have checked. At the same time, once you start with the sorting part, it is necessary to set the purpose and offer reasonable judgments to help convince your readers.
Types of synthesis essays
Before you continue with a synthesis essay, you must check your grading rubric twice and consider what type of work you would like to perform. In other words, your synthesis essay outline must be classified to meet the writing and analytical standards. You have two choices to start with:
- Explanatory synthesis: this is where you must educate your readers on a given topic. You must divide your topic into several components and ensure your content is clear and easily understood. If you choose an explanatory tone to write a synthesis essay, you should focus on descriptions to help your audience visualize things. There is no need to offer opinions or argue about what you find, as you only have to provide the facts.
- Argumentative synthesis: you must offer your opinion based on an argumentative synthesis of available information. In writing a synthesis essay, all of your arguments must be supported with at least one piece of evidence. It can be compared to school debates where you provide opinions from both sides of the camp. Once ready to write a synthesis essay, you must offer your take on things and explain why it matters based on your findings and aspects that can be argued with.
How to choose a suitable synthesis essay topic?
Choosing a topic for a synthesis essay is not always possible, yet if you have a chance to do so, continue with something that you know really well. It will help you narrow things down and know where to seek information. Your main purpose is not simply to learn how to compose an excellent synthesis essay but to test your ability to research and combine or synthesize information from different sources. Therefore, when choosing a topic for your synthesis essay thesis, you must brainstorm various ideas to set your limitations and adjust your title accordingly to avoid a scope you can’t handle. Some of the popular topics that students often choose include but are not limited to:
- Global warming synthesis essay.
- The effect of video games among teenagers.
- A synthesis essay on the impact of AI-based technologies on education.
- The challenges of student loans in the United States.
- The changes in the history of fashion in the 1970s.
Tip: Basically, what you have to do when choosing a topic is to research it. If you are feeling confused and cannot write a synthesis essay, learning how to write a research essay on any topic is easier than you think!
Take your time to play with the wording as you choose a synthesis essay topic, and do not forget to determine what tone you plan to use. Remember that not every subject you may wish to explore will have sufficient information to mention. Make sure to choose only reliable sources and always provide due credit to the original author to avoid plagiarism issues.
Step-by-step synthesis essay writing guide
Composing an excellent synthesis essay is about knowing how to prepare for writing and correctly sorting all the discovered information. Always start with the writing standards and follow these steps to write a synthesis essay:
Step 1: Sources and claims.
Your collection of data sources is basically a set of arguments you make. You have to support them with sources. Do not go the other way around! Following the correct synthesis essay format, you must state your ideas first and only then provide some evidence with a basic explanation and examples.
Step 2: Dialogue between the ideas.
You must create a dialogue that will connect your ideas with the sources. You must create a presentation where your vital points help create the flow. You must also try to connect the sources by comparing your content. Since every source will have a specific context related to a single idea, you must consider the similarities and help your reader take a stand as you write a synthesis essay.
Step 3: Knowing your audience.
Take your time to determine what your audience knows because it will help to evaluate what to provide and what to avoid. To write a synthesis paragraph well, you must narrow things down while always remaining convincing. The main purpose of a synthesis essay is to educate your readers. If you want to make it correct, use persuasive and clear language.
Step 4: Paper outline and organization.
This is where you must create a special plan for the body paragraphs. Each idea and each point or source must have a separate paragraph. When you start a body section, continue with the topic sentence and let your reader know what source has been used and what aspect is being explored. It should be linked to a thesis statement in the introduction as you write a synthesis essay.
Step 5: Provide background information in the introduction.
Think about a small background portion explaining your subject and its importance. Try your best to attract the readers and explain your methodology by which you have checked specific sources. Remember to use good transitions to your thesis as you brainstorm your synthesis essay structure and see how your thesis can be adjusted later.
Step 6: Keep your language and tone the same throughout.
The choice of words is essential as you talk to your readers. Do not keep it overly complex, as it will only make things difficult to understand. Use simple English to write a synthesis essay and bridge constructions between each paragraph.
Step 7: The use of descriptive words.
The use of good descriptions and examples is crucial! Make sure to connect your paper title to your thesis statement. You may put a question in your title or make an assumption.
Once you are done writing, edit and proofread your work before you submit it! As you read through your synthesis essay and learn how to write a synthesis paper without mistakes, think about the right use of words and check for grammar mistakes, spelling, and structure. As you proofread things aloud, focus on your tone!
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Useful format tips to make your essay stand out
First of all, when you provide a synthesis, you should have at least three different sources that will start with an introduction and your analysis. It will result in three separate paragraphs. Counting the introduction with a thesis and a conclusion will result in a five-paragraph essay. Other than that, there are no strict formatting rules unless specified in your grading rubric.
As a way to make things easier, follow these helpful formatting synthesis essay tips:
- Working with an already given prompt. The chances are high that you are a student who has been given a prompt. It means you must brainstorm your subject and formulate ideas before writing. Take notes and set clear objectives before writing a synthesis essay.
- Create a strong thesis. It means you should focus on the main idea when exploring the topic. Later, you can change your thesis based on the sources and synthesis essay introduction style.
- Choosing reliable sources. Narrow things down once you know what you need for your synthesis essay. It will help you choose safe sources your reader can check and access. You must double-check the facts and use only verified resources. Keep things credible and support every claim! Make sure to use various types of sources to write a synthesis essay, and do not use the same data by approaching different sources. The key is to bring in some variety!
- Analyze your sources. Once you sort all of your findings, take your time to read through the sources and retake short notes. To write a good synthesis essay, evaluate what looks different, what supports your thesis statement, and what goes against your beliefs. It will help you to justify where and how to use it. You may also find already-made citations in various formats as you check your sources.
Tip: Always provide sources and due credit to the original author. It will help you to avoid plagiarism risks! Additionally, you can use our free plagiarism checker to guarantee that your synthesis essay is unique!
Helpful synthesis essay examples
Coming up with a good synthesis essay may not always be easy, especially when you do not have an example. While these may not cover your particular subject, you only have to learn how it is being done. Here are some good sources where you can check how to write a synthesis essay in practice and compare it to your existing template and instructions:
- Sample Synthesis / Analysis Essay by Houston Community College System.
- Synthesis Essay Examples by EduBirdie (Our trustworthy partner’s examples).
- Writing a Synthesis Essay by Bowling Green State University.
- Short Story Synthesis Essay Samples by School District 43 (Canada).
Each synthesis essay example will help to provide you with inspirational ideas and show how to format each idea and source. If you are unsure about something or cannot conclude your assignment, feel free to ask our trained experts. We are always ready to help you with any essay type 24/7!
