The Ultimate Guide To Writing A Synthesis Essay

The writing process for writing a good synthesis essay requires curiosity, research, and original thought to argue a certain point or explore an idea. Synthesis essay writing involves a lot of intellectual work, but knowing how to craft a compelling written discussion can give you an edge in many fields, from the social sciences to engineering.

What is Synthesis Essay?

The term synthesis essay refers to a written discussion of ideas. It involves gathering information from multiple sources and synthesizing it to corroborate it with a thesis or question. The thesis is the central assertion of your paper. You can develop a thesis by identifying the essay's purpose, but more on later. For now, let's cover the key concepts. 

Types of a Synthesis Essay

A synthesis essay can be divided into two types:

Expository Synthesis Essay

In an informational/explanatory synthesis essay, the writer comprehensively explains a concept or idea and leaves several questions behind. For example, medical reviews fall into this category because different studies are aggregated to draw conclusions that can help answer many of the reader's questions.

Argumentative Synthesis Writing

In an argumentative synthesis essay, a thesis statement is supported by evidence from various sources. For example, let's say your topic is: Do video games promote violence among teenagers? Once you know the topic, start researching it and gathering supporting and disproving evidence.

Synthesis essay structure

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

Introduction

The basic idea of your essay is expressed in the introductory paragraph. Then, you'll address the general landscape of ideas surrounding your topic, introducing some of your sources. You'll also introduce your argument through a thesis statement, which summarizes your primary argument in one or two sentences. Usually, your thesis statement appears at the end of your introductory paragraph.

Body

In synthesis essays, the body is usually composed of three paragraphs. It usually consists of two paragraphs that synthesize your sources to support your argument and one that acknowledges the opposing arguments.

Conclusion

The conclusion of your synthesis essay reiterates the argument that you have made throughout your essay. This can emphasize how each point you make and the sources you cite support your point.

How to Write a Synthesis Essay? 

An effective synthesis essay follows these steps. 

1. Create an Outline 

Expand your argument or thesis statement by creating an outline for a synthesis essay. It is a logical structure of your gathered information and concepts. Your outline should indicate your main argument and several sub-arguments drawn from the evidence to support your thesis.

2. Focus on Creating a Catchy Introduction

An introduction should provide the following:

• A clear explanation of the topic's essence.
• The basis of the argument.
• The purpose of your essay.

The introduction is essentially a reflection of your thesis statement. So the more eloquent your description, the more likely you will impress readers with engaging content.

3. Organize Your Thoughts

Use body paragraphs to organize your thoughts into a logical flow that clearly explains each perspective for your position. For example, your essay should be divided into short paragraphs, each highlighting a different point of view.

Make sure you provide enough supporting evidence to present your views convincingly. Categorizing or grouping concepts after reading your sources is a good idea. Then present them as a unique theme or feature.

4. Highlight Important Concepts

Generally, synthesis essays are more descriptive and informative. Therefore, the facts and ideas presented should explain the relationship between the various sources and how they address the topic.

Look for similarities and differences in how different sources interpret, analyze, and examine your situation from different angles.

Point out both sides of your chosen paradigm, similar to an argumentative essay—the favorable position and opposing arguments before concluding.

5. Include Impactful Conclusive Comments

Your concluding paragraph should be a great culmination of your position for synthesis. Include a summarized version of all the sub-arguments from your thesis statement and connect these in your closing words.

6. Proofread and Edit

Finally, proofreading is the most important step in writing any essay.

It allows you to improve your paper by eliminating grammar and spelling errors. Unfortunately, your first draft will contain many irrelevant details and errors that need to be edited out at this stage.

Tips for writing a synthesis essay

Here are some tips that you can use while writing a synthesis essay:

Draft-freely: Once you have written the essay, free-draft instead of critiquing it. This can help you write down your thoughts and allow you to go back and revise your essay after the first draft.

Read Thoroughly: The main component of a synthesis essay is to interpret the texts and draw a new conclusion from what you read. A thorough reading, which includes taking notes and researching words or concepts you may not know, can help you write more clearly on the topic.

Print it out: Printing out your essay can help you review the drafting one more time before submitting it. You can compare it to a template or example or check to ensure the formatting is consistent.

Read it aloud: Reading the essay out loud can help you hear parts of the essay that may be unclear or need editing. Consider doing this to spot any last-minute grammar or syntax mistakes.

Conclusion

A synthesis essay thoroughly examines multiple sources compiled into a single document. The author emphasises his claim and draws evidence from various sources to support it.

Learning how to write this type of paper prepares you for our current situation, in which many opinions on every conceivable topic are expressed at the same time. It teaches you how to sift through the available resources and then form your logical conclusion based on what everyone has said.

The writing process can be a difficult one. If you're struggling with writing your synthesis essay, we can help!

We provide professional 'write my essay' help you can rely on for any academic paper. Contact us for assistance from experienced writers.