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What Is A Synthesis Essay

A synthesis essay combines multiple sources on a topic and develops an argument based on those sources. There are two main types: explanatory, which explains a topic using sources without arguing a position, and argumentative, which takes a stance and uses evidence from sources to support it. Good synthesis topics are debatable with evidence available from different perspectives. The structure includes an introduction with a thesis, body paragraphs presenting and analyzing evidence from sources for and against the thesis, and a conclusion that restates the main argument.

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Novelyn Hiso-an
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93 views

What Is A Synthesis Essay

A synthesis essay combines multiple sources on a topic and develops an argument based on those sources. There are two main types: explanatory, which explains a topic using sources without arguing a position, and argumentative, which takes a stance and uses evidence from sources to support it. Good synthesis topics are debatable with evidence available from different perspectives. The structure includes an introduction with a thesis, body paragraphs presenting and analyzing evidence from sources for and against the thesis, and a conclusion that restates the main argument.

Uploaded by

Novelyn Hiso-an
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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What Is a Synthesis Essay

Writing a synthesis paper is just like creating any other form of thesis. According to the
synthesis essay definition, it is a written discussion of ideas. They tend to draw on two
or more sources from academic papers, fiction sources, speeches, interviews, articles,
lectures, or observations.

Two Types of Synthesis

1. Explanatory Synthesis Essay

This type helps readers get a better understanding of a topic. Instead of arguing a point,
the goal here is to explain a particular topic.

In the body, explain the topic using sources and present these sources objectively. Like
in any regular writing assignment, back up each supporting claim with two or more
credible sources.

2. Argument Synthesis Essay

The goal of this type of paper is to argue a specific topic and justify it with evidence.
Unlike the explanatory type, here you will do the same thing you would do if working on
a regular argumentative paper. State your position, make supporting claims, and then
provide credible evidence to back up each claim.

How to Choose a Topic

A synthesis paper prompt must be debatable. Depending on your assignment, you may
have to choose a primary text. Choose a book that might have opposing viewpoints.
Step 1: Browse through topics and ideas. Read from sources and check selected topics
in-depth to see if any of them take your interest.

Step 2: Choose a topic, then gather relevant and useful sources to include in your
synthesis paper.

Step 3: Apply ideas from the sources onto your synthesis essay outline. Doing so
should make writing far easier and save you time.

It is important for good synthesis essay topics to be debatable as if they have been in
public conversations for decades. This makes them emotionally-charged for all sides
involved, and this will likely mean that a lot of evidence for them will be widely available.

Examples include:

 Income inequality
 Progressive taxation policy
 Immigration policy
 Drug legalization
 Gun control

Bad topics would be ones in which the debate has long been over, and the scientific
community has provided an objective answer for them. Also, bad topics may include
those that have a yes or no answer. For instance:

 The Flat-Earth theory


 The safety and effectiveness of vaccines
 Racial supremacy
 Does gravity exist?
 Should we trust doctors?
Synthesis Essay Structure

Creating an outline will be useful for structuring your synthesis paper and planning your
work. Paste supporting evidence, sub-arguments, and specific points in the appropriate
sections. Make sure that every aspect proves the claim of your thesis. Any extra
information will only make your paper worse.

If the information goes against your central claim, then you should acknowledge it, as it
will make your paper stronger. Make sure you check all of the sources you’ve picked
carefully. When writing about the causes, do not summarize them – analyze them. Read
further for a sample synthesis essay outline.

The basic synthesis essay outline template contains three major parts:

1. Introduction with a thesis statement


2. Body, which contains arguments and counterarguments to the thesis
3. Conclusion

Introduction

An outline for a synthesis essay starts with an introduction, which is a brief description
of what the paper will be about. It will consist of a hook, the background and relevance
of your topic, and the thesis statement. How to write a synthesis statement is explained
below.

Thesis

Synthesis writing always includes a thesis, which is the central argument of the entire
paper. Your thesis should be the core argument of separately sourced theses.
Body

The first paragraph must present a counterargument to your thesis. This demonstrates
your ability to think from an opposing point of view — which can be greatly valued in
higher educational facilities. Be sure to note that the counterargument isn’t strong
enough to discredit your thesis.

Your next paragraphs should now present arguments in favor of the thesis. Remember
to structure all paragraphs in the body using the following synthesis format:

 Supporting Argument
 Topic Sentence
 Evidence
 Analysis of Evidence

Conclusion

A conclusion should be a summary of the overall paper. Then, conclude the paper with
a final sentence. In other words, restate the main points and address any unanswered
questions.

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