What is a Synthesis Essay and How to Write It? Top 10 Tips

Key Factors:

Here are the top tips for writing a synthesis essay that we have discussed in the article:

1. Read the guidelines carefully

2. Choose credible and related sources

3. Read the sources thoroughly

4. Organise the notes strategically

5. Categorise them by ideas

6. Decide where you stand on the argument

7. Outline your ideas

8. Build a thesis statement that engages the readers

9. Mind your tone (we mean, keep it balanced)

10. Defend your argument persuasively

We have discussed these pieces of advice below; you are welcome to read them for complete understanding.

A type of essay that involves assembling the information from multiple sources to develop a new idea, argumentative thesis or research question. To write a synthesis essay, students analyse data, evidence, and ideas from several sources to claim or argue a new idea.

Writing an essay demands command of specific skills, brainstorming, critical thinking, and excellent writing skills. This essay is part of high school and college syllabuses and has a five-paragraph structure.

In this article, we will address different areas of synthesis essays: what they are, how to write them, and expert tips for improving them. If you do not have an idea of the basic rules of writing a synthesis essay, learning them will not do the job for you; you need to practice them in order to get them right.

Don’t let the pressure of deadlines get to you. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember that you can always turn to essay writing services UK for assistance. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to write an excellent academic paper.

What Is a Synthesis Essay?

As described by Bowling Green State University, “A synthesis essay is an analysis of multiple sources of different perspectives of the idea.” Students study several sources and find out their connection to your ideas.

Before we jump on to the procedure and tips for writing your academic paper, let’s discuss the types of synthesis essays:

1. Argumentative

An argumentative synthesis essay requires writers to evaluate a specific topic, gather and assess the evidence, evaluate counter-arguments and prove the thesis. It requires thoroughly researched and accurate information as evidence.

2. Expository

An Expository essay is an objective essay that provides information by exposing multiple angles of a particular topic. It explores different perspectives on a topic and is often written in the third person.

3. Literature review

Literature reviews are also counted towards synthesis essays as writers read multiple books and compare their themes. This can be called a speculative essay as it assesses ideas and suggests alternatives.

Top 10 Tips to Write a Synthesis Essay

Unlike college and high school students, it is written for the AP Language Exam and is often called an AP Lang synthesis essay. As we have discussed what this paper is and its types, it’s time to learn some tips that can be helpful in writing this write-up paper.

1. Read the Requirements Multiple Times

It seems quite a basic thing to be a top tip, but it is very important. Read the requirements of the institute carefully and highlight the major concepts and guidelines so you can understand them better and consult them when required.

Requirements like word count, plagiarism policy, and essay structure must be taken special care of. Even when you start writing, consult the guidelines frequently.

2. Select the Sources Carefully

Choosing suitable sources for the investigation is as important as choosing your thesis statement. If you got it wrong, your essay would be automatically pathetic. So, make sure to select the sources wisely.

Some teachers are kind enough to provide the sources for the paper, while others believe in freedom and let you choose the references.

A synthesis essay aims to find a topic idea, choose 2 to 3 sources (with different perspectives), discuss that idea and drive findings. So, to drive a conclusion, the sources must have enough precise information about their ideas.

3. Read the Sources Repeatedly

Reading the source documents several times can help you understand the argument discussed in the paper. For the first time, skim through the chapter or article to understand the main argument (whether it opposes or supports your topic).

Now that you have categorised the source in your mind, read it a second time, and highlight the main findings, ideas, and arguments. Take in-depth and detailed notes while you reread it for the third time. Make sure to repeat this process on all the sources.

4. Organise Your Notes on Each Source

You must organise your notes properly to cross-reference the sources while writing your synthesis essay. This will ensure that you can access them easily when required and that they do not mix up.

Whether you are noting them down by hand or managing online, write the author’s name and year at the top of the page so that you can find them easily. While taking notes, write the concept in the one-sided column and explain it on the opposite side.

5. Restructure Your Notes by Concept

Once you have organised your essential ideas and statements from the authors, you need to reorganise these notes according to the concept. Separate the concepts and statements opposing the argument from the ones supporting it. Writing them down separately will give you clarity of mind, and you will know where to consult supporting sources and where to find the opposing ones.

This is the most important step, as if you get it wrong, you might get stuck between the notes and not be able to complete your synthesis essay. So, if managing the mess is not your natural strength, we suggest you get essay writing help online and hand over your worries to an expert. They know how to handle mess and pressure.

6. Decide Your Position

Once you have read the sources carefully, it’s time to decide your stand on the subject. After you decide on your position, debating opposing ideas is also necessary. It will show your respect for other literary works and enhance your credibility as a writer and researcher. It is crucial to stand firm on your stand of the argument; do not waver from your stand at all. Highlight the statements made by the writers; they will strengthen your argument.

7. Outline Your Point

The concepts and statements you gathered now have to play a role in structuring the outline. Organising and planning the essay is essential in writing a perfect essay. You need to structure your idea systematically and methodologically.

To outline your argument, start with an engaging introduction, then go on to the body paragraph arguing three different concepts, write your concepts as sub-points under each section, provide supporting evidence from credible sources, and conclude with a strong statement. Remember that you can only discuss one argument in a paragraph; do not mix the arguments between paragraphs.

8. Develop a Strong Thesis Statement

Create a strong thesis statement in order to start writing your synthesis essay. The thesis statement must have a clear stand and justify the discussion. It must answer all the how and why questions about the topic. It should clearly state what your essay will be about and show your findings on the subject.

A strong argument statement can make or break your paper. So, you have to be very careful while writing the statement. The reader will decide on the basis of your introduction and statement whether he will continue reading your paper or give up.

9. Balanced Tone

Try to balance an unbiased tone while writing your paper. It doesn’t matter if you are giving your personal opinion or stating a fact or statement; keep your tone impartial. This will build your reader’s trust that you have researched and considered the idea or topic from every angle before reaching conclusions. You are not just giving a biased opinion.

10. Be Persuasive While Defending Your Argument

Finally, on to the most important and last step, writing your synthesis essay. You need to stick to the thesis statement and the outline while writing; they will help you avoid writer’s block and do the task smoothly. While you start writing the paper, make sure that you are not just summarising the sources and their statements.

You can just use these sources to support and strengthen your argument; summarising them will not improve the quality of your writing. Just like you have an argument with somebody in real life, you defend your statements with full responsibility and give evidence and statements in support of your arguments. Defend your thesis statement just like that. Use persuasive language to convince the reader of your argument.

Synthesis Essay Example

Loyola University Chicago provides this example on the topic of “We’ve Got Everything to Lose in Our Smartphone Use” Reading this academic essay will give you an understanding of the writing style, structure, and formatting of a good essay.

Synthesis Essay Topics

These are the easy essay topics that can help you not only write a great paper but also have various sources of information available against them.

1. Growth of cryptocurrency and money management systems.

2. Aggregate wellness vs Conventional medicine.

3. Ban on Plastic and its alternatives for sustainability

4. Conservative lifestyle combating materialism.

5. Role of comedy in relieving stress

6. Effect of isolation on creativity

What Are the 5 Steps to Writing a Synthesis Essay?

Writing a winning essay is a daunting task that requires a lot of effort and focus. Here are the steps to writing a comprehensive essay.

1. Choose your topic

2. Do thorough research

3. Take notes of the concepts

4. Start writing the academic essay

5. Proofread your work for errors

In these simple steps, you can complete a high-quality write-up

Conclusion

To wrap up the discussion, a Synthesis essay is a diversified type of writing that has two to three different types. Writing each type of essay has separate requirements and rules. If you want to learn how to write a better academic essay, you need to give it proper time and attention.

In this article, we have provided you with some expert tips that can help you learn the art of writing winning essays. We have also provided you with an example by a reputed institute that can help you understand the concepts better. Our suggestions for easy essay topics will ease your topic selection. If you are not ready to demonstrate your writing skills yet or have any doubts, do not try to mess with your synthesis essay. Instead, buy essay online from a professional essay writer to avoid any risk involved.