Synthesis Essay 

A Synthesis essay is a discussion and combination of different ideas, written from various sources two or even more into one paper. The sources like speeches, articles, lectures, interviews, and even observation. The essay shows the research skill of a student because it requires extensive research. The article also includes examining and reviewing great ideas and giving the essentials of the main theme.

The Two Categories of Synthesis Essay

  • Explanatory 
  • It gives the audience elaborate information concerning a particular subject for an in-depth understanding.

  • Argument
  • It brings out an argument concerning a particular subject backed-up with reliable evidence.

Choosing a Topic

Picking a debatable topic source like a book with different points of view is a safe place to start. Selecting already debated topics is a bad idea. New and recent problems are more desirable.

  • First step. Look through for ideas and subjects and see if one of them pique your interest.
  • Second step. Select a topic and collect suitable sources to be part of your essay.
  • Third step. Use the ideas collected from the suitable sources on your outline, it makes the writing easier.

The Structure

Make sure every context appears in its rightful section, supporting the argument of the essay paper. Extra info makes the writing irrelevant. Check all sources carefully and make sure to analyze all the causes. The essay has three major sections.

  • Introduction and a Thesis
  • It is a summary of the whole paper, the relevance, and background, are also captured in this section. It also comprises the thesis, which is the core subject of the essay paper.

  • Body
  • Most articles have three paragraphs, and the first must bring out an argument that counters the thesis. It shows the writer’s ability to oppose the subject, which is a valuable skill in higher learning institutions. However, the opposition standpoint shouldn’t discredit the thesis.

  • Conclusion
  • It summarizes the whole paper restating the core points and addressing any questions that were left unanswered in the article.

Guidelines on how to Write a Synthesis Paper

The principal aspect is conducting an appropriate analysis of the subject at hand by comprehending the author’s argument and the purpose of the text. Here are some guidelines.

  • Address your audience appropriately
  • Make use of accurate vocabulary
  • Do not use passive voice.
  • Make edits by proofreading to correct any possible mistakes.
  • Use the correct citations.
  • Make sure the transitions in sentences and paragraphs are smooth.

Writing Methods

  • Summarizing: The method aids in organizing and sorting the sources in their order of relevance, it however excludes individual points of view.
  • Multiple Reasons: Normally, it uses two reasons and the method is very efficient.
  • Strawman: The method presents a debate that counters your thesis but not strongly. It shows the two sides of the argument.
  • Concession: It presents the counterargument presenting the positives much stronger opposed to the negatives. 
  • Comparison and Contrasting: It allows the writer to analyze two sources at the same time and in-depth.

Formats Used in the Synthesis Essay

  • MLA format
  • APA format
  • Chicago format

Rubric in the Synthesis Essay

  • High range(eight to nine points)
  • The middle range(five to seven points)
  • Low range (one to four points)

Conclusion

Writing a synthesis essay is exciting but very engaging. It involves more than one source. It showcases the researching ability of a student. It is an added advantage when a student can structure it correctly.

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