The process of writing a synthesis essay can be confusing and difficult since many people have hardly heard of it. It is common to feel confused about this type of essay as it is difficult to guess what the task may require. Any assignment requiring a synthesis essay is definitely a task for many students as they might not be familiar with the synthesis essay format or what it entails. So if you have no idea how to get started with the essay, you have come to the right place. We will take you through the know-hows of the essay, from the synthesis essay definition to the best way to conclude it.
What Is A Synthesis Essay?
Before you choose a topic for your synthesis essay, first, you need to know what it actually is. In order to understand the definition of a synthesis essay, looking into the meaning of the word ‘synthesize’ is vital. Synthesize is basically putting separate pieces together to form one whole thing. Similarly, a synthesis essay entails that students have to put together an argument by piecing together information and facts from different sources. The whole essay reveals the position of the writer on the topic. The real challenge of writing this essay arises from the fact that students not only have to summarize and explain the major themes of all the sources but also explain how every source is linked to one another. Synthesis essays have multiple types and purposes.
Synthesis Essay Structure
The structure of the synthesis may vary depending on the topic and type of essay. For example, some essays don’t require a strong thesis statement, especially the ones written at the early stages of research. However, there are still structure requirements every student should meet when writing a synthesis essay to ensure the best outcome.
● Start with an introduction.
A catchy and exciting introduction is essential in any type of essay as it is the first thing the reader notices. It defines the rest of your argument and presents the purpose of your writing. Most of the time, the argumentative synthesis essay topics require thesis statements as they define your position and take on the essay.
● Body paragraphs should present different themes.
When you start writing the body paragraphs of the synthesis essay, make sure that every paragraph presents a particular theme. A trick to ensuring a sophisticated essay is to avoid the summarization of each and every source. The facts and information you collected from different sources should be sorted based on particular themes and features. This will make sure that each body paragraph has information from different sources supporting the theme of that paragraph. If your synthesis essay contains a thesis statement, each paragraph should start with a topic statement supporting or addressing the same thesis.
● Add phrases that address the relationship between different facts and information.
Synthesis essay’s primary use is to be informative, which is why it is crucial to explain how every fact interacts with the content of the essay. Similarities and differences should be shown in how the sources are addressed in the topic. Argumentative synthesis essays not only require your chosen position but also require for the opposing views to be presented as well.
● Add a conclusion
Finally, it is time for you to wrap up your synthesis essay with a conclusion. It should cover all the major themes addressed in the entire essay and clarify how each outlined theme associates with the topic of the essay. In the conclusion, you can also offer your own opinions about the themes discussed and offer suggestions for future research only if they are relevant to the topic.
Synthesis Essay Outline
The first thing you need to know is the outline of the synthesis essay before you start writing. The outline gives you a direction on how to start and where to end. A well-organized paper results from creating a proper outline since it serves as a backbone for your essay. It helps you keep on track and on point as you write the essay and avoids the risk of creating a twisted, disorganized essay.
The outline goes as follows:
- The Introduction: contains one paragraph and includes the thesis statement. You should also present two or three of your own ideas about the topic.
- The Body Paragraphs: contain at least three to four paragraphs depending on your word count. According to the structure, you should never write less than three paragraphs for the body portion of this essay, with each paragraph supporting a new thought. Credible sources should be used for evidence that supports your ideas. If you plan on using exact words from the author, present them in quotation marks. It is vital to cite all the information that is not yours and list all of the sources in the bibliography at the end of your essay.
- The Conclusion: ends with one at the end where your wind up your essay. Here you present your opinions about the themes presented in the body paragraphs and bring them to a logical conclusion. Avoid bringing up new issues, except wrap up everything you addressed throughout the essay in this one paragraph.
The difficulty level of this essay ranks anywhere from 7 to 9 out of 10. This vastly depends on the topic of your essay as well. We at WriteMyEsaay4Me make it easy for students by offering our writing services. Our expertise lies in writing research papers, synthesis essays, and many other academic writing assignments.