How to Write a Synthesis Essay

By Life

General Information about Synthesis Essays

By definition, “to synthesize” means to merge various components into a whole. Therefore, a synthesis essay is a paper which combines various ideas into a whole for the purpose of demonstrating a concept, which is referred to as the thesis. To write a synthesis essay, you often need to examine a source.

When drafting a synthesis essay, analyzing a designated passage or a prompt is of the essence. To analyze the text properly, you need to understand its objective, its rhetoric, as well as the argument supported by the writer. To put it simply, you must respond to the question “So what?”. Afterward, you are required to devise your own thesis, and write your paper in accordance with it.

Synthesis Essay Subject Examples

The prompt of a synthesis essay needs to be open to discussion. For instance, Andrew Jackson’s opposing perspectives on Native American populations enjoyed a high level of support back in the day. Nevertheless, nowadays they are considered dreadful. In accordance with your task, you may be required to opt for the main text. Select a text which may include contrasting perspectives.

Here are a few good subjects that are controversial:

  • Energy expenditure
  • Standard of living
  • Capital punishment
  • Immigration status
  • Environmental pollution
  • Firearm regulations
  • Social networks

How to Devise the Thesis

After deciding on a subject, go through your sources and determine your personal stance. To gain a proper comprehension of a source, you need to examine it in detail. After organizing your assertion or argument, create the thesis.

For instance: The fact that Andrew Jackson was terrified of the Native American populations denotes the bias and narrow viewpoints of the settlers.

How to Devise the Plan for the Synthesis Essay

Coming up with a plan will aid in preserving the structure of your synthesis essay. If your paper is made of 3 sections, divide your plan into 3 categories. Add substantiating proof, secondary arguments and particular ideas in the suitable divisions. Each and every one of your ideas must, in some way, demonstrate the assertion in your thesis. Additional data or ideas that are beside the point can obstruct your work. Still, if that certain data contradicts your primary claim, you ought to recognize it, as it may strengthen your ideas. Do not introduce any source without reading it first! When presenting the sources, steer clear of summaries. A synthesis must constitute an assessment, not a resume!

For instance:

  • Introduction
    • Hypothesis
      • Primary idea 1
      • Primary idea 2
      • Primary idea 3
    • Body
      • Primary idea 1
        • Proof (cite a work)
        • Assessment of Proof
      • Primary idea 2
        • Proof (cite a work)
        • Assessment of Proof
      • Primary idea 3
        • Proof (cite a work)
        • Assessment of Proof
    • Conclusion
      • Reiterate the primary idea and respond to any unresolved questions.

The Format of the Synthesis Essay

When selecting a format for your synthesis essay, you need to consider the requirements imposed by your instructor. The most widespread formatting styles are MLA, APA and Chicago/Turabian. APA is generally utilized in Education, Psychology and Science disciplines. MLA is used in essays that pertain to the fields of Humanities. The Chicago/Turabian formatting style is employed in Business, History as well as Fine Arts. Purdue Owl represents a formatting guide which concentrates primarily on the MLA and APA format styles. Easybib constitutes a reference multifunctional instrument that can be utilized for your external sources.

Here are the main requirements:

  • Write using a Times New Roman 12 pt. font. Utilize double spacing.
  • Margins should be of 1”.
  • In the upper right side of each page, you must insert your surname and the page number.
  • Use centering on headings.
  • In the header, you must add your name, the teacher’s name, the course number as well as the date (dd/mm/yy).
  • On the last page, add the Works Cited section.

Apa Style

Here are the main requirements:

  • Write using a Times New Roman 12 pt. font. Utilize double spaced 1” edges.
  • In the upper area of each page, you must add a page header.
  • In the top right of the page, add the page number.
  • The paper must include the following sections: Cover Page, Synopsis, Main Body, and Bibliography.

How to Draft an AP English Synthesis Essay

AP English Language and Composition represents a highly meticulous study program for which you must deliver papers which show a profound comprehension of the topic. The truth is that even if the essay you write for your AP test features flawless syntax and organization, you might still get no more than 1 out of 9 points if you fail to support, dispute or qualify your assertion. This may seem very hard, but you can do it! Prior to enlisting in any AP course, it’s advisable to go through the study program summary and familiarize yourself with the examination.

When writing an essay, concentrate on the 3 sections of the AP study program: argument, synthesis and rhetoric assessment. The argument represents the simplest branch. You need to devise your assertion and discover particular substantiating proof. Persuade the audience that your claim is correct. For the synthesis part, you need to study numerous viewpoints and detect both a consensus and a controversy between works. This phase is essential to establishing your personal claim.

The rhetorical assessment involves the author as well as their purposes. What did they intend when writing the work? Which is their target audience? In what way does the author appeal to the reader? In what way does the author organize their claim?

Synthesis Essay Recommendations

When it comes to the 3 AP Lang writing sections, 2 acronyms are useful:

Recommendation 1: SOAPS

Text instance: The discourse held by Andrew Jackson in front of the Congress regarding the movement of the Native American populations towards Western territories.

Speaker: After establishing the orator, examine for prejudice. Utilize any previous information you may know about the orator. For instance: Andrew Jackson was prejudiced against Native American people. Therefore, any speech held by him will most likely discriminate against these populations. Occasion: Establish the moment and location of the text. Afterward, establish why it was written. If you aren’t certain about the motivation, make a supposition and base your claim on it. For instance: During Andrew Jackson’s presidency, the Congress relocated the Native American population towards the West for the purpose of clearing the territory for settlers. This plan was devised by Jackson. Audience: Who was the communication aimed at? For instance: The discourse was aimed at an assembly. Purpose: What is the message of the communication? For this part, examine the tone of the communication. For instance: By referring to the Native Americans as barbarians, Jackson attempts to put these populations in a bad light, so as for the Congress to ratify the Indian Removal Act. Subject: Identify the primary idea and the claim.

For instance: The president wants the Congress to ratify the act because he thinks the Native American populations are uncivilized and barbaric.

Recommendation 2: Logos, Ethos, and Pathos

As you’re probably well aware of, Logos calls on rationality, Pathos calls on feeling, and Ethos calls on ethical philosophy or trustworthiness. Nevertheless, to pass the AP Lang test, you need to have a greater comprehension of these elements.

In the eventuality that the communication utilizes certainties, numbers, and explanations, the orator is appealing to Logos. A highly efficient method of persuasion is including different supportive data. A communication that utilizes lively illustrations and powerful words indicates the utilization of Pathos. Pathos is used to establish an effective connection between the audience and the claim. It is very difficult to influence the perspective of an individual who is connected to a topic through a powerful feeling.

The situation in which the communication tries to prove the orator’s dependability or trustworthiness represents a straightforward appeal to Ethos. For instance, Jackson had the possibility of appealing to Ethos by pointing out to his position as President of the United States. Appealing to Logos, Pathos and Ethos frequently results in the utilization of logical aberrations.

Recommendation 3: DIDLS

DIDLS represents a reliable shorthand for the entirety of textual assessments. When going through a text, you should attempt to spot the following elements: Diction, Imagery, Details, Language and Sentence Structure. Include your findings in your assessment.