What does synthesize mean in essay writing?

Synthesizing simply means combining. Instead of summarizing the main points of each source in turn, you put together the ideas and findings of multiple sources in order to make an overall point. At the most basic level, this involves looking for similarities and differences between your sources.

What makes a good synthesis essay?

Synthesis essays are all about presenting a strong position and identifying the relationships between your sources. Don’t fall into the trap of simply summarizing the sources. Instead, make your point, and back it up with the evidence found in those sources.

What should be in the introduction of a synthesis essay?

In the introduction of a synthesis response, you will want to introduce the texts that are being synthesized as well as offer any pertinent summaries of the texts or background information. The background info/summaries should be brief. Be sure to fully identify each source with authors’ and titles.