Synthesis essays are often assigned in high school and college, but that doesn’t mean they’re easy or that everyone knows how to write them. This guide will teach you everything you need to know to write one yourself. We explain the structure of synthesis essays, give some basic tips, and clarify any confusion between synthesis essays and argumentative essays.
What is a Synthesis Essay?
A synthesis essay is a type of essay that brings together points, data, and evidence from different sources to focus on one main theme. In simpler terms, the writer uses information and ideas from other sources to develop their own ideas. Synthesis essays are usually about analyzing information, but they can also be about making arguments.
The thesis statement in a synthesis essay presents the main idea, which is a sentence that briefly explains the essay’s main point. In a synthesis essay, this “new” idea typically combines the main arguments and/or conclusions from previous sources.
Synthesis Essay Structure
A synthesis essay is a type of essay where the writer brings together points, data, and evidence from different sources to form one argument. Essentially, the writer combines research and ideas from various sources to develop their own perspective. Synthesis essays are usually considered analytical essays, although they can also be argumentative essays.
The thesis statement, a sentence that summarizes the main point of the essay, serves as the central idea in a synthesis essay. In a synthesis essay, this “new” idea often combines the main arguments and/or conclusions from other sources.
Synthesis Essay Structure
Developing a good structure for a synthesis essay can be tough. Unlike other essay outlines, a synthesis essay outline needs to include information from many sources, which might not always follow a clear order. To help you with this, here are three ways to create a structure for your synthesis essay and some sample outlines you can use as templates.
Synthesis essay structure 1: By topic
The first type of synthesis essay structure involves talking about each issue one by one, mentioning what each source says about it, and then moving on to the next topic.
This way, you can compare or combine points made by different sources on the same issue.
Structuring your synthesis essay by topic is useful for handling complex topics with many parts that need to be looked at separately.
Example outline:
I. Introduction.
A. Thesis Statement
II. Topic 1.
A. Source A talks about Topic 1.
- Point or evidence from Source A about Topic 1.
- Another point or evidence from Source A about Topic 1
- [Etc.]
B. Source B talks about Topic 1.
- Evidence from Source B about Topic 1
- [Etc.]
III. Topic 2
A. Source A on Topic 2
B. [Etc.]
IV. Topic 3
A. [etc.]
[Continue like this for as many topics as needed.]
V. Conclusion.
A. Summarize the thesis statement.
Synthesis Essay Structure 2: By source
Alternatively, you can organize your synthesis essay by source. You talk about the main parts of one source first, then move on to another. This way, you can separate the main ideas based on where they come from and then bring them all together.
Organizing your synthesis essay by source is best when you want to focus on the sources themselves rather than the ideas they present. For instance, if you were writing an argumentative essay using this approach, you might thoroughly explore the source you’re disagreeing with before presenting your counterargument.
Example outline:
I. Introduction
A. Thesis statement
II. Source 1
A. Source 1 discussing Topic A
1. A point or piece of evidence/data from Source 1 about Topic A
2. Another point or piece of evidence/data from Source 1 about Topic A
3. [Etc.]
B. Source 1 discussing Topic B
1. A point or piece of evidence/data from Source 1 about Topic B
2. [Etc.]
III. Source 2
A. Source 2 discussing Topic A
B. Source 2 discussing Topic B
C. [Etc.]
IV. Source 3
A. [Etc.]
[You can keep going like this for all your sources.]
V. Conclusion
1. Revisit thesis statement
Synthesis Essay Structure 3: Combine
The structures for synthesis essays mentioned above are not set in stone. You can change and adjust them as needed, and you can even mix them together.
For example, if one source stands out from the rest, you might start your synthesis essay by explaining each point separately to make sure your reader understands the situation. Then, you could switch things up and include a section focused on that specific source, explaining its position on the themes mentioned earlier.
3 Tips For Writing a Synthesis Essay
- Come Up With a Strong Thesis Statement
As mentioned earlier, a thesis statement is a short sentence that sums up the main point of your essay. In a synthesis essay, the thesis statement should effectively combine ideas and points from different sources.
Choosing an essay topic is an important step in creating a strong thesis statement. Pick a topic that needs thorough research and discussion, but is also specific enough.
When writing the actual thesis statement, a helpful approach is to turn your issue into a question and then answer it. This answer could serve as a good starting point for your thesis statement. For example, if your topic is why Denmark is a leader in renewable energy, you can ask and answer the question like this:
Q: “Why is Denmark so good at renewable energy?”
A: “Denmark is great at clean energy because it conserves energy with district heating, combined heat-and-power stations, and uses small, local power plants instead of big ones.”
This response could be your thesis statement and mention some other sources used in your essay.
- Read All The Sources Carefully
The quality of a synthesis essay relies on the sources you use. Since a synthesis essay builds on its sources, it’s important to choose the best ones and understand them well.
Review your sources carefully to make sure you don’t miss any important points or facts that could be included in your essay. Developing your thesis statement early on helps you identify points related to it as you read.
- Write a Gripping Introduction
A strong introduction is really important for any good essay, including synthesis essays. Your thesis statement plays a big part in this, but the other sentences in your introduction matter too.
To start off, you’ll want to learn how to write a hook. In writing, a hook is something that grabs the reader’s attention and makes them want to keep reading. Hooks can be anything interesting. Some common hook-writing techniques include sharing personal experiences to evoke emotions or presenting intriguing facts that the reader might not know.
Additionally, the introduction should explain the scope of your topic and provide context for readers who might not be familiar with it. The goal of the introduction is to get the reader ready for what’s coming next, so you can start presenting your points right away.
Synthesis Essay vs. Argumentative Essay
Synthesis essays are sometimes compared to argumentative essays, which aim to challenge, refute, or critique existing ideas or findings. However, the truth is that they are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Synthesis essays are usually analytical or explanatory, but they can also be controversial.
A synthesis essay is one that combines ideas from different sources to create a new, cohesive concept. If the new idea is a response to an existing one, and the entire essay is written as a critique, then the essay will be both synthesis and argumentative.
Synthesis essay FAQs
- What is a synthesis essay?
A synthesis essay brings together points, data, and evidence from different sources to create one main idea. In simpler terms, the writer uses research and ideas from other sources to develop their own perspective.
- What is a good synthesis essay structure?
Traditionally, the most common ways to organize a synthesis essay have been to group by topic or source. The first method involves discussing each source’s viewpoint on a topic before moving to the next, while the second method involves discussing one source’s position on each topic before moving to another. You can also mix these two structures for certain themes.
- What is the difference between a synthesis essay and an argumentative essay?
Synthesis essays are sometimes compared to argumentative essays, but they’re not completely separate. An argumentative essay can use the approach of a synthesis essay to critique an existing theory by combining ideas from various sources to create a new cohesive perspective.
