Synthesis
What: Synthesis
Meaning:
- The term “synthesis” means to combine separate elements to form a whole.
- bringing two or more ideas together to show their relationships.
Synthesis is a tad more complex than the analytical strategies that have just been discussed. In
synthesizing information, you must bring together all your opinions and researched evidences
in support of your thesis. You integrate the relevant facts, statistics, expert opinions, and
whatever can directly be observed with your own opinion and conclusions to persuade your
audience that your thesis is correct. Indeed, you use synthesis in supporting a thesis and
assembling a paper.
Example 1
In 1655, an embassy of Dutch Jews led by Rabbi Menassah ben Israel traveled to London to
meet with the Commonwealth’s new Lord Protector, Oliver Cromwell. The informal
“Readmission” of Jews—who had been expelled from England by royal edict in 1290—resulting
from the Whitehall conference was once hailed as a high point in the history of toleration. Yet
in recent years, scholars have increasingly challenged the progressive nature of this event, both
in its substance and its motivation (Kaplan 2007; Katznelson 2010; Walsham 2006). “Toleration”
in this case, as in many others, did not entail religious freedom or civic equality; Jews in England
were granted legal residency and permitted to worship privately, but citizenship, public
worship, and the printing of anything that “opposeth the Christian religion” remained off the
cards. As for its motivation, Edward Whalley’s twofold argument was representative: the Jews
“will bring in much wealth into this Commonwealth: and where wee both pray for theyre
conversion and beleeve it shal be, I knowe not why wee shold deny the means” (Marshall 2006,
381–82)
(Bejan, 2015, p. 1103).
The author of the above passage, Teresa Bejan, has synthesized the work of a number of other
scholars (Kaplan, Katznelson, Walsham, and Marshall) to situate her argument. Note how not
all of these scholars are directly quoted, but they are cited because their work forms the basis
of Bejan's work.
Example 2
Who and When: Application
When to Use Synthesis
Many college assignments require synthesis. A literature review, for example, requires that you
make explanatory claims regarding a body of research. These should go beyond summary (mere
description) to provide helpful characterizations that aid in understanding. Literature reviews
can stand on their own, but often they are a part of a research paper, and research papers are
where you will probably use synthesis most often.
The purpose of a research paper is to derive meaning from a body of information collected
through research. It is your job, as the writer, to communicate that meaning to your readers.
Doing this requires that you develop an informed and educated opinion of what your research
suggests about your subject. Communicating this opinion requires synthesis.
How: Implementation
Guide to Synthesis Essays: How to Write a Synthesis Essay
The writing process for composing a good synthesis essay requires curiosity, research, and
original thought to argue a certain point or explore an idea. Synthesis essay writing involves a
great deal of intellectual work, but knowing how to compose a compelling written discussion of
a topic can give you an edge in many fields, from the social sciences to engineering.
What Is a Synthesis Essay?
A synthesis essay is a type of essay that gathers information from a variety of sources to form a
new idea, question, or argumentative thesis. Writers composing a synthesis essay will discuss
ideas, data, and evidence from a series of sources to either explain or argue something original.
Synthesis essays are commonly written by high school or college students, and often follow the
five-paragraph essay structure. Questions or theses that guide a synthesis essay may be based
on the writer’s subjective opinion, but they attempt to use objective evidence and external data
to argue their point.
Explanatory vs. Argumentative Synthesis Essays: How Are They Different?
Though the formatting is largely the same, there are two main types of synthesis essays:
explanatory and argumentative.
1. Explanatory: The purpose of an explanatory synthesis essay is to use different sources to
explain a particular point of view. These synthesis papers objectively examine the
similarities and differences between ideas but don’t necessarily choose a side or
attempt to sway the reader in any direction.
2. Two or more sources are synthesized in an argumentative synthesis essay to present a
new argument. Explanatory syntheses seek to bring sources together to explain a
perspective and the reasoning behind it.
3. Argumentative: An argumentative synthesis essay follows the same structure as a
typical argumentative essay. The thesis of an argumentative essay will argue one
specific point.
4. An explanatory synthesis essay uses various sources to present a specific view backed by
facts. Argumentative syntheses seek to bring sources together to make an argument.
Synthesis Essay Structure
Synthesis essays typically adhere to the five-paragraph essay structure, but there are slight
nuances to structuring this type of essay. Here is how a synthesis essay is structured.
1. Introduction: The foundational ideas of your essay are expressed in the introductory
paragraph. You will address the general landscape of ideas around your topic, introducing some
of your sources. You will also introduce the argument to be made through a thesis statement,
which succinctly states your primary argument in a sentence or two. The thesis statement
typically comes at the very end of your introductory paragraph.
2. Body: The body of your synthesis essay is usually about three paragraphs long. This typically
includes two paragraphs synthesizing your sources in a way that supports your argument, and
one paragraph that acknowledges opposing arguments.
3. Conclusion: The conclusion of your synthesis essay reiterates the argument that you’ve made
throughout your essay. It may emphasize how each of the points you made and the sources
you’ve cited substantiate your point.
4. Bibliography: Depending on the writing style guidelines that you’re working with—whether it
be APA, MLA, AP, or Chicago Manual of Style—you will need to include a source list at the end
of your paper to properly credit your research sources. This is a list of text citations that
typically takes up one to two pages at the end of your paper.
How to Write a Synthesis Essay
A great synthesis essay walks readers through a series of ideas and sources to prove or explain
a larger point. Follow this step-by-step guide for writing your essay.
1. Choose a topic you’re curious about. Brainstorm a few ideas for your synthesis essay topic,
prioritizing the subjects you feel passionate about.
2. Do your research. Once you’ve decided on a topic, use the internet, library, and other
sources to perform extensive research. You can turn to academic primary sources to find
quotes from scholars and experts, or look up statistics or scientific studies relevant to your
topic. This research will help you develop a point of view that is backed up by concrete
information. Use credible sources that are unbiased and objective.
3. Outline your point. Your entire essay should focus on either explaining a certain perspective
or making an argument. Outline how each of your sources relate to your theme and support
your idea.
4. Write your introduction. An introduction is the first paragraph of a paper. Its main purpose is
to present the general premise of the paper, provide any necessary background information,
and hopefully, capture the reader’s attention. The introductory paragraph to your synthesis
essay should be where you include a strong thesis statement. This is where you will state the
point of view that you’re exploring or the argument you’re making.
5. Include your body paragraphs. Synthesis essays will typically contain three body paragraphs.
A good body paragraph contains three main sections: a topic sentence (or key sentence),
relevant supporting sentences, and a closing (or transition) sentence. This structure keeps your
paragraph focused on the main idea, providing clear, concise information. Each body paragraph
should discuss different elements and supporting arguments of your thesis, along with evidence
drawn from each source. Explain the common theme between your resources, as well as how
they are relevant to your text. Include counterarguments as well as how your source material
can discredit those claims and support your own idea.
6. Wrap it up with a strong conclusion. A conclusion is the final piece of writing in a research
paper, essay, or article that summarizes the entire work. The concluding paragraph of your
synthesis essay will restate your thesis, summarize the key supporting ideas you discussed
throughout the work, and offer your final impression of the central idea.
7. Proofread. Always proofread your writing a few times before submitting or presenting it. A
few missed words or grammatical errors can sometimes change or discredit the entire crux of
an argument or opinion. Make sure that your grammar, syntax, and flow are as accurate and
clear as possible. This will help you come across as a credible source.
How is synthesis different from summarizing?
When asked to synthesize sources and research, many writers start to summarize individual
sources. However, this is not the same as synthesis. In a summary, you share the key points
from an individual source and then move on and summarize another source. In synthesis, you
need to combine the information from those multiple sources and add your own analysis of the
literature. This means that each of your paragraphs will include multiple sources and citations,
as well as your own ideas and voice.
Synthesize (literature review)
Combining elements of several sources to help you make a point.
Describing how sources converse each other.
Organizing similar ideas together so readers can understand how they overlap.
Synthesis helps readers see where you add your own new ideas to existing knowledge.
Key Takeaways
Synthesizing allows you to carry an argument or stance you adopt within a paper in your own
words, based on conclusions you have come to about the topic.
Synthesizing contributes to confidence about your stance and topic.