ENG 101 Synthesis Essay A Synthesis Essay Explanatory essay helps readers get a better understanding of a topic by highlighting the relationships between sources. The goal is to explain/argue a particular topic from all angles. Introduction Gives background Demonstrates a comprehensive grasp of the topic by discussing the significance of the issue by concisely summarizing the topic and explaining its relevance (using the prompt) Markers: this is significant/serious/dangerous/critical because…) Ends with a clear thesis statement addressing two main ideas addressed in the extracts Body Paragraphs Begin with a clear topic sentence addressing one main point Ideas are synthesized to show the similarities/differences/additions among different sources using lead in phrases Includes evidence and support from multiple extracts Ensures smooth transitions from one paragraph to another using a variety of connectors Provides Concluding sentence Language for Synthesis Use Example Provide additional information Adds that / also found that / further suggests /in addition / to clarify /to illustrate Provide similar information Similarly / similar to X, Y has found that / equally / in the same way / one trend in research is / researchers seem to agree that / there is general consensus/agreement Provide different information The results … though are mixed / on the other hand / unlike X, Y believes / however / in contrast to Smith (2003), Jones has found that / while / although / the evidence on X is mixed / there is an overall debate / a lack of consensus / conflicting opinions – findings - results Synthesising material: Bringing sources together Prior studies have identified …. While the articles in this research agree that … Research seems to agree that … Numerous authors support the claim that … There is overall debate regarding… A lack of consensus exists on the point of … Similarly, Smith (2019) found that X … Smith argues that her data support O’Brien’s (2010) view that … Unlike Smith, Jones (2017) argues that … In contrast to Smith, Jones (2015) argues that … A broader perspective has been adopted by Smith (2019) who argues that … Conversely, Wang (2011) reported no significant difference in mortality between X and Y. Matrix Structure Main ideas Main idea 1 Main idea 2 Extract 1 Author(s)+date Extract 2 Author(s)+date Extract 3 Author(s)+date Extract 4 Author(s)+date Conclusion for simplified synthesis essay Restates thesis and provides a final thought on each main idea Addresses limitations or gaps in the topic Makes Implications and/or recommendations Writing in academic style Use formal rather than informal language (e.g. no contractions, no colloquial language) Be concise and precise (e.g. avoid multi-word verbs, vague words, etc.) Use impersonal language (e.g. avoid using I, you, we) Be cautious about what you say (e.g. use hedges and evidence)
