ELEMENTS OF A
SYNTHESIS ESSAY
FIRST OF ALL…
• Good writing is good writing. Most of
the elements of an essay – thesis,
support, conclusion – will be the same
in an analysis essay as in a synthesis
essay.
WHAT IS A SYNTHESIS ESSAY?
• A synthesis essay is almost like a mini-research essay
where the research has been provided for you.
• The question stem will ask a general question, or
make a general statement, to which you must
apply the sources provided – AS ALWAYS, ANSWER
THE PROMPT.
• It is called a synthesis essay because you will
synthesize the sources into a coherent essay.
• You should still have a central thesis, and a central
argument, supported by the sources.
• You should use AT LEAST HALF of the sources BUT
NOT ALL.
• Don’t just summarize the information
presented – that is not what is being
expected of you!
• Think of the sources are raw material that
you will use to create something new.
• Each bit of information you use is like
thread to create cloth – the cloth that you
will weave is your ultimate argument on
the issue.
DON’T DISCOUNT ANY SOURCE RIGHT
AWAY – SKIM EVERYTHING
• All the sources are potentially valid
for the issue you are discussing.
THE SOURCES TEND TO BALANCE OUT
• A couple of sources clearly favor
one side of the issue and the
others take the opposing view. A
source may also be neutral; you
can find ammunition for both
sides.
MOST ISSUES AREN’T LIMITED TO A
“YES” OR “NO” STANCE.
• The graders are looking for
maturity, and that means
complexity and sophistication.
• If you believe that your answer is
solidly yes or no, explain why.
ONCE YOU’VE DEFINED A POSITION, REREAD
THE SOURCES THAT ARE MOST LIKELY TO BE
HELPFUL.
• Annotate them as necessary.
• Don’t entirely ignore those sources that
speak against your position- sometimes
they can stimulate your thought
process (or provide you a way to
include concession and
counterargument).
• Cite both directly and indirectly.
DO NOT FORGET RESPONSE TO
REBUTTAL!
• Include possible objections
and your answer to those
objections!
BE SURE THAT YOUR ARGUMENT
PROGRESSES LOGICALLY!
• Don’t forget to include transitional
words and statements.
BECAUSE THE SOURCES CAN OCCUPY
SIX OR SEVEN PAGES OF THE TEST…
• Choose one page to gather your
thoughts after you have annotated.
• Outlining is always important!
CITE YOUR SOURCES!
• You must cite the information you use!
• That can look like this: Source A
• Or this: (Graph)
HOW LONG SHOULD IT BE?
• As long as the others – about 500
words. Remember that you will have 3
essays so write in 2 hours. You are
provided 15 minutes Reading time, so
you still have all 120 minutes to write.
• Synthesis Essay
• Open Response
• Analytical analysis