How To Craft A Synthesis Essay: Structure & Examples

Writing a synthesis essay can seem like a big challenge for college and university students who are unable to combine different viewpoints and arguments into a single cohesive piece. The process of crafting a synthesis essay requires a great deal of research, curiosity, and critical reflection to argue a certain point. This type of essay is used for analysis papers, research papers, argument papers, and even business reports. 

In this blog, we will discuss what a synthesis essay is and how to craft an effective synthesis essay, with solid examples and tips to follow so that you can avoid mistakes in your paper. 

What Is A Synthesis Essay?

A synthesis paper is a type of academic writing or essay that requires you to gather data, information, and evidence from multiple sources and combine them into one idea. And form a unified argument. Simply put, the writer synthesises their own idea by using the work of different research sources. 

Unlike other essays that focus on one source to present their arguments, a synthesis essay takes support from different sources with differing views. This means that students and other researchers have to analyse sources like articles, journals, books, and databases to collect information and write a well-written thesis statement, as a thesis statement presents a synthesis essay’s main idea.  

The best way to write a good synthesis essay is by critically analysing every piece of information and extracting common themes or arguments so that you can understand how they relate to each other. However, you need to make sure that you use credible sources so that the validity of your argument is not questioned. In addition, there are two types of synthesis essays: explanatory and argumentative synthesis essays. 

Synthesis Essay Format & Examples

Writing the perfect structure for a synthesis essay is certainly hard. Most of the essays have a logical flow. However, a synthesis essay combines points and arguments from multiple sources, which does not always have a chronological flow. To make it easy for students, here is the structure that is followed to write a synthesis essay: 

Introduction

You must start the introduction of an essay with a hook statement, an interesting fact or a question to engage the readers and grab their attention. You can provide background information on your chosen essay topic or the problem you are addressing. This helps readers get an idea of what they can expect in your essay. This also establishes the relevance of your essay. Additionally, you have to present a strong thesis statement in the introductory paragraph and clearly state your main argument or the purpose of the essay. 

Body Paragraphs

Each body paragraph should focus on a specific theme or point supporting your thesis. Let us break it down: 

• Topic Sentence: Each paragraph should start with a topic sentence that states your main argument or idea of the paragraph. 
• Evidence: This is where you present the information of evidence that you have collected with case studies or examples that support your claims. 
• Analysis: Explain how the evidence or findings support your argument by careful analysis. You can highlight their strengths and weaknesses to provide a well-structured argument. 
• Connection: You must link each paragraph smoothly with the other so that a connection is established between them. Always use transitions to maintain the flow of your synthesis essay. 

Counterargument & Rebuttal

You can provide counterarguments or opposing views to show a detailed understanding of the topic. You can also refute counterarguments with solid evidence to make your position stronger. 

Conclusion

Last, you need to summarise all your main points in a unified manner and clearly state your argument or stance in the essay. Restate your thesis in the conclusion in a new way and offer final thoughts on the research so that readers can have something to ponder upon.  

References Or Works Cited Page

Citation is a necessary part of academic writing. It is carried out to avoid plagiarism and give credit to the authors whose work you are using in your synthesis essay. Hence, accurately reference sources according to your preferred citation style (e.g., MLA, APA, Harvard, Chicago). 

Step-by-Step Synthesis Essay Guide

Let us understand how you can craft a synthesis essay with examples: 

Step 1: Brainstorm Topics & Understand Your Assignment

First, you need to select a topic that matches your interest. You can look at political scenarios, history, personal passions, academic disciplines, or current trends to choose a good topic. As a student or researcher, you must make sure that your topic allows various perspectives from multiple sources, as this is the main goal of a synthesis essay. 

Moreover, it is equally important to understand whether you want to explain a topic or present arguments. Hence, you must choose a topic that aligns with your objectives.  

Step 2: Gather Sources

Gather information, data and evidence to support your arguments by critically analysing books, articles, online databases, libraries, and research papers. You must read every source carefully and extract points, arguments, and findings from them. 

Additionally, you must keep a record of your sources, such as bibliographic information, so that you can cite them at the end of the essay. Furthermore, you must only choose sources that are reliable, credible, and relevant to the topic of your synthesis essay. 

Step 3: Develop A Thesis Statement

If you choose a topic on climate change, then you must write a strong and compelling thesis statement. 

Here is an example: “Renewable energy is the best solution to combat climate change, due to its sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental benefits”.

Step 4: Understand How To Outline A Synthesis Essay

Create an outline for your synthesis essay. You can follow this essay synthesis example so that your work is structured well: 

Introduction:

• This includes the hook statement (e.g. “Did you know that fossil fuels are 75% responsible for greenhouse gas emissions?”). 
• You need to give background information on climate change and energy sources. 
• Write your thesis statement (e.g., “Renewable energy is the best solution to combat climate change, due to its sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental benefits”)

Body Paragraphs: 

Body Paragraph 1: Sustainability 

You can provide evidence from multiple environmental studies and relate it to your thesis or main argument. A thorough comparison between renewable and non-renewable sources can be provided here as well. 

Body Paragraph 2: Cost-Effectiveness

To argue the cost-effectiveness of renewable energy, detailed statistics of energy costs can be presented here. You can also provide a case study of solar power affordability. 

Body Paragraph 3: Environmental Benefits 

You can mention various environmental benefits, such as a positive effect on biodiversity and a reduction of carbon emissions. 

Conclusion:

You need to restate your thesis in a new way and provide a final call to action so that readers can understand that you support renewable energy policies as a way to combat climate change in your essay. 

Step 5: Write The Essay

Follow your outline and craft each section with care. Your hook statement must be engaging, and the body paragraphs must be detailed and comprehensive. Moreover, use correct punctuation and transitions for a smooth flow between paragraphs. 

Step 6: Edit & Proofread 

In the end, proofread and edit your essay to find any mistakes, inaccuracies, or errors. Make sure that it is factually correct, accurately cited, and coherent so that readers enjoy reading your essay. 

Final Thoughts 

Students and researchers must coherently organise their ideas and thoughts and follow the right synthesis writing tips. It is important to use reliable sources as evidence to support your thesis or argument. However, if you choose to write an explanatory synthesis essay, then your tone must be objective. But, if you support a specific argument, then take a clear stance in your argumentative synthesis essay. Hence, by following the right structure and grammar rules, you can enhance your academic writing. 

Frequently Asked Questions