How To Write a Synthesis Essay? - 2021 Guide

 


 

What is a synthesis essay?

 

A synthesis essay requires you to take two or more sources and "synthesize" them into one. You'll read each source, make notes that highlight the key points of each article/source, then write an essay that takes both articles and makes a cohesive point from both, or you can take the help of legit essay writing service.

 

What does it look like?

 

There are lots of ways to structure the body paragraphs of a synthesis essay (see below for examples).

 

One way could be:

 

1st paragraph: Introduction to first source; restate main idea + author's key arguments/ideas. Outline those ideas in your own words here.

 

2nd paragraph: Introduction to second source; resume outlining if necessary + new key arguments/ideas from the source. Outline those here in your own words.

 

3rd paragraph: Conclusion. Pull ideas together to make a new argument or conclusion based on sources; include details from 1st and 2nd paragraphs for support.

 

Another way could be:

 

1st-2nd paragraphs: Introduce first source + discuss main idea + author's key arguments/ideas. Outline those ideas here (in your own words).

 

3rd-4th paragraphs: Introduce second source + discussion of main idea and key arguments/ideas. Outline those ideas here (in your own words).

 

How do I cite my sources?

 

This depends on what style guide you use for your paper. If you use MLA style, for example, and your sources have been published, the first page of your essay would look something like this:

 

You can find more help on citing an essay in our citation resource center or any online essay writing service.

 

How should I introduce each source?

 

There are lots of ways to introduce a source. For instance, if you were comparing two articles (with "the first article" and "the second article"), you could try:

 

1st paragraph : First article entitled "Title"; author's name; publication information + date. A general description of what the argument/idea is about. Quote from a key part that captures the idea well -- or even just a phrase or sentence that represents it. Next line: Second article entitled "Title"; author's name + publication information + date.

 

1st para : First article entitled "Title." (Author's name) Example of how to cite an essay in a paper : Publication information [in parenthesis] + City of publication/Name of publisher, Date of publication. Quote from the beginning that introduces the idea and has a nice quote to end it with -- or just describe what this source would be helpful for your argument.

 

Another way is to introduce each source separately, with more detail about exactly what they are saying:

 

"The first article was called 'thesis statement'..." and then paraphrase the opening paragraph(s). Then state the author's point of view, where it appears in the passage and how it is supported.

 

"The second article was called 'coherence'..." and then paraphrase more detail from that source. Restate the thesis statement, if meaningful. Then introduce another idea that comes from this source ("and here is what else they say about this"). Then state the argument again: "so we can see that.

 

Another possibility is to begin by stating your two sources (as above) and their difference of opinion on a particular issue:

 

"There are many different opinions on the best way to write a synthesis essay." Then go into each one individually to try to understand its perspective and make sure you know enough about both sides to be able to criticize them both.

 

In any case, it is better to be clear and detailed than brief (unless you are certain that your reader will know exactly what you are referring to). A synthesis essay takes two different perspectives on a single issue! And both these perspectives are well written by the best essay writing service in usa. The point of writing an evaluative or critical synthesis essay is exactly the same as when evaluating someone else's work in person: both sides need to be given a fair hearing before one can decide which side is more persuasive. This means that the best way for the writer to understand each perspective thoroughly enough to critique it effectively is by reading through its own words using its own structure at least twice: once carefully read alone, and then again with a second source alongside it so that you are comparing their points. This is the only way to evaluate a synthesis argument, and make sure that you can do it well enough to convince your audience that you know what you are talking about!

 

Useful Resources:

 

 

How to Write Literary Analysis? - 2021 Guide

How to Write a Good Argumentative Essay: Easy Step-by-Step 2021 Guide

How to Write a Definition Essay- 2021 Guide


 
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