Discussion module 4

What is a Synthesis Essay?

The main purpose of a synthesis essay is to make insightful connections. Those connections can

show the relationship(s) between parts of a work or even between two or more works. It is your

job to explain why those relationships are important. In order to write a successful synthesis

essay, you must gather research on your chosen (or assigned) topic, discover meaningful

connections throughout your research, and develop a unique and interesting argument or

perspective.

A synthesis is not a summary. A synthesis is an opportunity to create new knowledge out of

already existing knowledge, i.e., other sources. You combine (“synthesize,”) the information in

your sources to develop an argument or a unique perspective on a topic. Your thesis statement

becomes a one-sentence claim that presents your perspective and identifies the new knowledge

that you will create.

Before writing your synthesis

1. Narrow a broad or general topic to a specific topic:

In a short essay, completely covering a large topic is impossible, so picking a specific, focused

topic is important. For example, the broad topic of global warming would need to be narrowed

down to something more specific, like the effects of automobile exhaust on an ecosystem.

2. Develop a working thesis statement:

A working thesis statement should include a rough idea of your topic and the important point you

want to make about that topic. Writing this statement at the top of a rough draft or outline and

looking at it often can help you remain focused throughout the essay. However, the thesis

statement that you begin with is not set in stone. If you find that your essay shifts topic slightly,

you can change your thesis in later drafts so that it matches your new focus.

3. Decide how you will use your sources:

After completing your research and gathering sources, you may have a large or overwhelming

amount of information. However, the purpose of a synthesis essay is to use only the most

important parts of your research, the information that will best support your claim. At this point,

you must decide which sources, and/or which parts of those sources, you will use.

4. Organize your research:

Now, decide the order in which you will present your evidence, the various arguments you will

employ, and how you will convince your readers.

5. I highly suggest that you seek assistance from one of the support staff in the QEP lab before

submitting your assignment in D2L. Also, please recall that all written assignments will be

evaluated for plagiarism.

[Adapted from: www.bellevuecollege.edu/asc/writing/essays-guides/.../synthesisessay.p ]