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