Writing a Synthesis Essay

Drew University On-Line Resources for Writers “Key Features of a Synthesis” It accurately reports information from the sources using different phrases and sentences;

Drew University On-Line Resources for Writers “Key Features of a Synthesis” It is organized in such a way that readers can immediately see where the information from the sources overlap;

Drew University On-Line Resources for Writers “Key Features of a Synthesis” It makes sense of the sources and helps the reader understand them in greater depth.

Definition of the form First, the writer is asked to take a position on a given issue, using multiple sources. (the key word here is multiple)

Definition of the form Writer makes connections with sources and personal observations to support his/her stand on the issue.

How is it done? Writer Clearly promotes an idea, Understands how to use a variety of sources including non-print text (pictures, graphs, etc.), Uses this “synthesis” to support that idea.

How is it done? Writer Uses quotes or phrases to extract key information. Demonstrates understanding in using the quotes or phrases.

How is it done? Writer Uses the quotes to support his/her opinion/position. Uses MLA citation because a writer NEVER wants to plagiarize.

Remember! Synthesis is not merely incorporating sources.

How is it done? Think of it as if you are a chef creating a new recipe using the sources as some of the ingredients.

Remember! Synthesis is combining information from other sources with your opinion!

Essay must be thesis driven, so form a thesis based on the prompt. So, how do I do it? Essay must be thesis driven, so form a thesis based on the prompt. What you plan to argue + How you plan to argue it = Thesis

Use your prewriting time to jot down ideas that support your thesis.

So, how do I do it? Highlight information in the sources that support your thesis so you can find them later. (Remember annotating text? Mark it up! Make comments as you read!)

So, how do I do it? Draw on 3 or more sources. Use different phrases and sentences to support a central idea - use these as your quotes. Only 1 text -- baaad! 3 or more texts -- goood!

So, how do I do it? Make connections among the sources - make sense of the sources so the reader has better understanding.

So, how do I do it? Make further connections through personal observations and/or theories that relate to the information from the sources.

Think of your connections as limbs and branches on a tree.

Think of your connections as branches on a tree. Each limb grows from the trunk, so each connection grows from your topic or thesis. Branches grow from limbs = ideas connected to that connection. Leaves = details

Approaches to Writing the Synthesis Essay

#1: Thesis Supported by Examples Base your thesis on common points among the works. Support your thesis with appropriate examples from the works.

Thesis Supported by Examples Answer the question, “What information must we know in order to understand the topic, and why?

Thesis Supported by Examples This strategy is best with essays that approach the subject with very diverse viewpoints.

Thesis Supported by Examples Warning! Can seem more like a report than an argument, so try not to make it sound like a report and not an essay.

#2: Compare and Contrast Discuss similarities and differences in the sources’ viewpoints. Draw a conclusion from this comparison.

Argument: The Most Important Element! You MUST have a clearly defined opinion on the subject!

Argument: The Most Important Element! Support your opinion with valid viewpoints of your sources.

Argument: The Most Important Element! Analyze weaknesses of any ideas you feel are not valid. Identify conflicting ideas. Overcome opposing viewpoints!

Remember! Keep in mind that your goal is to support and illustrate your own ideas with the ideas of others to make a point.

The Introduction should help your readers make a transition between their own world and the issues you will be writing about; give your readers the tools they need to get into your topic and care about what you are saying.

Format - The Introduction Usually one paragraph Contains a one-sentence statement (thesis) that sums up the focus of the essay. What you plan to argue + How you plan to argue it = Thesis

Format - The Introduction Clues reader about major points, how you will prove your thesis Also can, but does not always: Introduce the sources, give titles, using MLA citation. Provides names of authors, Sometimes provides pertinent background about the authors, texts, or general topic. Note: This form of introduction can be dry and sound too much like a report, but is sometimes required in certain forms of writing.

Format - The Body Organized by theme, point, similarity, or aspect of the topic. Each paragraph deals with one specific point/idea that relates to the thesis.

Format - Paragraphs Begins with a topic sentence - let the reader know what the paragraph is about.

Format - Paragraphs Includes information from more than one source.

Format - Paragraphs Indicates where information comes from with either lead in phrases and verbs of attribution According to _______ _______ states _______ affirms _______ explains OR with MLA citation (use parenthetical).

Format - Paragraphs Shows the similarities or differences between the different sources in ways that make the paper informative.

Format - Paragraphs Represents the texts fairly -- even if that seems to weaken your paper! Avoid relying on one source and just filling in others to meet the required number of sources.

Format - the Conclusion Remind readers of the most significant themes and how they connect to the overall topic. Go beyond a mere summary -- offer the reader insight into the significance of the exploration of the topic.

Format - The Conclusion Your conclusion provides a bridge to help your readers transition back to their daily lives. A conclusion helps them see why all your analysis and information should matter to them after they put the paper down.

A Word About Plagiarism Be certain to properly cite your sources! Go back over your paper and make certain you have properly cited all sources. You can Use verbs of attribution Use parenthetical citations

A Word About Plagiarism Accidental plagiarism most often occurs when writers are synthesizing sources and do not indicate where the synthesis ends and their own comments begin!

A Word About Plagiarism There are many resources available to students to check for plagiarism. A good starting place for understanding what it is: http://www.plagiarism.org/

Don’t let this happen! (Cartoon copyright 2001 Pyrczak Publishing. All rights reserved.)

A Word About Plagiarism A national survey published in Education Week found that 54% of students admitted to plagiarizing from the internet;

Jeffrey, what you did is called plagiarism not cloning." http://mwcclibrary.blogspot.com/2008_07_01_archive.html Jeffrey, what you did is called plagiarism not cloning."

A Word About Plagiarism A national survey published in Education Week found that 74% of students admitted that at least once during the past school year they had engaged in "serious" cheating. (http://www.plagiarism.org/plag_facts.html)

Plagiarism – Why Take A Chance? http://turnitin.com/is widely used in high schools, college, and universities.

A Word About Plagiarism There is even a special version of turnitin for colleges to check admission essays: http://www.turnitinadmissions.com/

A Word About Avoiding Plagiarism There are many free plagiarism checkers available on-line. I have had success with http://www.duplichecker.com/ There is now a student version of turnitin.com called WriteCheck available for a fee.

That is how you write a synthesis essay!