Writing a Synthesis Essay/Paper

A synthesis essay draws on two or more sources and combines their ideas into a
coherent whole. The word "synthesis" means to combine related things in a
meaningful way, with a specific purpose in mind. When you synthesize, you blend
the parts in such a way that you create something that is worth more than merely
the sum of the parts. For our purposes, synthesis means putting together the
arguments of various authors in a way that sheds new light on the discussion. The
new pattern that you impose on the conversation will require you to think carefully
about what each author has said in relation to the other authors. This assignment
will require you to go beyond merely restating what somebody else said. The trick
will be to unite the various arguments in such a way that your paper adds
something new to the discussion. A well-written synthesis is not merely a series of
mini-summaries. Such a paper is merely a sum of the parts.
What do I need to write one?
Writing a successful synthesis essay will require you to do four things:
1. Read accurately and objectively
2. See relations among different viewpoints
3. Define a thesis based on these relations
4. Support the thesis effectively

How do I write it?

A synthesis essay may be developed in several ways, including the following:
Thesis supported by examples. Develop a thesis based on common points
among the works, and support the thesis with appropriate examples from each
work. This strategy works well with essays that approach a subject from highly
diverse viewpoints.
Comparison and contrast. Discuss the similarities and differences in the writers
viewpoints and draw whatever conclusions are possible from your comparison.
Argument. If you have a clearly defined opinion about the subject, support that
opinion by incorporating the valid viewpoints of the writers of the essays you have
selected, and show the weaknesses of those ideas which you feel are not valid.
What steps should I take in writing this essay?
1. Read carefully. First skim through the readings and look for similar issues in each
essay. Reflect on those issues, and jot down your ideas. Reread and decide on one
topic that will unify your essay. Note each essays thesis and main points. Finally,
take notes.
2. Next, determine your thesis. A thesis is a direct statement of a main issue or idea
that you have developed from studying the essays. If you are writing a comparison/

contrast essay, your thesis may explain the main points of agreement and
disagreement among the writers you are dealing with. If you are writing a thesiswith-examples essay, your thesis may state the main idea you have developed from
your readings, which will be supported with examples from the readings in the body
of your essay. If you are writing an argument, your thesis will state your opinion
about the subject and will indicate that you will be supporting your views through
an analysis of the essays.
3. Then, organize your essay with your thesis in mind. The type of organization you
use depends on your thesis, but in general you should be able to use either blockby-block or point-by-point organization with any of the essay types.
4. Write a rough draftafter you have decided on the organization you will be using.
Here are some pointers: Early in your paper, mention the titles and authors of the
essays you will be discussing. Quote or paraphrase brief passages from the essays
to show how the essays illustrate, agree with, or disagree with each point you make.
Whenever you quote or paraphrase, cite the author properly.
5. And finally, REVISE. Remember: All good writing is rewriting.
(Borrowedfrom Northern Virginia Community College: Loudoun Campus Online
Writing Center
http://www.nvcc.edu/loudoun/english/writingcenter/online%20writing
%20center/synthesis%20essay.htm