Understanding Synthesis Essays and How to Compose Them (With Illustrative Samples)
Synthesis essays are a common assignment in academic circles, requiring students and researchers to combine information from multiple sources to create a cohesive narrative. Two primary types of synthesis essays are explanatory and argumentative, each with its unique purpose and approach.
Explanatory Synthesis Essay
The primary goal of an explanatory synthesis essay is to inform or clarify a topic by presenting a balanced view of the information from various sources. It aims to explain the relationships between ideas and provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject without taking a side or promoting a specific viewpoint.
An explanatory synthesis essay is structured to present information in a logical and objective manner, often using a neutral tone. It usually involves organizing the information to make the subject understandable but does not necessarily aim to persuade the reader.
Argumentative Synthesis Essay
In contrast, an argumentative synthesis essay is designed to persuade the reader by making a claim or supporting a specific viewpoint. It uses the combined information from multiple sources to build a persuasive argument that defends a central thesis.
To write an argumentative synthesis essay, the writer must analyse the information from different sources critically and use it to support a specific argument. The structure typically includes an introduction with a thesis statement, body paragraphs that provide evidence and analysis to support the argument, and a conclusion that restates the thesis and summarizes the main points.
Writing a Synthesis Essay
Regardless of the type, a synthesis essay consists of an introduction with a clear thesis, a body supporting the thesis with evidence from various sources, and a conclusion summarizing the main points and restating the thesis. It is essential to avoid just summarising sources in a synthesis essay. Instead, analyse and integrate them to support your argument.
To strengthen your synthesis essay, use multiple sources and address opposing views. In addition, properly citing sources is essential throughout the essay to maintain academic integrity.
Academic Writing Support
If you're finding the task challenging, consider utilising academic writing platforms that offer features like accurate academic translations, rewriting support, grammar checks, vocabulary suggestions, and generative AI assistance. Such platforms provide academic writing, language editing, and submission readiness support to help students and researchers write better, faster.
These platforms often offer premium features, including consistency, plagiarism, and 30+ submission readiness checks, starting at US$25 a month. With these tools at your disposal, you can be well on your way to mastering the art of synthesis essay writing.
Related Reads
For further reading, check out "Webinar Recap: How to Use AI to Enhance Your College Essays and Thesis", "Powerful Academic Phrases to Improve Your Essay Writing", "How to Write a Good Hook for Essays, with Examples", and "How to Structure an Essay". These resources will provide additional insights and tips to help you excel in your academic writing endeavours.
[1] "Expository Essay Examples and Explanatory Essay Examples", Grammarly, https://www.grammarly.com/blog/expository-essay-examples/ [2] "Expository Essay vs. Argumentative Essay", Study.com, https://study.com/academy/lesson/expository-essay-vs-argumentative-essay.html [3] "Writing a Synthesis Essay", Purdue OWL, https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/citing_information/synthesis_essays/index.html [4] "How to Write a Synthesis Essay", The Balance Small Business, https://www.thebalancesmb.com/how-to-write-a-synthesis-essay-2877746 [5] "Expository Essay vs. Persuasive Essay", ThoughtCo, https://www.thoughtco.com/expository-essay-vs-persuasive-essay-2637328
- Academic writing, such as a synthesis essay, can be improved with the help of academic platforms offering features like academic translation, language editing, and submission readiness, aiding education-and-self-development and learning.
- In the process of writing a synthesis essay, whether it's explanatory or argumentative, one should ensure the structure follows an introduction with a thesis, a body providing evidence from various sources, and a conclusion summarizing the main points, with proper citation to maintain academic integrity.
- Learning effective synthesis essay techniques is crucial in academic circles, making resources like "Webinar Recap: How to Use AI to Enhance Your College Essays and Thesis", "Powerful Academic Phrases to Improve Your Essay Writing", "How to Write a Good Hook for Essays, with Examples", and "How to Structure an Essay" valuable tools for enhancing your academic writing and self-development.
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