Every essay has the same structure, so if you have learned how to write a 5 paragraph essay, you already know the basics. The difference between essays lies in the idea of the essay and the strategies used in writing it. Read the advice from the experts in xpertwriters.com and learn how to write a brilliant synthesis essay.
What is a Synthesis Essay?
Before we jump into the lecture on how to write a synthesis essay, it is pretty obvious that you have to learn what this type of academic paper actually is. When assigned this academic paper, many students start asking ‘what is a synthesis essay?’
Think of it as a different kind of an argumentative essay. The difference between the two is that a synthesis essay task comes accompanied by the sources that need to be used to support your argument.
This is not easier than writing an argumentative essay, even if the definition makes it seem like it is. Writing a synthesis essay requires a different kind of writing and is all about presenting a position.
For example, you may be given sources that carry information that could be used to support both sides of an argument. In such cases, the instructor gives you room to pick an argument and put the source in perspective of it.
Therefore, the student must gather all information by reading the sources carefully and pick the side of their argument.
If you ask for our college essay writing services for help with this paper, our writers will follow a simple step by step approach to present all information in an organized fashion.
Learning How to Write Synthesis Essay
A brilliant essay must have it all – the perfect content, suitable synthesis essay format and proper referencing.
But how do you achieve this? In order to teach you how to start a synthesis essay and get to its end without disrupting the word flow, we have created a list of four key steps you must follow:
- Understand the Idea behind the Synthesis Essay
The goal of this essay is to connect works or their parts, as well as support a certain idea you have about a topic. You must understand what a synthesis is all about to be able to find connections.
- Examine the Topic
Chances are you will be assigned a topic, but if you are not, make sure to pick a broad one where you can pull several sources together.
- Read Your Sources
Read the assigned sources or those you have found. You will need a minimum of three sources for the synthesis essay, all related to your argument.
While reading, pick the sources you will use in the paper. Write down statistics, ideas, facts, and quotes that support the thesis.
- Set a Thesis Statement
If you have finished reading the sources and researching, it is time to think of a thesis statement. This statement should be the main point to present in the essay, which means that it has to combine your own point of view and the topic you have chosen.
- Make an Outline
A synthesis essay outline can be both written down and planned in your head. However, writing it down is much more recommended since you can use this outline as a guide for the writing process.
- Create the First Draft
You can always deviate from the plan but have a plan handy. Start with the first draft and pace yourself to make the paper the best possible.
- Write the Essay
When writing the essay, use your outline as a guide, the first draft as the basis, and do not forget to develop a thesis statement. And most importantly, follow the structure of essay writing:
Start your introduction with a sentence that captures the reader’s interest. Your introductory paragraph should identify the issue and present the statement you have previously chosen.
Every paragraph should contain a topic sentence and an explanation of it. Support every idea with sources and explain the sources’ significance.
Your conclusion should contain a summary of the story, as well as state its significance.
- Finalize the Paper
Once you are done writing, it is time to revise and proofread the content. No essay is perfect without this step, so make sure to devote a significant amount on time to check the following:
- Check the transitions between your paragraphs and points
- Proofread the paper several times
- Ask someone else to read your paper and proofread it
- Cite the sources properly
- Title the essay
Top Tips for Writing a Synthesis Essay
In order to get inspiration and an idea of what a synthesis essay should look like, check out some quality synthesis essay prompts. In addition, you can learn some strategies to facilitate the writing process.
Synthesis essays are much easier to write if you know the tricks and tips. For this reason, we have created a list of steps you can take if you do not know how to write a good synthesis essay:
- Write in the third person
When it comes to academic writing, you should always use the third person. Writing in the third person means that you should avoid the pronouns ‘I’ and ‘you’ and use ‘he’, ‘she’ and ‘it’ instead. In addition, you can use the names of the characters you are describing.
Every sentence in your synthesis essay should be complete and unambiguous. Present sufficient amount of information to showcase credibility and prove the point of your essay.
Try to use active voice whenever possible. Using the passive is not forbidden, but is should only be introduced in spots where you need to use ‘you’ or ‘I’.
- Use transitions to link paragraphs
If you want to pinpoint the spot where your sources connect and support one another and make a connection between ideas, you simply must use transitions between the paragraphs. This also allows you make the text flow smoothly and logically.
When a quote is lengthy and contains more than three lines, you should set it off as block quotes. This will allow you to call better attention to the quote.
Follow our tips and tricks to write a brilliant synthesis essay that will improve your academic performance and leave a good impression with your professor. If you feel like you cannot handle the task, our writers are always ready to assist you.
