Students are usually perplexed when they hear the word “synthesis paper.” This is an understandable reaction, given that the task’s title doesn’t reveal anything about its specific requirements. If you have been given the daunting duty of writing such an essay but have no idea where to start, you have found the right place! This is the best guide ever written on composing a synthesis essay. Discover the secrets to writing a synthesis paper that will wow your professor.
What Is A Synthesis Paper?
Knowing about a synthesis paper can help you pick the best topic for your paper. A synthesis paper may be easily defined if you grasp the meaning of the verb “to synthesize,” creating a new whole by bringing together previously separate ideas. Like a research paper, a synthesis paper requires students to compile data and information from several sources into a unified argument that conveys their point of view. Writing a synthesis paper is challenging because it requires students to do more than just summarize the main points they’ve learned from their sources; they must also explain the connections between these pieces of knowledge. Synthesis papers can be written for many reasons and of a wide variety.
Different Styles of Synthesis Writing
Most people are only familiar with two types of synthesis papers, but this article will discuss all three. The subsequent are:
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Argumentative Synthesis Paper
In an argumentative synthesis paper, you should first develop a strong thesis that expresses your position on the problem. The first step in writing a great synthesis paper is to organize your thoughts. In a perfect synthesis paper, this is the first step. Several scenarios call for the writing of an argumentative essay. They consist of the following:
- Putting anything through a series of contrasts;
- To argue for something;
- To do textual analysis;
- Explain the chain of events that led up to a certain result.
Once you have chosen a side, stick to it. You may give counterarguments, but they should be concise and weak relative to your core reasons. To avoid presenting excessive information in your paper, try summarizing your ideas beforehand. Your audience would prefer to read a project overview rather than the original work. You risk the reader misinterpreting the facts if you straightforwardly provide them.
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A Background or Explanatory Synthesis Paper
An explanatory synthesis paper aims to help students develop into knowledgeable practitioners in a given field. The author uses a wide range of resources to compile her work. They then conduct an objective and thorough synthesis of this information. They can look into the data we provide and identify its overarching themes. Students and readers might benefit from an explanatory synthesis essay that considers several viewpoints to better understand the subject.
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Literature Review Synthesis Paper
Writing such a report is common coursework for students in the social sciences and the medical field. They read past works on a subject to pick out reoccurring themes. You should be able to use this analysis to see which areas have received sufficient attention and which have not. In general, it will help specialized research by revealing key aspects of a problem under scrutiny.
How Do You Write a Synthesis Essay?
Each synthesis paper has its unique structure, but below are the three parts required in every paper.
- The Introduction
- The Body
- The Conclusion
Academic essay writers serious about their craft will use the standard format for synthesis papers and clear, concise language to convey their ideas to the reader. This part outlines the paper’s start and provides further information on the various parts.
Synthesis Paper Thesis Writing Guide
How to Write a Synthesis Essay Thesis
The argument your synthesis paper will make is included in the thesis statement, where you start writing, as was previously said. Your thesis statement should represent your position on whether or not students should be required to wear uniforms. Some academic assignments, including literature reviews, may not require a thesis statement. The thesis statement will be included in the other essay instructions. Some will need you to think critically about the material and establish your own opinion. Create a thought-provoking thesis statement that will intrigue your audience. The best results might be achieved if you additionally develop and stick to a plan for your synthesis essay. Read this after the introduction paragraph, and you’ll have a much easier time understanding what comes after.
What Should the Body of Your Synthesis Look Like?
Your original ideas should be included in the body paragraphs. They make up the backbone of your paper’s structure. Both sides will be laid forth if this article takes an adversarial stance. Every paragraph should have its own topic sentence. Make sure each paragraph doesn’t include too much information. The themes are derived from clustering information and traits shared by the sources. Each paragraph in your synthesis paper should have a topic sentence that responds to your essay’s thesis.
Your synthesis paper’s body paragraphs should read like a natural progression from one to the next, with each one adding more evidence to back up the thesis you’ve established. Don’t bring up too many ideas that go against your argument. You could use a couple of them, but they shouldn’t be your main points.
Put together phrases that show how different ideas are related. You’ve done more than merely summarize the evidence; your effort has dissected the argument to its bare essence. Use supporting details to back up your main argument. You need to evaluate what the data and studies show about your topic, whether you’re writing a literature review or an expository essay.
How to Write a Conclusion for a Synthesis Paper?
This part summarizes the body, much like a thesis statement. This should recap the key points made in the body of the essay. A synthesis paper must shed light on all the key points to be truly effective. Ultimately, it’s up to the writer to decide how to frame the issues and data presented in the article. Moreover, they can direct readers to additional sources for further investigation if the need arises.
A good writer should always give credit where it’s due. You need to mention all the places you looked for information. Although it’s tempting to depend just on quotations, providing citations for any ideas or frameworks you use is equally important. Some academic institutions require students to use MLA in-text citations. Some institutions need APA-style citations. Take all the necessary steps to avoid accusations of plagiarism at school.
Bottom Line
Some writers create the title after completing the work. They choose one pertinent to the topic and the piece’s content. The outstanding synthesis paper should follow the outline for the synthesis paper. Every example of an outline for a synthesis paper contains a structure. This framework differentiates high-quality synthesis papers. You may be a talented essay writer with a distinct writing style and solid supporting evidence. In the end, a good outline for a synthesis paper may make or break your research study. It might be either an explanation or an argument synthesis paper. Lastly, a research paper demands a writing technique. Your outstanding writing technique and supporting evidence will be ineffective if the body of your synthesis paper is mixed up with the introduction.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
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How often do you use direct quotations in a synthesis paper?
This paper will test your ability to use evidence to support an argument. Sources can be used for research, but they must be properly referenced. You should use quotation marks and provide proper credit to the original author when you use someone else’s words in your article.
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How many paragraphs does a typical synthesis essay have?
A synthesis essay should have a structure of five or six paragraphs. So ensure that you have it down pat! Additional paragraphs will be added only if necessary.
