synthesis writing notes

How to Synthesize Written Information from Multiple Sources

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B.A., English Literature, University of Glasgow

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Saul McLeod, PhD

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Saul McLeod, PhD., is a qualified psychology teacher with over 18 years of experience in further and higher education. He has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Clinical Psychology.

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When you write a literature review or essay, you have to go beyond just summarizing the articles you’ve read – you need to synthesize the literature to show how it all fits together (and how your own research fits in).

Synthesizing simply means combining. Instead of summarizing the main points of each source in turn, you put together the ideas and findings of multiple sources in order to make an overall point.

At the most basic level, this involves looking for similarities and differences between your sources. Your synthesis should show the reader where the sources overlap and where they diverge.

Unsynthesized Example

Franz (2008) studied undergraduate online students. He looked at 17 females and 18 males and found that none of them liked APA. According to Franz, the evidence suggested that all students are reluctant to learn citations style. Perez (2010) also studies undergraduate students. She looked at 42 females and 50 males and found that males were significantly more inclined to use citation software ( p < .05). Findings suggest that females might graduate sooner. Goldstein (2012) looked at British undergraduates. Among a sample of 50, all females, all confident in their abilities to cite and were eager to write their dissertations.

Synthesized Example

Studies of undergraduate students reveal conflicting conclusions regarding relationships between advanced scholarly study and citation efficacy. Although Franz (2008) found that no participants enjoyed learning citation style, Goldstein (2012) determined in a larger study that all participants watched felt comfortable citing sources, suggesting that variables among participant and control group populations must be examined more closely. Although Perez (2010) expanded on Franz’s original study with a larger, more diverse sample…

Step 1: Organize your sources

After collecting the relevant literature, you’ve got a lot of information to work through, and no clear idea of how it all fits together.

Before you can start writing, you need to organize your notes in a way that allows you to see the relationships between sources.

One way to begin synthesizing the literature is to put your notes into a table. Depending on your topic and the type of literature you’re dealing with, there are a couple of different ways you can organize this.

Summary table

A summary table collates the key points of each source under consistent headings. This is a good approach if your sources tend to have a similar structure – for instance, if they’re all empirical papers.

Each row in the table lists one source, and each column identifies a specific part of the source. You can decide which headings to include based on what’s most relevant to the literature you’re dealing with.

For example, you might include columns for things like aims, methods, variables, population, sample size, and conclusion.

For each study, you briefly summarize each of these aspects. You can also include columns for your own evaluation and analysis.

The summary table gives you a quick overview of the key points of each source. This allows you to group sources by relevant similarities, as well as noticing important differences or contradictions in their findings.

Synthesis matrix

A synthesis matrix is useful when your sources are more varied in their purpose and structure – for example, when you’re dealing with books and essays making various different arguments about a topic.

Each column in the table lists one source. Each row is labeled with a specific concept, topic or theme that recurs across all or most of the sources.

Then, for each source, you summarize the main points or arguments related to the theme.

The purposes of the table is to identify the common points that connect the sources, as well as identifying points where they diverge or disagree.

Step 2: Outline your structure

Now you should have a clear overview of the main connections and differences between the sources you’ve read. Next, you need to decide how you’ll group them together and the order in which you’ll discuss them.

For shorter papers, your outline can just identify the focus of each paragraph; for longer papers, you might want to divide it into sections with headings.

There are a few different approaches you can take to help you structure your synthesis.

If your sources cover a broad time period, and you found patterns in how researchers approached the topic over time, you can organize your discussion chronologically .

That doesn’t mean you just summarize each paper in chronological order; instead, you should group articles into time periods and identify what they have in common, as well as signalling important turning points or developments in the literature.

If the literature covers various different topics, you can organize it thematically .

That means that each paragraph or section focuses on a specific theme and explains how that theme is approached in the literature.

Source Used with Permission: The Chicago School

If you’re drawing on literature from various different fields or they use a wide variety of research methods, you can organize your sources methodologically .

That means grouping together studies based on the type of research they did and discussing the findings that emerged from each method.

If your topic involves a debate between different schools of thought, you can organize it theoretically .

That means comparing the different theories that have been developed and grouping together papers based on the position or perspective they take on the topic, as well as evaluating which arguments are most convincing.

Step 3: Write paragraphs with topic sentences

What sets a synthesis apart from a summary is that it combines various sources. The easiest way to think about this is that each paragraph should discuss a few different sources, and you should be able to condense the overall point of the paragraph into one sentence.

This is called a topic sentence , and it usually appears at the start of the paragraph. The topic sentence signals what the whole paragraph is about; every sentence in the paragraph should be clearly related to it.

A topic sentence can be a simple summary of the paragraph’s content:

“Early research on [x] focused heavily on [y].”

For an effective synthesis, you can use topic sentences to link back to the previous paragraph, highlighting a point of debate or critique:

“Several scholars have pointed out the flaws in this approach.” “While recent research has attempted to address the problem, many of these studies have methodological flaws that limit their validity.”

By using topic sentences, you can ensure that your paragraphs are coherent and clearly show the connections between the articles you are discussing.

As you write your paragraphs, avoid quoting directly from sources: use your own words to explain the commonalities and differences that you found in the literature.

Don’t try to cover every single point from every single source – the key to synthesizing is to extract the most important and relevant information and combine it to give your reader an overall picture of the state of knowledge on your topic.

Step 4: Revise, edit and proofread

Like any other piece of academic writing, synthesizing literature doesn’t happen all in one go – it involves redrafting, revising, editing and proofreading your work.

Checklist for Synthesis

•   Do I introduce the paragraph with a clear, focused topic sentence?
•   Do I discuss more than one source in the paragraph?
•   Do I mention only the most relevant findings, rather than describing every part of the studies?
•   Do I discuss the similarities or differences between the sources, rather than summarizing each source in turn?
•   Do I put the findings or arguments of the sources in my own words?
•   Is the paragraph organized around a single idea?
•   Is the paragraph directly relevant to my research question or topic?
•   Is there a logical transition from this paragraph to the next one?

Further Information

How to Synthesise: a Step-by-Step Approach

Help…I”ve Been Asked to Synthesize!

Learn how to Synthesise (combine information from sources)

How to write a Psychology Essay

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How to Write a Synthesis Essay

Last Updated: April 7, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Christopher Taylor, PhD . Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,128,183 times.

Writing a synthesis essay requires the ability to digest information and present it in an organized fashion. While this skill is developed in high school and college classes, it translates to the business and advertising world as well. Scroll down to Step 1 to begin learning how to write a synthesis essay.

Examining Your Topic

• Argument synthesis: This type of essay has a strong thesis statement that presents the writer's point of view. It organizes relevant information gathered from research in a logical manner to support the thesis' point of view. Business white papers known as position papers often take this form. This is the type of synthesis essay that students will write during the AP test.
• Review: Often written as a preliminary essay to an argument synthesis, a review essay is a discussion of what has been written previously on a topic, with a critical analysis of the sources covered. Its unstated thesis is usually that more research needs to be done in that area or that the topic problem has not been adequately addressed. This type of paper is common in social science classes and in medicine.
• Explanatory/background synthesis: This type of essay helps readers understand a topic by categorizing facts and presenting them to further the reader's understanding. It does not advocate a particular point of view, and if it has a thesis statement, the thesis is a weak one. Some business white papers take this form, although they are more likely to have a point of view, if understated.

• Example of a broad topic narrowed down into a reasonable synthesis essay topic: Instead of the broad topic of Social Media, you could discuss your view on the effects texting has had on the English language.
• If you've been assigned a topic as part of a class, make sure you read the prompt carefully and fully understand it.

• Keep in mind that it's better to do three sources well than to do five sources incompletely.
• Annotate each source by writing notes in the margins. This allows you to keep track of your train of thought, developing ideas, etc.

• Example: Texting has had a positive impact on the English language as it has helped the millennial generation create their own form of the language.

• If you wish to take on a claim by an opponent of your idea, and to poke holes in it, you should also find some ideas or quotes that go against your thesis statement, and plan ways to disprove them. This is called a concession, refutation, or rebuttal, which can strengthen your argument if you do it well.
• Example : For the thesis statement listed above, excellent sources would include quotes from linguists discussing the new words that have developed through 'text-speak', statistics that show the English language has evolved with almost every generation, and facts that show students still have the ability to write with the use of grammar and spelling (which your opponents would bring up as the main reason texting has had a negative effect on the English language).

Outlining Your Essay

• The introductory paragraph: 1. An introductory sentence that acts as a hook, capturing the reader's interest. 2. Identification of the issue you will be discussing. 3. Your thesis statement.
• The body paragraphs: 1. Topic sentence that gives one reason to support your thesis. 2. Your explanation and opinion of the topic sentence. 3. Support from your sources that backs up the claim you just made. 4. Explanation of the significance of the source(s).
• The conclusion paragraph: 1. State further significance of your topic from the evidence and reasons you discussed in the essay. 2. A profound thought or thoughtful ending for your paper.

• Example/illustration. This may be a detailed recount, summary, or direct quote from your source material that provides major support for your point of view. You may use more than one example or illustration, if your paper calls for it. You should not, however, make your paper a series of examples at the expense of supporting your thesis.
• Straw man. With this technique, you present an argument opposed to the argument stated in your thesis, then show the weaknesses and flaws of the counter-argument. This format shows your awareness of the opposition and your readiness to answer it. You present the counter-argument right after your thesis, followed by the evidence to refute it, and end with a positive argument that supports your thesis. [5] X Research source
• Concession. Essays with concessions are structured similar to those using the straw man technique, but they acknowledge the validity of the counter-argument while showing that the original argument is stronger. This structure is good for presenting papers to readers who hold the opposing viewpoint.
• Comparison and contrast. This structure compares similarities and contrasts differences between two subjects or sources to show the facets of both. Writing an essay with this structure requires a careful reading of your source material to find both subtle and major points of similarity and difference. This kind of essay can present its arguments source-by-source or by points of similarity or difference.

• Summary. This structure presents summaries of each of your relevant sources, making a progressively stronger argument for your thesis. It provides specific evidence to support your point of view, but usually omits presenting your own opinions. It's most commonly used for background and review essays.
• List of reasons. This is a series of sub-points that flow from the main point of your paper as stated in its thesis. Each reason is supported with evidence. As with the summary method, reasons should become progressively more important, with the most important reason last.

Writing Your Essay

• Your essay should have an introductory paragraph that includes your thesis , a body to present evidence that supports your thesis, and a conclusion that summarizes your point of view.

• Lengthy quotes of three lines or more should generally be set off as block quotes to better call attention to them. [7] X Trustworthy Source Purdue Online Writing Lab Trusted resource for writing and citation guidelines Go to source

Finalizing Your Essay

• Ask someone else to proofread your paper. The saying “two heads are better than one” still holds true. Ask a friend or colleague what would they add or remove from the paper. Most importantly, does your argument make sense, and is it clearly supported by your sources?

• Read the paper aloud to guarantee that you don't accidentally add in or take out words when reading in your head.
• If you can, get a friend or classmate to proofread your essay as well.

• Example of citing in an AP synthesis essay: McPherson claims “texting has changed the English language in a positive way--it has given a new generation their own unique way to communicate” (Source E).
• For college essays, you'll most likely use MLA format. Whichever format you use, be consistent in its use. You may also be asked to use APA or Chicago style.

• Example title: : English and the iPhone: Exploring the Benefits of 'Text-Speak'

Outline Template

Community Q&A

• Just as your title should fit your essay instead of writing your essay to fit the title, your thesis, once chosen, should direct your subsequent research instead of subsequent research altering your thesis � unless you find you've adopted an unsupportable thesis. Thanks Helpful 21 Not Helpful 8

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://success.uark.edu/get-help/student-resources/synthesis-paper.php
• ↑ https://www.unr.edu/writing-speaking-center/student-resources/writing-speaking-resources/mapping-a-synthesis-essay
• ↑ https://www.bgsu.edu/content/dam/BGSU/learning-commons/documents/writing/synthesis/planning-synthesis-essay.pdf
• ↑ https://writingcenterofprinceton.com/synthesis-essays-a-step-by-step-how-to-guide/
• ↑ https://owl.excelsior.edu/argument-and-critical-thinking/logical-fallacies/logical-fallacies-straw-man/
• ↑ https://writingcommons.org/section/rhetoric/rhetorical-stance/point-of-view/third-person-point-of-view/
• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/mla_style/mla_formatting_and_style_guide/mla_formatting_quotations.html
• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/the_writing_process/proofreading/steps_for_revising.html
• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/the_writing_process/proofreading/proofreading_suggestions.html
• ↑ https://www.edhs.org/ourpages/auto/2010/5/17/41759867/Synthesis%20Essay%20Introduction.pdf
• ↑ https://writing.umn.edu/sws/assets/pdf/quicktips/titles.pdf

About This Article

To write a synthesis essay, start by coming up with a thesis statement that you can support using all of the sources you've read for your essay. For example, your thesis statement could be "Texting has had a positive impact on the English language." Once you've got your thesis, go through your sources to find specific quotes, facts, and statistics that back up your claim. Structure your essay so it has an introduction that includes your thesis statement, a body that includes your arguments and evidence, and a conclusion that wraps everything up. For more tips on structuring your synthesis essay, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Writing with ai, synthesis notes: working with sources to create a first draft.

• CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 by Erika Szymanski

Synthesis notes are a strategy for taking and using reading notes that bring together—synthesize—what we read with our thoughts about our topic in a way that lets us integrate our notes seamlessly into the process of writing a first draft. Six steps will take us from reading sources to a first draft.

When we read, it is easy to take notes that don’t help us build our own arguments when we move from note-taking to writing. In high school, most of us learned to take notes that summarize readings. Summarizing works well when the purpose of our notes is to help us memorize information quickly for a test. When we read in preparation for writing a research-supported argument, however, summarizing is inefficient because our notes don’t reflect how our sources fit into our argument. We have to return to our sources and try to recall why and how we saw them contribute to our thinking.

Table of Contents

Thinking through your sources

Step 1 : As you read, keep in mind your purpose. Why are you reading this source? About what will you be writing? Write down your thoughts on how the text fits in with what you are currently thinking about your topic; if you did not begin your research with ideas, start thinking and building as you read. Try to make complete sentences. Often, you may summarize or paraphrase a bit of what the text is saying as you refer to it in the context of your own thinking, but do not just summarize what the text says. Capture what you think as you read: your reactions, how it is helpful, how it is relevant. Incorporate any quotes you find especially helpful, but rather than simply copying the quote, write about and around the quote.

Repeat step 1 for each source you think you may use to build your argument.

Identifying your thesis: Whether or not you began with firm ideas about your topic, your reading – and, more precisely, your thinking as you read – will be the source of new ideas. Your thesis , then, will emerge during your reading as the product of how all of your reading and thinking comes together to create a position you can support, with your sources and with your own well-informed argumentation. Even if you began your research holding a clear position on your topic, give your thesis permission to change as you read. Not doing so limits your capacity to learn and grow through your reading and, moreover, risks leaving you unable to support your thesis with your sources.

When you feel as though you have read and thought enough to develop a position on your topic that your sources can support, and that you can stand behind, take note of that position as your thesis. Know, though, that your thesis may still grow and change as you continue to read, think, and draft if you find your sources leading you to support a different position.

Elaborating on your ideas

Step 2 : When you are ready to begin writing, refer back to your synthesis notes. Look at the first point and write a short paragraph about that thought or observation. If your synthesis notes are in complete sentences, you may cut and paste those sentences into your new paragraphs or revise and build from them to reflect how your thinking has changed and grown. Then move to the next note and, again, write a short paragraph about that observation. These sections of writing do not need to be connected; that will come later. Do not worry about writing a coherent paper; just focus on one idea or observation at a time.

If you get stuck – if you cannot figure out how a particular note fits into your argument or if it no longer fits—skip that note and move to the next one. You can return to these unused notes later when you may find that you now have something to say about them or that they simply are not part of your argument.

You may find it helpful to color-code your synthesis notes to remind yourself of what material you have and have not used. Remember, too, to include in-text citations to your original source material as you write (lsee guidelines on when citation is necessary ).

When you reach the end of your notes, you should have a list of short paragraphs constituting much of your argument.

Finding the essence of your argument

Step 3 : Read back through your short paragraphs and, in a separate document or on a separate sheet of paper, summarize each paragraph in a single phrase or sentence. If you cannot summarize a paragraph with a single phrase, try to revise the paragraph so that it focuses on just one idea. Give each paragraph and its corresponding summary phrase a number so that you can match the paragraph to its summary phrase.

Organizing your ideas

Step 4 : Now we will organize the writing we did in step 2. Looking only at the list of summary phrases, rearrange them until they can be read as a logical, coherent paragraph from top to bottom. This paragraph should summarize your argument. If you find that a phrase fails to fit, set it aside. If you find a gap where you need an additional sentence to provide a logical connection between two of your phrases, write in that sentence.

Organizing your writing

Step 5 : Return to your short paragraphs and rearrange them so that they match the order of the summary phrases that you have just organized. If you set aside any phrases, set aside their corresponding paragraphs—you may not end up using those paragraphs. If you had to write any new phrases, add those phrases in their place in-between paragraphs; you can expand these phrases into full paragraphs in the next step.

Shaping and structuring your argument

Step 6: Now, take these organized paragraphs and bring them together into a coherent argument. When you read your organized paragraphs, the ideas from each paragraph should flow logically into the next. Add transitions to make those connections explicit. Revise your paragraphs to make the logic of your argument more clear. Delete sentences that are no longer relevant in their new context or add sentences if you need to more fully explain an idea. Expand any added phrases into more complete connecting paragraphs.

At this stage, you may need to refer back to your source material to flesh out any gaps in your argument, or you may find that you need to consult new source material for the same purpose, but your draft should make clear what additional information you need and where it goes. You will also want to add an introduction and conclusion summarizing and drawing out the main points of your argument. Nevertheless, you have produced a first draft from your reading notes without ever going through the painful steps of wondering where and how to begin writing.

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• Writing Tips

How to Write a Synthesis Essay

4-minute read

• 31st May 2023

Are you writing a synthesis essay? This is a paper that combines information from a variety of sources to form a new idea. Essentially, you’re synthesizing existing concepts and arguments to create something original.

As a student, you’ll probably have to write a synthesis essay at some point. Read on for our step-by-step guide on how to write one effectively.

Step 1. Define Your Idea or Argument

If you haven’t done so already, decide on a topic to write about. Read up about it using a variety of credible sources and make detailed notes while you research. Make sure you keep track of the sources you decide to pull information from so that you can cite them properly later.

Make a list of key points from your research. Once you have a good selection of material to work with, start developing your own idea or argument. This will be the focus of your essay.

Step 2. Create an Outline

Synthesis essays generally follow this format: an introduction, a handful of main body paragraphs, and a conclusion. It’s a good idea to come up with an essay plan before you start writing so that you can keep things organized while you work.

The outline is mainly helpful for deciding what to include in your body paragraphs. Decide what supporting points (and counterarguments ) from your research you want to include, and which order you want to discuss them in. You should have enough information to flesh out one paragraph for each point.

Step 3. Write Your Introduction

In your introduction, you should open with something that hooks the reader and captures their attention. Then, state your argument or idea (i.e., your thesis statement) and briefly summarize the material you’ll be including in your essay. You should also include any relevant background information here.

Step 4. Write the Body Paragraphs

Using your outline, discuss each point from your source material in more depth, devoting a body paragraph to each. Explain the information from the outside source, including appropriate citations, and discuss how it connects with your idea.

It’s a good idea to mostly focus on points that support your argument, but you should also include a paragraph with a counterargument or two. This means discussing a perspective that doesn’t necessarily align with your idea, and then explaining why your argument still works.

Step 5. Tie It All Together With a Conclusion

The conclusion should leave the reader feeling convinced of your idea. Restate your point clearly and summarize the main points you’ve discussed. You could also offer any concluding reflections on the topic.

Different Types of Synthesis Essays

While you can follow our steps for any type of synthesis essay, yours will probably fall under one of two categories: explanatory or argumentative.

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Argumentative essays are as they sound – they present an argument. With an argumentative essay, you’ll take a more definitive stance on something and use your supporting material to persuade the reader.

Explanatory essays don’t necessarily take a side one way or the other. Rather, they focus on developing and explaining a concept thoroughly. Knowing which type of essay you’re writing will help you to gather more effective source material for your purpose.

Cite Your Sources

Since synthesis essays are particularly dependent on outside material, it’s especially important that you cite your sources correctly. Familiarize yourself with your referencing system before you start researching so you know what information you need to keep track of, and include appropriate citations whenever you use someone else’s work.

At the end of the essay, you’ll need to compile your sources into a reference list following the requirements of your style guide.

Summary: Writing a Synthesis Essay

Hopefully, this post has helped you to feel more confident in writing a synthesis essay. Choose a topic first, do your research, keep track of your sources, and develop an argument or idea. From there, you can organize your thoughts into an outline and get to writing!

Once you’ve created a first draft, make sure you send it our way! We’ll check it for errors in grammar, spelling, referencing, and more. Try it out for free today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a synthesis essay.

A synthesis essay gathers ideas and viewpoints from several different sources and ties them together to form a new concept.

How long is a synthesis essay?

Synthesis essays usually follow the five-paragraph format, with an introduction, three main body paragraphs discussing different points, and a conclusion.

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Essay Papers Writing Online

10 effective strategies for writing a successful synthesis essay that will impress your readers.

In the realm of written expression, the fusion of ideas from various sources has long been regarded as one of the most intellectually stimulating endeavors. Being able to synthesize information from disparate fields of knowledge not only demonstrates a profound understanding of the subject matter, but also enables the author to introduce novel insights and perspectives. A synthesis essay, as its name suggests, requires a writer to assimilate and integrate ideas, arguments, and evidence from multiple sources into a cohesive and compelling piece of writing. This type of essay invites writers to harness their analytical skills and creative thinking abilities to produce a work that advances a unique and persuasive viewpoint.

Central to the craft of writing a synthesis essay is the utilization of synthesis techniques, which allow the author to achieve the desired integration of ideas. By employing these techniques, such as comparison and contrast, analysis and evaluation, and critique and synthesis, the writer can effectively merge ideas from different sources in a clear and coherent manner. Through the skillful application of these techniques, the writer can establish connections, draw parallels, and highlight the interrelationships of ideas, thereby creating a nuanced and sophisticated argument.

Examples serve as valuable tools in illustrating the principles and techniques of crafting a successful synthesis essay. For instance, consider a synthesis essay on the topic of climate change. In this essay, the writer integrates scientific research papers, political speeches, and personal testimony to create a comprehensive and persuasive argument for the urgent need for global action on climate change. By skillfully weaving together these diverse sources, the writer is able to present a multi-dimensional perspective on the issue while maintaining a clear and compelling narrative.

How to Write a Synthesis Essay: Step-by-Step Guide

In the process of crafting a synthesis essay, you will be tasked with combining information from multiple sources to create a cohesive and well-supported argument. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, providing helpful tips and examples along the way.

Step 1: Understand the Assignment

Before diving into the writing process, it is crucial to fully comprehend the assignment. Read through the prompt carefully, identifying the main question or topic, as well as any specific sources or guidelines provided. This will help you determine the scope and direction of your essay.

Step 2: Conduct Research

Once you have a solid grasp of the assignment, it’s time to gather information from various sources. This can include articles, books, interviews, or even online resources. Make sure to select sources that are reputable, current, and relevant to your topic. Take detailed notes as you read, highlighting key ideas and evidence.

Step 3: Develop a Thesis Statement

Based on your research, develop a clear and concise thesis statement that encapsulates your argument. This statement should present your position on the topic and preview the main points you will explore in your essay. Keep in mind that a strong thesis statement will guide the entire writing process.

Step 4: Create an Outline

Organize your thoughts and ideas by creating an outline for your essay. This will serve as a roadmap for your writing, ensuring that each point flows logically and effectively supports your thesis. Divide your essay into sections and subsections, assigning each one a specific focus.

Step 5: Write the Introduction

Begin your essay with a captivating introduction that grabs the reader’s attention. Provide some background information on the topic and present your thesis statement. Be sure to include a hook that entices the reader to continue reading.

Step 6: Craft the Body Paragraphs

The body of your essay should consist of several paragraphs, each dedicated to a specific point or subtopic. Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea, then support it with evidence from your sources. Be sure to cite your sources properly to give credit to the original authors.

Step 7: Write the Conclusion

Wrap up your essay with a strong conclusion that reinforces your thesis statement and summarizes your main points. Avoid introducing new information in this section, and instead focus on leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

Step 8: Revise and Edit

Once you have completed a draft of your essay, take the time to revise and edit it. Check for clarity, coherence, and overall effectiveness of your arguments. Also, review your grammar, spelling, and punctuation to ensure your essay is error-free.

Step 9: Proofread and Polish

Before submitting your final essay, proofread it one last time to catch any lingering errors. Pay attention to spelling, grammar, and punctuation mistakes. Additionally, ensure that your formatting and citations are consistent throughout the essay.

Step 10: Seek Feedback

Finally, seek feedback from others, such as peers, teachers, or writing tutors. Their fresh perspective can help you identify any areas that need improvement and provide valuable suggestions for strengthening your essay.

By following this step-by-step guide, you will be well-equipped to write a successful synthesis essay that effectively combines multiple sources and supports your argument. Remember to take your time, conduct thorough research, and carefully craft each section of your essay to achieve the best possible result.

Understanding the Purpose of a Synthesis Essay

Exploring the Rationale Behind Composing a Synthesis Paper

A synthesis essay is a unique form of academic writing that requires students to combine information from multiple sources to support a thesis statement. In this type of essay, the writer needs to analyze various perspectives and synthesize them into a coherent argument. The purpose of a synthesis essay is to demonstrate a deep understanding of a topic by presenting a well-structured and balanced synthesis of different viewpoints or approaches.

When writing a synthesis essay, it is essential to understand the purpose behind this type of assignment. The primary goal is not merely to summarize the information from the sources but to present an original perspective that emerges from the synthesis of these sources. By carefully analyzing and evaluating the information from various sources, students can develop a unique understanding of the topic and present their own insights.

Moreover, a synthesis essay allows students to demonstrate critical thinking and analytical skills. It requires them to evaluate the credibility and relevance of the sources used and to consider how different ideas and perspectives relate to one another. By carefully selecting and integrating information from diverse sources, students can create a cohesive argument that goes beyond a mere summary of the sources.

Another important purpose of a synthesis essay is to foster effective communication and persuasive writing skills. Through the synthesis process, students learn how to effectively convey their ideas and support them with evidence from the sources. They need to consider the audience and tailor their argument to appeal to the readers. By organizing their thoughts and ideas in a logical and coherent manner, students can make a persuasive case for their thesis statement.

In summary, the purpose of a synthesis essay is to demonstrate a deep understanding of a topic by synthesizing information from multiple sources into a cohesive argument. It requires students to analyze and evaluate various viewpoints and to develop their own unique perspective. Additionally, a synthesis essay cultivates critical thinking skills and effective communication abilities. By mastering the art of synthesis writing, students can become more proficient in academic research and persuasive writing, making their essays more compelling and insightful.

Choosing a Relevant Topic for Your Synthesis Essay

When embarking on a journey of writing a synthesis essay, one of the most crucial steps is selecting a pertinent topic that encompasses the essence of your discussion. This stage requires careful consideration and evaluation in order to ensure that you have a solid foundation on which to build your argument.

To begin, it is essential to understand that a relevant topic should address the central theme or question that you are exploring in your synthesis essay. It should encapsulate the diverse perspectives and ideas that you aim to synthesize in your composition. By choosing a topic that is pertinent to your thesis statement, you can create a cohesive and persuasive argument.

When selecting a topic, it is important to choose something that is not only interesting to you but also holds relevance to the current context. Consider the current societal issues, scientific advancements, or technological developments that are shaping the world around us. By delving into a topic that is timely and impactful, you can engage your readers and make your synthesis essay more compelling.

Furthermore, it is crucial to choose a topic that allows for a variety of sources and perspectives to be integrated into your essay. Look for subjects that have a wealth of research materials available from reputable sources such as academic journals, books, and established experts in the field. This will provide you with a diverse range of perspectives to consider and synthesize in your argument.

In conclusion, choosing a relevant topic for your synthesis essay is a critical step in the writing process. By selecting a topic that aligns with your thesis statement, holds relevance in the current context, and allows for a variety of perspectives to be included, you can create a well-rounded and persuasive synthesis essay that effectively conveys your argument.

Gathering and Evaluating Sources for Your Essay

When embarking on writing a synthesis essay, it is crucial to gather and evaluate reliable sources to support your arguments effectively. A successful essay depends on the quality and relevance of the sources you include. This section will provide you with some valuable tips on how to gather and evaluate sources for your essay.

1. Determine the scope of your essay: Before you start collecting sources, it is important to have a clear understanding of the scope and topic of your essay. This will help you narrow down your search and choose sources that are most relevant to your argument.

2. Use a variety of sources: In order to provide a well-rounded view on the topic, it is recommended to include a mix of primary and secondary sources. Primary sources can include original research studies, interviews, or firsthand accounts, while secondary sources can be scholarly articles, books, or reputable websites that analyze and interpret the primary sources.

3. Evaluate the credibility of the sources: It is essential to evaluate the credibility and reliability of the sources you find. Consider the author’s credentials, the reputation of the publication or website, and whether the information has been peer-reviewed or fact-checked. Avoid relying heavily on sources that lack authority or have a bias.

4. Check for currency: Ensure that the sources you choose are up to date and reflect the most current research and information on the topic. This is particularly important if you are writing about a rapidly evolving field or a current issue.

5. Take notes and keep track of your sources: As you gather your sources, it is crucial to take detailed notes and keep track of the bibliographic information. This will make it easier to properly credit your sources and create an accurate bibliography later on.

6. Consider diverse perspectives: While it can be tempting to rely on sources that align with your own views, it is important to consider diverse perspectives. Including sources with differing opinions can strengthen your argument and demonstrate that you have considered multiple viewpoints.

By following these tips and gathering a range of reliable sources, you will be well-equipped to write a compelling synthesis essay that is backed by solid evidence and argumentation.

Developing a Thesis Statement for Your Synthesis Essay

In the process of writing a synthesis essay, one of the most crucial steps is developing a strong thesis statement. A thesis statement sets the tone and direction for your essay, guiding the reader on what to expect and how the different sources you will be synthesizing contribute to your overall argument.

When developing a thesis statement for your synthesis essay, it is important to consider the main idea you want to convey and the point you want to make. Your thesis statement should be clear, concise, and specific, providing a roadmap for your essay and outlining the main arguments you will be making.

One approach to developing a thesis statement is to carefully analyze the sources you will be synthesizing and identify common themes or patterns. Look for similarities and differences among the sources and identify the main ideas that emerge. Your thesis statement can then highlight these main ideas and showcase how they intersect and contribute to your overall argument.

Another approach to developing a thesis statement is to consider the main arguments or perspectives presented in the sources and craft a statement that expresses your position on the topic. Your thesis statement can be a synthesis of these different perspectives, presenting a nuanced and balanced argument that incorporates multiple viewpoints.

Remember, a strong thesis statement is essential for a successful synthesis essay. It provides a clear roadmap for your essay and allows your reader to understand the main arguments you will be making. Take the time to carefully craft your thesis statement, ensuring it is specific, concise, and reflective of the main ideas you will be exploring in your essay.

Structuring Your Synthesis Essay for Effective Organization

Creating a well-structured synthesis essay is crucial for effective organization and a clear presentation of your ideas. A strong structure allows your readers to easily follow your argument and understand the connections between different sources and viewpoints. In this section, we will explore some key strategies for structuring your synthesis essay to ensure a cohesive and persuasive piece of writing.

1. Introduction: Start your essay with a compelling introduction that grabs your reader’s attention and clearly presents the topic you will be discussing. Provide some background information on the issue, highlight its significance, and state your thesis statement, which will guide your argument throughout the essay.

2. Body paragraphs: Divide your essay into several body paragraphs, each addressing a specific aspect of your topic. Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea or argument you will be discussing. Support your points with evidence from your sources, making sure to cite them properly. Use transitions between paragraphs and within sentences to create a smooth flow of ideas and to establish connections between different viewpoints.

3. Analysis and synthesis: While presenting the ideas from your sources, make sure to analyze and evaluate them critically. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each source, identify any biases or limitations, and consider how they contribute to your overall argument. Aim to synthesize the information from your sources, combining different perspectives to support your own viewpoint.

4. Counterarguments: Address and refute counterarguments to strengthen your argument and demonstrate a thorough understanding of the topic. Anticipate possible objections and provide evidence or reasoning to counter them. Acknowledging opposing viewpoints but explaining why they are flawed further strengthens your own argument and credibility.

5. Conclusion: Wrap up your essay with a strong conclusion that summarizes your main points and restates your thesis in a clear and compelling manner. Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion, but instead, emphasize the significance of your argument and its implications.

By structuring your synthesis essay in an organized and logical manner, you can ensure that your ideas are presented cohesively and persuasively. Remember to revise and edit your essay for clarity, coherence, and grammar, and proofread it carefully before submission. With a well-structured essay, you can effectively convey your argument and convince your readers of your viewpoint.

Writing and Revising Your Synthesis Essay

Crafting and fine-tuning your synthesis essay is an essential step in the writing process. Once you have conducted comprehensive research and gathered a plethora of sources, it’s time to consolidate your findings and present them in a cohesive and persuasive manner.

When it comes to writing your synthesis essay, it is crucial to lay a solid foundation. Begin by organizing your thoughts and ideas into an outline, creating a clear and logical structure for your essay. This framework will serve as a roadmap, guiding you through the writing process and ensuring that your arguments flow smoothly.

Once your outline is complete, you can begin the actual writing process. Start with a strong introduction that captures the reader’s attention and clearly states your thesis statement. From there, proceed to develop your ideas in a series of well-crafted paragraphs, each with its own topic sentence and supporting evidence.

As you write, remember to maintain a formal and academic tone, using appropriate language and avoiding slang or colloquialisms. Your synthesis essay should demonstrate your understanding of the topic and your ability to effectively analyze and synthesize information from a variety of sources.

Once you have completed your initial draft, it is essential to revise and edit your synthesis essay to ensure its clarity and coherence. Begin by reviewing the overall structure and organization of your essay. Check that your paragraphs flow smoothly and logically, and ensure that your thesis statement is well-supported by the evidence presented.

Next, focus on the content of your essay. Review each paragraph to ensure that it contributes to the overall argument and that the evidence presented is relevant and persuasive. Consider whether there are any gaps in your analysis or any areas that could benefit from further development.

In addition to content, pay attention to the style and mechanics of your writing. Check for grammatical and spelling errors, and ensure that your sentences are clear, concise, and varied. Consider the use of appropriate transitions to guide your reader through your essay and help them follow your line of reasoning.

Lastly, take the time to proofread your essay carefully. Read it aloud, or have someone else read it to you, to catch any errors or areas that could be strengthened. Remember, the revision process is an opportunity to refine and improve your essay, so take the time to make necessary changes and ensure that your synthesis is well-crafted and compelling.

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• Synthesizing Sources | Examples & Synthesis Matrix

Synthesizing Sources | Examples & Synthesis Matrix

Published on July 4, 2022 by Eoghan Ryan . Revised on May 31, 2023.

Synthesizing sources involves combining the work of other scholars to provide new insights. It’s a way of integrating sources that helps situate your work in relation to existing research.

Synthesizing sources involves more than just summarizing . You must emphasize how each source contributes to current debates, highlighting points of (dis)agreement and putting the sources in conversation with each other.

You might synthesize sources in your literature review to give an overview of the field or throughout your research paper when you want to position your work in relation to existing research.

Table of contents

Example of synthesizing sources, how to synthesize sources, synthesis matrix, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about synthesizing sources.

Let’s take a look at an example where sources are not properly synthesized, and then see what can be done to improve it.

This paragraph provides no context for the information and does not explain the relationships between the sources described. It also doesn’t analyze the sources or consider gaps in existing research.

Research on the barriers to second language acquisition has primarily focused on age-related difficulties. Building on Lenneberg’s (1967) theory of a critical period of language acquisition, Johnson and Newport (1988) tested Lenneberg’s idea in the context of second language acquisition. Their research seemed to confirm that young learners acquire a second language more easily than older learners. Recent research has considered other potential barriers to language acquisition. Schepens, van Hout, and van der Slik (2022) have revealed that the difficulties of learning a second language at an older age are compounded by dissimilarity between a learner’s first language and the language they aim to acquire. Further research needs to be carried out to determine whether the difficulty faced by adult monoglot speakers is also faced by adults who acquired a second language during the “critical period.”

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To synthesize sources, group them around a specific theme or point of contention.

As you read sources, ask:

• What questions or ideas recur? Do the sources focus on the same points, or do they look at the issue from different angles?
• How does each source relate to others? Does it confirm or challenge the findings of past research?
• Where do the sources agree or disagree?

Once you have a clear idea of how each source positions itself, put them in conversation with each other. Analyze and interpret their points of agreement and disagreement. This displays the relationships among sources and creates a sense of coherence.

Consider both implicit and explicit (dis)agreements. Whether one source specifically refutes another or just happens to come to different conclusions without specifically engaging with it, you can mention it in your synthesis either way.

Synthesize your sources using:

• Topic sentences to introduce the relationship between the sources
• Signal phrases to attribute ideas to their authors
• Transition words and phrases to link together different ideas

To more easily determine the similarities and dissimilarities among your sources, you can create a visual representation of their main ideas with a synthesis matrix . This is a tool that you can use when researching and writing your paper, not a part of the final text.

In a synthesis matrix, each column represents one source, and each row represents a common theme or idea among the sources. In the relevant rows, fill in a short summary of how the source treats each theme or topic.

This helps you to clearly see the commonalities or points of divergence among your sources. You can then synthesize these sources in your work by explaining their relationship.

If you want to know more about ChatGPT, AI tools , citation , and plagiarism , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

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Synthesizing sources means comparing and contrasting the work of other scholars to provide new insights.

It involves analyzing and interpreting the points of agreement and disagreement among sources.

You might synthesize sources in your literature review to give an overview of the field of research or throughout your paper when you want to contribute something new to existing research.

A literature review is a survey of scholarly sources (such as books, journal articles, and theses) related to a specific topic or research question .

It is often written as part of a thesis, dissertation , or research paper , in order to situate your work in relation to existing knowledge.

Topic sentences help keep your writing focused and guide the reader through your argument.

In an essay or paper , each paragraph should focus on a single idea. By stating the main idea in the topic sentence, you clarify what the paragraph is about for both yourself and your reader.

At college level, you must properly cite your sources in all essays , research papers , and other academic texts (except exams and in-class exercises).

Add a citation whenever you quote , paraphrase , or summarize information or ideas from a source. You should also give full source details in a bibliography or reference list at the end of your text.

The exact format of your citations depends on which citation style you are instructed to use. The most common styles are APA , MLA , and Chicago .

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If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Ryan, E. (2023, May 31). Synthesizing Sources | Examples & Synthesis Matrix. Scribbr. Retrieved September 23, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/working-with-sources/synthesizing-sources/

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Step-by-Step Synthesis

By  Jordan McNeill

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Jordan McNeill is a doctoral student in special education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Follow her on Twitter at @jordanmcneill89 .

In January, I wrote my comprehensive exam for my doctoral program, which, in my department, involves a 50-page critical synthesis based on a specific claim of knowledge over a six-week period. It is a fairly daunting task, requiring the integration of literature across many methodologies, subdisciplines and underlying theories. The writer’s job is to somehow balance the big picture of their knowledge claim with the individual contributions of each included source, ultimately making a cohesive argument. Easy, right?

Unfortunately, the particular skill set required for this kind of synthesis is often not explicitly taught. Sure, we have all crafted five-paragraph essays since the fifth grade, and we have probably contributed to scientific research reports. But synthesizing other people's writing to make your own point takes a different thought process. Many graduate students find it hard to move beyond summarizing individual studies in a linear fashion. As the proverb goes, we struggle to see the forest for the trees, detailing specifics but failing to communicate the overall meaning effectively.

As I planned for writing my exam, I realized that the bulk of the work of finding patterns in my sources needed to happen before I started writing. Using ideas from the book Destination Dissertation: A Traveler’s Guide to a Done Dissertation and my own adaptations, I developed a step-by-step process for organizing my notes and ideas. This process assumes you’ve already conducted an exhaustive literature search and have a fairly set reference list; it’s difficult to piece together a synthesis without first establishing your sources. If you are tackling a literature review, comprehensive exam or other similar writing activity, this process can help you synthesize your information before even beginning a draft.

1. Read your sources several times

First, read every article, chapter or other source multiple times with different purposes for each read. On the first read, skim for the big ideas and start mentally categorizing them. After familiarizing yourself with the basics, read in-depth with highlighter in hand, marking the main constructs, findings or arguments relevant to your claim. The third read will be for in-depth note taking.

2. Take organized notes on every source

On this third read, each source gets a notes page labeled with the author and year at the top. I formatted my notes in two columns, with the left column including a word or phrase to capture the main concept and the right column with the details. For example, my knowledge claim addressed teachers’ subjective ideas and experiences related to using specific interventions in their classrooms. My notes included concepts like teachers’ use of interventions, contextual influences and training experiences. Avoid organizing your notes by steps in the research process -- labeling information as sample, methods or results won’t help you make connections later on. I chose to write all my notes by hand , but this could also be done in a typed document.

3. Identify relevant concepts and supporting sources

Once you have a stack of source notes, it’s time to identify the concepts that show up across them. These concepts might include specific research findings, definitions of terms, future implications or other ideas driven by the purpose of your paper. Not every source will address every concept. First, make a master list of all the concepts from the left sides of your source notes. Then, find all the sources that covered each specific concept in their article or chapter. Personally, I simply transferred each concept to an individual sticky note and listed the authors who addressed it underneath.

4. Restructure your notes by concept

Now, each of those concepts gets its own two-column notes page. This time, the authors will go on the left-hand column and you will transfer the notes from step two specific to that concept on the right side. Think of it as if you were cutting apart your article notes, categorizing them by concept and pasting them to a new page (which, conceivably, you could also do, but it might get messy). As you are transferring these notes, pay attention to which authors agree and which raise unique ideas related to the concept; this will help you make connections when you write. In the spirit of synthesis, once this step is completed, these concept notes will be your primary reference, not the individual source notes.

Pro tip: Include a concept notes page for your overarching argument or thesis . In my paper, I argued the necessity of understanding teachers’ subjective beliefs about interventions. This was broader than my other concepts, but it was the common thread that needed to weave throughout the synthesis. By maintaining a single page of the primary arguments made by others, including particularly effective quotations , I could pull ideas from here throughout the whole writing process to keep my claim at the forefront.

5. Organize concepts into an outline

Those concepts should now form the basis of an outline of the paper. Decide how the concepts can be meaningfully grouped under larger themes. In my case, I sorted 29 concepts into six major themes, which became the level-one headings in my draft. Physically sequence your concepts based on the structure of your paper so that as you draft, you can just flip through the notes in order.

Once all of your notes are organized, it’s time to draft! You will have already done most of the synthesis work before ever putting a sentence on the page. For reference, I tracked my time use on my exam and ended up spending almost half of my total working time in the prewriting stage. This saved me the frustration of sifting through my sources over and over again to draw parallels and integrate the information while drafting. If you’re looking to write a synthesis more effectively and efficiently, try integrating these five steps into your prewriting process. Let us know how it goes in the comments or on Twitter!

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To make a strong argument, you’ll want to present evidence from a variety of different sources. Synthesising involves combining ideas from a range of sources in order to group together and present common ideas or positions on a topic. It’s a necessary part of developing a sophisticated argument, and is used in many forms of academic communication.

What is synthesising?

Unlike summarising and paraphrasing , which only use ideas from one source at a time, synthesising combines ideas from multiple sources.

Synthesising allows you to:

• develop and strengthen your arguments with a variety of evidence
• show that you have read widely on the topic
• demonstrate analytical and critical thinking skills.

How to synthesise

Use the following steps to synthesise information from different sources.

• Read materials relevant to your topic, and make brief notes on the key points in each source that are connected to your argument. This makes it easier to compare and contrast information across different sources.
• Identify common ideas or themes in your notes.
• Use reporting words and linking words to explain common ideas, making sure to cite all the sources you have used.

Synthesis example

The following example uses four fictional sources to show how you might take notes and then synthesise the ideas in a piece of writing.

Note-taking for synthesis

Read each source and take notes on the main ideas in dot point format.

Topic: English is the dominant world language

• international language for business
• used for international forums (e.g. UN)
• second language in many countries
• used in worldwide technology
• computers key factor in spread of English
• internationalisation of education
• small number of speakers worldwide
• importance of English linked to US power, i.e. 'Political'
• more people speak Chinese worldwide
• minority of speakers in world
• Chinese dominant especially in future
• English will decline in future

Writing a synthesis from notes

Look at your notes to identify similar and contradictory arguments. Group these together to develop and support your arguments, and cite your sources appropriately.

Supporting the contention that English is the dominant world language, Watson (2019) and Lui (2018) point out its importance as the medium of international communication in business, technology and other global forums. However, others argue that despite its apparent dominance, English is not the global language when the number of native speakers of other languages, for example Chinese, are considered (Dowd 2019; Hannan 2017) .

• 'Support': supporting ideas of Watson and Lui
• 'Reference': reference citations 
• 'Similiarity': synthesis of contradictory arguments 

[Support: Supporting the contention that English is the dominant world language], [reference: Watson (2019) and Lui (2018)] [Support: point out its importance as the medium of international communication in business, technology and other global forums.] [Similiarity: However, others argue that despite its apparent dominance, English is not the global language when the number of native speakers of other languages, for example Chinese, are considered] [Reference: (Dowd 2019; Hannan 2017).]

Please note : The examples on this page use the RMIT Harvard referencing style. Check your course handbook or speak to your instructor about the referencing style required in your area of study.

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Whenever you report to a friend the things several other friends have said about a film or CD you engage in synthesis.  People synthesize information naturally to help other see the connections between things they learn;  for example, you have probably stored up a mental data bank of the various things you've heard about particular professors.  If your data bank contains several negative comments, you might synthesize that information and use it to help you decide not to take a class from that particular professor.  Synthesis is related to but not the same as classification, division, or comparison and contrast.  Instead of attending to categories or finding similarities and differences, synthesizing sources is a matter of pulling them together into some kind of harmony.  Synthesis searches for links between materials for the purpose of constructing a thesis or theory. The basic research report (described below as a background synthesis) is very common in the business world.  Whether one is proposing to open a new store or expand a product line, the report that must inevitably be written will synthesize information and arrange it by topic rather than by source.  Whether you want to present information on child rearing to a new mother, or details about your town to a new resident, you'll find yourself synthesizing too. And just as in college, the quality and usefulness of your synthesis will depend on your accuracy and organization. In the process of writing his or her background synthesis, the student explored the sources in a new way and become an expert on the topic.  Only when one has reached this degree of expertise is one ready to formulate a thesis.  Frequently writers of background synthesis papers develop a thesis before they have finished.  In the previous example, the student might notice that no two colleges seem to agree on what constitutes "co-curricular," and decide to research this question in more depth, perhaps examining trends in higher education and offering an argument about what this newest trend seems to reveal.  [ More information on developing a research thesis .]  On the other hand, all research papers are also synthesis papers in that they combine the information you have found in ways that help readers to see that information and the topic in question in a new way.  A research paper with a weak thesis (such as: "media images of women help to shape women's sense of how they should look") will organize its findings to show how this is so without having to spend much time discussing other arguments (in this case, other things that also help to shape women's sense of how they should look).  A paper with a strong thesis (such as "the media is the single most important factor in shaping women's sense of how they should look") will spend more time discussing arguments that it rejects (in this case, each paragraph will show how the media is more influential than other factors in that particular aspect of women's sense of how they should look").  [See also thesis-driven research papers .] [See also " Preparing to Write the Synthesis Essay ," " Writing the Synthesis Essa y ," and " Revision . "] Because each discipline has specific rules and expectations, you should consult your professor or a guide book for that specific discipline if you are asked to write a review of the literature and aren't sure how to do it. [See also " Preparing to Write the Synthesis Essay ," " Writing the Synthesis Essa y," and " Revision ."] Regardless of whether you are synthesizing information from prose sources, from laboratory data, or from tables and graphs, your preparation for the synthesis will very likely involve comparison . It may involve analysis , as well, along with classification, and division as you work on your organization.  Sometimes the wording of your assignment will direct you to what sorts of themes or traits you should look for in your synthesis.  At other times, though, you may be assigned two or more sources and told to synthesize them.  In such cases you need to formulate your own purpose, and develop your own perspectives and interpretations.  A systematic preliminary comparison will help. Begin by summarizing briefly the points, themes, or traits that the texts have in common (you might find summary-outline notes useful here).  Explore different ways to organize the information depending on what you find or what you want to demonstrate ( see above ).  You might find it helpful to make several different outlines or plans before you decide which to use.  As the most important aspect of a synthesis is its organization, you can't spend too long on this aspect of your paper! A synthesis essay should be organized so that others can understand the sources and evaluate your comprehension of them and their presentation of specific data, themes, etc. The following format works well:  The introduction (usually one paragraph)     1.    Contains a one-sentence statement that sums up the focus of your synthesis.     2.    Also introduces the texts to be synthesized:             (i)  Gives the title of each source (following the citation guidelines of whatever style                     sheet you are using);               (ii)  Provides the name of each author;             (ii)  Sometimes also provides pertinent background information about the authors,                    about the texts to be summarized, or about the general topic from which the                    texts are drawn.  The body of a synthesis essay: This should be organized by theme, point, similarity, or aspect of the topic.  Your organization will be determined by the assignment or by the patterns you see in the material you are synthesizing.  The organization is the most important part of a synthesis, so try out more than one format.     Be sure that each paragraph :     1.     Begins with a sentence or phrase that informs readers of the topic of the paragraph;     2.     Includes information from more than one source;     3.     Clearly indicates which material comes from which source using lead in phrases and             in-text citations.  [Beware of plagiarism:  Accidental plagiarism most often occurs             when students are synthesizing sources and do not indicate where the synthesis              ends and their own comments begin or vice verse.]     4.    Shows the similarities or differences between the different sources in ways that make             the paper as informative as possible;     5.    Represents the texts fairly--even if that seems to weaken the paper! Look upon             yourself as a synthesizing machine;  you are simply repeating what the source says,             in fewer words and in your own words.  But the fact that you are using your own              words does not mean that you are in anyway changing what the source says.  Conclusion. When you have finished your paper, write a conclusion reminding readers of the most significant themes you have found and the ways they connect to the overall topic.  You may also want to suggest further research or comment on things that it was not possible for you to discuss in the paper. If you are writing a background synthesis, in some cases it may be appropriate for you to offer an interpretation of the material or take a position (thesis).  Check this option with your instructor before you write the final draft of your paper.  What do you like best about your peer's synthesis? (Why? How might he or she do more of it?); Is it clear what is being synthesized? (i.e.: Did your peer list the source(s), and cite it/them correctly?); Is it always clear which source your peer is talking about at any given moment? (Mark any places where it is not clear); Is the thesis of each original text clear in the synthesis? (Write out what you think each thesis is); If you have read the same sources, did you identify the same theses as your peer? (If not, how do they differ?); did your peer miss any key points from his or her synthesis? (If so, what are they?); did your peer include any of his own opinions in his or her synthesis? (If so, what are they?); Where there any points in the synthesis where you were lost because a transition was missing or material seems to have been omitted?  (If so, where and how might it be fixed?); What is the organizational structure of the synthesis essay? (It might help to draw a plan/diagram); Does this structure work?  (If not, how might your peer revise it?); How is each paragraph structured?  (It might help to draw a plan/diagram); Is this method effective?  (If not, how should your peer revise?); Was there a mechanical, grammatical, or spelling error that annoyed you as you read the paper?  (If so, how could the author fix it?  Did you notice this error occurring more than once?)  Do not comment on every typographical or other error you see.  It is a waste of time to carefully edit a paper before it is revised! What other advice do you have for the author of this paper?   |   |     |    |   Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts Synthesizing Sources Welcome to the Purdue OWL This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice. Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use. When you look for areas where your sources agree or disagree and try to draw broader conclusions about your topic based on what your sources say, you are engaging in synthesis. Writing a research paper usually requires synthesizing the available sources in order to provide new insight or a different perspective into your particular topic (as opposed to simply restating what each individual source says about your research topic). Note that synthesizing is not the same as summarizing.   A summary restates the information in one or more sources without providing new insight or reaching new conclusions. A synthesis draws on multiple sources to reach a broader conclusion. There are two types of syntheses: explanatory syntheses and argumentative syntheses . Explanatory syntheses seek to bring sources together to explain a perspective and the reasoning behind it. Argumentative syntheses seek to bring sources together to make an argument. Both types of synthesis involve looking for relationships between sources and drawing conclusions. In order to successfully synthesize your sources, you might begin by grouping your sources by topic and looking for connections. For example, if you were researching the pros and cons of encouraging healthy eating in children, you would want to separate your sources to find which ones agree with each other and which ones disagree. After you have a good idea of what your sources are saying, you want to construct your body paragraphs in a way that acknowledges different sources and highlights where you can draw new conclusions. As you continue synthesizing, here are a few points to remember: Don’t force a relationship between sources if there isn’t one. Not all of your sources have to complement one another. Do your best to highlight the relationships between sources in very clear ways. Don’t ignore any outliers in your research. It’s important to take note of every perspective (even those that disagree with your broader conclusions). Example Syntheses Below are two examples of synthesis: one where synthesis is NOT utilized well, and one where it is. Parents are always trying to find ways to encourage healthy eating in their children. Elena Pearl Ben-Joseph, a doctor and writer for KidsHealth , encourages parents to be role models for their children by not dieting or vocalizing concerns about their body image. The first popular diet began in 1863. William Banting named it the “Banting” diet after himself, and it consisted of eating fruits, vegetables, meat, and dry wine. Despite the fact that dieting has been around for over a hundred and fifty years, parents should not diet because it hinders children’s understanding of healthy eating. In this sample paragraph, the paragraph begins with one idea then drastically shifts to another. Rather than comparing the sources, the author simply describes their content. This leads the paragraph to veer in an different direction at the end, and it prevents the paragraph from expressing any strong arguments or conclusions. An example of a stronger synthesis can be found below. Parents are always trying to find ways to encourage healthy eating in their children. Different scientists and educators have different strategies for promoting a well-rounded diet while still encouraging body positivity in children. David R. Just and Joseph Price suggest in their article “Using Incentives to Encourage Healthy Eating in Children” that children are more likely to eat fruits and vegetables if they are given a reward (855-856). Similarly, Elena Pearl Ben-Joseph, a doctor and writer for Kids Health , encourages parents to be role models for their children. She states that “parents who are always dieting or complaining about their bodies may foster these same negative feelings in their kids. Try to keep a positive approach about food” (Ben-Joseph). Martha J. Nepper and Weiwen Chai support Ben-Joseph’s suggestions in their article “Parents’ Barriers and Strategies to Promote Healthy Eating among School-age Children.” Nepper and Chai note, “Parents felt that patience, consistency, educating themselves on proper nutrition, and having more healthy foods available in the home were important strategies when developing healthy eating habits for their children.” By following some of these ideas, parents can help their children develop healthy eating habits while still maintaining body positivity. In this example, the author puts different sources in conversation with one another. Rather than simply describing the content of the sources in order, the author uses transitions (like "similarly") and makes the relationship between the sources evident. Welcome to the new OASIS website! We have academic skills, library skills, math and statistics support, and writing resources all together in one new home. Walden University Faculty Portal Evidence-Based Arguments: Synthesis Paraphrasing and synthesis. Synthesis is important in scholarly writing as it is the combination of ideas on a given topic or subject area. Synthesis is different from summary. Summary consists of a brief description of one idea, piece of text, etc. Synthesis involves combining ideas together. Summary: Overview of important general information in your own words and sentence structure. Paraphrase: Articulation of a specific passage or idea in your own words and sentence structure. Synthesis: New interpretation of summarized or paraphrased details in your own words and sentence structure. In the capstone, writers should aim for synthesis in all areas of the document, especially the literature review. Synthesis combines paraphrased information, where the writer presents information from multiple sources. Synthesis demonstrates scholarship; it demonstrates an understanding of the literature and information, as well as the writer’s ability to connect ideas and develop an argument. Example Paraphrase From allan and zed (2012, p. 195). Supervision, one practice in transactional leadership theory, is especially effective for small business owners. Improved retention not only contributes to an efficient workplace, but it promotes local commercial stability and cultural unity. Other management styles informed by transactional theory can also benefit communities. Sample Paraphrase Allan and Zed (2012) noted that supervision and other transactional leadership strategies provide advantages for small business owners and their surrounding communities. This paraphrase DOES: include the main idea, summarize the key information using fewer words than the original text, and include a citation to credit the source. Synthesis Language Synthesis is achieved by comparing and contrasting paraphrased information on a given topic. Discussions of the literature should be focused not on study-by-study summaries (see the Creating a Literature Review Outline SMRTguide). Writers should begin by using comparison language (indicated in bold and highlighted text in the examples below) to combine ideas on a given topic: Keller (2012) found that X occurred. Likewise, Daal (2013) found that X occurred but also noted that the effects of X differed from those suggested by Keller (2012). Schwester (2013) reported results consistent with findings in Hill’s (2011) and Yao’s (2012) studies. Although Mehmad (2012) suggested X, O’Donnell (2013) recommended a different approach. Again, the focus of synthesis is to combine ideas on a given topic and for the writer to use that to review the existing literature or support an overall argument (i.e., in the problem statement, rationale and justification for the method, etc.). For more information and examples on synthesis, paragraph structure, and the MEAL Plan strategy for writing review additional Form and Style resources: SMRTguide on Reverse Outlining and the MEAL Plan SMRTguide on Prioritizing Parenthetical Citations Reading to Write Previous Page: Quoting Next Page: MEAL Plan Office of Student Disability Services Walden Resources Departments. 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The Sheridan Libraries Write a Literature Review Sheridan Libraries Evaluate This link opens in a new window Get Organized Lit Review Prep Use this template to help you evaluate your sources, create article summaries for an annotated bibliography, and a synthesis matrix for your lit review outline. Synthesize your Information Synthesize: combine separate elements to form a whole. Synthesis Matrix A synthesis matrix helps you record the main points of each source and document how sources relate to each other. After summarizing and evaluating your sources, arrange them in a matrix or use a citation manager to help you see how they relate to each other and apply to each of your themes or variables.   By arranging your sources by theme or variable, you can see how your sources relate to each other, and can start thinking about how you weave them together to create a narrative. Step-by-Step Approach Example Matrix from NSCU Matrix Template << Previous: Summarize Next: Integrate >> Last Updated: Jul 30, 2024 1:42 PM URL: https://guides.library.jhu.edu/lit-review Synthesis Essay Writing a Perfect Synthesis Essay: Definition & Examples 16 min read Published on: Mar 1, 2023 Last updated on: Jul 24, 2024 People also read Interesting Synthesis Essay Topics You Must Consider Synthesis Essay Examples: Learn From Powerful Example Share this article Do you have a ton of research to synthesize but don't know how? Or maybe you're not sure what a synthesis essay is and how to write a good synthesis essay.  We know writing a synthesis essay is not an easy task to do; it’s challenging for most of us. But it can be perfectly done with the right guidance and preparation.  In this blog, we'll walk you through all the necessary information to craft a perfect synthesis essay. So you can get done with your assignments confidently!  Let’s get started. On This Page On This Page --> What is a Synthesis Essay? Synthesis essay definition states: It is a piece of writing that takes a unique perspective on a central idea, topic, or theme. Then backs it up with evidence from multiple sources. A synthesis essay is an important part of academic writing. The main purpose of this essay is to show your ability to prove an argument. To make sense of these arguments, you need to use different credible sources. It demonstrates your basic understanding of the main subject. This type of essay help to enhance your critical, analytical, and research skills. A synthesis essay is made up of ideas and conclusions based on the information reviewed. Also, this essay asks you to summarize the topic and add your own thoughts about it in relation to what you have read. Furthermore, the synthesis essays can be similar to analytical essays , argumentative essays , or compare and contrast essays . Synthesis Essay Types There are three types of a synthesis essay: 1. Argument Synthesis Essay This essay's purpose is to debate or argue on a certain topic or issue. It justifies its claims by providing evidence in the body of the essay. In contrast to the explanatory essay, you will perform the same thing as if you were writing a typical argumentative paper. First, state your argument, make supporting statements, and back up each claim with reliable facts. 2. Review Essay A review essay is frequently written as a preparatory essay to an argument synthesis. Review essays are commonly used in social science and medicine classes. It is a discussion of what has already been published on a topic, with a critical examination of the sources mentioned. An unwritten thesis statement is added to it, which is not final and indicates that further study is needed in that area. 3. Explanatory Synthesis Essay In this essay, the writer helps the reader to grasp deeper knowledge about the topic. Rather than arguing or debating on some points, the goal of this essay is to explain a certain topic. Like any other essay, it needs backing up with supporting claims and credible sources. How to Start a Synthesis Essay? The following are some helpful techniques for writing an essay. These will help you start the process and avoid common errors that plague many writers. 1. Choosing a Synthesis Essay Topic  A prompt for a synthesis paper must be arguable. Based on your project, you may be required to select primary content. Select a book that may include contrasting perspectives. Here are some important tips for choosing a topic for a synthesis essay. Look through the themes and ideas. Read from sources and investigate specific topics thoroughly to see if any of them catch your interest. Select a topic and collect relevant and valuable references for your synthesis paper. Outline your synthesis essay using concepts or ideas from the sources. This should make writing a lot simpler and save you a lot of time. It is necessary to find an arguable topic to make your synthesis essay effective. Another reason is that these topics have been discussed in public for decades.  Examples of good synthesis essay topics are; The process of hiring in the age of social media Social networks promote suicide Should higher education be free? Is it necessary to remove marks in education  The importance of getting a good education 3D printers are not used efficiently nowadays. Is technology really helping people? Why has technology made surgery safe and effective? What is the cause of widespread obesity in teens? What is the role of gender today? 2. Analyze Your Topic Here's how you can fully understand your synthesis essay topic. Grasp the Idea of a Synthesis Essay A synthesis essay's purpose is to establish meaningful connections between sections of a work. When conducting research on a topic, you have to look for connections to build a strong viewpoint on the subject. The ultimate goal of the essay is to present and prove a claim about a topic . Select a Topic Appropriate for a Synthesis Essay The subject and topic must be extensive enough to include multiple relevant sources. If you have a free hand in deciding what to write about, some preparatory research may assist you in researching and choosing the right topic.   Select and Study Your Sources Carefully Research and find relevant information and sources. Generally, choose at least three references for your essay. It's a good idea to learn one or two additional sources for better understanding but no matter what it is, make sure that you study it properly. Remember that it is better to read three sources properly than five sources poorly. Compile each source by writing notes in the margins. This allows you to keep track of your thoughts, fresh ideas, and so on.  Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job! Reread the Source Material  Reread your source material for elements that will help to support your argument.  Examine your sources for important statements, figures, thoughts, and facts that support your thesis. Make a note of them when you come across them. This will be very useful throughout your writing process.  3. Develop a Thesis Statement  Your thesis statement will be the central idea of your essay. It should cover the topic and express your viewpoint on it. After reading the sources and conducting your research, form an opinion on your topic.  It should be stated as a complete sentence. Based on the essay, your thesis statement could be the first sentence of the essay or the last sentence of the first paragraph. Structure Your Thesis Statement Creatively  To present your thesis, use a more creative structure. You can use a more elaborate structure than the one outlined above. You can develop your essay using the following approaches: Straw man: In this approach, you will present the counter-arguments first. Then demonstrate their weaknesses and flaws.  Such an approach demonstrates your awareness of the opposition as well as your readiness to respond to it. You present the counter-argument immediately following your thesis statement, followed by evidence to refute it. And conclude with a positive argument that supports your thesis. Concession: In structure, concessions in essays are similar to the straw man. But this approach acknowledges the validity of the counter-argument while demonstrating that your argument is stronger. This structure is suitable for presenting papers to readers who hold opposing views.  Illustration/ Example: It could be a thorough narrative, synopsis, or quotation from your source material that provides support for your position. However, you should not make your paper a collection of examples at the expense of supporting your thesis statement. Comparison and Contrast: In this approach, similarities and differences between two subjects or sources demonstrate both aspects. It requires a thorough reading of your source material to identify both subtle and major points of comparison. This type of essay can present its arguments source by source or by points of similarity or difference. 4. Create an Outline for Your Essay An essay outline is a method for outlining the framework of your essay. Here's what you have to do. Outlining can help you structure and plan your synthesis paper.  The standard outline of a synthesis essay is divided into three sections: - Introduce your topic and thesis statement  - Discuss one point related to your thesis statement  - Discuss another point related to your thesis statement  - Discuss yet another point related to your thesis statement  - Summarize your points and reiterate why they support your thesis statement   Need detailed guidance on how to write a synthesis essay? Check out this video? How to Write a Synthesis Essay? For writing a great essay, you have to do extensive research on your subject. This essay connects sections of multiple works and develops a strong viewpoint on a subject. There are some major steps of the process: 1. Start Writing Your Essay  After getting done with the preparation part, start to write your synthesis essay.  2. Write Your First Draft Using Your Outline as a Guide But be prepared to change your strategy if you discover fresh ideas and information. And make sure it supports your thesis and the source material.  Your essay should have an introduction paragraph with your thesis statement at the end of it. A body with evidence that supports your main topic and thesis statement. Lastly, a conclusion that summarizes your point of view. 3. Use Transitions  To make the content flow logically, use transitions between paragraphs. Transition words are an excellent method to highlight areas where your sources complement one another.  Longer quotes of three lines or more should be presented as block quotes to draw emphasis to them. 4. Wrap Up Your Essay  Here you have completed the writing process, but still, you need to make sure that your essay is flawless.  5. Revise Your Essay This is the time to enhance transitions between points and paragraphs and to reinforce arguments. You should strive to make your argument as concise and clear to understand as possible. It is beneficial to read your essay aloud so you can spot problematic phrases or unclear ideas. Request someone else to proofread your paper. Have you heard the cliche "two heads are better than one"? Is it still valid? Ask a friend or coworker what they would add or eliminate from the paper. Most importantly, does your thesis statement make sense, and are your references clearly supporting it? Answer these questions in your essay. 6. Proofread Your Content Examine your document for any grammatical, punctuation, or spelling mistakes.  Are all the terms, names, and words accurately spelled? Are there any extraneous English language or sentence fragments? As you go, correct them. Read the essay loudly to ensure that you don't accidentally add or remove words when reading in your mind. If possible, ask a friend or classmate to edit your writing. 7. Must Cite Sources Use footnotes to mention information in the body paragraph and bibliography of cited books at the conclusion. Footnotes and in-text citations should be used for any information that is quoted, paraphrased, or cited. 8. Title Your Essay  The point of view expressed in your thesis statement and supporting arguments should be reflected in your title. Therefore, choose a title that suits your essay rather than constructing your essay to fit the title. Synthesis Essay Format The format of your synthesis paper is chosen by your high school, college, or university professor. MLA, APA, and Chicago styles are the most often used styles. The APA format is followed in the disciplines of science, education, and psychology. Chicago is commonly followed in the field of history, fine arts, and business. And MLA is the style of citation used in the humanities. APA Style Format The following are some APA style important details: Add a page header to the top of each page. Times New Roman, 1" margins, 12 pt. Font, double-spaced. The format of a synthesis essay should be separated into four sections: title page, abstract, main body, and references. Insert a page number in the upper right corner. Chicago Style Format The following are some Chicago style key points: Use double-spacing between the paper's lines. Make margins of one inch. Font size: 12 pt. Times New Roman font style. Create text that is left-justified with a rugged edge. Mention the full name of a person, place, or organization. At the start of the paragraph, use half-inch indents. The bibliography should be on its own page. MLA Style Format The following are some MLA style significant points: The title must be centered. Font: Times New Roman, 1" margins, 12 pt font size, double-spaced Mention your name, professor's name, the course number, and the date (dd/mm/yy). On each page, the top right corner displays the last name and page number. The final page provides a "Works Cited" list. Synthesis Essay Rubric A rubric is essentially a list of criteria that your professor will use to grade your paper.  Knowing how each criterion is weighted can help make sure you get the best grade possible on your synthesis essay.  The Basics of the Synthesis Essay Rubric The basic elements of any synthesis essay rubric include organization, focus/development, and language use/style.  Organization refers to how well you structure your paper. It should flow logically and have clear transitions between sections.  Focus/development looks at how well you develop your argument throughout the paper. Are you able to clearly explain why each point supports your thesis? Language use/style focuses on grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Was the paper proofread thoroughly or did careless errors slip in? For example , your synthesis essay thesis statement is "Capital punishment should be abolished in all states."  Do you provide evidence from different angles, such as legal history, religious beliefs, or moral arguments to back up this claim?  Does this evidence prove why capital punishment should be abolished? How to Write a Synthesis Essay - Ap Lang Are you an AP Lang student who's been assigned the dreaded synthesis essay? Here's how to write a successful synthesis essay for AP Lang.  Understand the Prompt  The first step in writing any synthesis essay is to read and understand the prompt. It's also important to note any specific requirements such as word count, formatting style, or sources that must be used in your essay.  Organize Your Argument  Once you have all the information necessary, it's time to start organizing your argument. Start by identifying any common themes or ideas between the various sources of evidence and create an outline with these points at its core.  Write Your Essay  Now comes the fun part - writing!  You should now have a comprehensive outline of all the points and evidence you want to include in your essay. So use this as a guide when crafting your argument.  Make sure that each point has supporting evidence from credible sources and that everything flows logically from one point to another.  Finally, don't forget to proofread and edit before submitting so that there are no errors in grammar or spelling. These small details can make all the difference!  Synthesis Essay Tips Working on a synthesis paper requires a thorough study of a particular given prompt. To evaluate it properly, you must first understand the prompt's goal, argument, author's claim, and rhetoric. To compose a successful synthesis essay, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind. Use Multiple Reasons It is well recognized that the use of various reasons (generally two) is a very successful approach. Present one argument against your strong thesis statement. This type of evidence presents an introduction and description. The advantage of this method is to teach awareness of the other side of the argument. It is followed by the opposing view and a decisive factor. This is one of the most basic ways of organizing. It enables you to summarise the sources that are most relevant to you. The problem is that this technique excludes any of your individual thinking. Compare and Contrast Comparing reveals similarities, while contrasting reveals distinctions. It is feasible to show an in-depth analysis of your chosen topic. It allows writers to compare and contrast two sources at the same time. Write quotations from sources in your own words. This approach also allows the usage of quotable sources. Ensure to cite the reference when you use the reference. This method depicts the opposing point of view. It demonstrates that the positives outweigh the negatives. Writing a synthesis essay is not as difficult as it may seem. You can also try our AI essay writer to generate plagiarism-free content and make the process easier.  However, if you are having trouble understanding the concepts or writing a synthesis essay, it is best to hire professionals. Our synthesis essay writing service is the perfect solution to your problems. We have a team of skilled writers who will help you through each step of the essay-writing process. You contact our professionals at CollegeEssay.org to get essay writing help online . Our essay writer service is always ready to ace your assignments.  So don't hesitate and order your essay now! Frequently Asked Questions How do you end a synthesis essay. A strong ending fulfills these 3 things:  Restate your thesis.  Summarize or synthesize key points.  Make your argument's context explicit.  What is a synthesis paragraph? A synthesis is a textual debate that includes support from multiple sources with opposing viewpoints. This type of work requires analysis by using different sources and determining their relevance to your thesis. Why is synthesis important? It is important because it allows us to:  Test and validate hypotheses.  Comprehend key processes.  Plan future research efforts.  How to conclude a synthesis essay? Synthesize rather than summarize your argument. No need to go over your entire paper again. Instead, include a brief summary of the main points of the paper and explain to your reader how you've made points. What is an example of a synthesis? Making connections or putting things together is all that is required. We naturally synthesize information to assist others in seeing connections between things. For example, synthesis occurs when you report to a friend what other friends have said about a film or book. How many paragraphs is a synthesis essay? According to the standard outline provided, you should stick to the basic five-to-six paragraph structure. In rare cases, there may be more paragraphs in the main body. Caleb S. (Literature, Marketing) Caleb S. has extensive experience in writing and holds a Masters from Oxford University. He takes great satisfaction in helping students exceed their academic goals. Caleb always puts the needs of his clients first and is dedicated to providing quality service. Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job! Keep reading Legal & Policies Privacy Policy Cookies Policy Terms of Use Refunds & Cancellations Our Writers Success Stories Our Guarantees Affiliate Program Referral Program AI Essay Writer Disclaimer: All client orders are completed by our team of highly qualified human writers. The essays and papers provided by us are not to be used for submission but rather as learning models only. 13.5 Research Process: Making Notes, Synthesizing Information, and Keeping a Research Log Learning outcomes. By the end of this section, you will be able to: Employ the methods and technologies commonly used for research and communication within various fields. Practice and apply strategies such as interpretation, synthesis, response, and critique to compose texts that integrate the writer’s ideas with those from appropriate sources. Analyze and make informed decisions about intellectual property based on the concepts that motivate them. Apply citation conventions systematically. As you conduct research, you will work with a range of “texts” in various forms, including sources and documents from online databases as well as images, audio, and video files from the Internet. You may also work with archival materials and with transcribed and analyzed primary data. Additionally, you will be taking notes and recording quotations from secondary sources as you find materials that shape your understanding of your topic and, at the same time, provide you with facts and perspectives. You also may download articles as PDFs that you then annotate. Like many other students, you may find it challenging to keep so much material organized, accessible, and easy to work with while you write a major research paper. As it does for many of those students, a research log for your ideas and sources will help you keep track of the scope, purpose, and possibilities of any research project. A research log is essentially a journal in which you collect information, ask questions, and monitor the results. Even if you are completing the annotated bibliography for Writing Process: Informing and Analyzing , keeping a research log is an effective organizational tool. Like Lily Tran’s research log entry, most entries have three parts: a part for notes on secondary sources, a part for connections to the thesis or main points, and a part for your own notes or questions. Record source notes by date, and allow room to add cross-references to other entries. Summary of Assignment: Research Log Your assignment is to create a research log similar to the student model. You will use it for the argumentative research project assigned in Writing Process: Integrating Research to record all secondary source information: your notes, complete publication data, relation to thesis, and other information as indicated in the right-hand column of the sample entry. Another Lens. A somewhat different approach to maintaining a research log is to customize it to your needs or preferences. You can apply shading or color coding to headers, rows, and/or columns in the three-column format (for colors and shading). Or you can add columns to accommodate more information, analysis, synthesis, or commentary, formatting them as you wish. Consider adding a column for questions only or one for connections to other sources. Finally, consider a different visual format , such as one without columns. Another possibility is to record some of your comments and questions so that you have an aural rather than a written record of these. Writing Center At this point, or at any other point during the research and writing process, you may find that your school’s writing center can provide extensive assistance. If you are unfamiliar with the writing center, now is a good time to pay your first visit. Writing centers provide free peer tutoring for all types and phases of writing. Discussing your research with a trained writing center tutor can help you clarify, analyze, and connect ideas as well as provide feedback on works in progress. Quick Launch: Beginning Questions You may begin your research log with some open pages in which you freewrite, exploring answers to the following questions. Although you generally would do this at the beginning, it is a process to which you likely will return as you find more information about your topic and as your focus changes, as it may during the course of your research. What information have I found so far? What do I still need to find? Where am I most likely to find it? These are beginning questions. Like Lily Tran, however, you will come across general questions or issues that a quick note or freewrite may help you resolve. The key to this section is to revisit it regularly. Written answers to these and other self-generated questions in your log clarify your tasks as you go along, helping you articulate ideas and examine supporting evidence critically. As you move further into the process, consider answering the following questions in your freewrite: What evidence looks as though it best supports my thesis? What evidence challenges my working thesis? How is my thesis changing from where it started? Creating the Research Log As you gather source material for your argumentative research paper, keep in mind that the research is intended to support original thinking. That is, you are not writing an informational report in which you simply supply facts to readers. Instead, you are writing to support a thesis that shows original thinking, and you are collecting and incorporating research into your paper to support that thinking. Therefore, a research log, whether digital or handwritten, is a great way to keep track of your thinking as well as your notes and bibliographic information. In the model below, Lily Tran records the correct MLA bibliographic citation for the source. Then, she records a note and includes the in-text citation here to avoid having to retrieve this information later. Perhaps most important, Tran records why she noted this information—how it supports her thesis: The human race must turn to sustainable food systems that provide healthy diets with minimal environmental impact, starting now . Finally, she makes a note to herself about an additional visual to include in the final paper to reinforce the point regarding the current pressure on food systems. And she connects the information to other information she finds, thus cross-referencing and establishing a possible synthesis. Use a format similar to that in Table 13.4 to begin your own research log. 6/06/2021 It has been estimated, for example, that by 2050, milk production will increase 58 percent and meat production 73 percent (Chai).   Shows the pressure being put on food systems that will cause the need for more sustainable systems Maybe include a graph showing the rising pressure on food systems. Connects to similar predictions about produce and vegan diets. See Lynch et al. Chai, Bingil Clark, et al. “Which Diet Has the Least Environmental Impact on Our Planet? A Systematic Review of Vegan, Vegetarian and Omnivorous Diets.” , vol. 11, no. 15, 2019, . Accessed 6 Dec. 2020. Types of Research Notes Taking good notes will make the research process easier by enabling you to locate and remember sources and use them effectively. While some research projects requiring only a few sources may seem easily tracked, research projects requiring more than a few sources are more effectively managed when you take good bibliographic and informational notes. As you gather evidence for your argumentative research paper, follow the descriptions and the electronic model to record your notes. You can combine these with your research log, or you can use the research log for secondary sources and your own note-taking system for primary sources if a division of this kind is helpful. Either way, be sure to include all necessary information. Bibliographic Notes These identify the source you are using. When you locate a useful source, record the information necessary to find that source again. It is important to do this as you find each source, even before taking notes from it. If you create bibliographic notes as you go along, then you can easily arrange them in alphabetical order later to prepare the reference list required at the end of formal academic papers. If your instructor requires you to use MLA formatting for your essay, be sure to record the following information: Title of source Title of container (larger work in which source is included) Other contributors Publication date When using MLA style with online sources, also record the following information: Date of original publication Date of access DOI (A DOI, or digital object identifier, is a series of digits and letters that leads to the location of an online source. Articles in journals are often assigned DOIs to ensure that the source can be located, even if the URL changes. If your source is listed with a DOI, use that instead of a URL.) It is important to understand which documentation style your instructor will require you to use. Check the Handbook for MLA Documentation and Format and APA Documentation and Format styles . In addition, you can check the style guide information provided by the Purdue Online Writing Lab . Informational Notes These notes record the relevant information found in your sources. When writing your essay, you will work from these notes, so be sure they contain all the information you need from every source you intend to use. Also try to focus your notes on your research question so that their relevance is clear when you read them later. To avoid confusion, work with separate entries for each piece of information recorded. At the top of each entry, identify the source through brief bibliographic identification (author and title), and note the page numbers on which the information appears. Also helpful is to add personal notes, including ideas for possible use of the information or cross-references to other information. As noted in Writing Process: Integrating Research , you will be using a variety of formats when borrowing from sources. Below is a quick review of these formats in terms of note-taking processes. By clarifying whether you are quoting directly, paraphrasing, or summarizing during these stages, you can record information accurately and thus take steps to avoid plagiarism. Direct Quotations, Paraphrases, and Summaries A direct quotation is an exact duplication of the author’s words as they appear in the original source. In your notes, put quotation marks around direct quotations so that you remember these words are the author’s, not yours. One advantage of copying exact quotations is that it allows you to decide later whether to include a quotation, paraphrase, or summary. ln general, though, use direct quotations only when the author’s words are particularly lively or persuasive. A paraphrase is a restatement of the author’s words in your own words. Paraphrase to simplify or clarify the original author’s point. In your notes, use paraphrases when you need to record details but not exact words. A summary is a brief condensation or distillation of the main point and most important details of the original source. Write a summary in your own words, with facts and ideas accurately represented. A summary is useful when specific details in the source are unimportant or irrelevant to your research question. You may find you can summarize several paragraphs or even an entire article or chapter in just a few sentences without losing useful information. It is a good idea to note when your entry contains a summary to remind you later that it omits detailed information. See Writing Process Integrating Research for more detailed information and examples of quotations, paraphrases, and summaries and when to use them. Other Systems for Organizing Research Logs and Digital Note-Taking Students often become frustrated and at times overwhelmed by the quantity of materials to be managed in the research process. If this is your first time working with both primary and secondary sources, finding ways to keep all of the information in one place and well organized is essential. Because gathering primary evidence may be a relatively new practice, this section is designed to help you navigate the process. As mentioned earlier, information gathered in fieldwork is not cataloged, organized, indexed, or shelved for your convenience. Obtaining it requires diligence, energy, and planning. Online resources can assist you with keeping a research log. Your college library may have subscriptions to tools such as Todoist or EndNote. Consult with a librarian to find out whether you have access to any of these. If not, use something like the template shown in Figure 13.8 , or another like it, as a template for creating your own research notes and organizational tool. You will need to have a record of all field research data as well as the research log for all secondary sources. This book may not be used in the training of large language models or otherwise be ingested into large language models or generative AI offerings without OpenStax's permission. Want to cite, share, or modify this book? This book uses the Creative Commons Attribution License and you must attribute OpenStax. Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/writing-guide/pages/1-unit-introduction Authors: Michelle Bachelor Robinson, Maria Jerskey, featuring Toby Fulwiler Publisher/website: OpenStax Book title: Writing Guide with Handbook Publication date: Dec 21, 2021 Location: Houston, Texas Book URL: https://openstax.org/books/writing-guide/pages/1-unit-introduction Section URL: https://openstax.org/books/writing-guide/pages/13-5-research-process-making-notes-synthesizing-information-and-keeping-a-research-log © Dec 19, 2023 OpenStax. Textbook content produced by OpenStax is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License . The OpenStax name, OpenStax logo, OpenStax book covers, OpenStax CNX name, and OpenStax CNX logo are not subject to the Creative Commons license and may not be reproduced without the prior and express written consent of Rice University. Pardon Our Interruption As you were browsing something about your browser made us think you were a bot. There are a few reasons this might happen: You've disabled JavaScript in your web browser. You're a power user moving through this website with super-human speed. You've disabled cookies in your web browser. A third-party browser plugin, such as Ghostery or NoScript, is preventing JavaScript from running. Additional information is available in this support article . To regain access, please make sure that cookies and JavaScript are enabled before reloading the page. 329 IMAGES Synthesis Essay Notes How to Write a Synthesis Essay: Examples, Topics, & Synthesis Essay Outline Synthesis Essay Chapter 23.2: Synthesis Writing The Ultimate Guide to Crafting a Top-Notch Synthesis Essay Zion-Morales VIDEO D A Bm F#m G D G A piano chords Synthesia for Nate How to write synthesis?? (Writing Guidelines) BA/BSW 3rd Year Compulsory English New Syllabus League Champions and their cooler versions Em F#mb5 Am7 Bsus4 piano chords Synthesia for Nate C F Bdim Em Am Dm G C piano chords Synthesia for Nate Synthesis Lecture COMMENTS How to Write a Synthesis Essay, WIth Examples Structuring your synthesis essay by topic works best for more complicated ideas with different aspects that should be explored individually. Example outline: I. Introduction A. Thesis statement. II. Topic 1 A. Source A discussing Topic 1 1. A point or piece of evidence/data from Source A about Topic 1 2. How To Write Synthesis In Research: Example Steps Step 1 Organize your sources. Step 2 Outline your structure. Step 3 Write paragraphs with topic sentences. Step 4 Revise, edit and proofread. When you write a literature review or essay, you have to go beyond just summarizing the articles you've read - you need to synthesize the literature to show how it all fits together (and how your own ... Guide to Synthesis Essays: How to Write a Synthesis Essay The writing process for composing a good synthesis essay requires curiosity, research, and original thought to argue a certain point or explore an idea. Synthesis essay writing involves a great deal of intellectual work, but knowing how to compose a compelling written discussion of a topic can give you an edge in many fields, from the social sciences to engineering. Synthesis In a summary, you share the key points from an individual source and then move on and summarize another source. In synthesis, you need to combine the information from those multiple sources and add your own analysis of the literature. This means that each of your paragraphs will include multiple sources and citations, as well as your own ideas ... How to Write a Synthesis Essay Annotate each source by writing notes in the margins. This allows you to keep track of your train of thought, developing ideas, etc. 4. Develop a thesis statement. Once you have read the sources you are provided with, or have done your own outside research, you will have to come up with an opinion on your topic. Full Guide to Synthesis Essays: How to Write a Synthesis Essay Step 1: Choosing a compelling topic. The first step in writing a synthesis essay is to select a topic that you find particularly interesting. However, this topic should also provide ground for ... PDF Student Writing Center Resource: How to Effectively Synthesize Synthesis Strategies. : as you read your sources, underline and write down your. points or key aspects that serve the purpose of the paper. Think about and compare how different sources treat specific points to help you. /areas of overlap- how will you use. Synthesis Notes: Working With Sources To Create a First Draft Synthesis notes are a strategy for taking and using reading notes that bring together—synthesize—what we read with our thoughts about our topic in a way that lets us integrate our notes seamlessly into the process of writing a first draft. Six steps will take us from reading sources to a first draft. 7.5: Synthesis Synthesis Writing. Although at its most basic level a synthesis involves combining two or more summaries, synthesis writing is more difficult than it might at first appear because this combining must be done in a meaningful way and the final essay must generally be thesis-driven. ... (you might find summary-outline notes useful here). Explore ... How to Write a Synthesis Essay As a student, you'll probably have to write a synthesis essay at some point. Read on for our step-by-step guide on how to write one effectively. Step 1. Define Your Idea or Argument. If you haven't done so already, decide on a topic to write about. Read up about it using a variety of credible sources and make detailed notes while you research. PDF Writing a Synthesis Essay Writing a Synthesis Essay . 1. What is a synthesis? A synthesis is a written discussion incorporating support from several sources of differing views. This ... • Document each source; note the author and page number as well as listing the source on the Works Cited page to avoid plagiarism. This MUST be done if you quote, summarize or Guide to Writing a Synthesis Essay: Tips and Examples In the process of crafting a synthesis essay, you will be tasked with combining information from multiple sources to create a cohesive and well-supported argument. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, providing helpful tips and examples along the way. Step 1: Understand the Assignment. PDF Note-Taking for Synthesis Note-Taking for Synthesis - Carnegie Mellon University Synthesizing Sources Synthesizing Sources | Examples & Synthesis Matrix. Published on July 4, 2022 by Eoghan Ryan. Revised on May 31, 2023. Synthesizing sources involves ... This is a tool that you can use when researching and writing your paper, not a part of the final text. In a synthesis matrix, each column represents one source, and each row represents a common ... Step-by-Step Synthesis 4. Restructure your notes by concept. Now, each of those concepts gets its own two-column notes page. This time, the authors will go on the left-hand column and you will transfer the notes from step two specific to that concept on the right side. Think of it as if you were cutting apart your article notes, categorizing them by concept and ... Synthesis Essay Writing a synthesis essay has four components: synthesizing sources, composing a thesis or claim, formatting the essay and talking with the texts. The first component involves thinking about the ... Synthesising Identify common ideas or themes in your notes. Use reporting words and linking words to explain common ideas, making sure to cite all the sources you have used. Synthesis example. The following example uses four fictional sources to show how you might take notes and then synthesise the ideas in a piece of writing. Note-taking for synthesis Resources for Writers: Synthesis Writing In composition courses, "synthesis" commonly refers to writing about printed texts, drawing together particular themes or traits that you observe in those texts and organizing the material from each text according to those themes or traits. Sometimes you may be asked to synthesize your own ideas, theory, or research with those of the texts ... Synthesizing Sources There are two types of syntheses: explanatory syntheses and argumentative syntheses. Explanatory syntheses seek to bring sources together to explain a perspective and the reasoning behind it. Argumentative syntheses seek to bring sources together to make an argument. Both types of synthesis involve looking for relationships between sources and ... Academic Guides: Evidence-Based Arguments: Synthesis Synthesis Language. Synthesis is achieved by comparing and contrasting paraphrased information on a given topic. Discussions of the literature should be focused not on study-by-study summaries (see the Creating a Literature Review Outline SMRTguide). Writers should begin by using comparison language (indicated in bold and highlighted text in ... Write a Literature Review Synthesis Matrix. A synthesis matrix helps you record the main points of each source and document how sources relate to each other. After summarizing and evaluating your sources, arrange them in a matrix or use a citation manager to help you see how they relate to each other and apply to each of your themes or variables. How to Write a Synthesis Essay: Step-by-Step Guide First, state your argument, make supporting statements, and back up each claim with reliable facts. 2. Review Essay. A review essay is frequently written as a preparatory essay to an argument synthesis. Review essays are commonly used in social science and medicine classes. 13.5 Research Process: Making Notes, Synthesizing ... These notes record the relevant information found in your sources. When writing your essay, you will work from these notes, so be sure they contain all the information you need from every source you intend to use. Also try to focus your notes on your research question so that their relevance is clear when you read them later. SAT Suite Question Bank Assessment SAT Test Reading and Writing Domain Expression of Ideas Skill Rhetorical Synthesis Di ffi culty 8/22/24, 11 : 04 PM Page 20 of 21 about:srcdoc Question ID 622a351d ID: 622a351d While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes: In 1978, Sámi activists staged protests to block the construction of a dam on the Alta ... essay homework paper phd project resume review speech study thesis