When students receive a synthesis paper as their next assignment, they may feel confused because writing it requires the ability to digest enough data to present everything in the best fashion. When coping with the same hardship, use this guide to go through this process successfully.
The main definition of any synthesis is a certain combination of different elements to form something connected. This assignment combines different facts and ideas into a whole to prove a specific stance or a thesis. Most teachers assign this academic task with texts that should be analyzed by students.
A key factor of writing this paper is analyzing given texts or prompts. To achieve this goal successfully, be sure to understand the main rhetoric, purpose, claim, and argument of a particular text. Furthermore, answer the question: So what? It will help you build a personal claim and write all paragraphs around it. Consider the following points:
Everything starts with understand its concept and examining topics. The purpose of this assignment is to make interesting and evident connections between different things to ultimately present and support your personal claim. When you research any topic, look for possible connections that can be formed into its solid perspective. This assignment has different types, including:
Pick a topic suitable for this assignment and ensure that it’s broad enough to pull different sources together. Avoid too broad ideas, and if you have a freedom to choose, do some preliminary reading to decide. Most students are assigned with specific topics or get a list to choose from.
Choose and examine reliable sources carefully. Some students are provided with given sources, while others can choose. Pick at least a few reliable sources for your writing based on the time that you have to research and organize your essay. Search for any materials within the chosen sources related to your reasoning for writing it.
Make a thesis statement once your sources are ready and researched. Come up with a solid opinion on the given topic because it’s the main idea presented in your paper. A thesis must encompass the chosen subject and state your opinion on it. It can be either the last sentence or the opening sentence of your essay introduction.
Re-read all sources for anything that can help you support this statement. Pick out interesting ideas quotes, and other details. Find fresh quotes or ideas that go against your stance and disprove them effectively.
The structure of an essay must be properly outlines. This goal can be achieved either by using a formal outline or by creating an overall plan. Think how you want to present all materials to get the best effects. In most cases, students use the following structure:
Don’t be afraid to use more creative or elaborate structures for your synthesis and use the following approaches:
Most papers of this type are targeted at stating and supporting theses, but review and background synthesis papers explore the ideas in sources instead of focusing on your point of view. Use the following basic ways to structure this assignment:
Write the first draft based on your outline, but be ready to change this plan if you find any interesting ideas or materials that back up your argument. Your synthesis paper must have the introduction with a thesis, the main body to present facts to support it, and the conclusion that summarizing your stance.
Always write in the 3rd person and use unambiguous and complete sentences. Share enough information to prove your credibility in the chosen subject and write in the active voice. Use transitions between all essay paragraphs to make the whole text flow more logically. They offer a perfect tool to highlight specific places where sources support each other.
Revise a final draft of your synthesis. Improve transitions between all paragraphs and points and strengthen all arguments. Make the main idea as succinct and evident as possible. Read this synthesis paper out loud to notice all incoherent ideas, spelling mistakes, and awkward sentences. Ask other people to read your essay to use their beneficial opinions and second thoughts. Ask them what they would both remove from or add to it and define whether your argument really makes sense.
Proofreading Your Synthesis
Read through a final synthesis essay draft and search for any mistakes, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Check if all proper nouns and names are spelled correctly. Pay attention to all run-on essay fragments and sentences to correct them instantly. Read the whole text again to ensure that you don’t take out or add any words accidentally.
Citing All Source Materials
Cite any source material used in your synthesis, and it means the use of footnotes in the main body and including a bibliography of all cited works in the end. Use in-text citations and footnotes for any paraphrased, quoted, and cited materials. Stick to a specific citing and formatting style to avoid losing your potential grades. Whichever format is chosen, be consistent when using it.
Finally, title your synthesis paper, and ensure that it reflects a thesis, key points, and supporting arguments. Choosing the best title helps you guarantee that it fits your essay perfectly. If any of these steps confuse you or you have unpredictable difficulties, count on professional help to be guided and provided with an excellent and error-free synthesis.
