Synthesis Essay Assignment Description

Opened: Tuesday, October 22, 2024, 12:00 AM
Due: Thursday, October 24, 2024, 9:00 PM

Synthesis Essay

This involves taking the information you have read and the new knowledge you have acquired and weaving it together, or synthesizing,” it. The length of your Synthesis Essay should be 700-800 words.

In your synthesis essay, you will discuss how at least three of the most relevant credible sources support each other, differ from each other, and contribute to the position you are taking on your topic. You should be sure to articulate a clear thesis. You will NOT simply copy and paste from your annotated bibliography. 

  • Each of the articles that you have researched should have one or two “smack you in the face” take-aways. You will be referring back to what authors have already discussed about your topic.
  • In your synthesis essay, you will report on what is compelling, what questions you still have remaining, and how each source connects to each other.
  • You will decide how each set of articles have expanded your knowledge and understanding about a given topic.

 

Structure of your essay.

There are multiple ways you can approach the synthesis essay. There is no single right way. The goal is to ensure that you have woven all of the articles together in a well-structured way. As noted above, you are welcome to use sub-headings in this essay if you like.

  • Your essay must have a strong thesis and introduction, a clear middle (with sub-sections if you choose ), as well as a conclusion. 
  • Your essay structure may report on how different authors address on central issue from two different perspectives.
  • Your essay structure might report on one article with a strong argument and a specific focus, reporting on how another author discusses the same issue through a different lens, and one article that provides multiple viewpoints connected by a central theme.