A Simple Guide to Writing a Synthesis Essay Outline

A synthesis essay is a unique kind of writing encountered by students in higher institutions. It focuses on presenting an analysis of various texts, noting the key points and linking them to create a whole argument. Synthesis essays are not very common unless you are in a higher learning institution. The majority of the students find writing such papers to be a bit of a challenge. That’s because the synthesis essays are different from your everyday compositions. Unlike other pieces which draw arguments and conclusions from a single source, such essays require the use of various resources to make several claims that connect into one whole. In an age where students can get essay writing help online by learning how to or even getting a professional writer to complete such papers, it has become easier for them. Synthesis essays can be complicated, but with the right assistance, it becomes a walk in the park. A simple guide to writing a synthesis essay outline focuses on providing students with the support they may require when doing such pieces. If you have difficulties completing your synthesis analysis paper you can get the help you need here. In this guide learners get to comprehend the following:
  • The definition of a synthesis analysis essay
  • Crucial facts about writing synthesis analysis essays
  • How to write the thesis statement of a synthesis analysis
  • Creating the synthesis analysis essay outline
  • The structure of a synthesis analysis

The Definition of a Synthesis Essay

To understand what a synthesis essay is, it’s crucial that we have a comprehension of what the word “synthesis” means. It’s when various components are brought together and combined into a whole. These components must connect or link into a whole. Therefore, a synthesis analysis paper utilizes multiple resources to generate a strong argument/thesis/point. It would be impossible for scholars to develop the synthesis essay outline when the project requirements are not precise. Scholars are expected to utilize the various resources provided to create the thesis/main argument. Chances are if you don’t have a thorough comprehension of what the expectation is, you’ll have a difficult time completing such papers. Such pieces require a certain level of analysis and critical thinking to create the perfect synthesis analysis essay. Among the paper requirements is a list of reference materials which you will be expected to generate a link to form the thesis. The critical thinking and analytical skills come in handy at this point. The data from the sources are the supporting evidence to your claim. There are two classes of synthesis essays – argumentative and explanatory. You could be trying to prove a point with your arguments using the texts as supporting evidence or attempting to provide an explanation or understanding into a topic/subject matter.

What You Need to Know About Writing a Synthesis Essay

Writing synthesis essays requires demonstrating that you have a thorough understanding of the topic at hand. A stellar synthesis paper isn’t one with perfect grammar and language skills but one where the author has presented and defended their arguments sufficiently and includes supporting evidence. Such types of articles focus on the case, rhetorical analysis, and the synthesis.
  • The argument is the central point/thesis. Formulate your thesis and provide support from the text. The aim is to convince the reader that you’re justified in your argument.
  • The rhetorical analysis focuses on the book/text authors and their intentions. You should be able to answers questions such as their aim for writing the text? Who is the audience? What are the rhetorical tools and techniques used? How is the text structured? And how does the author appeal to the audience?
  • Synthesis is the primary basis of such papers. The student’s ability to read multiple texts, draw conclusions from them, and create a link is put to the test. This step is essential for identifying your argument.
To create a high quality synthesis essay paper the following tips can help: Logos, Pathos, and Ethos Ethos is the moral philosophy or a presentation of the author’s credibility. It’s a way that the author can connect to the audience by showing that they are qualified and have the requisite experience to discuss the topic at hand. It’s informing readers that the author is a reliable source. For instance, a politician or professor who opts to write a book on political science, illustrating or indicating their status can improve their persuasion of the audience. Pathos focuses on analyzing how the author appeals to the emotional part of their audience. Use of a strong language and vivid imagination is a way the author can appeal to the emotional sense of the audience. Linking the audience to the text emotionally is a strong persuasion tool. Logos focuses on reasoning, which is critical and logical reasoning. When writing your synthesis analysis text, the use of facts, quotations, definitions, and statistics is a clear indicator of the author’s intention to persuade the audience’s reasoning. The use of the three, pathos, ethos and Logos is a show of mastery of the subject matter. As you write your synthesis analysis essay, indicate the use of all three by the author to boost credibility. SOAPS SOAPS is an acronym that stands for Speaker, Occasion, Audience, Purpose, and Subject. In your synthesis analysis point out the speaker or author of the text. Analyze their previous works and compare with the current writing. Note any biases and whether they are qualified in their opinion. The occasion assesses the location and timing of the piece. What provoked the writing of that text at that particular time? If it doesn’t come out clearly, the student will be expected to analyze the text and then proceed to select the timing and location. The claim you make will be justified as long as you provide supporting evidence. The synthesis will involve an analysis of the audience. Identify the group of people the text was intended for by the author. The purpose represents the aim of the document. From your synthesis analysis, we should be able to know the purpose of the text. To determine the use, look at the tone of the paper together with the author’s arguments. The subject looks at the thesis and theme of the article. Identify the writer’s principal claim. DIDLS DIDLS is also an acronym and stands for Diction, Imagery, Details, Language and Sentence Structure. Your synthesis analysis will assess the author’s use of the above in the text. While reading the book, highlight the areas where they have been used and then note them down in your composition. Be sure to provide the supporting evidence, use quotes from the text if necessary. In simple terms, DIDLS is the textual analysis of the piece.

Creating the Synthesis Essay Paper Outline

In essay writing, creating the outline is a critical step. It ensures that your essay follows a specific framework and is therefore necessary for planning your work. When still learning how to write such types of paper, you probably ignored developing the outline. And although some students even overlook this part of the article, it affects the quality. Chances are you have reached your writing halfway and found that you had run out of words or points to write and you haven’t reached the required word count. In some cases, you’ll go past the required wording. Without an outline, you’ll find that you forget some of the essential points and evidence critical to your paper. Such issues can be avoided with the use of an outline. To create a synthesis essay outline, do the following:
  • Read the texts (sources) to be analyzed
  • Note down the key arguments. Only include the relevant data. Additional info will only mislead the audience or confuse them
  • Don’t summarize the text but rather present an analysis.
  • If you come across evidence that disapproves your claim and you consider being valid, including in your synthesis analysis paper. Acknowledging such points builds your composition’s credibility and validity
  • Create an outline. Split your text into the introduction, body, and conclusion. In the body split your writing into the main points/arguments and the evidence. You can quote the text if necessary.
However, place the quotes appropriately and don’t overdo it. Having a synthesis outline that captures your writing appropriately will require some extensive research. After you’ve exhausted analyzing the different sources, the steps below will help you come up with a comprehensive paper outline.
  1. Step 1: Take the time to assess and analyze all the sources provided You can’t create an outline for a topic that you don’t fully understand. Analyze the sources; note them down the theme and thesis of the paper. Don’t rush to the outline until you have a comprehension of the author’s goals, technique, and thesis.
  2. Step 2: Choose your topic Look for a title that will be captivating and intriguing to the audience. Don’t assume that any title works. If you have a boring title chances are you will not get an audience for your essay. Suggestion, find a captivating topic that relates to current trends or emerging issues. Ensure that the topic you settle on is one that you have a clear and thorough understanding of. You can confidently argue out or support a point when you know exactly what you’re talking about. No matter how attractive a subject matter may be if you don’t fully understand the dynamics avoid it at all costs.
  3. Step 3: Develop your thesis statement Writing a thesis statement is a process, you’ll have to come up with several sentences before settling on the one(s) that push your agenda. The thesis must relate to the topic sentence. See Forming the Thesis Statement Section.

Forming the Thesis Statement

In any essay writing , the thesis statement is a crucial part. It’s a statement or two that clearly outline your main point. To create the thesis, it’s essential for students first to read the relevant resources or reference materials and then identify where they stand. Writing a thesis statement is a process, you’ll have to come up with several sentences before settling on the one(s) that push your agenda. The thesis must relate to the topic sentence. Before settling on the thesis of your synthesis analysis essay, conduct a thorough analysis of the relevant materials. It’s only then that students can structure their argument and develop the thesis. Throughout the composition, your arguments will be in support of the main claim (thesis). The structuring and wording of the statement are what gives it credibility in the eyes of your audience. Therefore, your choice of words must reflect your position and convince readers that your arguments are legit. The points you provide in the rest of the paper are the evidence your readers need to see and agree to your point of view. The synthesis paper outline structure should align with the thesis statement.

The Structure of a Synthesis Essay Paper Outline

Below is a simple outline structure for Synthesis Essay:

A. The Introduction

  1. State the topic sentence
  2. Create the hook
  3. State the thesis statement. You can have up to 3 points.
  • Claim 1
  • Claim 2
  • Claim 3

B. The Body

Claim 1
  • Supporting Evidence (quote/reference the source)
  • Present an analysis of the evidence
Claim 2
  • Supporting Evidence (quote/reference the source)
  • Present an analysis of the evidence
Claim 3
  • Supporting Evidence (quote/reference the source)
  • Present an analysis of the evidence

C. Conclusion

Reiterate the main arguments/claims and answer any queries that may not have been answered.

Conclusion

Writing a synthesis analysis essay paper can be complicated, especially for students who haven’t previously engaged in such kind of writing. However, with our guide, and a little practice it gets easier with time. Remember it’s about analyzing the text and not presenting a summary. Our expert writers are at your disposal should you want the assistance.