How to

write a
Synthesis
Paper
Synthesis Writing: to combine the
ideas of more than one source with
your own.
Key Features of a Synthesis
 Report information from the sources using
different phrases and sentences;
 Organize so that readers can immediately
see where information from the sources
overlap;
 Make sense of the sources and help the
reader understand them in greater depth
Preparing to Write your
Synthesis Essay
 The writing prompt should direct you
to what sort of themes or traits you
should look for in your synthesis.
 You may be assigned two or more
sources for synthesizing. In such
cases you need to formulate your
own purpose, and develop your own
perspectives and interpretations.
 A preliminary comparison will help.
Begin by summarizing briefly the
points, themes, or traits that the texts
have in common.
The synthesis paper requires you to . . .

① Analyze = break sources down into

their parts
② Synthesize = put together parts
from at least three sources in a new
way to support your thesis,
argument, and counterargument
 You must make connections with
sources and personal observations
to support your stand on the issue.
 You must understand how to use a
variety of sources including non-print
text (pictures, etc.)
 You will use this “synthesis” to
support your thesis.
How is this done?

Writer
 Uses quotes or phrases to extract
key information.
 Demonstrates understanding in
using the quotes or phrases.
 Uses the quotes to support his/her
opinion/position.
 Cites sources because a writer
NEVER wants to plagiarize.
Remember!

 Synthesis is not merely incorporating

sources.
 Synthesis is combining information
from other sources with your opinion!
So, how do I do it?

 Draw on 3 or more sources.

 Use different phrases and sentences
to support a central idea - use these
as your quotes.

Only 1 text 3 or more

-- baaad! texts --
goood!
So, how do I do it?

 Make connections
among the sources -
make sense of the
sources so the reader
has better
understanding.
 Make further
connections through
personal observations
and/or theories that
relate to the
information from the
sources.
Think of your connections as branches
on a tree. Where do the ideas overlap?
Structure
 The introduction:
 Write a one-sentence statement that
sums up the focus of your synthesis.
 Introduce the texts to be
synthesized:
– Give the title of each source
– Provide the name of each author for each
source;
– Provide pertinent background information
about the authors, about the texts to be
summarized, and about the general topic
The body:

 Your organization will be determined

by the assignment or by the patterns
you see in the material you are
synthesizing (theme, point, similarity,
or aspect of the topic).
 The organization is the most
important part of a synthesis, so
choose the most effective format for
your topic.
Be sure that each paragraph:

 Begins with a sentence or phrase that informs

readers of the topic of the paragraph;
 Include information from more than one source;
 Clearly indicate which material comes from which
source using transitions and topic sentences, and
in-text citations.
 Show the similarities or differences between the
different sources in ways that make the paper as
informative as possible;
 Represent the texts fairly--even if that seems to
weaken the paper; you are simply repeating what
the source says in fewer words and in your own
words. 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 comment further 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).