How to Write a Synthesis Essay Outline

A synthesis essay is a piece of academic writing intended to combine different ideas or summaries into a whole in order to prove a thesis. The good news is that unlike many other types of essay, this assignment usually comes with certain sources that you have to analyze. Sounds much easier than writing an argumentative or persuasive essay? Hasten to assure you, it is not quite so! In fact, to write an effective synthesis essay is rather challenging for many students, no matter their academic level. After all, to analyze the given sources in order to come up with something new able to prove your thesis requires not only good writing skills but also the ability to digest information and present it in a meaningful, well-structured way. This is where you need a synthesis essay outline! However, before you actually start writing it, you have to consider several other important things. Hope, the following guide will come in handy! Guide on how to write a synthesis essay outline 1. Carefully read the sources. The first thing you should do before to actually start writing a synthesis essay outline is carefully read the given sources. Your aim is to learn what other authors have already said about your topic. Most likely, you will find out that they have different points of view, which is absolutely normal. Compare the sources and analyze them. Try to combine the materials you have found. Remember, there is always something common between the sources, and you are expected to find that connection. Do not forget to take notes as you read. This will help you create a good synthesis essay outline. After summarizing the given sources, you need to come up with your own ideas and concepts on the topic. 2. Decide on your position. When your work with the given sources is complete, take some time to organize your thoughts. Think about the information you have read and analyze it. It’s time to decide on your own position or attitude. There are actually two major ways to do it. First, you can simply find a common element that combines all the sources. Second, you can create something new based on other writers’ ideas. Whatever you choose, keep in mind that you are not required to agree with that position. The much more important thing is whether you can prove it and support by evidence and facts found in the given sources. However, once you decide on your position, make sure that everything you will do next is somehow or other related to it. 3. Build a strong thesis statement. Just like any other academic paper, this type of essay requires a thesis. Therefore, the last important step to take before to actually start creating a synthesis essay outline is building a strong thesis that will serve as a central idea of your work. Obviously, it has to be based on your position developed in the previous stage. Please note that if you want your paper to bring you a high grade, you need to make sure that your thesis is clear, strong, and sound. For example, it can be an idea you have not found in the given sources or an unanswered question. However, just like with your position, you are not expected to like your thesis. What you really need is to make it controversial. 4. Create a synthesis essay outline. Once you have a certain position and thesis statement for your writing, it’s time to create a good outline. The next question is, what to include in it? Although the requirements may vary depending on the student’s academic level, their area of study, and college instructions, in most cases, a synthesis essay outline will have the following structure: ââ€"  Introduction The first thing to include in the introduction part is a hook intended to catch the reader’s attention. Besides, it should introduce the sources to be synthesized. Finally, it should end with your strong thesis statement. ââ€"  Body Each body paragraph should start with presenting a point that supports your thesis statement. Moreover, it should include reliable evidence and clear information about the source it comes from. Plus, you are required to provide your analysis of the given evidence. ââ€"  Conclusion The last part of your synthesis essay outline is a concluding paragraph that should remind the reader about the major points of your work and underline the common element among them. Besides, you have to restate your thesis and answer the questions that have not been answered in the previous paragraphs. Now as you know how to write a synthesis essay outline, you are ready to start working on it. Remember, this task requires time, so do not wait until the last moment. Start early, and chances are you will succeed!