5.5 Crafting a Cohesive Synthesis Essay

• A synthesis essay prompt provides a set of source materials
• Steps in analyzing source documents for a synthesis essay

  1️⃣ Reading and Understanding

  2️⃣ Identifying Main Points

  3️⃣ Organizing Information
• What should you analyze in a study to prepare for a synthesis essay?

  Sample size and results
• What type of language is typically used in articles for synthesis essays?

  Formal
• In an article on climate change impacts, what evidence might support the claim that rising temperatures increase sea levels?

  Data on melting glaciers
• What is the purpose of a synthesis essay thesis statement compared to other essay thesis statements?

  Develop a new argument
• The scope of a synthesis essay thesis statement is broad enough to incorporate multiple perspectives
• A synthesis essay thesis statement is often more narrowly focused than other types of thesis statements.

  False
• Reading a source document only requires skimming its main points.

  False
• Match the source type with its key features:

  Articles ↔️ Clear arguments, evidence, formal language

  Studies ↔️ Empirical data, research findings

  Speeches ↔️ Rhetorical devices, audience context

  Primary Documents ↔️ Original accounts, historical context
• Thoroughly reading a source document involves understanding its central argument and key ideas.


  True
• Relevant quotes are passages that illustrate key arguments or provide evidence
• Key arguments are the main points the author uses to support their thesis
• Match the thesis type with its purpose:

  Synthesis Essay Thesis ↔️ Combines information to create a new argument

  Other Essay Thesis ↔️ Analyzes or responds to a single source
• The introduction of a synthesis essay should include a thesis statement and an overview of the main points.

  True
• What is the purpose of a synthesis essay prompt compared to other essay prompts?

  Develop a new argument
• A synthesis essay approach requires synthesizing information from sources rather than summarizing or paraphrasing it.


  True
• When analyzing articles, focus on the thesis, supporting arguments, and methodology
• Analyzing speeches involves identifying persuasive techniques, tone, and purpose.

  True
• Empirical data and research findings are key features of studies
• A synthesis essay thesis statement combines information from multiple sources
• A synthesis essay thesis statement presents a unique and insightful argument that goes beyond summarizing source materials.


  True
• What is the focus of a synthesis essay thesis statement?

  Combine multiple sources
• Analyzing source documents is a crucial step in preparing a synthesis essay
• Steps for analyzing source documents in a synthesis essay

  1️⃣ Reading and Understanding

  2️⃣ Identifying Main Points

  3️⃣ Organizing Information
• Key arguments are the main points used to support the author's thesis
• Steps for analyzing source documents in a synthesis essay

  1️⃣ Reading and Understanding

  2️⃣ Identifying Main Points

  3️⃣ Organizing Information
• Analyzing source documents is only necessary for academic essays, not for personal writing.

  False
• A synthesis essay thesis combines information from multiple sources to develop a new argument or perspective.


  True
• Crafting an effective synthesis essay thesis ensures that the writing stays focused on integrating the source materials
• Steps for structuring a synthesis essay

  1️⃣ Introduction

  2️⃣ Body Paragraphs

  3️⃣ Conclusion
• The conclusion of a synthesis essay should restate the thesis and provide final thoughts
• Weaving source material into writing requires using signal phrases and transitions
• In a synthesis essay, it is essential to go beyond summarizing sources and instead develop a unique perspective
• Weave source material smoothly into your own writing using signal phrases and transitions
• What are three techniques used to incorporate relevant evidence in a synthesis essay?

  Quotes, paraphrases, summaries
• Research indicates that social media usage is positively correlated with mental well-being and community engagement.


  True
• What is the main purpose of integrating sources into arguments in a synthesis essay?

  Provide evidence
• Analyzing source documents begins with thoroughly reading and understanding
• Match the source type with its key feature:

  Articles ↔️ Clear arguments

  Studies ↔️ Empirical data

  Speeches ↔️ Rhetorical devices

  Primary Documents ↔️ Historical context