Synthesis Essay Preparation Notes

The Synthesis Essay Basics

  • Definition: The Synthesis Essay requires students to synthesize material from 6-7 provided sources around a specific topic and develop their own position.
  • Source Types:
    • At least 2 sources must be visual (at least one quantitative).
    • Remaining sources are text-based excerpts (approx. 500 words each).
  • Key Task: Write an essay integrating information from at least three sources to support a personal argument regarding the topic.
  • Comparison to Argument Essay: Similar in structure, but must rely solely on the provided source material for argument support.

Purpose of the Synthesis Essay

  • Assessment Goals:
    • Evaluate ability to read, analyze, and synthesize information from various sources.
    • Act as a mini research paper by arguing and defending a position based on source material.
  • Skills Required:
    • Develop a thesis responding to the prompt.
    • Use evidence from sources and cite it appropriately.
    • Explain the relationship between evidence and thesis.
    • Understand the rhetorical situation and maintain proper grammar/punctuation.

Taking a Position in the Essay

  • Argument Types: Must develop a sustained and cohesive argument through one of the following:
    • Defend
    • Challenge
    • Qualify
  • Example Prompt: Discuss the productivity and benefits of eminent domain, considering the government’s power to take private property for public use.

Steps to Write the Synthesis Essay

Step One: Working the Prompt
  • Read Prompt Carefully: Familiarize yourself with the background context and the main issue.
  • Highlight Key Instructions: Identify explicit directions and make notes in your own words for clarity.
Step Two: Reading and Annotating Sources
  • Create a T-Chart: Label columns for possible positions (agree/disagree) regarding the topic.
  • Annotate Sources: Underline and label information that supports or challenges your position.
  • Fill in T-Chart: List source evidence relevant to your positions.
Step Three: Grouping Evidence
  • Identify Interactions: Recognize sources that support the same idea and label them to aid in essay structure.
Step Four: Taking a Position
  • Position Determination: Your chosen stance should reflect the evidence you've gathered.
  • Position Types: You can choose to agree, disagree, or qualify the claim made in the prompt.
Step Five: Developing the Opening Paragraph
  • Include Context: Reference the prompt effectively and write a clear positional statement early in the paragraph.
Step Six: Writing the Body of the Essay
  • Body Structure: Use Assertion – Evidence – Commentary model.
    • Assertion: State main argument related to thesis.
    • Evidence: Cite at least two pieces of evidence from different sources.
    • Commentary: Explain how the evidence supports your claim.
    • Citations: Use consistent citation style (Source A, Source B, etc.) throughout the essay.
Step Seven: Concluding the Essay
  • Confirm Position: Restate your argument.
  • Broader Application: Discuss implications of your position in other contexts.
  • Avoid Repetition: Do not simply restate the thesis; synthesize information and imply wider significance.