How to Write a Perfect Synthesis Essay Outline (With Examples)

Mar 9, 2022

Mar 9, 2022 | Blog

Synthesis essays trouble most students, mainly because they do not understand what these essays require.

Also, you are likely to experience difficulties when writing this type of essay if you do not plan before you start writing.

Planning before writing an essay involves creating an outline.

This article will explain what a synthesis essay is and how to create a perfect synthesis essay outline.

Table of Contents

What Is A Synthesis Essay?

Before you learn how to create an outline, you need to know and understand a synthesis essay.

To effectively define a synthesis essay, you have to understand the verb ‘to synthesis,’ which means forming a single whole by putting together different pieces.

A cohesive synthesis essay will require you to synthesize information from different sources and develop a single argument revealing your position on a given topic.

It is very important to use various sources that support your argument.

Also, make sure your paper demonstrates the relationship between your sources.

The purpose of this type of paper is to write about a certain topic, usually in order to give support or evidence for a general statement. The information that is written in the essay should be gathered from references and then woven together coherently and convincingly so that the main claim is supported by all the supporting points in the paper.

Tips For Writing A Proper Synthesis Essay Outline

Before creating an outline for your synthesis essay, follow the following steps.

1. Identify good sources

Sources for a synthesis essay can be journals, articles, books (fictional and non-fictional), websites, and even non-written sources such as interviews and lectures.

2. Carefully analyze your sources

As you go through your sources, not down strong and relevant points.

You are analyzing your sources to identify those that support your point of view or have a point of view on a given topic if you do not already have one.

3. Create an interesting title

You want to discuss a topic that not only interests you but also catches the attention of readers.

People find titles that touch on social and emerging issues to be captivating.

Also, consider creating a title around a debatable issue.

But, most importantly, pick a title based on an issue or topic you are familiar with and one you can relate to. That way, you will have an easier time writing and conducting your research.

4. Come up with a thesis statement

At this point, you have identified sources that support your position, analyzed them to come up with strong arguments, and you have a catchy title.

It is now time to develop a strong thesis statement: In the body paragraphs of your synthesis essay, you will be supporting the claim.

Creating a thesis statement is simply writing your point of view is strong and convincing wording.

However, remember, your thesis statement will only be as convincing or strong as it sounds if you use credible and reliable sources.

How To Create A Synthesis Essay Outline

Like most essays, the most important aspect of the synthesis essay structure is an introduction, main body, and conclusion.

Synthesis essay introduction outline

Explain the relevance of the topic of discussion.
Write your thesis: inform your reader about your point of view on the topic of discussion.
Briefly mention the arguments you will use to support your thesis.

Tip: Best introductory paragraphs intrigue readers. Consider starting the introduction with a catchy statement (hook), such as an intriguing question, an interesting fact, or a piece of statistical data.

Synthesis essay main body outline

In the main body outline, you highlight the points you will use to support your argument.

Remember, each point should be in its own paragraph.

Consider the following tips when writing the main body paragraphs:

Clearly state your main arguments using topic sentences.
All your main arguments should be connected to your thesis statement to make it a cohesive essay.
Thoroughly develop your main arguments – use one or more references to support your arguments and even consider using examples to elaborate your point.
Use appropriate transitions when moving from one paragraph to the other.

Pro Tip: An excellent synthesis essay does not summarize one source after the other. Instead, the paragraphs are organized based on specific themes and features identified from the sources. If you used this approach, each paragraph contains information from more than one source.

Synthesis essay conclusion outline

In conclusion, you have to restate your thesis statement and sum up your main arguments.

However, the conclusion must be strong and well-written as it is your last chance to convince a reader that you had a valid and sensible argument.

It helps to end the conclusion with a call-to-action, a rhetorical question, or a statement requiring your reader to conduct further research.

SYNTHESIS ESSAY OUTLINE EXAMPLE

Topic: Ineffectiveness of the executive order on immigration policy

Introduction

Hook the reader.
Provide background information on the executive order of immigration.
Explain why the ban is contentious in America.
Submit the thesis statement. Despite the necessity of the executive order, it is insufficient and therefore should not be implemented.

Body Paragraphs

Concessions and Refutation

Give a summary of your point of view and arguments against it too.

From past events, there has been a need for the U.S. federal government to act to provide policies on immigration in the country, but the measures they have taken are inadequate. However, they are those that feel that this order is well overdue because (continue)

Refutation

Topic sentence:

Give a reason contrary to your thesis statement.
Provide evidence to support this idea.
State why it is invalid.
Provide counter facts and explain why it is not a strong argument.
Provide a conclusion and final comments on the matter.

Support 1

State the least important reason that supports your thesis.
Put down the topic statement leading up to your idea.
Quote one of your sources.
Provide evidence backing your idea.
Comment on your evidence and why it is relevant to the reader.
Conclude your paragraph by summing up all the key concepts that were in your topic statement.

Support 2

Put down the second most important reason in support of your thesis.
Choose a fitting topic sentence.
Embed facts and concepts that support your point of view and comment on them.
Provide a conclusion being mindful of the topic statement and the evidence.

Support 3

State your most important reason for informing your thesis.
Capitalize on the topic statement to present a strong case.
Quote several of your sources and make a commentary.
Provide evidence that backs your statement and comment on why it is relevant.
Provide a conclusion summing up all the facts.

Conclusion

Make a summary of all the facts and key concepts that you intended to deliver.
Restate the thesis statement either paraphrased or in different terms without changing its meaning.
Sum up your argument and provide a relevant example.
Include a call to action from an ethical standpoint. Persuade the readers why your point of view is the most valid.

Synthesis Essay Outline Example

Use the following synthesis essay examples to understand the format and synthesis outline structure of these types of essays. Whether you are writing your research paper or college essay, getting help from sample essays is always a good idea.

Final thoughts!

To write an excellent synthesis, first understand what it is, then creates an outline to follow when you start writing.

The synthesis essay is a relatively common assignment in college. It asks you to draw on your knowledge of the chapter’s key ideas and to interact with them on a deeper level. Before writing, you must outline your essay, in order to give each point its proper weight. With this outline, it’s possible for you to incorporate new ideas as you come across them.

Struggling With Writing Your Paper?

Are you still having trouble crafting a synthesis essay? Need editing or writing help? You should seek advice from our professional writer. Here at EssayFreelanceWriters, our writers have written many papers and are experts in their fields. With our efficient system, you will have your perfect paper in no time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you write a synthesis essay outline?

A synthesis outline should follow the outline template below:

Introduction. Hook. Mention the main points. Thesis Statement.
Body Section 1. Main point. Evidence. Analysis.
Body Section 2. Main point. Evidence. Analysis.
Body Section 3. Main point. Evidence. Analysis.
Conclusion. Reiterate main points. Repeat thesis statement.

What is the structure of a synthesis essay?

A synthesis essay has an introduction, body, and conclusion. However, each of these parts is written in a distinct way: The introduction provides an overview of the topic, thesis, and sources, with some background information for the texts to be summarized

What is a synthesis essay AP Lang?

A synthesis is a written discussion incorporating support from several sources of differing views. This type of assignment requires that you examine a variety of sources and identify their relationship to your thesis. This is one essay of the three on the AP Lang synthesis essay exam.

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Elaina Ferrell

With a deep understanding of the student experience, I craft blog content that resonates with young learners. My articles offer practical advice and actionable strategies to help students achieve a healthy and successful academic life.