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Synthesis
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A synthesis essay is a very specific type of research paper, where you are asked to draw upon specific sources to support your thesis.  These sources are generally ones that have been assigned as reading for a class or that relate to reading and lectures from your class.  The synthesis referred to in the title is the ability to connect these sources to each other to support a unifying theme or idea in your paper.

There are two main types of synthesis essays: argumentative and explanatory.  An explanatory synthesis essay helps the reader better understand an idea and is similar to an expository essay.  An argumentative synthesis essay uses information gained from the various sources to support an argument.  In your introduction, you will make it clear whether you are writing an explanatory or argumentative essay.  This is usually done via your thesis statement, which provides a very brief explanation of the goal of your essay.

Because a synthesis draws upon your knowledge of sources, you can expect part of the body of your synthesis to focus on summarizing your sources.  Depending on the nature of the essay, you may be summarizing the entire source or simply summarizing one or more of the ideas contained in the source. 

In the body of your synthesis essay, you are also going to carry out the goals you outlined in your introduction.  For an explanatory essay, you will develop the relationship between the sources and show how they work together to explain your topic.  In an argumentative essay, you will focus more on developing the relationship between the ideas expressed in your sources and how, when put together, those ideas support your thesis statement.

The conclusion of your synthesis essay will restate your thesis and then highlight how you have supported that thesis.  If you are still confused about the structure of a synthesis essay, we suggest looking through our free example essays for more guidance.

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Paper Undergraduate
Rousseau in the Social Contract,
This essay examines Rousseau's theory of the social contract, and particularly the idea of the general will. Rousseau's theory of the general will is problematic for many readers, because at first glance it appears counterintuitive and actually somewhat cruel. However, when considered in light of Rousseau's emphasis on debate and reason, it becomes clear that the general will, far from being restricting, actually serves to allow the individual the most freedom possible.
Paper Doctorate
Rai in the 1920\'s Groups of Rural
In the 1920's groups of rural migrants "brought their native musical styles into the growing urban centers of northwestern Algeria," (Gross, McMurray, and Swedenberg p. 200). Their pulsating groves and concordant dance…
Research Paper Doctorate
Classic Liberalism There Have Been
There have been offered numerous definitions by scholars as to exactly what is classic liberalism.
Paper Undergraduate
Components of integrated marketing communications
Introduction The breadth and depth of traditional and online marketing channels continues to proliferate. The greater the growth of these traditional and online channels, the more urgent the need to synchronize them all to a common objective corporate-wide (Caemmerer, 2009). The foundational elements of marketing including advertising, public relations, sales promotion and a myriad of other marketing activities all must integrate to a common objective to ensure consistency and focus (Kliatchko, 2005) As the characteristics, depth and extent of marketing strategies continue to become more complex and focused, the need for an integrated marketing communications (IMC) program and strategy become critical to the success of any firm. The intent of this analysis is to evaluate the components of an IMC, identify strategies that evaluate the effectiveness of an IMC, and analysis and provide recommendations on the value of each component of an IMC strategy. Defining Integrated Marketing Campaign Components From the most complex consumer-focused IMC strategies to those that are oriented from one business to another all share seven core components. These include the foundation or the specific definition of the product and market, including an assessment of consumer behavior and market dynamics (McArthur, Griffin, 1997). Additional components include the corporate culture, brand focus, consumer experience, communication tools, promotional tools and integration tools. Each of these seven components must be aligned across traditional or offline and digital online ones as well if an IMC strategy is going to attain tis objectives (McArthur, Griffin, 1997). Of these seven components of an IMC, the most critical is the corporate culture, as that will determine the extent to which an organization will willingly embrace change or not (Gonring, 1994). The influence of a transformational leader is critical for ensuring cultural alignment within an organization (Caemmerer, 2009). Transformational leaders have the ability to orchestrate the many aspects of an IMC strategy while also ensuring everyone responsible for its execution has a very strong sense of ownership and accountability of results (Howard, 2002) Studies of exceptional customer experiences also underscore how critical it is for a company to cultivate a strong customer-driven culture, as it serves as the foundation of successful integration of marketing strategies and tactics (McArthur, Griffin, 1997). Companies who excel at IMC strategies successfully combine foundational elements of marketing, galvanizing them with strong leadership and a culture that is strongly customer-driven. All of these factors together combine to also create a very strong brand focus, as exemplified by Disney's execution of IMC strategies and the resulting high levels of brand equity produced and maintained (Broadcasting & Cable, 2012). Additional IMC components include communication tools, promotional tools and integration tools. Taken together these are the unifying elements of any successful IMC strategy (McArthur, Griffin, 1997). They also act to galvanize strategies across offline and online communications and marketing channels. The communications tools are the most visible component of any IMC strategy, encompassing both offline or traditional media and online media channels (Gonring, 1994). The orchestration of these tools is essential for the development of a cohesive IMC strategy that is galvanized around the unique value proposition (UVP) of the company as well. Promotional tools are used for initiating a conversation or dialogue with prospective and existing customers, in addition to driving the initial public relations (PR), direct and e-mail campaigns, and personal selling strategies (McArthur, Griffin, 1997). Increasingly marketers are turning to smartphone-based advertising and messaging as well, using mobility-based platforms as part of their promotional initiatives within broader IMC-based strategies (Hongcharu, Eiamkanchanalai, 2009). Lastly, the unifying element of integration tools are more critical than ever, as traditional media, online and mobility strategies all must resonate around a common, galvanizing unique value proposition and series of communications objectives to achieve optimal performance (Kliatchko, 2005). In the next section of this analysis, strategies are defined to evaluate the effectiveness of an IMC strategy. Next, an analysis and series of recommendations are provided as to the value of each component of an IMC strategy.
Paper Undergraduate
Butterfly Life Cycle & Geometry: Two Lesson Plans
Students realize that lines, segments, rays, and points exist not only on paper but in the world around them. They will be able to identify, describe, and compare line segments, lines, rays and angles and use appropriate symbols; will communicate mathematical understanding in journals using words and/or pictures, numbers, and symbols.
Research Paper Doctorate
moasic of thought
Keene & Zimmerman's Mosaic of Thought: Teaching Comprehension in a Reader's Workshop (1997): Summary and Impressions of Three Chapters from the Text
Paper Undergraduate
Machine Age the Five Architectural
There were several economic, management, and master builder innovations that directly influenced architecture over the years. Some of the most influential time periods for examining these developments include the Machine Age, the Industrial Revolution, the Scientific Revolution and the Italian Renaissance. This paper examines many changes in these fields during these periods.
Essay Doctorate
Electronic Medical Records Management and Personal Privacy
Electronic Medical Records Management and Personal Privacy
Paper Undergraduate
Taxonomies: classification systems and organizational frameworks
The need for the construction of valid and reliably assessment tools requires an understanding of the learning process. The taxonomies studied provide similar approaches with the acceptance of the need for students to possess knowledge. Anderson's work is a more elaborate expansion of Bloom's taxonomy. Stiggins accepts the need for knowledge but elaborates on the aspect of reasoning. Combined the taxonomies provide a more complete picture of the learning experience.
Essay Doctorate
Nursing theory foundations and applications
The document considers Madeleine Leininger's theory of transcultural nursing. It includes background information for both Leininger and her theory. The theory holds that persons from different cultures would require specific ways in which to be treated to optimize their experiences with healthcare and the healing process. Today, Ms. Leininger is recognized as one of the most important figures of modern healthcare.