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Synthesis
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What is Synthesis Essays (Examples)?

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
Language acquisition theories: Behaviorist, Innatist, and Interactionist models
This paper consists of a series of reflections on several chapters from two textbooks concerning learning second languages. Pertinent topics that are addressed include the inherent difficulties of learning a second language, as well as different theories and perspectives on which method is most productive for learning a second language.
Paper Doctorate
Definitions and characteristics of organizational culture in the workplace
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Paper Undergraduate
Causes of student dropout and strategies for improving retention in higher education
This paper is designed to figure out the reasons which cause the failure of educational institutes to retain the students. It also gives comprehensive overview of the measures that can be adopted by the leadership and higher authorities to nullify the negativity prevailing in the institutes and how to effectively control and retain students.
Research Paper Doctorate
Writing across the curriculum as a learning and skill development tool
Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) programs became popular during the mid-1970s in response to a perceived deficiency in students' writing and thinking abilities. Such programs grew out of the conviction that children…
Paper Doctorate
Jazz musicians and their contributions during World War II
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Research Paper Doctorate
Marx's historical materialism and class conflict in capitalist society
In discussing Karl Marx's basic tenets in the inherent presence of class conflict in a modern, capitalist society, it is inevitable that his method of historical materialism be included to explain how this concept of…
Research Paper Doctorate
Human elements in work design and measurement
Work is an economic activity for everyone involved. Managers wish to maximize their outputs, while minimizing their inputs. The worker has the same goals as the manager from this standpoint.
Research Paper Doctorate
Thomas Paine's common language and revolutionary message
Thomas Paine is justly famous for his historical role in the political foundation of the United States. Common Sense appears to have been his best-selling work, and was likely the most widely read pamphlet of its era,…
Research Paper Doctorate
Applying brain-based learning theory to instructional design
Learning does not only bring enlightenment to the weary souls but it also helps us learn, grow and be what we are potentially able to become. Therefore education plays a vital role in inculcating a sense of…
Thesis Undergraduate
Methamphetamine addiction and abuse in Los Angeles County
Meth addiction and abuse problems are on a rise in Los Angeles County and many other places in other countries. Its use and abuse has become so common that some people have started referring to it as the new heroin. Just like any other drug, the use of this drug above its therapeutic dose has produced toxicities that have been proven to be hazardous to human health. When people find themselves in addiction and abuse problems of Meth crystals, they then turn to the health care institutions and other rehab centers, which increase the responsibility of nurses as well as counselors. In this paper we shall look at some of the complications of addiction and abuse problems in Los Angeles County. We shall also see its impacts on the human health and health care systems. Furthermore, we shall bring into limelight the role that nursing has to play in this whole scenario and what is being done at the government and private level to make people give up this drug.