conclusion to a synthesis essay

AP ® Lang teachers: looking to help your students improve their rhetorical analysis essays?

Coach Hall Writes

clear, concise rhetorical analysis instruction.

How to Write a Synthesis Essay Conclusion

November 2, 2022 by Beth Hall

If you’re taking the AP ® Lang exam, you might be wondering if a synthesis essay conclusion is even necessary. You also might be wondering how to write a synthesis essay conclusion. The answer to the first question is it depends. Keep reading to find out why.

Priorities When Writing a Synthesis Essay Conclusion

Before you even attempt to write a conclusion for synthesis essays, it is crucial to make sure you do other aspects first. This is because the conclusion is not necessary. Simply put, it is not part of the rubric. Think of your exam essay more as a rough draft, and sometimes we do not get time to write the conclusion at this point. That’s okay! You are under a lot of stress, so the priority needs to be on the aspects within the rubric, especially the evidence and commentary in your body paragraphs.

Before attempting the synthesis essay conclusion, be sure you’ve clearly cited 3 of the provided sources. This is the only way to score within the higher numbers for the evidence and commentary row. For more guidance on writing the body of the synthesis essay, be sure to read How to Write a Synthesis Essay. This blog post outlines the entire writing process to help you earn the best score possible. 

Additionally, you want to be sure that you have well-developed body paragraphs. If you have to choose between writing more in your body paragraphs or writing a conclusion, typically, it will be helpful to focus on the body paragraphs. This is because your body paragraphs contain evidence and commentary, which are 4 of the possible 6 points on the rubric.

To Write or Not To Write a Synthesis Essay Conclusion?

After finishing the body paragraphs, you want to check the remaining time. Ask yourself: Do I have enough time to write a conclusion? If you have at least three sources and your body paragraphs are strong, it is time to begin the conclusion. 

When writing a conclusion paragraph for synthesis essays, some students will restate the thesis. This is fine–just make sure you don’t copy it verbatim. Others might worry that the original thesis was not defensible and want to have a stronger conclusion. This means they come up with a stronger thesis as they conclude the essay. 

Developing Your Synthesis Conclusion

When working on your synthesis essay conclusion, you may want to develop your conclusion beyond just restating your thesis. Here are some questions to consider to help you develop your synthesis essay conclusion paragraph: 

• Who is helped or harmed by the issue? In other words, who benefits and who is at a disadvantage?
• What are the short-term and long-term societal implications of this issue?
• Why does this issue really matter?
• Why is this issue relevant on a local, national, or even international level? For this question, you do not have to answer all parts. Which level to focus on depends on the topic itself. 
• Do you have any outside knowledge you could connect to the issue to show why it is essential? 
• How does the issue connect to the future? For example, you can even include personal experience to help show why the topic matters. Then, you can include why this topic is important to the future. 

Answering any of these questions within the conclusion of the synthesis essay helps you offer deeper insight, possibly situation the issue in a broader context. 

Another possible way to end your synthesis essay conclusion is a call to action. This is when you challenge your audience to go and do something. You want to encourage people to act. This may be the reader, or it may be parents, educators, politicians, and businesses. However, it is important to remember this is not appropriate for every essay and prompt. It is a tool to have in your toolbox in case it works for the prompt on exam day. You want to use it sparingly and thoughtfully. 

If applicable, you can also make note relevant personal experience or observations in your conclusion to help address why this issue or topic matters in the real-world, beyond what the provided sources say.

Writing the Conclusion 

When learning how to write a synthesis essay conclusion, it is important to avoid the phrases “in conclusion,” “all in all,” or “to sum it up.” Those are a little bit too simple.  When leading into the conclusion paragraph, I recommend something like “When considering…” and then going into the topic. After, incorporate something like “It becomes clear/apparent/evident that…” and re-elaborate on your stance. Then, wrap everything up with strong concluding words, such as “Therefore” or “Thus.” As you write, remember it is okay to use language from the prompt! 

When it comes time to write the synthesis essay, focus on the body paragraphs and sources. You are graded against a rubric, so you want to give yourself the best chance at a high score. However, you also want to know how to write a synthesis essay conclusion. While this is not a requirement, it is a great way to create a solid ending to your essay should you have the time. 

To hear more about how to write a synthesis essay conclusion, be sure to watch Synthesis Essay Conclusion Tips !

AP® Lang Teachers

Looking to help your students improve their rhetorical analysis essays?

[…] For more tips on the conclusion, check out How to Write a Synthesis Essay Conclusion.  […]

Latest on Instagram

Shop My TPT Store

Is MasterClass right for me?

Take this quiz to find out.

Guide to Synthesis Essays: How to Write a Synthesis Essay

Written by MasterClass

Last updated: Aug 19, 2021 • 4 min read

The writing process for composing a good synthesis essay requires curiosity, research, and original thought to argue a certain point or explore an idea. Synthesis essay writing involves a great deal of intellectual work, but knowing how to compose a compelling written discussion of a topic can give you an edge in many fields, from the social sciences to engineering.

Synthesis Essays: A Step-by-Step How-To Guide

A synthesis essay is generally a short essay which brings two or more sources (or perspectives) into conversation with each other.

The word “synthesis” confuses every student a little bit. Fortunately, this step-by-step how-to guide will see you through to success!

Here’s a step-by-step how-to guide, with examples, that will help you write yours.

Before drafting your essay:

After reading the sources and before writing your essay, ask yourself these questions:

• What is the debate or issue that concerns all of the writers? In other words, what is the question they are trying to answer?
• On what points do they agree?
• On what points do they disagree?
• If they were having a verbal discussion, how would writer number one respond to the arguments of writer number two?

In a way, writing a synthesis essay is similar to composing a summary. But a synthesis essay requires you to read more than one source and to identify the way the writers’ ideas and points of view are related.

Sometimes several sources will reach the same conclusion even though each source approaches the subject from a different point of view.

Other times, sources will discuss the same aspects of the problem/issue/debate but will reach different conclusions.

And sometimes, sources will simply repeat ideas you have read in other sources; however, this is unlikely in a high school or AP situation.

To better organize your thoughts about what you’ve read, do this:

• Identify each writer’s thesis/claim/main idea
• List the writers supporting ideas (think topic sentences or substantiating ideas)
• List the types of support used by the writers that seem important. For example, if the writer uses a lot of statistics to support a claim, note this. If a writer uses historical facts, note this.

There’s one more thing to do before writing: You need to articulate for yourself the relationships and connections among these ideas.

Sometimes the relationships are easy to find. For example, after reading several articles about censorship in newspapers, you may notice that most of the writers refer to or in some way use the First Amendment to help support their arguments and help persuade readers. In this case, you would want to describe the different ways the writers use the First Amendment in their arguments. To do this, ask yourself, “How does this writer exploit the value of the First Amendment/use the First Amendment to help persuade or manipulate the readers into thinking that she is right?

Sometimes articulating the relationships between ideas is not as easy. If you have trouble articulating clear relationships among the shared ideas you have noted, ask yourself these questions:

• Do the ideas of one writer support the ideas of another? If so, how?
• Do the writers who reach the same conclusion use the same ideas in their writing? If not, is there a different persuasive value to the ideas used by one writer than by the other?
• Do the writers who disagree discuss similar points or did they approach the subject from a completely different angle and therefore use different points and different kinds of evidence to support their arguments?
• Review your list of ideas. Are any of the ideas you have listed actually the same idea, just written in different words?

• Link to facebook
• Link to linkedin
• Link to twitter
• Link to youtube
• Writing Tips

How to Write a Synthesis Essay

4-minute read

• 31st May 2023

Are you writing a synthesis essay? This is a paper that combines information from a variety of sources to form a new idea. Essentially, you’re synthesizing existing concepts and arguments to create something original.

As a student, you’ll probably have to write a synthesis essay at some point. Read on for our step-by-step guide on how to write one effectively.

Step 1. Define Your Idea or Argument

If you haven’t done so already, decide on a topic to write about. Read up about it using a variety of credible sources and make detailed notes while you research. Make sure you keep track of the sources you decide to pull information from so that you can cite them properly later.

Make a list of key points from your research. Once you have a good selection of material to work with, start developing your own idea or argument. This will be the focus of your essay.

Step 2. Create an Outline

Synthesis essays generally follow this format: an introduction, a handful of main body paragraphs, and a conclusion. It’s a good idea to come up with an essay plan before you start writing so that you can keep things organized while you work.

The outline is mainly helpful for deciding what to include in your body paragraphs. Decide what supporting points (and counterarguments ) from your research you want to include, and which order you want to discuss them in. You should have enough information to flesh out one paragraph for each point.

Step 3. Write Your Introduction

In your introduction, you should open with something that hooks the reader and captures their attention. Then, state your argument or idea (i.e., your thesis statement) and briefly summarize the material you’ll be including in your essay. You should also include any relevant background information here.

Step 4. Write the Body Paragraphs

Using your outline, discuss each point from your source material in more depth, devoting a body paragraph to each. Explain the information from the outside source, including appropriate citations, and discuss how it connects with your idea.

It’s a good idea to mostly focus on points that support your argument, but you should also include a paragraph with a counterargument or two. This means discussing a perspective that doesn’t necessarily align with your idea, and then explaining why your argument still works.

Step 5. Tie It All Together With a Conclusion

The conclusion should leave the reader feeling convinced of your idea. Restate your point clearly and summarize the main points you’ve discussed. You could also offer any concluding reflections on the topic.

Different Types of Synthesis Essays

While you can follow our steps for any type of synthesis essay, yours will probably fall under one of two categories: explanatory or argumentative.

Find this useful?

Subscribe to our newsletter and get writing tips from our editors straight to your inbox.

Argumentative essays are as they sound – they present an argument. With an argumentative essay, you’ll take a more definitive stance on something and use your supporting material to persuade the reader.

Explanatory essays don’t necessarily take a side one way or the other. Rather, they focus on developing and explaining a concept thoroughly. Knowing which type of essay you’re writing will help you to gather more effective source material for your purpose.

Cite Your Sources

Since synthesis essays are particularly dependent on outside material, it’s especially important that you cite your sources correctly. Familiarize yourself with your referencing system before you start researching so you know what information you need to keep track of, and include appropriate citations whenever you use someone else’s work.

At the end of the essay, you’ll need to compile your sources into a reference list following the requirements of your style guide.

Summary: Writing a Synthesis Essay

Hopefully, this post has helped you to feel more confident in writing a synthesis essay. Choose a topic first, do your research, keep track of your sources, and develop an argument or idea. From there, you can organize your thoughts into an outline and get to writing!

Once you’ve created a first draft, make sure you send it our way! We’ll check it for errors in grammar, spelling, referencing, and more. Try it out for free today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a synthesis essay.

A synthesis essay gathers ideas and viewpoints from several different sources and ties them together to form a new concept.

How long is a synthesis essay?

Synthesis essays usually follow the five-paragraph format, with an introduction, three main body paragraphs discussing different points, and a conclusion.

Share this article:

Post A New Comment

Got content that needs a quick turnaround? Let us polish your work. Explore our editorial business services.

5-minute read

Free Email Newsletter Template

Promoting a brand means sharing valuable insights to connect more deeply with your audience, and...

6-minute read

How to Write a Nonprofit Grant Proposal

If you’re seeking funding to support your charitable endeavors as a nonprofit organization, you’ll need...

9-minute read

How to Use Infographics to Boost Your Presentation

Is your content getting noticed? Capturing and maintaining an audience’s attention is a challenge when...

8-minute read

Why Interactive PDFs Are Better for Engagement

Are you looking to enhance engagement and captivate your audience through your professional documents? Interactive...

7-minute read

Seven Key Strategies for Voice Search Optimization

Voice search optimization is rapidly shaping the digital landscape, requiring content professionals to adapt their...

Five Creative Ways to Showcase Your Digital Portfolio

Are you a creative freelancer looking to make a lasting impression on potential clients or...

Make sure your writing is the best it can be with our expert English proofreading and editing.

How to Write a Synthesis Essay: Your Guide From Start to Finish

Today, we're swamped with information, like reading 174 newspapers every day. It comes from all over—news, social media, science, and more. This flood might make you feel overwhelmed and lost in a sea of facts and opinions. But being able to make sense of it all is crucial.

In this guide, we'll show you steps for choosing the right topic and organizing your essay. Let's dive in and learn how to turn scattered facts into powerful essays that really stand out. If you're looking for assistance in writing a paper, you can consider the option to order essay from our expert writing service.

What Is a Synthesis Essay

Synthesis essay is an academic assignment where you take information from several sources and combine it to create a new, unified argument. Throughout the essay, you'll weave in evidence and insights from your sources to support your thesis, explaining how each source contributes to your overall argument.

Synthesis essays are commonly assigned in high school and undergraduate courses across various disciplines. They are a great way to develop critical thinking, research, and writing skills. They are particularly useful when a topic has multiple angles or ongoing debates, as they train you to analyze information objectively and form your own well-supported conclusions.

If you're struggling with this task, just ask us to ' write paper for me ,' and we'll handle your assignment for you.

How to Write a Synthesis Essay with Easy Steps

Writing a synthesis essay requires a methodical approach to blend information from different sources into a strong and persuasive argument. Here are steps to help you along the way.

1. Choose Your Topic:

• Make sure it's broad enough to allow for multiple perspectives but specific enough for focused research.
• Look for topics with ongoing debates or with room for your own interpretation.

2. Research and Gather Sources:

• Use credible sources like academic journals, books, and reputable news websites. Aim for a variety of perspectives to ensure a well-rounded analysis.
• Take notes while researching! Focus on key points, evidence, and the author's main arguments.

3. Develop Your Thesis Statement:

• This is the central argument of your essay, informed by your research.
• It should clearly state how the different sources will be used to create a unified perspective.

4. Structure Your Essay:

• Introduction: Briefly introduce the topic, highlight the various perspectives, and present your thesis statement.
• Topic Sentence: Briefly introduce the point you'll be making in this paragraph.
• Analysis & Evidence: Integrate information from your sources, explaining how they support your point. Use in-text citations and proper formatting.
• Commentary: Explain the significance of the source material and how it contributes to your overall argument.
• Conclusion: Summarize your main points and reiterate the importance of your thesis statement. You can also offer further implications or remaining questions on the topic.

5. Write and Revise:

• Draft your essay, ensuring smooth transitions between your ideas and source integration.
• Revise for clarity, proper citation format, and strong argument flow.

For a more detailed explanation on how to write a conclusion , check out our special guide.

Synthesis Essay Example

Here are a couple of synthesis essay examples that demonstrate how to apply the synthesis process in real life. See how they tackle a wide range of issues by drawing on diverse perspectives.

Ready to Transform Your Synthesis Essay from Bland to Grand?

Let's tap into the magic of our expert wordsmiths, who will create an essay that dances with ideas and dazzles with creativity!

Synthesis Essay Thesis Statement

A strong thesis statement for a synthesis essay is more nuanced than a simple opinion. It acknowledges the complexities of the topic and positions your essay as a bridge between existing perspectives. Here's how to craft an effective thesis:

• Avoid extremes: Statements like "Social media is destroying society" are too broad and lack specific arguments. Saying "Taxes are bad" ignores potential benefits or complexities.
• Acknowledge Nuance: Show you understand different viewpoints by using qualifiers like "often," "in some cases," or "to a certain extent."
• Bridge the Gap: Your thesis should connect various source viewpoints to create a new perspective.

Example transformation:

Original (weak): Video games are a waste of time.

Improved: While video games can be a source of leisure, their excessive use can negatively impact academic performance and social interaction. (This acknowledges the entertainment value while highlighting potential drawbacks.)

• Your thesis should be specific to your topic and the sources you'll use.
• It should be clear, concise, and directly address the prompt.
• It sets the stage for your argument by outlining the connections between your chosen sources.

Synthesis Essay Checklist

Writing a strong synthesis essay requires careful attention to detail. Use this checklist to ensure you've covered all the bases:

Synthesis Essay Format

A well-structured synthesis essay guides the reader through your analysis of multiple sources and effectively builds your argument. Here's a breakdown of the typical format:

• Double-space your essay unless otherwise instructed.
• Use a standard font (e.g., Times New Roman, Arial) and font size (e.g., 12 pt).
• Maintain consistent margins (e.g., 1 inch).
• Include page numbers in the top right corner (optional, but often recommended).
• Introduction (10-15% of word count):
• Body Paragraphs (60-70% of word count)
• Conclusion (10-15% of word count):
• The specific word count breakdown might vary based on your assignment instructions.
• Always follow the formatting guidelines provided by your instructor.

For a deeper understanding of a compare and contrast essay , including format and writing process, consult our dedicated article.

Explanatory vs. Argumentative Synthesis Essays

In synthesis writing, there are two main types: explanatory and argumentative. While both involve analyzing multiple sources, their ultimate goals differ. Here's a breakdown of the key distinctions between explanatory and argumentative synthesis essays:

And if you're keen on knowing how to write an informative essay , we've got you covered on that, too!

Synthesis Essay Topics

Picking essay topics is just the beginning. To write a great synthesis essay, you need to carefully evaluate and connect different sources to build a strong argument or viewpoint. Here's a step-by-step infographic guide to help you choose the right synthesis essay topics wisely.

There are myriads of essay topics , so how do you choose the right one? Don’t waste your time, here we offer some great ideas:

• What role does effective communication play in resolving international conflicts?
• Are video games a legitimate form of art?
• Does standardized testing hinder critical thinking skills?
• Is cultural appropriation a valid concern or does it stifle artistic exchange?
• Should economic growth outweigh environmental sustainability and social welfare?
• Is the traditional family structure the best model for child-raising?
• Should social media platforms curb misinformation?
• Is artificial intelligence a boon for scientific discovery, or does it pose ethical challenges?
• Is globalization more about economic prosperity or cultural homogenization?
• Should controversial historical monuments be preserved?
• Can renewable energy alone combat climate change, or are more drastic measures necessary?
• Should artistic expression face censorship or enjoy complete freedom?
• How can national security and individual privacy be balanced in the digital age?
• Does the cost of higher education hinder social mobility?
• Does automation threaten jobs or create new opportunities?

If you’re interested in persuasive essays topics , this guide's got your back.

Concluding Thoughts

Writing a synthesis essay is a great way to learn about a topic. It lets you explore different viewpoints and see how they fit together. This guide gives you the steps to follow for a strong essay. Remember, the goal is to use what you learn from your sources to create your own unique understanding. So next time you have a complex topic, give a synthesis essay a try! You might be surprised by what you learn.

Want an Essay that Sings, Sparkles, and Stuns?

Fear not! Our expert wordsmiths are here to turn your thoughts into a symphony of ideas!

How Should You Conclude a Synthesis Essay?

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

Want to create or adapt books like this? Learn more about how Pressbooks supports open publishing practices.

27 How do I Write a Synthesis Essay?

A synthesis essay is a type of essay that gathers information from a variety of sources to form a new idea, question, or argumentative thesis. Writers composing a synthesis essay will discuss ideas, data, and evidence from a series of sources to either explain or argue something original.

Explanatory vs. Argumentative Synthesis Essays: How Are They Different?

Though the formatting is largely the same, there are two main types of synthesis essays: explanatory and argumentative.

• 1.   Explanatory : The purpose of an explanatory synthesis essay is to use different sources to explain a particular point of view. These synthesis papers objectively examine the similarities and differences between ideas but don’t necessarily choose a side or attempt to sway the reader in any direction.
• 2.   Argumentative : An argumentative synthesis essay follows the same structure as a typical argumentative essay. The thesis of an argumentative essay will argue one specific point.

Synthesis Essay Structure

Synthesis essays typically adhere to the five-paragraph essay structure, but there are slight nuances to structuring this type of essay. Here is how a synthesis essay is structured.

•   Introduction : The foundational ideas of your essay are expressed in the introductory paragraph. You will address the general landscape of ideas around your topic, introducing some of your sources. You will also introduce the argument to be made through a thesis statement, which succinctly states your primary argument in a sentence or two. The thesis statement typically comes at the very end of your introductory paragraph.
•   Body : The body of your synthesis essay is usually about three paragraphs long. This typically includes two paragraphs synthesizing your sources in a way that supports your argument, and one paragraph that acknowledges opposing arguments.
• Conclusion : The conclusion of your synthesis essay reiterates the argument that you’ve made throughout your essay. It may emphasize how each of the points you made and the sources you’ve cited substantiate your point.

How to Write a Synthesis Essay

A great synthesis essay walks readers through a series of ideas and sources to prove or explain a larger point.

Follow this step-by-step guide for writing your essay:

• Choose a topic you’re curious about . Brainstorm a few ideas for your synthesis essay topic, prioritizing the subjects you feel passionate about.
• Do your research . Once you’ve decided on a topic, use the internet, library, and other sources to perform extensive research. You can turn to academic primary sources to find quotes from scholars and experts, or look up statistics or scientific studies relevant to your topic. This research will help you develop a point of view that is backed up by concrete information. Use credible sources that are unbiased.
• Outline your point . Your entire essay should focus on either explaining a certain perspective or making an argument. Outline how each of your sources relates to your theme and support your idea.
• Write your introduction . An introduction is the first paragraph of a paper. Its main purpose is to present the general premise of the paper, provide any necessary background information, and hopefully, capture the reader’s attention. The introductory paragraph to your synthesis essay should be where you include a strong thesis statement. This is where you will state the point of view that you’re exploring or the argument you’re making.
• Include your body paragraphs . Synthesis essays will typically contain three body paragraphs. A good body paragraph contains three main sections: a topic sentence (or key sentence), relevant supporting  sentences, and a closing (or transition)
• sentence. This structure keeps your paragraph focused on the main idea, providing clear, concise information. Each body paragraph should discuss different elements and supporting arguments of your thesis, along with evidence drawn from each source. Explain the common theme between your resources, as well as how they are relevant to your text. Include counterarguments as well as how your source material can discredit those claims and support your own idea.
• Wrap it up with a strong conclusion . A conclusion is a final piece of writing in a research paper, essay, or article that summarizes the entire work. The concluding paragraph of your synthesis essay will restate your thesis, summarize the key supporting ideas you discussed throughout the work, and offer your final impression of the central idea.
• Proofread . Always proofread your writing a few times before submitting or presenting it. A few missed words or grammatical errors can sometimes change or discredit the entire crux of an argument or opinion. Make sure that your grammar, syntax, and flow are as accurate and clear as possible. This will help you come across as a credible source.

College Reading & Writing: A Handbook for ENGL- 090/095 Students Copyright © by Yvonne Kane; Krista O'Brien; and Angela Wood. All Rights Reserved.

Share This Book

How to Write a Synthesis Essay

Synthesis essays are not as popular as argumentative or analytical essays. Still, you can be assigned to write this type of essay when you study at high school, college, or university. Writing a synthesis essay is also a part of an exam that you have to pass in order to complete the AP English Language and Composition course. As this essay type is uncommon, we will provide you with a detailed and simple guide on how to write a synthesis essay.

What is a synthesis essay?

A synthesis essay is a type of writing that offers a unique viewpoint on a chosen topic backed up with information from multiple sources. It is similar to research papers but has a few limitations.

Firstly, when you write an AP synthesis essay, you don’t have to look for the necessary sources by yourself, as they’re provided in the text of your assignment. The only thing you need to do is pick three or four sources in order to argue the topic. Secondly, you’ll have certain time limitations during the exam. You will have to complete three writing tasks (argument, analysis, and synthesis) in two hours. Finally, topics for synthesis essays are usually broader than ones for research papers.

The AP English Language and Composition exam is not aimed at evaluating students’ knowledge of a specific discipline. Its main purpose is to examine your writing and rhetorical skills, so all topics are debatable and understandable, as they don’t require reading specialized literature.

In general, a synthesis essay has to demonstrate your language competence, not your analytical thinking skills. Still, you should follow a particular logic to make your text readable and to get a higher score.

Main types of synthesis essays

Synthesis essay writing steps

When you compose a synthesis essay, especially for the AP exam, you don’t have much time. Therefore, you need perfect planning. Below, we offer you writing steps divided into three stages for your comfort.

Preparatory work

1. Read instructions thoroughly

Understanding the prompt is crucial for providing a brilliant synthesis essay. Make sure that you take into account all the aspects of the topic.

2. Think about the topic

Sure, you won’t have much time for a full-scale brainstorming session during the exam. Still, you have to look at the suggested theme from different perspectives in order to formulate your unique and interesting viewpoint.

3. Compose a preliminary thesis statement

Write down the first clear idea that will come to your mind after you read the prompt. It doesn’t need to be perfect, as you’ll have a chance to make changes later. The main purpose of this step is to create a base for the further writing process. A good thesis statement is a sentence that answers three questions about your essay at the same time: what, how, and why.

4. Choose sources

When taking an exam, this step is easier than when doing an academic assignment, as all the sources are specified. You have to pick three or four sources of various formats that will enforce your point of view. If you are preparing a synthesis essay for a university, you can use more than four sources, but make sure that you analyze and present properly the ideas of each author.

4. Read the chosen sources thoroughly

Remember that you don’t have much time when you take the exam, so don’t waste it for reading all the provided sources. Only after picking several texts will you begin a detailed reading. You can make short annotations and take notes in order to summarize the main ideas of the chosen sources.

5. Find connections between the sources and your claim

This is the main aspect of any synthesis essay. If you don’t succeed in finding out and explaining to your readers how the chosen sources are related to your thesis, you won’t get a high score for your essay. The sources that you choose shouldn’t necessarily prove your point of view. They can even be contradictory, but links between them have to be clear.

Drafting your essay

To simplify the writing process, we suggest you to use a standard five-paragraph structure: one paragraph for your introduction, three paragraphs for the main body, and one more for your conclusion.

Let’s take a closer look at each part of a synthesis essay.

1. Introduction

An introduction is an extremely important part of your essay, as it has three crucial functions. First of all, you introduce your topic and provide some background information that is necessary for understanding the theme. The next task is to present your sources, as they provide the base for your synthesis essay. Finally, you include your thesis statement in your introduction. Don’t forget that your claim should be relevant to your body paragraphs. As a rule, an introductory section is about 10% of the whole text and consists only of one paragraph.

2. The main body

This part covers about 80% of your synthesis essay. Each paragraph should include a focal point and several quotes that serve as arguments. You should follow the rule of one paragraph, one idea. However, don’t omit the logical connections between parts of the main body and different sources. Your main purpose is to show how you can synthesize multiple sources in order to prove your personal point of view.

3. Conclusion

When you write the concluding part of your essay, the main thing is to show confidence. A confident tone will persuade your readers that your viewpoint is correct and your argumentation is immaculate. Restate your thesis statement and summarize connections between your initial claim and cited sources. Be concise and avoid long phrases: your conclusion should be only 10% of the whole text.

Final touches

1. Reread your essay

It is hard to do everything perfectly on the first try. In order to notice all the mistakes and inaccuracies, reread your writing thoroughly.

2. Write a final thesis statement

Make sure that your thesis statement is relevant to the main body. If not, rewrite it to create a smooth connection between your claim and argumentation.

3. Edit your text

If you’re sure that everything is fine with the content of your synthesis essay, it’s time to get rid of grammatical mistakes, poor wording, spelling mistakes, and incorrect punctuation. Remember that even the most eloquent text will look like the work of an amateur if there are dozens of mistakes.

AP lang synthesis essay

On the AP Language and Composition exam, you will need to write a synthesis essay as part of the free-response section. For this essay, you will be provided with prompts and several sources to support your argument. To prepare for this essay, it is important to read through each source carefully, take notes, and create an outline before starting to write. Remember to include at least three sources in your essay and to cite them properly. Here are some important facts to keep in mind about the AP Lang Synthesis Essay:

• Purpose . The synthesis essay is a type of exam paper that students write to show their analytical skills and ability to work with sources and write essays based on them.
• Time limit . The work time is 55 minutes.
• Organization . Composition of the synthesis essay is the following:
• Introduction with a thesis statement.
• Argument from the source No. 1.
• Argument from the source No. 2.
• Argument from the source No. 3.
• Conclusion.
• Compliance with the topic . You should stay on topic and support the chosen quote or question.
• Argumentation using several sources . The point of a synthesis essay is to confirm your statements, using as examples the sources you have given.
• Composition and logic of reasoning . The criterion implies adherence to semantic division into paragraphs, logical sequence of presentation of thoughts, as well as constructive proof of one’s opinion.
• Quality of writing style . In the synthesis essay, use diverse speech structures, but ones that are correct  grammatically, syntactically and lexically.

Synthesis essay topics

How to choose an exciting topic for a synthesis essay.

A synthesis essay is an opportunity to share your opinion on two or more texts. You will need to analyze a particular issue and support your point of view with evidence. This type of essay is common in high school and college English courses.

When choosing a topic for your synthesis essay, you need to find a way to connect the sources. Connecting different sources to support your point to make a perfect essay can be done by finding a common theme or providing a critical analysis of each source. If you are still looking for a connection, try looking for a common thread that ties the sources together.

Once you have found a connection, you must decide what direction you want your essay to take.

• Do you agree with the sources?
• Do you disagree?
• Do you see a different perspective?

Your position will be the basis for your synthesis essay.

20 creative topics for a synthesis essay

• The American Dream: Is it still achievable?
• Technology has made our world a better place
• Social media is a positive or negative force in our world
• The media is responsible for the way we see the world
• The definition of success: What does it mean to be successful?
• The role of the government: Should it be more involved
• The importance of a college education
• The challenges of being a first-generation college student
• The pros and cons of genetic engineering
• The implications of climate change
• Agree or disagree: The only way to be a successful student is to get good grades
• Reality television is harmful to our society
• The importance of failure
• The impact of social media on relationships
• Fake News: Is the spread of fake news a problem?
• Technology: What will be the next significant innovation?
• Social Media: Is social media a form of addiction?
• The pros and cons of technology in the classroom
• Family: How has the traditional family structure changed?
• Religion: How has faith changed over time?

Why do you need to explore expert samples

As you know, a synthesis essay is about drawing information from various sources and piecing it together to create a cohesive whole. The process can be tricky and one that can be made much easier with the help of expert samples.

1. It can be difficult to identify all the necessary elements independently

When looking at a blank page, it can be challenging to know where to start. It, therefore, becomes more challenging when tasked with writing a synthesis essay since you need to include so many elements that can be difficult to identify without the help of an expert. Thus, this is where expert samples come in handy. By reading through a few examples, you can better understand what’s required and what’s optional.

2. You’ll be able to see how different writers approach the same topic

One of the great things about exploring expert samples is that you’ll be able to see how other writers approach the same issue. Subsequently, this can give you valuable insights into how you might want to approach your essay.

3. You can learn from the mistakes of others

While reading through expert samples, you’ll inevitably come across some that are better than others. Consequently, this is an excellent opportunity to learn from the mistakes of others and make sure that you don’t make the same mistakes in your essay.

4. You’ll get a better sense of what the professor expects

If you need clarification on what your teacher or professor is looking for, expert samples can be a great way to give a better experience of what the professor expects. Reading through a few expert examples gives you a clearer idea of the professors’ expectations, and you can formulate your thoughts.

5. You can find inspiration for your essay

Finally, one of the best reasons to explore expert samples is that they can provide much-needed inspiration. If you’re stuck, a few well-written examples can jumpstart your creative process and help you develop great ideas for your essay.

5 helpful tips to write a synthesis essay

1. Acceptable number of sources

If you need to take the AP exam, you have to use at least three sources (you can use a maximum of four sources). If you must write a synthesis essay as an academic assignment, you may use more sources. However, we don’t recommend you to exceed the limit of six sources, as it can be very hard to present a greater number of works in a proper way. You can cite the same source several times, and it will still be considered as one source.

2. Proper citation

When you include a quote in your essay, introduce, punctuate, and cite it properly. Mention the author’s name and use quotation marks if necessary. In parentheses, write the title of your source.

3. Counter-argument

Addressing a counter-argument is a helpful argumentation strategy. In such a way, you demonstrate that your point of view on this particular topic is not unique. However, you can show that the counter-argument is weak, and this will convince your readers that your claim is more valid.

4. Language skills

This tip is mostly accurate for the AP exam. The free-response writing section, which includes a synthesis essay, is aimed at evaluating your language performance. Don’t hesitate to use fancy wording, terms, complex grammar structures, linking words, and figures of speech that will demonstrate your language skills.

5. Importance of the form

The main purpose of the synthesis essay is to show how you can use multiple sources and create connections between them and demonstrate your writing skills. Your top priority is not offering a unique point of view that will amaze your readers. Of course, a bit of novelty won’t hurt. Still, your primary task is to be eloquent and logical, not creative.

We hope that you’ve learned more about a synthesis essay thanks to our guide. Practice your writing regularly in order to achieve great results and get higher scores!

If you need help with writing, or other types of assignments, you can count on us. For example, reqest do my math homework help, or write my essay for me, and get qualified assistance.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

What our customers say

Our website uses secure cookies. More details

Get professional help from best writers right from your phone

Grab our 3 e-books bundle for $27 FREE

• PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Happiness Hub Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
• Browse Articles
• Learn Something New
• Quizzes Hot
• Happiness Hub
• This Or That Game
• Train Your Brain
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow
• Log in / Sign up
• Education and Communications
• College University and Postgraduate
• Academic Writing

How to Write a Synthesis Essay

Last Updated: April 7, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Christopher Taylor, PhD . Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,127,387 times.

Writing a synthesis essay requires the ability to digest information and present it in an organized fashion. While this skill is developed in high school and college classes, it translates to the business and advertising world as well. Scroll down to Step 1 to begin learning how to write a synthesis essay.

Examining Your Topic

• Argument synthesis: This type of essay has a strong thesis statement that presents the writer's point of view. It organizes relevant information gathered from research in a logical manner to support the thesis' point of view. Business white papers known as position papers often take this form. This is the type of synthesis essay that students will write during the AP test.
• Review: Often written as a preliminary essay to an argument synthesis, a review essay is a discussion of what has been written previously on a topic, with a critical analysis of the sources covered. Its unstated thesis is usually that more research needs to be done in that area or that the topic problem has not been adequately addressed. This type of paper is common in social science classes and in medicine.
• Explanatory/background synthesis: This type of essay helps readers understand a topic by categorizing facts and presenting them to further the reader's understanding. It does not advocate a particular point of view, and if it has a thesis statement, the thesis is a weak one. Some business white papers take this form, although they are more likely to have a point of view, if understated.

• Example of a broad topic narrowed down into a reasonable synthesis essay topic: Instead of the broad topic of Social Media, you could discuss your view on the effects texting has had on the English language.
• If you've been assigned a topic as part of a class, make sure you read the prompt carefully and fully understand it.

• Keep in mind that it's better to do three sources well than to do five sources incompletely.
• Annotate each source by writing notes in the margins. This allows you to keep track of your train of thought, developing ideas, etc.

• Example: Texting has had a positive impact on the English language as it has helped the millennial generation create their own form of the language.

• If you wish to take on a claim by an opponent of your idea, and to poke holes in it, you should also find some ideas or quotes that go against your thesis statement, and plan ways to disprove them. This is called a concession, refutation, or rebuttal, which can strengthen your argument if you do it well.
• Example : For the thesis statement listed above, excellent sources would include quotes from linguists discussing the new words that have developed through 'text-speak', statistics that show the English language has evolved with almost every generation, and facts that show students still have the ability to write with the use of grammar and spelling (which your opponents would bring up as the main reason texting has had a negative effect on the English language).

Outlining Your Essay

• The introductory paragraph: 1. An introductory sentence that acts as a hook, capturing the reader's interest. 2. Identification of the issue you will be discussing. 3. Your thesis statement.
• The body paragraphs: 1. Topic sentence that gives one reason to support your thesis. 2. Your explanation and opinion of the topic sentence. 3. Support from your sources that backs up the claim you just made. 4. Explanation of the significance of the source(s).
• The conclusion paragraph: 1. State further significance of your topic from the evidence and reasons you discussed in the essay. 2. A profound thought or thoughtful ending for your paper.

• Example/illustration. This may be a detailed recount, summary, or direct quote from your source material that provides major support for your point of view. You may use more than one example or illustration, if your paper calls for it. You should not, however, make your paper a series of examples at the expense of supporting your thesis.
• Straw man. With this technique, you present an argument opposed to the argument stated in your thesis, then show the weaknesses and flaws of the counter-argument. This format shows your awareness of the opposition and your readiness to answer it. You present the counter-argument right after your thesis, followed by the evidence to refute it, and end with a positive argument that supports your thesis. [5] X Research source
• Concession. Essays with concessions are structured similar to those using the straw man technique, but they acknowledge the validity of the counter-argument while showing that the original argument is stronger. This structure is good for presenting papers to readers who hold the opposing viewpoint.
• Comparison and contrast. This structure compares similarities and contrasts differences between two subjects or sources to show the facets of both. Writing an essay with this structure requires a careful reading of your source material to find both subtle and major points of similarity and difference. This kind of essay can present its arguments source-by-source or by points of similarity or difference.

• Summary. This structure presents summaries of each of your relevant sources, making a progressively stronger argument for your thesis. It provides specific evidence to support your point of view, but usually omits presenting your own opinions. It's most commonly used for background and review essays.
• List of reasons. This is a series of sub-points that flow from the main point of your paper as stated in its thesis. Each reason is supported with evidence. As with the summary method, reasons should become progressively more important, with the most important reason last.

Writing Your Essay

• Your essay should have an introductory paragraph that includes your thesis , a body to present evidence that supports your thesis, and a conclusion that summarizes your point of view.

• Lengthy quotes of three lines or more should generally be set off as block quotes to better call attention to them. [7] X Trustworthy Source Purdue Online Writing Lab Trusted resource for writing and citation guidelines Go to source

Finalizing Your Essay

• Ask someone else to proofread your paper. The saying “two heads are better than one” still holds true. Ask a friend or colleague what would they add or remove from the paper. Most importantly, does your argument make sense, and is it clearly supported by your sources?

• Read the paper aloud to guarantee that you don't accidentally add in or take out words when reading in your head.
• If you can, get a friend or classmate to proofread your essay as well.

• Example of citing in an AP synthesis essay: McPherson claims “texting has changed the English language in a positive way--it has given a new generation their own unique way to communicate” (Source E).
• For college essays, you'll most likely use MLA format. Whichever format you use, be consistent in its use. You may also be asked to use APA or Chicago style.

• Example title: : English and the iPhone: Exploring the Benefits of 'Text-Speak'

Outline Template

Community Q&A

• Just as your title should fit your essay instead of writing your essay to fit the title, your thesis, once chosen, should direct your subsequent research instead of subsequent research altering your thesis � unless you find you've adopted an unsupportable thesis. Thanks Helpful 21 Not Helpful 8

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://success.uark.edu/get-help/student-resources/synthesis-paper.php
• ↑ https://www.unr.edu/writing-speaking-center/student-resources/writing-speaking-resources/mapping-a-synthesis-essay
• ↑ https://www.bgsu.edu/content/dam/BGSU/learning-commons/documents/writing/synthesis/planning-synthesis-essay.pdf
• ↑ https://writingcenterofprinceton.com/synthesis-essays-a-step-by-step-how-to-guide/
• ↑ https://owl.excelsior.edu/argument-and-critical-thinking/logical-fallacies/logical-fallacies-straw-man/
• ↑ https://writingcommons.org/section/rhetoric/rhetorical-stance/point-of-view/third-person-point-of-view/
• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/mla_style/mla_formatting_and_style_guide/mla_formatting_quotations.html
• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/the_writing_process/proofreading/steps_for_revising.html
• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/the_writing_process/proofreading/proofreading_suggestions.html
• ↑ https://www.edhs.org/ourpages/auto/2010/5/17/41759867/Synthesis%20Essay%20Introduction.pdf
• ↑ https://writing.umn.edu/sws/assets/pdf/quicktips/titles.pdf

About This Article

To write a synthesis essay, start by coming up with a thesis statement that you can support using all of the sources you've read for your essay. For example, your thesis statement could be "Texting has had a positive impact on the English language." Once you've got your thesis, go through your sources to find specific quotes, facts, and statistics that back up your claim. Structure your essay so it has an introduction that includes your thesis statement, a body that includes your arguments and evidence, and a conclusion that wraps everything up. For more tips on structuring your synthesis essay, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

• Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Aug 8, 2016

Did this article help you?

Adrian Mastrocola

Sep 29, 2016

Emmanuel Amoatey Djaba

Nov 26, 2016

Anna VonLeader

Jun 6, 2016

May 7, 2017

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Watch Articles

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Develop the tech skills you need for work and life

How to Write a Synthesis Essay: Examples, Topics, & Outline

A synthesis essay requires you to work with multiple sources. You combine the information gathered from them to present a well-rounded argument on a topic. Are you looking for the ultimate guide on synthesis essay writing? You’ve come to the right place!

In this guide by our custom writing team, you will find:

• a step-by-step writing guide;
• a list of 34 synthesis essay topics;
• a full essay sample in MLA format.
• 📚 Synthesis Essay Definition
• 📝 Essay Types
• ✅ Step-by-Step Guide
• ✍️ Topics & Prompts
• 📑 Example & Formatting Tips

📚 What Is a Synthesis Essay?

A synthesis essay is an assignment that requires a unique interpretation of a particular topic using several reliable sources. To write it, you need to understand, analyze, and synthesize information. That is why this type of essay is used in the AP Lang exam to assess students’ reasoning skills.

The key features of the synthesis essay are:

• Debatable topic . If your goal is to write a good synthesis essay, it’s necessary to choose an arguable topic. It’s best to choose something that people have different opinions about. This will allow you to use many sources with various viewpoints for your synthesis.
• Clear thesis statement. It’s a sentence that briefly describes the main idea of your essay.
• Reliable sources to prove your thesis . For a synthesis essay, your opinion is not enough. You also need to find the evidence. Keep in mind that simply reading an online encyclopedia won’t do; make sure to choose only reliable sources.

What Does It Mean to Synthesize Information?

Synthesis is a process that has huge importance in nature, science, and our everyday life. The word stems from Ancient Greek “synthesis,” which means “putting together.” In general, synthesis is the combination of components to form a connected whole.

In everyday life, we usually resort to it to synthesize information . This means taking the data from different sources and bringing it together. This process is the opposite of analyzing:

• For an analysis , you break problems into pieces,
• For a synthesis , you combine separate elements into a whole.

We use synthesis for analysis papers, research papers, argument papers, and business reports.

What Does Synthesis Mean in Writing?

Synthesis in writing means summarizing and connecting different sources considering a particular topic. Although synthesis and analysis are two opposite things, they usually go together in synthesis essays. The process consists of 2 stages:

• Conduct the analysis. For that, you break down a problem into parts and analyze the sources. It’s helpful to highlight everything regarding your topic while reading.
• Carry out the synthesis. The next step is to formulate an opinion and combine the highlighted information from the sources.

Synthesis is not only used in writing but also in reading comprehension . It’s useful to do this kind of reading while studying your sources. There are three reading comprehension stages:

• Your previous knowledge about the topic.
• Expansion of your knowledge while you are reading.
• Understanding of the problem when you have finished reading.

So, synthesized reading comprehension means combining three stages in one and formulating one statement.

Synthesis vs Summary: What Is the Difference?

A summary is a paraphrasing of the written source in your own words. For a good summary, it’s necessary to include all of the text’s key elements. Meanwhile, synthesis means combining different ideas from different sources. You don’t have to include all the key points; just choose everything related to your topic.

Both of these techniques are used for the synthesis essay:

• The summary goes in the conclusion. You briefly sum up your paper’s main ideas.
• Synthesis goes in the body paragraphs. Here, you combine multiple sources to prove a point.

📝 Synthesis Essay Types

There are two main types of a synthesis essay: argument and explanatory synthesis.

Both of them require working with multiple reliable sources and analyzing information. The only difference is that an argument synthesis essay requires your own opinion, while an explanatory synthesis essay does not.

Argument Synthesis Essay: Outline and Definition

As you already know, an argument synthesis essay requires you to state your own opinion about the given topic and back it up with several reliable sources. The purpose of such an essay is to persuade the reader that your point is correct.

Here’s what an argument synthesis essay consists of:

Explanatory Synthesis Essay: Definition and How to Write

An explanatory informative synthesis essay requires you to stay neutral towards the problem you are discussing. This means you cannot express your own opinion considering the given question or a problem. Your task is just to inform the reader. That’s why this essay type is also called informative synthesis.

Check out this explanatory essay outline:

✅ How to Write a Synthesis Essay Step by Step

When it comes to the synthesis essay outline, it’s not too different from other assignments. Have a look at this template:

How to Synthesize: Working with Sources

After you’ve decided on your topic, it’s time to figure out how to synthesize articles into one text. This is how you do it:

• Choose reliable sources: the ones printed in journals or published on academic websites.
• Become familiar with them and see if they fit into your essay.
• Try to find a few sources for each point. It will increase your essay’s reliability.
• Relate each source to your arguments and see similarities between them.
• Don’t forget to list every source in the references.

When you are done with a comprehensive analysis of related literature, try to step back and imagine a person who has a different opinion on this topic. Think of some arguments that they can provide to prove their opinion. After you have the list of arguments, find the written evidence of why they are wrong and put them in your essay.

Analyzing and organizing sources is the first and very important step for the synthesis essay. So make sure you do understand what the text means before using it as a reference.

Synthesis Essay Outline: How to Write

For structuring your essay, it’s useful to try mapping . This technique means combining the information from different sources and rearranging it to create a new direction. To do it, you need to analyze the authors’ ideas and come up with your own conclusions.

The best way to do that is called synthesis matrix or graphic organizer. It’s a chart that you can make when you start working on your essay. Here you have a horizontal column that states the main ideas and a few vertical columns that present sources. Your task is to take sources you have chosen and write down the main ideas from them.

Here’s an example of a matrix chart:

While doing that, you will see how many sources contain the same ideas. When you analyze them, you will be able to formulate your thesis backed up with evidence. The synthesis matrix also helps to see new arguments you can cover in your synthesis paper.

How to Write an Introduction for a Synthesis Essay

Now it’s time to start writing the paper. In the introductory part of the essay, you can include:

• A short yet catchy sentence or a quotation that would present the topic. The start of your essay should make people interested. It’s best to make the first sentence not only informative but also easy to understand.
• The texts that are used for the essay. Provide the titles and the authors’ names (use the appropriate guidelines depending on the writing style.)
• The background information which is needed to understand your essay. Definitions of terms or unknown words considering the topic can be included in this part. Otherwise, people may find it hard to understand what they are reading about.

How to Write a Thesis for a Synthesis Essay

A thesis statement is a point of view on a certain problem that you will defend in your essay. It should contain the key points that you want to include in your paper. Here’s how to create a perfect thesis statement:

• Find several central ideas in the chart.
• Choose the ones that are repeated the most often and the ones that you feel need to be in your essay.
• Combine them, and you have a thesis statement with all the key points.
• Make a draft of the thesis statement. Try to formulate the main idea you want to present in your essay.
• Elaborate on this idea. Add some details and expand it a bit further.

If the whole picture is coherent, and it conveys exactly what you wanted, then this is your perfect thesis statement. See the example below:

Gender inequality still exists at the workplace: women are less likely to get the most responsible positions, easily lose careers due to maternity leave, and often receive less pay for the same amount of work.

How to Write Synthesis Paragraphs for the Main Body

Your essay’s main body consists of a few paragraphs. Each of them presents a different argument considering the topic. When you start a paragraph, make sure to begin with a topic sentence, which informs the reader about the paragraph’s main idea. Then, include the synthesized sources and elaborate on them.

Here’s what you should and shouldn’t do when writing the main body:

You can use the following words to present the ideas from your sources. They will help you reflect the authors’ tone:

How to Conclude a Synthesis Essay

There are quite a few ways to conclude the synthesis paper. Have a look at some of the options:

• Paraphrase the thesis. As you remember, the thesis is the main idea of your essay. The conclusion is a good place to remind your readers about it. When they are done with the reading, they remember the most important thing from your essay.
• Synthesize the arguments. There is no need to repeat everything you wrote in your essay. Just briefly summarize the most crucial points.
• Answer the “So what” question. Tell the readers why this topic matters, why you’ve chosen it, and why it’s valuable for the reader.
• Provide a closure. It’s an effective strategy when you want to make the reader think. Leave them with a strong statement at the end of your essay.

Synthesis Paper Proofreading Tips

When you have finally written your paper, there is still one important thing left to do. You need to check your paper for any grammatical and contextual mistakes. You certainly can do it yourself, but it would be perfect if you could ask somebody else to read it.

The first thing you need to check grammar-wise is the tense you are using. There is no single tense you need to use for the synthesis essay. It depends on the format:

• If you’re writing in MLA format, use the present tense;
• For APA essays, you use the past tense.

The next step is to check whether your synthesis essay has everything that’s required. For that, we have prepared the checklist of questions you can ask yourself to proofread your essays.

• Is there a clear thesis statement?
• Did you include all of the key points from the synthesis?
• Are there clear transitions between paragraphs?
• Did you organize a paragraph around a single idea?
• Did you use reliable and up-to-date sources?
• Did you analyze sources rather than just summarize them?
• Did you mention every source you’ve used?

If you’ve answered “yes” to all the questions—congratulations, you are done with the essay! Otherwise, you need to come back and fix everything that you’ve answered “no” to.

✍️ Synthesis Essay Topics and Prompts

Sometimes, when you don’t have a topic , it is tough to come up with a suitable idea. That is why we have prepared two lists of topics that you can use for any synthesis essay type.

Explanatory Synthesis Essay Topics

The topics below are suitable for an explanatory synthesis essay:

• The beginning of Hollywood cinema. Cinema is a huge industry in the USA. Tell the readers about its history. Describe what it was like in the beginning, which movie was the first one, and who started this industry.
• Tactics on dealing with noisy children. Sometimes kids can be very loud, especially in public places. Write about different tactics that can help with this issue.
• The effects of climate change on the water cycle.  Climate change has affected the water cycle significantly. Your task is to explain how.
• The best American cities to live in. Provide the list of the best cities and explain why you’ve included them.
• The importance of a healthy diet . Keeping a healthy diet is beneficial in many ways. Write about all the advantages it brings.
• Who can become an entrepreneur? Entrepreneurship is not for everybody. In this essay, you can describe the qualities needed for having your own business.
• The correlation between overpopulation and poverty . Describe how overpopulation leads to poverty and vice versa.
• The advantages of taking an active vacation.
• Cultural shock as a part of moving to a different country.
• The consequences of the first wave of feminism.
• Synthesis of Tan and Rodriguez’ essays ideas. 
• Difficulties you may encounter during the job interview.
• How does reading prevent Alzheimer’s disease?
• The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on businesses.
• The connection between religion and politics in ruling the country.
• What can non-verbal signals tell you about a person?
• The psychology of leadership .
• The origins of the most common  stereotypes  about Americans.
• Role of social media in business communication.
• The synthesis of personal nursing philosophy concept. 
• Behavioral components of schizophrenia and psychosis.
• Main components of successful entrepreneurship.
• Critical components of scientific research.
• Change in religion and human beliefs throughout history.
• The effect of global warming on modern life.

Argument Synthesis Paper Topics

The list of topics for the Argument Synthesis Essay:

• Vaping is better than smoking. People are starting to exchange cigarettes for vapes and e-cigarettes. In what ways are they less harmful?
• Rich people should pay higher taxes. The same percentage of money doesn’t equal for rich and poor people. Explain why the ones who can afford more should share with others.
• Depression is a disease. Prove that psychological problems must be recognized as real health issues that should be cured and not ignored.
• Social media affects young people’s lives. Social media has a massive influence on people. In this essay, you can discuss which life spheres are the most affected.
• Beauty pageants should be banned. Provide the reasons why they should be banned and tell the reader about psychological problems they can cause.
• People should cut meat from their diet to stop global warming. Describe how the meat industry influences climate change.
• The voting age should be 25+. Your task is to show the reasons why the votes of people under 25 should not be taken into account during elections.
• A healthy lifestyle requires a lot of money.
• Each healthy man should serve in the military.
• School bullying should be punished by immediate exclusion.
• Does friendship exist between men and women?
• Drinking coffee is a bad habit.
• Working hard is more important than being talented.
• Everybody should visit a therapist at least once.
• Should universities be free?
• Artificial intelligence will cause huge unemployment rates.
• Gaming should not be allowed to children under 18.
• Components and strategies of social responsibility
• Integration of relevant ethical theory and conceptual principles in health care 
• Children under 10 should be banned from gadgets.  
• Social media platforms facilitate cyberbullying.
• Issues of distance education.
• Social media addiction is a serious disease.
• Deforestation critically contributes to global warming.
• Healthcare should be free for everyone.

📑 Synthesis Essay Example & Synthesis Essay Format Tips

Now let’s talk about formatting. There are two writing styles you can use for a synthesis essay: APA or MLA. You need to choose the one that is required for your assignment.

We will start with the paper in APA format. It is usually used in science and education.

And these are MLA formatting rules:

Finally, we’ve prepared a synthesis essay sample for you to check out. Feel free to download the PDF file below:

First introduced in the Civil Rights Act of 1964, affirmative action policies aim to mitigate the discrepancy in opportunities available for underrepresented social groups by taking into account one’s minority background. The policies have become a pressing public issue that obstructs previously marginalized individuals, particularly in the educational environment.

Thank you for reading the ultimate guide on synthesis essay writing. We hope you found it helpful. Don’t forget to share it with your friends. Good luck with your assignments!

🔍 References

• Writing a Synthesis Essay: Bowling Green State University
• What Is Synthesis: University of Manitoba
• Synthesis: Biology Online
• Reading Strategies: Difference Summarizing and Synthesizing: WordPress
• Summary, Analysis, Synthesis Definitions: University of Utah
• Argumentative Synthesis: University of Arkansas
• How to Synthesize Written Information: Simply Psychology
• Mapping of Synthesis Essay: University of Nevada, Reno
• Writing a Literature Review and Using a Synthesis Matrix: Florida International University
• Synthesis Essay: Cleveland State University
• Literature Review: Synthesizing Multiple Sources: Louisiana State University
• Writing a Conclusion: Texas Women’s University
• General APA Guidelines: Purdue University
• Share to Facebook
• Share to LinkedIn
• Share to email

Do you know how to make your essay stand out? One of the easiest ways is to start your introduction with a catchy hook. A hook is a phrase or a sentence that helps to grab the reader’s attention. After reading this article by Custom-Writing.org, you will be able to...

A critical analysis essay is an academic paper that requires a thorough examination of theoretical concepts and ideas. It includes a comparison of facts, differentiation between evidence and argument, and identification of biases. Crafting a good paper can be a daunting experience, but it will be much easier if you...

Critical thinking is the process of evaluating and analyzing information. People who use it in everyday life are open to different opinions. They rely on reason and logic when making conclusions about certain issues. A critical thinking essay shows how your thoughts change as you research your topic. This type...

Process analysis is an explanation of how something works or happens. Want to know more? Read the following article prepared by our custom writing specialists and learn about: So, let’s start digging deeper into this topic! ♻️ What Is Process Analysis? A process analysis describes and explains the succession of...

A visual analysis essay is an academic paper type that history and art students often deal with. It consists of a detailed description of an image or object. It can also include an interpretation or an argument that is supported by visual evidence. In this article, our custom writing experts...

Want to know how to write a reflection paper for college or school? To do that, you need to connect your personal experiences with theoretical knowledge. Usually, students are asked to reflect on a documentary, a text, or their experience. Sometimes one needs to write a paper about a lesson...

A character analysis is an examination of the personalities and actions of protagonists and antagonists that make up a story. It discusses their role in the story, evaluates their traits, and looks at their conflicts and experiences. You might need to write this assignment in school or college. Like any...

Any critique is nothing more than critical analysis, and the word “analysis” does not have a negative meaning. Critical writing relies on objective evaluations of or a response to an author’s creation. As such, they can be either positive or negative, as the work deserves. To write a critique, you...

If you are assigned to write a rhetorical analysis essay, you have one significant advantage. You can choose a text from an almost infinite number of resources. The most important thing is that you analyze the statement addressed to an audience. The task of a rhetorical analysis essay is to...

Any literary analysis is a challenging task since literature includes many elements that can be interpreted differently. However, a stylistic analysis of all the figurative language the poets use may seem even harder. You may never realize what the author actually meant and how to comment on it! While analyzing...

As a student, you may be asked to write a book review. Unlike an argumentative essay, a book review is an opportunity to convey the central theme of a story while offering a new perspective on the author’s ideas. Knowing how to create a well-organized and coherent review, however, is...

The difference between an argumentative and persuasive essay isn’t always clear. If you’re struggling with either style for your next assignment, don’t worry. The following will clarify everything you need to know so you can write with confidence. First, we define the primary objectives of argumentative vs. persuasive writing. We...

How to write a Synthesis Essays

• Carla Johnson
• June 14, 2023
• How to Guides

Synthesis essays are a common type of academic writing that asks students to put together information from different sources into a coherent argument or point of view about a certain topic. In a synthesis essay, students must analyze and combine information from different sources, such as articles, books, and other academic materials, to come up with a new way of looking at a certain issue or idea.

The importance of synthesis essays lies in the fact that they help students learn how to think critically, analyze information, and communicate effectively. By putting together information from different sources, students can learn more about complicated topics and form their own opinions about them.

Synthesis essays are important in the classroom, but they are also useful in the real world , such as in business, politics, and other professional fields. In many fields, it is important to be able to combine information from different sources into a coherent argument. This skill can help people communicate better and make better decisions.

In the sections that follow, we’ll talk about the most important parts of a good synthesis essay, such as how to find and analyze information, make a convincing argument, and explain your ideas to your audience. By learning how to write synthesis essays well, students can learn important skills that will help them both in school and in the workplace.

What You'll Learn

Elements of a Synthesis Essay

A synthesis essay uses information from more than one source to make an argument or point of view about a certain topic. Here are the most important parts of a good synthesis essay:

1. The purpose of a synthesis essay: The goal of a synthesis essay is to analyze and combine information from different sources into a new way of looking at a certain issue or idea. The essay should have a clear, well-thought-out argument based on evidence and analysis.

2. Analysis and evaluation of sources: To write a good synthesis essay, it’s important to carefully read and think about each source that will be used. This means judging the credibility and reliability of each source and figuring out how each source fits into the argument as a whole.

3. Creation of a thesis statement: The main idea or point of an essay is the thesis statement. It should be clear, short, and detailed, and it should sum up the main point or argument of the essay .

4. Integration of sources into the essay: Each source’s information should be put into the essay in a way that supports the overall argument. This means picking and arranging the information from each source carefully and putting it together in a way that is clear and easy to understand.

5. Development of a logical and coherent argument: The essay should be easy to understand and well-organized, with each paragraph building on the one before it to make a logical and coherent argument. Each paragraph should focus on a different part of the argument and use evidence and analysis from the sources to back it up.

Preparing to Write a Synthesis Essay

Preparing to write a synthesis essay involves several key steps, including:

1. Reading and analyzing sources: The first step in preparing to write a synthesis essay is to carefully read and analyze each source that will be used in the essay. This involves critically evaluating the credibility and reliability of each source, and identifying key themes, ideas, and arguments that will be relevant to the essay.

2. Brainstorming and outlining: Once the sources have been analyzed, the next step is to brainstorm ideas and create an outline for the essay . This involves identifying key themes and arguments that will be addressed in the essay , and organizing them into a logical and coherent structure.

3. Identifying a thesis statement: The thesis statement is the main argument or focus of the essay. Once the key themes and arguments have been identified, it is important to develop a clear and concise thesis statement that summarizes the main argument or perspective of the essay .

4. Developing a plan for integrating sources: The information from each source should be integrated into the essay in a way that supports the overall argument. This involves developing a plan for how each source will be used in the essay, and how the information from each source will be integrated into the overall argument.

By following these key steps, students can effectively prepare to write a successful synthesis essay that is grounded in evidence and analysis, and presents a unique perspective on a particular topic.

Writing a Synthesis Essay

Writing a successful synthesis essay requires careful planning and attention to detail. The following tips can help you to write an effective synthesis essay:

1. Introduction: Start with an attention-grabbing hook that provides context for the essay, and introduce the topic and purpose of the essay. Provide a clear and concise thesis statement that summarizes the main argument or focus of the essay.

2. Body paragraphs: The body of the essay should include several paragraphs that address different aspects of the topic, and integrate information from multiple sources to support your argument. Use specific examples and evidence to support your claims , and make sure that each paragraph focuses on a specific idea or theme.

3. Conclusion: Summarize the main points of the essay, restate the thesis statement, and provide a thoughtful reflection on what has been learned from the synthesis process. It should also include suggestions for further research or discussion.

4. Tone and style: Use a professional and objective tone when writing a synthesis essay. Avoid using overly emotional or biased language, and focus on presenting a well-supported argument that is grounded in evidence and analysis .

5. Grammar and mechanics: Pay careful attention to grammar, mechanics, and spelling when writing a synthesis essay. Use clear and concise language, and proofread your essay carefully to ensure that it is error-free.

Synthesis Essay Examples

To better understand how to write a synthesis essay, it can be helpful to examine examples of effective essays . Here are some key takeaways from successful synthesis essays:

1. Effective synthesis essays draw on a variety of sources to support a well-developed argument or perspective on a particular topic.

2. The best synthesis essays use a clear and logical structure to present information and ideas in a way that is easy to follow.

3. Successful synthesis essays use specific examples and evidence to support claims, and provide thoughtful analysis and evaluation of sources.

4. The most effective synthesis essays present a unique perspective on a particular topic, and offer insights or perspectives that are not readily available in other sources.

5. Finally, successful synthesis essays demonstrate strong writing skills, including a clear and concise writing style, good grammar and mechanics, and effective use of transitions and other writing devices.

By examining examples of effective synthesis essays, students can gain a deeper understanding of the key elements of successful synthesis writing, and develop their own skills and abilities in this important area of academic and professional writing.

Synthesis Essay Topics

Synthesis essays can cover a wide range of topics and subjects. Here are some examples of common synthesis essay topics:

1. Social issues and activism: This topic might include analysis and synthesis of information related to social justice, human rights, inequality, or activism.

2. Science and technology: This topic might include analysis and synthesis of information related to scientific research, technological advancements, or the impact of technology on society.

3. Politics and government : This topic might include analysis and synthesis of information related to government policies, political systems, or the impact of politics on society.

4. Education and learning: This topic might include analysis and synthesis of information related to educational practices, learning theories, or the role of education in society.

5. Culture and media : This topic might include analysis and synthesis of information related to popular culture, media messages, or the impact of media on society.

Synthesis Essay Outline

Creating an effective outline is an important step in the process of writing a synthesis essay. The following are some tips for creating an effective outline, as well as examples of synthesis essay outlines:

1. Basic outline structure: A simple outline for a synthesis essay should have an intro, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The introduction should have a hook, set the scene for the essay , and have a clear statement of the essay’s main point. The body of the essay should be made up of several paragraphs that cover different parts of the topic . The conclusion should summarize the main points of the essay and offer a thoughtful reflection on what has been learned.

2. Tips for creating an effective outline: When making an outline for a synthesis essay, it is important to focus on the main argument or point of view of the essay and to organize the information from each source in a way that supports the overall argument. Use subheadings and bullet points to organize information and ideas, and make sure that each paragraph focuses on a single idea or theme.

3. Examples of synthesis essay outlines:

I. Introduction

– Hook

– Context

– Thesis statement

II. Body Paragraphs

– Analysis of source 1

– Analysis of source 2

– Integration of sources into the essay

– Development of a logical and coherent argument

III. Conclusion

– Summary of main points

– Reflection on what has been learned

– Suggestions for further research or discussion

Another example:

– Analysis of source 3

– Reflection on what was learned

By following these tips and examples, students can create effective outlines for their synthesis essays, which will help them to organize their ideas and information, and to create a clear and well-supported argument or perspective on a particular topic .

Frequently Asked Questions

1. what is a synthesis essay.

A synthesis essay is a type of academic writing that asks students to put together information from different sources into a coherent argument or point of view about a certain topic. The goal of a synthesis essay is to analyze and combine information from different sources into a new way of looking at a certain issue or idea.

2. What are the elements of a synthesis essay?

The parts of a synthesis essay are the essay’s purpose, the analysis and evaluation of sources, the creation of a thesis statement, the integration of sources into the essay, and the development of an argument that makes sense and flows well.

3. How do I choose a topic for a synthesis essay?

When choosing a topic for a synthesis essay, think about things that you are really interested in or know a lot about. Also, look for topics that are complicated and have many different sides. Social issues, science and technology, politics and the government, education and learning, culture and the media can all be used as topics.

4. How do I structure a synthesis essay?

The format of a synthesis essay should be clear and well-structured, with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The introduction should have a hook, set the scene for the essay, and have a clear statement of the essay’s main point. The body of the essay should be made up of several paragraphs that cover different parts of the topic. The conclusion should summarize the main points of the essay and offer a thoughtful reflection on what has been learned.

5. What are some tips for writing a successful synthesis essay?

Some tips for writing a good synthesis essay include carefully reading and analyzing sources, coming up with a clear and concise thesis statement, putting sources into the essay in a way that supports the overall argument , and making an argument that makes sense and flows well. It’s also important to use clear, concise language, pay attention to grammar and mechanics, and carefully proofread the essay before sending it in.

In conclusion , students need to learn how to write synthesis essays if they want to do well in school and in their careers. Students can make a well-supported argument or point of view on a certain topic if they know the key parts of a good synthesis essay and follow the steps for preparing, structuring, and writing the essay . Students can use the skills and techniques they learn in writing synthesis essays to communicate effectively and make well-informed decisions in a wide range of situations. This is true whether they are writing about social issues and activism, science and technology, politics and government, education and learning, or culture and media.

Start by filling this short order form order.studyinghq.com

And then follow the progressive flow. 

Having an issue, chat with us here

Cathy, CS. 

New Concept ? Let a subject expert write your paper for You​

Yet to start your paper have a subject expert write for you now, test our paper writing service for less, already began delegate the remaining part to our professional writers.

📕 Studying HQ

Typically replies within minutes

Hey! 👋 Need help with an assignment?

🟢 Online | Privacy policy

WhatsApp us

Synthesis Essay

Writing a Perfect Synthesis Essay: Definition & Examples

16 min read

Published on: Mar 1, 2023

Last updated on: Jul 24, 2024

People also read

Interesting Synthesis Essay Topics You Must Consider

Synthesis Essay Examples: Learn From Powerful Example

Share this article

Do you have a ton of research to synthesize but don't know how? Or maybe you're not sure what a synthesis essay is and how to write a good synthesis essay. 

We know writing a synthesis essay is not an easy task to do; it’s challenging for most of us. But it can be perfectly done with the right guidance and preparation. 

In this blog, we'll walk you through all the necessary information to craft a perfect synthesis essay. So you can get done with your assignments confidently! 

Let’s get started.

On This Page On This Page -->

What is a Synthesis Essay?

Synthesis essay definition states:

It is a piece of writing that takes a unique perspective on a central idea, topic, or theme. Then backs it up with evidence from multiple sources.

A synthesis essay is an important part of academic writing. The main purpose of this essay is to show your ability to prove an argument.

To make sense of these arguments, you need to use different credible sources. It demonstrates your basic understanding of the main subject. This type of essay help to enhance your critical, analytical, and research skills.

A synthesis essay is made up of ideas and conclusions based on the information reviewed. Also, this essay asks you to summarize the topic and add your own thoughts about it in relation to what you have read.

Furthermore, the synthesis essays can be similar to analytical essays , argumentative essays , or compare and contrast essays .

Synthesis Essay Types

There are three types of a synthesis essay:

1. Argument Synthesis Essay

This essay's purpose is to debate or argue on a certain topic or issue. It justifies its claims by providing evidence in the body of the essay.

In contrast to the explanatory essay, you will perform the same thing as if you were writing a typical argumentative paper. First, state your argument, make supporting statements, and back up each claim with reliable facts.

2. Review Essay

A review essay is frequently written as a preparatory essay to an argument synthesis. Review essays are commonly used in social science and medicine classes.

It is a discussion of what has already been published on a topic, with a critical examination of the sources mentioned.

An unwritten thesis statement is added to it, which is not final and indicates that further study is needed in that area.

3. Explanatory Synthesis Essay

In this essay, the writer helps the reader to grasp deeper knowledge about the topic. Rather than arguing or debating on some points, the goal of this essay is to explain a certain topic.

Like any other essay, it needs backing up with supporting claims and credible sources.

How to Start a Synthesis Essay?

The following are some helpful techniques for writing an essay. These will help you start the process and avoid common errors that plague many writers.

1. Choosing a Synthesis Essay Topic 

A prompt for a synthesis paper must be arguable. Based on your project, you may be required to select primary content. Select a book that may include contrasting perspectives. Here are some important tips for choosing a topic for a synthesis essay.

• Look through the themes and ideas. Read from sources and investigate specific topics thoroughly to see if any of them catch your interest.
• Select a topic and collect relevant and valuable references for your synthesis paper.
• Outline your synthesis essay using concepts or ideas from the sources. This should make writing a lot simpler and save you a lot of time.

It is necessary to find an arguable topic to make your synthesis essay effective. Another reason is that these topics have been discussed in public for decades. 

Examples of good synthesis essay topics are;

• The process of hiring in the age of social media
• Social networks promote suicide
• Should higher education be free?
• Is it necessary to remove marks in education 
• The importance of getting a good education
• 3D printers are not used efficiently nowadays.
• Is technology really helping people?
• Why has technology made surgery safe and effective?
• What is the cause of widespread obesity in teens?
• What is the role of gender today?

2. Analyze Your Topic

Here's how you can fully understand your synthesis essay topic.

• Grasp the Idea of a Synthesis Essay

A synthesis essay's purpose is to establish meaningful connections between sections of a work. When conducting research on a topic, you have to look for connections to build a strong viewpoint on the subject. The ultimate goal of the essay is to present and prove a claim about a topic .

• Select a Topic Appropriate for a Synthesis Essay

The subject and topic must be extensive enough to include multiple relevant sources. If you have a free hand in deciding what to write about, some preparatory research may assist you in researching and choosing the right topic. 

•  Select and Study Your Sources Carefully

Research and find relevant information and sources. Generally, choose at least three references for your essay. It's a good idea to learn one or two additional sources for better understanding but no matter what it is, make sure that you study it properly.

Remember that it is better to read three sources properly than five sources poorly.

Compile each source by writing notes in the margins. This allows you to keep track of your thoughts, fresh ideas, and so on. 

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

• Reread the Source Material 

Reread your source material for elements that will help to support your argument. 

Examine your sources for important statements, figures, thoughts, and facts that support your thesis. Make a note of them when you come across them. This will be very useful throughout your writing process. 

3. Develop a Thesis Statement 

Your thesis statement will be the central idea of your essay. It should cover the topic and express your viewpoint on it. After reading the sources and conducting your research, form an opinion on your topic. 

It should be stated as a complete sentence. Based on the essay, your thesis statement could be the first sentence of the essay or the last sentence of the first paragraph.

• Structure Your Thesis Statement Creatively 

To present your thesis, use a more creative structure. You can use a more elaborate structure than the one outlined above. You can develop your essay using the following approaches:

Straw man: In this approach, you will present the counter-arguments first. Then demonstrate their weaknesses and flaws. 

Such an approach demonstrates your awareness of the opposition as well as your readiness to respond to it. You present the counter-argument immediately following your thesis statement, followed by evidence to refute it. And conclude with a positive argument that supports your thesis.

Concession: In structure, concessions in essays are similar to the straw man. But this approach acknowledges the validity of the counter-argument while demonstrating that your argument is stronger. This structure is suitable for presenting papers to readers who hold opposing views. 

Illustration/ Example: It could be a thorough narrative, synopsis, or quotation from your source material that provides support for your position. However, you should not make your paper a collection of examples at the expense of supporting your thesis statement.

Comparison and Contrast: In this approach, similarities and differences between two subjects or sources demonstrate both aspects. It requires a thorough reading of your source material to identify both subtle and major points of comparison.

This type of essay can present its arguments source by source or by points of similarity or difference.

4. Create an Outline for Your Essay

An essay outline is a method for outlining the framework of your essay. Here's what you have to do. Outlining can help you structure and plan your synthesis paper. 

The standard outline of a synthesis essay is divided into three sections:

Need detailed guidance on how to write a synthesis essay? Check out this video?

How to Write a Synthesis Essay?

For writing a great essay, you have to do extensive research on your subject. This essay connects sections of multiple works and develops a strong viewpoint on a subject.

There are some major steps of the process:

1. Start Writing Your Essay 

After getting done with the preparation part, start to write your synthesis essay. 

2. Write Your First Draft Using Your Outline as a Guide

But be prepared to change your strategy if you discover fresh ideas and information. And make sure it supports your thesis and the source material. 

Your essay should have an introduction paragraph with your thesis statement at the end of it. A body with evidence that supports your main topic and thesis statement. Lastly, a conclusion that summarizes your point of view.

3. Use Transitions 

To make the content flow logically, use transitions between paragraphs. Transition words are an excellent method to highlight areas where your sources complement one another. 

Longer quotes of three lines or more should be presented as block quotes to draw emphasis to them.

4. Wrap Up Your Essay 

Here you have completed the writing process, but still, you need to make sure that your essay is flawless. 

5. Revise Your Essay

This is the time to enhance transitions between points and paragraphs and to reinforce arguments. You should strive to make your argument as concise and clear to understand as possible. It is beneficial to read your essay aloud so you can spot problematic phrases or unclear ideas.

Request someone else to proofread your paper. Have you heard the cliche "two heads are better than one"? Is it still valid?

Ask a friend or coworker what they would add or eliminate from the paper. Most importantly, does your thesis statement make sense, and are your references clearly supporting it?

Answer these questions in your essay.

6. Proofread Your Content

Examine your document for any grammatical, punctuation, or spelling mistakes. 

Are all the terms, names, and words accurately spelled? Are there any extraneous English language or sentence fragments? As you go, correct them.

Read the essay loudly to ensure that you don't accidentally add or remove words when reading in your mind. If possible, ask a friend or classmate to edit your writing.

7. Must Cite Sources

Use footnotes to mention information in the body paragraph and bibliography of cited books at the conclusion. Footnotes and in-text citations should be used for any information that is quoted, paraphrased, or cited.

8. Title Your Essay 

The point of view expressed in your thesis statement and supporting arguments should be reflected in your title. Therefore, choose a title that suits your essay rather than constructing your essay to fit the title.

Synthesis Essay Format

The format of your synthesis paper is chosen by your high school, college, or university professor. MLA, APA, and Chicago styles are the most often used styles.

The APA format is followed in the disciplines of science, education, and psychology. Chicago is commonly followed in the field of history, fine arts, and business. And MLA is the style of citation used in the humanities.

APA Style Format

The following are some APA style important details:

• Add a page header to the top of each page.
• Times New Roman, 1" margins, 12 pt. Font, double-spaced.
• The format of a synthesis essay should be separated into four sections: title page, abstract, main body, and references.
• Insert a page number in the upper right corner.

Chicago Style Format

The following are some Chicago style key points:

• Use double-spacing between the paper's lines.
• Make margins of one inch.
• Font size: 12 pt. Times New Roman font style.
• Create text that is left-justified with a rugged edge.
• Mention the full name of a person, place, or organization.
• At the start of the paragraph, use half-inch indents.
• The bibliography should be on its own page.

MLA Style Format

The following are some MLA style significant points:

• The title must be centered.
• Font: Times New Roman, 1" margins, 12 pt font size, double-spaced
• Mention your name, professor's name, the course number, and the date (dd/mm/yy).
• On each page, the top right corner displays the last name and page number.
• The final page provides a "Works Cited" list.

Synthesis Essay Rubric

A rubric is essentially a list of criteria that your professor will use to grade your paper. 

Knowing how each criterion is weighted can help make sure you get the best grade possible on your synthesis essay. 

The Basics of the Synthesis Essay Rubric

The basic elements of any synthesis essay rubric include organization, focus/development, and language use/style. 

• Organization refers to how well you structure your paper. It should flow logically and have clear transitions between sections. 
• Focus/development looks at how well you develop your argument throughout the paper. Are you able to clearly explain why each point supports your thesis?
• Language use/style focuses on grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Was the paper proofread thoroughly or did careless errors slip in?

For example , your synthesis essay thesis statement is

"Capital punishment should be abolished in all states." 

Do you provide evidence from different angles, such as legal history, religious beliefs, or moral arguments to back up this claim? 

Does this evidence prove why capital punishment should be abolished?

How to Write a Synthesis Essay - Ap Lang

Are you an AP Lang student who's been assigned the dreaded synthesis essay? Here's how to write a successful synthesis essay for AP Lang. 

• Understand the Prompt 

The first step in writing any synthesis essay is to read and understand the prompt. It's also important to note any specific requirements such as word count, formatting style, or sources that must be used in your essay. 

• Organize Your Argument 

Once you have all the information necessary, it's time to start organizing your argument.

Start by identifying any common themes or ideas between the various sources of evidence and create an outline with these points at its core. 

• Write Your Essay 

Now comes the fun part - writing! 

You should now have a comprehensive outline of all the points and evidence you want to include in your essay. So use this as a guide when crafting your argument. 

Make sure that each point has supporting evidence from credible sources and that everything flows logically from one point to another. 

Finally, don't forget to proofread and edit before submitting so that there are no errors in grammar or spelling. These small details can make all the difference! 

Synthesis Essay Tips

Working on a synthesis paper requires a thorough study of a particular given prompt. To evaluate it properly, you must first understand the prompt's goal, argument, author's claim, and rhetoric.

To compose a successful synthesis essay, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind.

• Use Multiple Reasons

It is well recognized that the use of various reasons (generally two) is a very successful approach.

Present one argument against your strong thesis statement. This type of evidence presents an introduction and description. The advantage of this method is to teach awareness of the other side of the argument. It is followed by the opposing view and a decisive factor.

This is one of the most basic ways of organizing. It enables you to summarise the sources that are most relevant to you. The problem is that this technique excludes any of your individual thinking.

• Compare and Contrast

Comparing reveals similarities, while contrasting reveals distinctions. It is feasible to show an in-depth analysis of your chosen topic. It allows writers to compare and contrast two sources at the same time.

Write quotations from sources in your own words. This approach also allows the usage of quotable sources. Ensure to cite the reference when you use the reference.

This method depicts the opposing point of view. It demonstrates that the positives outweigh the negatives.

Writing a synthesis essay is not as difficult as it may seem. You can also try our AI essay writer to generate plagiarism-free content and make the process easier. 

However, if you are having trouble understanding the concepts or writing a synthesis essay, it is best to hire professionals.

Our synthesis essay writing service is the perfect solution to your problems. We have a team of skilled writers who will help you through each step of the essay-writing process.

You contact our professionals at CollegeEssay.org to get essay writing help online . Our essay writer service is always ready to ace your assignments. 

So don't hesitate and order your essay now!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you end a synthesis essay.

A strong ending fulfills these 3 things: 

• Restate your thesis. 
• Summarize or synthesize key points. 
• Make your argument's context explicit. 

What is a synthesis paragraph?

A synthesis is a textual debate that includes support from multiple sources with opposing viewpoints. This type of work requires analysis by using different sources and determining their relevance to your thesis.

Why is synthesis important?

It is important because it allows us to: 

• Test and validate hypotheses. 
• Comprehend key processes. 
• Plan future research efforts. 

How to conclude a synthesis essay?

Synthesize rather than summarize your argument. No need to go over your entire paper again. Instead, include a brief summary of the main points of the paper and explain to your reader how you've made points.

What is an example of a synthesis?

Making connections or putting things together is all that is required. We naturally synthesize information to assist others in seeing connections between things. For example, synthesis occurs when you report to a friend what other friends have said about a film or book.

How many paragraphs is a synthesis essay?

According to the standard outline provided, you should stick to the basic five-to-six paragraph structure. In rare cases, there may be more paragraphs in the main body.

Caleb S. (Literature, Marketing)

Caleb S. has extensive experience in writing and holds a Masters from Oxford University. He takes great satisfaction in helping students exceed their academic goals. Caleb always puts the needs of his clients first and is dedicated to providing quality service.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Keep reading

Legal & Policies

• Privacy Policy
• Cookies Policy
• Terms of Use
• Refunds & Cancellations
• Our Writers
• Success Stories
• Our Guarantees
• Affiliate Program
• Referral Program
• AI Essay Writer

Disclaimer: All client orders are completed by our team of highly qualified human writers. The essays and papers provided by us are not to be used for submission but rather as learning models only.

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

• Knowledge Base
• How to conclude an essay | Interactive example

How to Conclude an Essay | Interactive Example

Published on January 24, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on July 23, 2023.

The conclusion is the final paragraph of your essay . A strong conclusion aims to:

• Tie together the essay’s main points
• Show why your argument matters
• Leave the reader with a strong impression

Your conclusion should give a sense of closure and completion to your argument, but also show what new questions or possibilities it has opened up.

This conclusion is taken from our annotated essay example , which discusses the history of the Braille system. Hover over each part to see why it’s effective.

Braille paved the way for dramatic cultural changes in the way blind people were treated and the opportunities available to them. Louis Braille’s innovation was to reimagine existing reading systems from a blind perspective, and the success of this invention required sighted teachers to adapt to their students’ reality instead of the other way around. In this sense, Braille helped drive broader social changes in the status of blindness. New accessibility tools provide practical advantages to those who need them, but they can also change the perspectives and attitudes of those who do not.

Instantly correct all language mistakes in your text

Upload your document to correct all your mistakes in minutes

Table of contents

Step 1: return to your thesis, step 2: review your main points, step 3: show why it matters, what shouldn’t go in the conclusion, more examples of essay conclusions, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about writing an essay conclusion.

To begin your conclusion, signal that the essay is coming to an end by returning to your overall argument.

Don’t just repeat your thesis statement —instead, try to rephrase your argument in a way that shows how it has been developed since the introduction.

Here's why students love Scribbr's proofreading services

Discover proofreading & editing

Next, remind the reader of the main points that you used to support your argument.

Avoid simply summarizing each paragraph or repeating each point in order; try to bring your points together in a way that makes the connections between them clear. The conclusion is your final chance to show how all the paragraphs of your essay add up to a coherent whole.

To wrap up your conclusion, zoom out to a broader view of the topic and consider the implications of your argument. For example:

• Does it contribute a new understanding of your topic?
• Does it raise new questions for future study?
• Does it lead to practical suggestions or predictions?
• Can it be applied to different contexts?
• Can it be connected to a broader debate or theme?

Whatever your essay is about, the conclusion should aim to emphasize the significance of your argument, whether that’s within your academic subject or in the wider world.

Try to end with a strong, decisive sentence, leaving the reader with a lingering sense of interest in your topic.

The easiest way to improve your conclusion is to eliminate these common mistakes.

Don’t include new evidence

Any evidence or analysis that is essential to supporting your thesis statement should appear in the main body of the essay.

The conclusion might include minor pieces of new information—for example, a sentence or two discussing broader implications, or a quotation that nicely summarizes your central point. But it shouldn’t introduce any major new sources or ideas that need further explanation to understand.

Don’t use “concluding phrases”

Avoid using obvious stock phrases to tell the reader what you’re doing:

• “In conclusion…”
• “To sum up…”

These phrases aren’t forbidden, but they can make your writing sound weak. By returning to your main argument, it will quickly become clear that you are concluding the essay—you shouldn’t have to spell it out.

Don’t undermine your argument

Avoid using apologetic phrases that sound uncertain or confused:

• “This is just one approach among many.”
• “There are good arguments on both sides of this issue.”
• “There is no clear answer to this problem.”

Even if your essay has explored different points of view, your own position should be clear. There may be many possible approaches to the topic, but you want to leave the reader convinced that yours is the best one!

• Argumentative
• Literary analysis

This conclusion is taken from an argumentative essay about the internet’s impact on education. It acknowledges the opposing arguments while taking a clear, decisive position.

The internet has had a major positive impact on the world of education; occasional pitfalls aside, its value is evident in numerous applications. The future of teaching lies in the possibilities the internet opens up for communication, research, and interactivity. As the popularity of distance learning shows, students value the flexibility and accessibility offered by digital education, and educators should fully embrace these advantages. The internet’s dangers, real and imaginary, have been documented exhaustively by skeptics, but the internet is here to stay; it is time to focus seriously on its potential for good.

This conclusion is taken from a short expository essay that explains the invention of the printing press and its effects on European society. It focuses on giving a clear, concise overview of what was covered in the essay.

The invention of the printing press was important not only in terms of its immediate cultural and economic effects, but also in terms of its major impact on politics and religion across Europe. In the century following the invention of the printing press, the relatively stationary intellectual atmosphere of the Middle Ages gave way to the social upheavals of the Reformation and the Renaissance. A single technological innovation had contributed to the total reshaping of the continent.

This conclusion is taken from a literary analysis essay about Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein . It summarizes what the essay’s analysis achieved and emphasizes its originality.

By tracing the depiction of Frankenstein through the novel’s three volumes, I have demonstrated how the narrative structure shifts our perception of the character. While the Frankenstein of the first volume is depicted as having innocent intentions, the second and third volumes—first in the creature’s accusatory voice, and then in his own voice—increasingly undermine him, causing him to appear alternately ridiculous and vindictive. Far from the one-dimensional villain he is often taken to be, the character of Frankenstein is compelling because of the dynamic narrative frame in which he is placed. In this frame, Frankenstein’s narrative self-presentation responds to the images of him we see from others’ perspectives. This conclusion sheds new light on the novel, foregrounding Shelley’s unique layering of narrative perspectives and its importance for the depiction of character.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

• Ad hominem fallacy
• Post hoc fallacy
• Appeal to authority fallacy
• False cause fallacy
• Sunk cost fallacy

College essays

• Choosing Essay Topic
• Write a College Essay
• Write a Diversity Essay
• College Essay Format & Structure
• Comparing and Contrasting in an Essay

 (AI) Tools

• Grammar Checker
• Paraphrasing Tool
• Text Summarizer
• AI Detector
• Plagiarism Checker
• Citation Generator

Your essay’s conclusion should contain:

• A rephrased version of your overall thesis
• A brief review of the key points you made in the main body
• An indication of why your argument matters

The conclusion may also reflect on the broader implications of your argument, showing how your ideas could applied to other contexts or debates.

For a stronger conclusion paragraph, avoid including:

• Important evidence or analysis that wasn’t mentioned in the main body
• Generic concluding phrases (e.g. “In conclusion…”)
• Weak statements that undermine your argument (e.g. “There are good points on both sides of this issue.”)

Your conclusion should leave the reader with a strong, decisive impression of your work.

The conclusion paragraph of an essay is usually shorter than the introduction . As a rule, it shouldn’t take up more than 10–15% of the text.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

McCombes, S. (2023, July 23). How to Conclude an Essay | Interactive Example. Scribbr. Retrieved September 9, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/academic-essay/conclusion/

Is this article helpful?

Shona McCombes

Other students also liked, how to write an essay introduction | 4 steps & examples, how to write a thesis statement | 4 steps & examples, example of a great essay | explanations, tips & tricks, "i thought ai proofreading was useless but..".

I've been using Scribbr for years now and I know it's a service that won't disappoint. It does a good job spotting mistakes”

• Skip to Nav
• Skip to Main
• Skip to Footer
• Saved Articles
• Newsletters

‘We’re Alone,’ but Together, in Edwidge Danticat’s Remarkable Essays

Please try again

Reading Edwidge Danticat’s We’re Alone is like sitting down to listen to an old friend. Personal, touching, rich in observations, smart, resonant, vibrant and complex, the eight essays that make up this collection open a door into Danticat’s past and present, her history and the history of Haiti, her relationship to worldly things and to the work of timeless writers. With clear, concise prose that delves into harsh topics without losing its sense of humor, Danticat once again proves that she is one of contemporary literature’s strongest, most graceful voices.

We’re Alone opens with a preface in which Danticat explains that, for her, writing essays is a quest for a very specific “kind of aloneness/togetherness, as well as something akin to what the Haitian American anthropologist and artist Gina Athena Ulysse has labeled rasanblaj , which she defines as “assembly, compilation, enlisting, regrouping (of people, spirits, things, ideas).” That aloneness/togetherness is present in every essay. We all experience things differently, but the way Danticat talks about love, loss, migration, grief and injustice, to name a few, makes them feel patently universal.

This short collection has no throwaways, but some standouts merit individual attention.

“They Are Waiting in the Hills: Traveling with Lorraine Hansberry, Audre Lorde, James Baldwin, Gabriel García Márquez, Paule Marshall, and Toni Morrison” is, despite its long title, a wonderfully paced essay in which Danticat shares some of her own travels and experiences throughout her career while simultaneously entering into a conversation, full of admiration, with the authors named in the title. Danticat is an accomplished writer, but this essay is all about her love of literature and the way the work of others have impacted her and sometimes worked as a lens through which she could start processing various experiences.

In “This Is My Body,” we’re right there with the author two days before Christmas of 2017 as she ditches her car, runs away from a shooter at a mall and hides behind a bush. The shooting turned out to be one of many hoaxes perpetrated that year so people could steal from stores during the ensuing chaos, but for Danticat, recounting the experience is an excuse to get the conversation started. From there, the piece morphs into an essay about parenting, her own mother’s death from cancer, and how she tried to parent even from beyond the grave by leaving Danticat and her brothers a tape with instructions for life, including what she wanted the author to wear at her funeral. From there, the essay moves — smoothly, always — into a discussion of hunger and, among other things, the ethics of force-feeding at Guantanamo and a recognition of how the “grace of the young Parkland survivors, their eloquence, their efforts to include less privileged youth — among them young people of color whose communities are chronically and disproportionately affected by gun violence — has been especially eye opening.”

“By the Time You Read This” is another marvel that seamlessly weaves together past and present while exploring the death of George Floyd, recounting the racism Danticat observed while riding New York City Transit buses, and then touches on the massive migration of African Americans from rural areas in the South to cities in the North of the United States.

The rest of the essays share the same shapeshifting nature. However, they do so while also containing at least one of the cohesive elements that make the book feel like a whole; history, family, racism, Haiti, migration, literature, etc. Danticat masterfully moves from one topic or idea to the next with the powerful fluidity of a raging river. From every Haitian being suspected of having AIDS to memories of the “ruthless Duvalier dictatorship,” every essay here contains at least a slice of history. From a discussion of temporary protected status for Haitians that turns into a conversation about rainbows to the many excerpts of poems and names that celebrate Black excellence throughout the collection — Toni Morrison, Alice Walker, Audre Lorde, Gwendolyn Brooks, Nikki Giovanni, Maya Angelou — this collection shows exactly where Danticat fits, and just how much her work is in conversation with that of other giants.

We’re Alone accomplishes a lot, but perhaps the most important thing it does is that it manages to feel like an invitation from the opening pages. Yes, this is Danticat talking about racism and injustice while digging deep and showing us just how ugly humanity can be, but it’s also a collection full of hope and a celebration of writing. Ultimately, this is more than a collection of essays; this is an invitation. “You’re alone and I’m alone,” says Danticat in one way or another in every essay, “but if you join me, we can be alone together.” This beautiful invitation is one I encourage you to accept.

‘We’re Alone’ by Edwidge Danticat is out now, via Graywolf Press.

Thanks for signing up for the newsletter.

Information

• Author Services

Initiatives

You are accessing a machine-readable page. In order to be human-readable, please install an RSS reader.

All articles published by MDPI are made immediately available worldwide under an open access license. No special permission is required to reuse all or part of the article published by MDPI, including figures and tables. For articles published under an open access Creative Common CC BY license, any part of the article may be reused without permission provided that the original article is clearly cited. For more information, please refer to https://www.mdpi.com/openaccess .

Feature papers represent the most advanced research with significant potential for high impact in the field. A Feature Paper should be a substantial original Article that involves several techniques or approaches, provides an outlook for future research directions and describes possible research applications.

Feature papers are submitted upon individual invitation or recommendation by the scientific editors and must receive positive feedback from the reviewers.

Editor’s Choice articles are based on recommendations by the scientific editors of MDPI journals from around the world. Editors select a small number of articles recently published in the journal that they believe will be particularly interesting to readers, or important in the respective research area. The aim is to provide a snapshot of some of the most exciting work published in the various research areas of the journal.

Original Submission Date Received: .

• Active Journals
• Find a Journal
• Proceedings Series
• For Authors
• For Reviewers
• For Editors
• For Librarians
• For Publishers
• For Societies
• For Conference Organizers
• Open Access Policy
• Institutional Open Access Program
• Special Issues Guidelines
• Editorial Process
• Research and Publication Ethics
• Article Processing Charges
• Testimonials
• Preprints.org
• SciProfiles
• Encyclopedia

Article Menu

• Subscribe SciFeed
• Recommended Articles
• Google Scholar
• on Google Scholar
• Table of Contents

Find support for a specific problem in the support section of our website.

Please let us know what you think of our products and services.

Visit our dedicated information section to learn more about MDPI.

JSmol Viewer

Towards new delivery agents for boron neutron capture therapy: synthesis and in vitro evaluation of a set of fluorinated carbohydrate derivatives.

Graphical Abstract

1. Introduction

2. results and discussion, 2.1. chemical synthesis and structural characterization, 2.2. early-stage in vitro assessment, 3. conclusions, 4. materials and methods, 4.1. synthetic protocols, 4.2. substrate-specific analytical data, 4.3. cytotoxicity studies, 4.4. affinity studies, 4.5. boron uptake studies, 4.6. plasma stability studies, 4.7. plasma protein binding studies, supplementary materials, author contributions, data availability statement, acknowledgments, conflicts of interest.

• Locher, G.L. Biological Effects and Therapeutic Possibilities of Neutrons. Am. J. Roentgenol. Radium Ther. 1936 , 36 , 1–13. [ Google Scholar ]
• Barth, R.F.; Zhang, Z.; Liu, T. A Realistic Appraisal of Boron Neutron Capture Therapy as a Cancer Treatment Modality. Cancer Commun. 2018 , 38 , 36. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ] [ PubMed ]
• Moss, R.L. Critical Review, with an Optimistic Outlook, on Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT). Appl. Radiat. Isot. 2014 , 88 , 2–11. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Wittig, A.; Collette, L.; Appelman, K.; Bührmann, S.; Jäckel, M.C.; Jöckel, K.-H.; Schmid, K.W.; Ortmann, U.; Moss, R.; Sauerwein, W.A.G. EORTC Trial 11001: Distribution of Two 10 B-Compounds in Patients with Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck, a Translational Research/Phase 1 Trial. J. Cell. Mol. Med. 2009 , 13 , 1653–1665. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ] [ PubMed ]
• Nemoto, H.; Cai, J.; Iwamoto, S.; Yamamoto, Y. Synthesis and Biological Properties of Water-Soluble p-Boronophenylalanine Derivatives. Relationship between Water Solubility, Cytotoxicity, and Cellular Uptake. J. Med. Chem. 1995 , 38 , 1673–1678. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Trivillin, V.A.; Garabalino, M.A.; Colombo, L.L.; González, S.J.; Farías, R.O.; Monti Hughes, A.; Pozzi, E.C.C.; Bortolussi, S.; Altieri, S.; Itoiz, M.E.; et al. Biodistribution of the Boron Carriers Boronophenylalanine (BPA) and/or Decahydrodecaborate (GB-10) for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) in an Experimental Model of Lung Metastases. Appl. Radiat. Isot. 2014 , 88 , 94–98. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Matović, J.; Järvinen, J.; Bland, H.C.; Sokka, I.K.; Imlimthan, S.; Ferrando, R.M.; Huttunen, K.M.; Timonen, J.; Peräniemi, S.; Aitio, O.; et al. Addressing the Biochemical Foundations of a Glucose-Based “Trojan Horse”-Strategy to Boron Neutron Capture Therapy: From Chemical Synthesis to In Vitro Assessment. Mol. Pharm. 2020 , 17 , 3885–3899. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Matović, J.; Järvinen, J.; Sokka, I.K.; Imlimthan, S.; Raitanen, J.-E.; Montaser, A.; Maaheimo, H.; Huttunen, K.M.; Peräniemi, S.; Airaksinen, A.J.; et al. Exploring the Biochemical Foundations of a Successful GLUT1-Targeting Strategy to BNCT: Chemical Synthesis and In Vitro Evaluation of the Entire Positional Isomer Library of Ortho -Carboranylmethyl-Bearing Glucoconjugates. Mol. Pharm. 2021 , 18 , 285–304. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Matović, J.; Järvinen, J.; Sokka, I.K.; Stockmann, P.; Kellert, M.; Imlimthan, S.; Sarparanta, M.; Johansson, M.P.; Hey-Hawkins, E.; Rautio, J.; et al. Synthesis and In Vitro Evaluation of a Set of 6-Deoxy-6-Thio-Carboranyl d-Glucoconjugates Shed Light on the Substrate Specificity of the GLUT1 Transporter. ACS Omega 2022 , 7 , 30376–30388. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Matović, J.; Bahrami, K.; Stockmann, P.; Sokka, I.K.; Khng, Y.C.; Sarparanta, M.; Hey-Hawkins, E.; Rautio, J.; Ekholm, F.S. Sweet Battle of the Epimers─Continued Exploration of Monosaccharide-Derived Delivery Agents for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy. Mol. Pharm. 2023 , 20 , 3127–3139. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Warburg, O. On the Origin of Cancer Cells. Science 1956 , 123 , 309–314. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ] [ PubMed ]
• Tani, H.; Kurihara, H.; Hiroi, K.; Honda, N.; Yoshimoto, M.; Kono, Y.; Murakami, R.; Kumita, S.; Arai, Y.; Itami, J. Correlation of 18F-BPA and 18F-FDG Uptake in Head and Neck Cancers. Radiother. Oncol. 2014 , 113 , 193–197. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ] [ PubMed ]
• Yuen, R.; Wagner, M.; Richter, S.; Dufour, J.; Wuest, M.; West, F.G.; Wuest, F. Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of Positron Emission Tomography/Fluorescence Dual Imaging Probes for Targeting Facilitated Glucose Transporter 1 (GLUT1). Org. Biomol. Chem. 2021 , 19 , 3241–3254. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ] [ PubMed ]
• Kabalka, G.W.; Smith, G.T.; Dyke, J.P.; Reid, W.S.; Longford, C.P.; Roberts, T.G.; Reddy, N.K.; Buonocore, E.; Hübner, K.F. Evaluation of Fluorine-18-BPA-Fructose for Boron Neutron Capture Treatment Planning. J. Nucl. Med. Off. Publ. Soc. Nucl. Med. 1997 , 38 , 1762–1767. [ Google Scholar ]
• Ishiwata, K.; Ido, T.; Mejia, A.A.; Ichihashi, M.; Mishima, Y. Synthesis and Radiation Dosimetry of 4-Borono-2-[18F]Fluoro-d,l-Phenylalanine: A Target Compound for PET and Boron Neutron Capture Therapy. Int. J. Rad. Appl. Instrum. [A] 1991 , 42 , 325–328. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Aihara, T.; Hiratsuka, J.; Morita, N.; Uno, M.; Sakurai, Y.; Maruhashi, A.; Ono, K.; Harada, T. First Clinical Case of Boron Neutron Capture Therapy for Head and Neck Malignancies using18F-BPA PET. Head Neck 2006 , 28 , 850–855. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Cai, L.; Lu, S.; Pike, V.W. Chemistry with [ 18 F]Fluoride Ion. Eur. J. Org. Chem. 2008 , 2008 , 2853–2873. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Uhrig, M.L.; Lantaño, B.; Postigo, A. Synthetic Strategies for Fluorination of Carbohydrates. Org. Biomol. Chem. 2019 , 17 , 5173–5189. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ] [ PubMed ]
• Imperio, D.; Panza, L. Sweet Boron: Boron-Containing Sugar Derivatives as Potential Agents for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy. Symmetry 2022 , 14 , 182. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Leśnikowski, Z.J.; Ekholm, F.; Hosmane, N.S.; Kellert, M.; Matsuura, E.; Nakamura, H.; Olejniczak, A.B.; Panza, L.; Rendina, L.M.; Sauerwein, W.A.G. Early Stage In Vitro Bioprofiling of Potential Low-Molecular-Weight Organoboron Compounds for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT)—Proposal for a Guide. Cells 2024 , 13 , 798. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ] [ PubMed ]
• Lebedel, L.; Ardá, A.; Martin, A.; Désiré, J.; Mingot, A.; Aufiero, M.; Aiguabella Font, N.; Gilmour, R.; Jiménez-Barbero, J.; Blériot, Y.; et al. Structural and Computational Analysis of 2-Halogeno-Glycosyl Cations in the Presence of a Superacid: An Expansive Platform. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2019 , 58 , 13758–13762. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ] [ PubMed ]
• Zemplén, G.; Gerecs, A.; Hadácsy, I. Über Die Verseifung Acetylierter Kohlenhydrate. Berichte Dtsch. Chem. Ges. B Ser. 1936 , 69 , 1827–1829. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Tai, V.W.-F.; Imperiali, B. Substrate Specificity of the Glycosyl Donor for Oligosaccharyl Transferase. J. Org. Chem. 2001 , 66 , 6217–6228. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ] [ PubMed ]
• Shie, C.-R.; Tzeng, Z.-H.; Kulkarni, S.S.; Uang, B.-J.; Hsu, C.-Y.; Hung, S.-C. Cu(OTf) 2 as an Efficient and Dual-Purpose Catalyst in the Regioselective Reductive Ring Opening of Benzylidene Acetals. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2005 , 44 , 1665–1668. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• DeNinno, M.P.; Etienne, J.B.; Duplantier, K.C. A Method for the Selective Reduction of Carbohydrate 4,6-O-Benzylidene Acetals. Tetrahedron Lett. 1995 , 36 , 669–672. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Valliant, J.F.; Guenther, K.J.; King, A.S.; Morel, P.; Schaffer, P.; Sogbein, O.O.; Stephenson, K.A. The Medicinal Chemistry of Carboranes. Coord. Chem. Rev. 2002 , 232 , 173–230. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Laatikainen, R.; Laatikainen, P.; Hakalehto, E. Quantitative Quantum Mechanical NMR Analysis: The Superior Tool for Analysis of Biofluids. In Proceedings of the 1st International Electronic Conference on Metabolomics, Online, 1–30 November 2016; p. C005. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Laatikainen, R.; Tiainen, M.; Korhonen, S.-P.; Niemitz, M. Computerized Analysis of High-Resolution Solution-State Spectra. In Encyclopedia of Magnetic Resonance ; Harris, R.K., Ed.; John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.: Chichester, UK, 2011; p. emrstm1226. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Niemitz, M.; Laatikainen, R.; Chen, S.-N.; Kleps, R.; Kozikowski, A.P.; Pauli, G.F. Complete 1 H NMR Spectral Fingerprint of Huperzine A. Magn. Reson. Chem. MRC 2007 , 45 , 878–882. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Tynkkynen, T.; Hassinen, T.; Tiainen, M.; Soininen, P.; Laatikainen, R. 1 H NMR Spectral Analysis and Conformational Behavior of N-Alkanes in Different Chemical Environments. Magn. Reson. Chem. 2012 , 50 , 598–607. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Crich, D.; Li, H. Direct Stereoselective Synthesis of β-Thiomannosides. J. Org. Chem. 2000 , 65 , 801–805. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Nycholat, C.M.; Bundle, D.R. Synthesis of Monodeoxy and Mono- O -Methyl Congeners of Methyl β-d-Mannopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-d-Mannopyranoside for Epitope Mapping of Anti- Candida Albicans Antibodies. Carbohydr. Res. 2009 , 344 , 555–569. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Barth, R.F.; Mi, P.; Yang, W. Boron Delivery Agents for Neutron Capture Therapy of Cancer. Cancer Commun. 2018 , 38 , 35. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ] [ PubMed ]
• Soloway, A.H.; Tjarks, W.; Barnum, B.A.; Rong, F.-G.; Barth, R.F.; Codogni, I.M.; Wilson, J.G. The Chemistry of Neutron Capture Therapy. Chem. Rev. 1998 , 98 , 1515–1562. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Yokoyama, K.; Miyatake, S.-I.; Kajimoto, Y.; Kawabata, S.; Doi, A.; Yoshida, T.; Asano, T.; Kirihata, M.; Ono, K.; Kuroiwa, T. Pharmacokinetic Study of BSH and BPA in Simultaneous Use for BNCT. J. Neurooncol. 2006 , 78 , 227–232. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ] [ PubMed ]
• Patra, M.; Johnstone, T.C.; Suntharalingam, K.; Lippard, S.J. A Potent Glucose-Platinum Conjugate Exploits Glucose Transporters and Preferentially Accumulates in Cancer Cells. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2016 , 55 , 2550–2554. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ] [ PubMed ]
• Humphreys, S.C.; Davis, J.A.; Iqbal, S.; Kamel, A.; Kulmatycki, K.; Lao, Y.; Liu, X.; Rodgers, J.; Snoeys, J.; Vigil, A.; et al. Considerations and Recommendations for Assessment of Plasma Protein Binding and Drug–Drug Interactions for siRNA Therapeutics. Nucleic Acids Res. 2022 , 50 , 6020–6037. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Wang, R.; Chen, H.; Fan, C. Impacts of Time Interval on 18F-FDG Uptake for PET/CT in Normal Organs: A Systematic Review. Medicine 2018 , 97 , e13122. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]

Click here to enlarge figure

Share and Cite

Matović, J.; Järvinen, J.; Sokka, I.K.; Imlimthan, S.; Aitio, O.; Sarparanta, M.; Rautio, J.; Ekholm, F.S. Towards New Delivery Agents for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy: Synthesis and In Vitro Evaluation of a Set of Fluorinated Carbohydrate Derivatives. Molecules 2024 , 29 , 4263. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29174263

Matović J, Järvinen J, Sokka IK, Imlimthan S, Aitio O, Sarparanta M, Rautio J, Ekholm FS. Towards New Delivery Agents for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy: Synthesis and In Vitro Evaluation of a Set of Fluorinated Carbohydrate Derivatives. Molecules . 2024; 29(17):4263. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29174263

Matović, Jelena, Juulia Järvinen, Iris K. Sokka, Surachet Imlimthan, Olli Aitio, Mirkka Sarparanta, Jarkko Rautio, and Filip S. Ekholm. 2024. "Towards New Delivery Agents for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy: Synthesis and In Vitro Evaluation of a Set of Fluorinated Carbohydrate Derivatives" Molecules 29, no. 17: 4263. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29174263

Article Metrics

Supplementary material.

ZIP-Document (ZIP, 1382 KiB)

Further Information

Mdpi initiatives, follow mdpi.

Subscribe to receive issue release notifications and newsletters from MDPI journals