Synthesis Essay Outline

Introduction to Synthesis Essays

One of the most attractive types of papers that you’ll need to write is a synthesis essay. Here, you have to pick different ideas from various sources and then summarize them to make a transparent paper, focusing on your thesis statement. It uses information on specific topics to explain a particular point of view or opinion.

As a student, you’ll, therefore, have to examine different sources as you look for what suits your thesis. Keep in mind that the most crucial aspect of a synthesis essay is to show the reader an extensive understanding of the subject. They also require a considerable amount of reflection.

Below, we’ll take you through a simple tutorial on writing a synthesis essay outline. We’ll even take you through two compelling examples to help you understand this type of papers better. Take a look!

Here’s the Basic Structure of a Synthesis Essay Outline

Such papers usually have three parts. Namely:

1. Introduction
2. Main Body
3. Conclusion

The Introduction

This is the section where you introduce the synthesis paper to your readers. You’ll need to provide them with a simple description of the topic plus its relevance. So, in only a few lines, you should mention the background of the issue. Also, it’s in this paragraph where you should state the purpose of the essay.

Convince your readers to continue reading your work. Finally, come up with a catchy thesis statement. This concise and brief statement should summarize the entire agenda of the essay.

The Body

This part has typically three parts:

1. Target point - This paragraph describes the main idea of your article.
2. Evidence - This section justifies your main view with relevant data and facts to strengthen your argument.
3. Conclusion - This connects the target point and proof. It mentions the importance of these facts to the whole synthesis essay.

The Conclusion

Here is where you wrap up your synthesis essay. Use different phrases and terms to reiterate the thesis statement. This paragraph summarizes all arguments which you’ve presented in the main body.

Example 1: The Ineffectiveness of the Immigration Policy Executive Order

Introduction

To write an engaging presentation, first, you’ll need to look for words and phrases which hook your readers. Then provide background data on the immigration policy and executive order. Make sure you explain why this ban is contentious in the United States of America.

While writing your thesis statement, make sure it’s relevant to the subject. For instance, you could write something like “despite the importance of the executive order, the immigration policy is insufficient and shouldn’t be implemented.”

Fundamental mistakes which you should avoid when writing this paragraph:

• Using cliché words and phrases
• Providing insufficient background information on the subject
• A poorly constructed thesis statement

Main Body

This section contains concessions and refutations. Start by providing your readers with a simple summary of your arguments and different points of view. For example:

“Following past events, there’s been a huge call for the US Federal government to offer policies on solving the problem of immigration. However, the measures that they’ve taken are quite inadequate. Despite this, there are still those who feel that this act should have come sooner.”

How to Write Your Topic Sentence:

First, you’ll need to provide a reason that’s contrary to the thesis statement. Follow this up by giving pieces of evidence that support such an idea and state it’s not valid. You’ll then need to provide counter facts which explain why it’s not a sufficient argument. Lastly, give a conclusion plus some final comments on this issue.

Support 1:

Here, you should mention the least essential reason which explains your thesis statement. Write the topic sentence which leads up to your specific idea. As you do so, remember to quote at least one source to provide evidence supporting your opinion.

Talk about your evidence, and show why it’s relevant to your readers. Conclude this paragraph by summing up all crucial concepts in your topic sentence.

Support 2:

In your second paragraph, you’ll need to write down the next vital reasons supporting your thesis. Pick a suitable topic sentence and comment on those concepts and facts that help your opinion. Also, provide a definite conclusion that summarizes your evidence and ideas of your topic statement.

Support 3:

Mention the most crucial reason that supports your thesis. Here, to come up with enough facts, make sure that you’ve capitalized on your thesis statement. Quote as many sources as you can, and then come up with commentary.

You’ll also need to give evidence that supports your thesis and show why it is relevant. Lastly, have a conclusion that sums up all your facts.

Simple mistakes which you should always avoid when writing the main body of your synthesis essay:

• Providing insufficient facts and findings
• Choosing a weak topic sentence
• Not quoting your research sources
• Giving inadequate pieces of evidence to support your statement

The Conclusion

Have a summary of all fundamental concepts and facts which you wish to deliver. Restate your thesis by using paraphrased terms so as not to alter its meaning. Summarize all your arguments and give a suitable example. Also, from an ethical point of view, have a call to action. All in all, you should persuade your readers why your opinion is the most acceptable.

Errors you need to watch out for when writing your conclusion:

• Distorting the meaning of your thesis statement
• Failure to include a call to action

Example 2: Synthesis Paper Outline on Global Warming

This synthesis essay outline example is one of the most straightforward projects you’ll come across while in school. However, if you’re still struggling to write such a paper, this simple tutorial will give you all the help you need.

Introduction

Start by defining the concept of global warming. Briefly mention some of its causes, for instance, increase in the level of pollution, industrialization, and deforestation. Then state some of the harmful effects of global warming, for example, increase in sea level leading to flooding or increase in temperature.

Your thesis statement should mention that the world’s levels of temperature are slowly rising and we need to work hand-in-hand to assist in reducing the rate of temperature increase.

So where do students go wrong here?

• Poorly defining the term global warming
• Not mentioning important effects and causes of global warming
• Writing a weak or unattractive thesis statement

Main Body

This part of your essay contains the bulk of the content. You’ll have to do extensive research on the subject and provide evidence that supports your thesis statement. In this synthesis essay outline template, we’ve come up with five paragraphs to help you write a catchy main body.

Paragraph 1:

Mention IPCC’s findings that the sea levels will increase by 7 to 23 inches when this century comes to an end. Show why this is essential and how it will help in strengthening your thesis statement.

Paragraph 2:

Since 1880, the temperature has risen by 1.4 Fahrenheit. You’ll need to provide evidence of this finding and mention its importance.

Paragraph 3:

Talk about the constant melting of the Arctic ice and the research which shows that this region will experience a summer with no ice.

Paragraph 4:

Show how the rapidly melting glaciers cause increased sea levels. How does this strengthen your thesis statement? As the author, remember to give sufficient pieces of evidence to this fact.

Paragraph 5:

Here, mention why the last two decades have been the hottest as compared to the last 400 years. Give good reasons showing the relevance of this fact.

Errors you should avoid when writing your main body:

• Writing insufficient evidence that doesn’t fully explain the facts mentioned
• Not mentioning your research sources
• Choosing weak facts to support your thesis statement

The Conclusion

Reiterate on why the world’s temperature is slowly rising and how the whole world needs to work together to forge a clear path forward. Also, summarize all the key points in your main body. End with an open discussion or question, for instance, why countries are sometimes in conflict while they should be combining their resources to fight global warming.

Other Tips to Remember Before Writing Your Synthesis Essay

You’ll need to organize your information in a way so it’s easy for your readers to see all main ideas. Acknowledge all sources, both secondary and primary, to avoid cases of plagiarism. You’ll also need to apply the correct systems of citation. List them as you arrange your synthesis paper outline.

Always use standard language for your synthesis essay topic. Write down all technical concepts and terms you want to express. Remember that a well-explained outline for synthesis essay is the perfect blueprint for a well-written paper!

All in all, to write an attractive synthesis essay, you’ll need these underlying factors:

• Understand the topic.
• Be diligent in your research and how you structure your paper.
• Manipulate different words and phrases well to express your ideas and thoughts.