Synthesis analysis
Purpose
A synthesis is a written discussion that draws on one or more sources. Your purpose in reading source materials and then in drawing upon them to write your own material is often reflected in the wording of an assignment. For example, your assignment may ask that you evaluate a text, argue a position on a topic, explain cause and effect relationships, or compare and contrast items. Your purpose determines not only what parts of your sources you will use but also how you will relate them to one another. Since the very essence of synthesis is the combining of information and ideas, you must have some basis on which to combine them.
Steps:
- Consider your purpose in writing. ...
- Select and carefully read your sources, according to your purpose. ...
- Formulate a thesis. ...
- Decide how you will use your source material and take notes. ...
- Develop and organizational plan, according to your thesis.
- Write the first draft of your synthesis, following your organizational plan.
- Document your sources. Use MLA-style in-text citations and a Works Cited list to credit your sources for all material you quote, paraphrase, or summarize.
- Revise your synthesis. Insert transitional words and phrases where necessary.
The Synthesis Essay