How to Write a Synthesis Essay Outline: 2 Types & 5 Tips
Are you feeling stressed about pulling together a variety of perspectives into one essay? Perhaps a synthesis essay outline is what your writing needs.
An outline will not only help you organize your essay, but it will also help you maximize the potential of your research and sources to synthesize strong arguments and explanations.
We’re here to show you an effective outline can transform your writing from jumbled ideas to a perfect synthesis.
What Is a Synthesis Essay?
A synthesis essay is an academic composition utilized to combine information from separate sources into a new, unified perspective or argument. The purpose of a synthesis essay is to present various evidence, viewpoints, and research on a given topic as a single and coherent analysis. It asks you to think critically about the many sources of information you would like to include and merge them thoughtfully and insightfully.
There are two main types of synthesis essays:
Explanatory
An explanatory synthesis paper seeks to explain and communicate knowledge about a given topic as objectively as possible, so that the reader receives an unbiased overview of the topic. For instance, a paper on renewable energy might explain the theories that support it.
Argumentative
The argumentative synthesis essay takes a firm position on an issue and synthesizes sources to support that position. So, instead of merely reporting information, this type of synthesis essay takes a stance that it seeks to prove through the use of sources. One could argue for the adoption of renewable energy practices and use research studies and expert opinion as evidence to support the argument.
How to Write a Synthesis Essay Outline
In order to organize your thoughts and structure your synthesis essay properly, you're going to need to create an outline. An outline for a synthesis essay starts with an introduction, includes a section for each body paragraph, and finishes with a conclusion. Each section comes with its own purpose and form to achieve that purpose. With two types of synthesis essays (explanatory and argumentative), let's dig into the structure.
Argumentative Synthesis Essay Outline
The argumentative synthesis essay outline is about painting a persuasive story supporting your position. Emphasis is placed on a compelling thesis supported by reasoned arguments and sourcing evidence. This outline serves as a guide for writing an engaging argumentative synthesis essay while countering opposing views. Here is the structure of an argumentative synthesis essay.
1. Introduction:
Hook: Engage the reader with an interesting fact or question.
Background Information: Briefly introduce the topic and its importance.
Thesis Statement: Write a clear, strong thesis that maps out your main points of argument.
2. Body Paragraphs:
Supporting Evidence: Each body paragraph should introduce and elaborate on a key point supporting your thesis.
Source Integration: Use evidence from several sources to validate your arguments.
Counterarguments: Address potential opposing views and counter them with evidence.
Transitions: Discuss potential opposing arguments and refute them by using evidence.
3. Conclusion:
Summary of Arguments: Summarize the main points of your argument.
Reinforce Thesis: Emphasize the strength and validity of your argument.
Call to Action or Implications: Provide recommendations on the next steps or the implications of your claim concerning the topic.
Explanatory Synthesis Essay Outline
The explanatory synthesis essay outline provides you with a guide on how to effectively and objectively report information. The outline aims to help you organize your essay that synthesizes multiple sources to provide an effective overview of a topic. By outlining the introduction, body, and conclusion, you can accomplish an understanding of the given topic.
1. Introduction:
Hook: Start with an engaging opening to capture interest.
Background Information: Provide necessary context and introduce the topic’s significance.
Thesis Statement: Write a non-argumentative thesis that outlines your essay’s themes or points of analysis.
2. Body Paragraphs:
Thematic Exploration: Each paragraph is about a different theme or aspect related to the topic.
Source Integration: Utilize information and perspective from a variety of sources that complement student understanding.
Explanation and Analysis: Explain the significance or contribution of these sources to the broader argument.
Transitions: Use transitions between paragraphs to make them flow well.
3.Conclusion:
Summary of Main Points: Review the main points of the study.
Reflection on Understanding: Describe what this synthesis has revealed about the topic.
Closing Thought: Pose a thoughtful reflection or set up a forward-looking implication or area of exploration.
5 Tips for Writing a Synthesis Essay Outline
Organizing a synthesis essay outline can make the writing process smoother and your essay clearer and more structured. Whether you’re writing an argumentative or explanatory synthesis essay, here are a few tips to help you through outlining effectively:
1. Start with Comprehensive Research
Gather a variety of trustworthy sources to gain different perspectives. This research process will deepen your analysis to accomplish your essay’s purpose.
2. Identify Main Themes or Arguments
Collate your research notes around key themes or arguments. Cluster similar ideas to help ensure your essay is cohesive.
3. Craft a Clear Thesis Statement
Your thesis is the central point of your essay and helps direct writing. Make a clear statement of your position for argumentative essays or a summary of themes for explanatory essays.
4. Incorporate Smooth Transitions
Planned transitions keep sections flowing together and prevent the essay from reading awkwardly.
5. Stay Flexible
Use your outline to guide your writing, but be flexible and willing to change it when new ideas that add to your essay emerge.
FAQ
What Is a Synthesis Essay Outline?
An outline for a synthesis essay is a plan used to organize and structure the arguments, source evidence, and analysis to build a synthesis essay. It includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
How Do You Start a Synthesis Essay Outline?
Start with a clear thesis statement, then list your main arguments and search your sources for supporting evidence. Organize related ideas into body paragraphs.
What’s the Difference Between an Argumentative and Explanatory Synthesis Outline?
Argumentative: Takes a stance, provides evidence, and opposes alternating sides.
Explanatory: Presents information objectively without taking a side.
Should I Include Counterarguments in My Outline?
Yes. For argumentative essays, you should include a paragraph that introduces opposing viewpoints and refutes them with evidence, which strengthens your argument. For explanatory essays, you should introduce multiple perspectives without bias.
Conclusion
We’ve gone over how to draft a synthesis essay outline so you can arrange what you will say about the topic.
You've learned that there are two types of synthesis essays, explanatory, which delivers neutral information on a topic. The other type is argumentative, which makes a strong claim about a topic and supports it with evidence.
We also covered practical tips, such as researching the topic, developing a thesis, and writing smooth transitions.