This document provides guidance on how to write a synthesis essay. It defines synthesis as using information from multiple sources to develop new ideas or draw conclusions. The document outlines steps for writing a synthesis essay such as finding and recording sources, using sources to support the thesis, synthesizing sources, and citing sources properly. It emphasizes comparing sources, organizing the essay effectively, representing sources fairly, and concluding by reminding readers of significant themes. An example synthesized text is also provided on how bees and beekeeping have positively impacted society through food and goods production.

1. Synthesis
TSL 022

2. SYNTHESIS
Definition:
Synthesis is the process of using
information from two or more sources in
order to develop new ideas about the topic
or draw conclusions about it.
Synthesis involves comparing sources
(similarity & differences) and providing
support.

3. SYNTHESIS
Writing Essays Using Sources
• Find and record appropriate sources
• Use sources to support thesis and develop
essay (summary/ paraphrase/ quotation)
• Synthesize sources
• Document sources, using APA (American
Psychological Association) style (in-text
and reference page citation)

4. Writing your Synthesis Essay
• The writing prompt should direct you to
what sort of themes or traits you should
look for in your synthesis.
• You may be assigned two or more sources
for synthesizing. In such cases you need to
formulate your own purpose, and develop
your own perspectives and interpretations.
• A preliminary comparison will help. Begin
by summarizing briefly the points, themes,
or traits that the texts have in common.

5. Writing your Synthesis Essay
• Explore different ways to organize the
information depending on what you find or
what you want to demonstrate.
• Your synthesis should be organized so that
others can understand the sources and
evaluate your comprehension of them and
their presentation of specific data, themes,
etc.
SELECT – CONNECT –

6. INTRODUCTION
• Write a one-sentence statement that sums up the focus
of your synthesis.
• Introduce the texts to be synthesized:
– Give the title of each source
– Provide the name of each author for each source;
– Provide pertinent background information about the authors,
about the texts to be summarized, and about the general topic
from which the texts are drawn.

7. BODY
• Your organization will be determined by the
assignment or by the patterns you see in the material
you are synthesizing (theme, point, similarity, or
aspect of the topic).
• The organization is the most important part of a
synthesis, so choose the most effective format for your
topic.
• Every paragraph begins with a sentence or phrase that
informs readers of the topic of the paragraph

8. BODY
• Include information from more than one
source
• Clearly indicate which material comes from
which source using transitions and topic
sentences, and in-text citations.
• Show the similarities or differences
between the different sources in ways that
make the paper as informative as possible

9. BODY
• Represent the texts fairly--even if that
seems to weaken the paper; you are simply
repeating what the source says in fewer
words and in your own words. The fact that
you are using your own words does not
mean that you are in anyway changing what
the source says.

10. CONCLUSION
• When you have finished your paper, write a
conclusion reminding readers of the most
significant themes you have found and the
ways they connect to the overall topic.
• If you are writing a background synthesis, in
some cases it may be appropriate for you to
offer an interpretation of the material or
take a position (thesis).

11. SAMPLE SYNTHESIZED TEXT
How Have Bees and Beekeeping Been
Important for Society?
Bees and the practice of beekeeping
have been important for society throughout
history due to the positive impact they have
the production of foods and goods. Bees,
whether in a natural or artificial environment,
both produce food and cause other foods to
grow.

12. SAMPLE SYNTHESIZED TEXT
Even as long ago as the Stone Ages “{people}
ate honey they stole from the hives of wild
bees,” (Heinrich) and today beekeeping is still
the source in which honey is made to sell at
supermarkets (“A Sweet Find”). In addition to
honey, bees are important because they
cause other crops to grow by pollination:
“Bees, via pollination, are responsible for 15
to 30 percent of the food U.S. consumers eat”
(Roach).

13. SAMPLE SYNTHESIZED TEXT
John Roach, in an article from National
Geographic News, reports that a decrease in
wild bee populations could even cause “many
fruits and vegetables {to} disappear from the
food supply.” Therefore, bees and
beekeeping are important because without
them, there could be a drastic decrease in the
availability of foods, including honey and
other products.

14. SAMPLE SYNTHESIZED TEXT
Aside from food production, bees and
beekeeping, through the use of beeswax,
have also been a source of other goods
production. For example, in ancient years,
beeswax was used for metal molds and to
create “writing slates” (“A Sweet
Find”). Modern uses of beeswax range
greatly, from cosmetic products like lipstick to
waterproofing compounds (Heinrich).

15. SAMPLE SYNTHESIZED TEXT
These examples show how beeswax can help
to generate a variety of other goods, causing
a positive impact on society. In conclusion,
bees and beekeeping have been irreplaceable
providers of food sources and creators of
other desired goods and will most likely
continue to be important for society in the
future.

16. SAMPLE SYNTHESIZED TEXT
• “A Sweet Find.” 10 Oct. 2007. Achieve 3000.
Web. 12 Nov. 2012.
• Heinrich, Bernd. "Bee." World Book
Advanced. World Book, 2012. Web. 12 Nov.
2012.
• Roach, John. “Bee Decline May Spell End of
Some Fruits, Vegetables.” National
Geographic News. 5 Oct. 2004. Web. 12.
Nov. 2012.

17. EXERCISE
SYNTHESIS EXERCISE.docx