This document provides an overview of what a synthesis is and how to write one. It defines a synthesis as a written discussion that draws on two or more sources to infer relationships among them. To write a synthesis, one must first summarize the sources, make critical judgments of them, and reach conclusions based on the quality and validity of the sources and whether their conclusions agree or disagree. The purpose and how sources are used depends on the topic. Syntheses can be found in analysis papers, research papers, argument papers, and other writing assignments. The document discusses the differences between explanatory and argument syntheses and provides guidelines for students to design their own synthesis assignment.