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10 effective strategies for writing a successful synthesis essay that will impress your readers.

How to write a synthesis essay

In the realm of written expression, the fusion of ideas from various sources has long been regarded as one of the most intellectually stimulating endeavors. Being able to synthesize information from disparate fields of knowledge not only demonstrates a profound understanding of the subject matter, but also enables the author to introduce novel insights and perspectives. A synthesis essay, as its name suggests, requires a writer to assimilate and integrate ideas, arguments, and evidence from multiple sources into a cohesive and compelling piece of writing. This type of essay invites writers to harness their analytical skills and creative thinking abilities to produce a work that advances a unique and persuasive viewpoint.

Central to the craft of writing a synthesis essay is the utilization of synthesis techniques, which allow the author to achieve the desired integration of ideas. By employing these techniques, such as comparison and contrast, analysis and evaluation, and critique and synthesis, the writer can effectively merge ideas from different sources in a clear and coherent manner. Through the skillful application of these techniques, the writer can establish connections, draw parallels, and highlight the interrelationships of ideas, thereby creating a nuanced and sophisticated argument.

Examples serve as valuable tools in illustrating the principles and techniques of crafting a successful synthesis essay. For instance, consider a synthesis essay on the topic of climate change. In this essay, the writer integrates scientific research papers, political speeches, and personal testimony to create a comprehensive and persuasive argument for the urgent need for global action on climate change. By skillfully weaving together these diverse sources, the writer is able to present a multi-dimensional perspective on the issue while maintaining a clear and compelling narrative.

How to Write a Synthesis Essay: Step-by-Step Guide

In the process of crafting a synthesis essay, you will be tasked with combining information from multiple sources to create a cohesive and well-supported argument. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, providing helpful tips and examples along the way.

Step 1: Understand the Assignment

Before diving into the writing process, it is crucial to fully comprehend the assignment. Read through the prompt carefully, identifying the main question or topic, as well as any specific sources or guidelines provided. This will help you determine the scope and direction of your essay.

Step 2: Conduct Research

Once you have a solid grasp of the assignment, it’s time to gather information from various sources. This can include articles, books, interviews, or even online resources. Make sure to select sources that are reputable, current, and relevant to your topic. Take detailed notes as you read, highlighting key ideas and evidence.

Step 3: Develop a Thesis Statement

Based on your research, develop a clear and concise thesis statement that encapsulates your argument. This statement should present your position on the topic and preview the main points you will explore in your essay. Keep in mind that a strong thesis statement will guide the entire writing process.

Step 4: Create an Outline

Organize your thoughts and ideas by creating an outline for your essay. This will serve as a roadmap for your writing, ensuring that each point flows logically and effectively supports your thesis. Divide your essay into sections and subsections, assigning each one a specific focus.

Step 5: Write the Introduction

Begin your essay with a captivating introduction that grabs the reader’s attention. Provide some background information on the topic and present your thesis statement. Be sure to include a hook that entices the reader to continue reading.

Step 6: Craft the Body Paragraphs

The body of your essay should consist of several paragraphs, each dedicated to a specific point or subtopic. Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea, then support it with evidence from your sources. Be sure to cite your sources properly to give credit to the original authors.

Step 7: Write the Conclusion

Wrap up your essay with a strong conclusion that reinforces your thesis statement and summarizes your main points. Avoid introducing new information in this section, and instead focus on leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

Step 8: Revise and Edit

Once you have completed a draft of your essay, take the time to revise and edit it. Check for clarity, coherence, and overall effectiveness of your arguments. Also, review your grammar, spelling, and punctuation to ensure your essay is error-free.

Step 9: Proofread and Polish

Before submitting your final essay, proofread it one last time to catch any lingering errors. Pay attention to spelling, grammar, and punctuation mistakes. Additionally, ensure that your formatting and citations are consistent throughout the essay.

Step 10: Seek Feedback

Finally, seek feedback from others, such as peers, teachers, or writing tutors. Their fresh perspective can help you identify any areas that need improvement and provide valuable suggestions for strengthening your essay.

By following this step-by-step guide, you will be well-equipped to write a successful synthesis essay that effectively combines multiple sources and supports your argument. Remember to take your time, conduct thorough research, and carefully craft each section of your essay to achieve the best possible result.

Understanding the Purpose of a Synthesis Essay

Exploring the Rationale Behind Composing a Synthesis Paper

A synthesis essay is a unique form of academic writing that requires students to combine information from multiple sources to support a thesis statement. In this type of essay, the writer needs to analyze various perspectives and synthesize them into a coherent argument. The purpose of a synthesis essay is to demonstrate a deep understanding of a topic by presenting a well-structured and balanced synthesis of different viewpoints or approaches.

When writing a synthesis essay, it is essential to understand the purpose behind this type of assignment. The primary goal is not merely to summarize the information from the sources but to present an original perspective that emerges from the synthesis of these sources. By carefully analyzing and evaluating the information from various sources, students can develop a unique understanding of the topic and present their own insights.

Moreover, a synthesis essay allows students to demonstrate critical thinking and analytical skills. It requires them to evaluate the credibility and relevance of the sources used and to consider how different ideas and perspectives relate to one another. By carefully selecting and integrating information from diverse sources, students can create a cohesive argument that goes beyond a mere summary of the sources.

Another important purpose of a synthesis essay is to foster effective communication and persuasive writing skills. Through the synthesis process, students learn how to effectively convey their ideas and support them with evidence from the sources. They need to consider the audience and tailor their argument to appeal to the readers. By organizing their thoughts and ideas in a logical and coherent manner, students can make a persuasive case for their thesis statement.

In summary, the purpose of a synthesis essay is to demonstrate a deep understanding of a topic by synthesizing information from multiple sources into a cohesive argument. It requires students to analyze and evaluate various viewpoints and to develop their own unique perspective. Additionally, a synthesis essay cultivates critical thinking skills and effective communication abilities. By mastering the art of synthesis writing, students can become more proficient in academic research and persuasive writing, making their essays more compelling and insightful.

Choosing a Relevant Topic for Your Synthesis Essay

Choosing a Relevant Topic for Your Synthesis Essay

When embarking on a journey of writing a synthesis essay, one of the most crucial steps is selecting a pertinent topic that encompasses the essence of your discussion. This stage requires careful consideration and evaluation in order to ensure that you have a solid foundation on which to build your argument.

To begin, it is essential to understand that a relevant topic should address the central theme or question that you are exploring in your synthesis essay. It should encapsulate the diverse perspectives and ideas that you aim to synthesize in your composition. By choosing a topic that is pertinent to your thesis statement, you can create a cohesive and persuasive argument.

When selecting a topic, it is important to choose something that is not only interesting to you but also holds relevance to the current context. Consider the current societal issues, scientific advancements, or technological developments that are shaping the world around us. By delving into a topic that is timely and impactful, you can engage your readers and make your synthesis essay more compelling.

Furthermore, it is crucial to choose a topic that allows for a variety of sources and perspectives to be integrated into your essay. Look for subjects that have a wealth of research materials available from reputable sources such as academic journals, books, and established experts in the field. This will provide you with a diverse range of perspectives to consider and synthesize in your argument.

In conclusion, choosing a relevant topic for your synthesis essay is a critical step in the writing process. By selecting a topic that aligns with your thesis statement, holds relevance in the current context, and allows for a variety of perspectives to be included, you can create a well-rounded and persuasive synthesis essay that effectively conveys your argument.

Gathering and Evaluating Sources for Your Essay

When embarking on writing a synthesis essay, it is crucial to gather and evaluate reliable sources to support your arguments effectively. A successful essay depends on the quality and relevance of the sources you include. This section will provide you with some valuable tips on how to gather and evaluate sources for your essay.

1. Determine the scope of your essay: Before you start collecting sources, it is important to have a clear understanding of the scope and topic of your essay. This will help you narrow down your search and choose sources that are most relevant to your argument.

2. Use a variety of sources: In order to provide a well-rounded view on the topic, it is recommended to include a mix of primary and secondary sources. Primary sources can include original research studies, interviews, or firsthand accounts, while secondary sources can be scholarly articles, books, or reputable websites that analyze and interpret the primary sources.

3. Evaluate the credibility of the sources: It is essential to evaluate the credibility and reliability of the sources you find. Consider the author’s credentials, the reputation of the publication or website, and whether the information has been peer-reviewed or fact-checked. Avoid relying heavily on sources that lack authority or have a bias.

4. Check for currency: Ensure that the sources you choose are up to date and reflect the most current research and information on the topic. This is particularly important if you are writing about a rapidly evolving field or a current issue.

5. Take notes and keep track of your sources: As you gather your sources, it is crucial to take detailed notes and keep track of the bibliographic information. This will make it easier to properly credit your sources and create an accurate bibliography later on.

6. Consider diverse perspectives: While it can be tempting to rely on sources that align with your own views, it is important to consider diverse perspectives. Including sources with differing opinions can strengthen your argument and demonstrate that you have considered multiple viewpoints.

By following these tips and gathering a range of reliable sources, you will be well-equipped to write a compelling synthesis essay that is backed by solid evidence and argumentation.

Developing a Thesis Statement for Your Synthesis Essay

In the process of writing a synthesis essay, one of the most crucial steps is developing a strong thesis statement. A thesis statement sets the tone and direction for your essay, guiding the reader on what to expect and how the different sources you will be synthesizing contribute to your overall argument.

When developing a thesis statement for your synthesis essay, it is important to consider the main idea you want to convey and the point you want to make. Your thesis statement should be clear, concise, and specific, providing a roadmap for your essay and outlining the main arguments you will be making.

One approach to developing a thesis statement is to carefully analyze the sources you will be synthesizing and identify common themes or patterns. Look for similarities and differences among the sources and identify the main ideas that emerge. Your thesis statement can then highlight these main ideas and showcase how they intersect and contribute to your overall argument.

Another approach to developing a thesis statement is to consider the main arguments or perspectives presented in the sources and craft a statement that expresses your position on the topic. Your thesis statement can be a synthesis of these different perspectives, presenting a nuanced and balanced argument that incorporates multiple viewpoints.

Remember, a strong thesis statement is essential for a successful synthesis essay. It provides a clear roadmap for your essay and allows your reader to understand the main arguments you will be making. Take the time to carefully craft your thesis statement, ensuring it is specific, concise, and reflective of the main ideas you will be exploring in your essay.

Structuring Your Synthesis Essay for Effective Organization

Creating a well-structured synthesis essay is crucial for effective organization and a clear presentation of your ideas. A strong structure allows your readers to easily follow your argument and understand the connections between different sources and viewpoints. In this section, we will explore some key strategies for structuring your synthesis essay to ensure a cohesive and persuasive piece of writing.

1. Introduction: Start your essay with a compelling introduction that grabs your reader’s attention and clearly presents the topic you will be discussing. Provide some background information on the issue, highlight its significance, and state your thesis statement, which will guide your argument throughout the essay.

2. Body paragraphs: Divide your essay into several body paragraphs, each addressing a specific aspect of your topic. Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea or argument you will be discussing. Support your points with evidence from your sources, making sure to cite them properly. Use transitions between paragraphs and within sentences to create a smooth flow of ideas and to establish connections between different viewpoints.

3. Analysis and synthesis: While presenting the ideas from your sources, make sure to analyze and evaluate them critically. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each source, identify any biases or limitations, and consider how they contribute to your overall argument. Aim to synthesize the information from your sources, combining different perspectives to support your own viewpoint.

4. Counterarguments: Address and refute counterarguments to strengthen your argument and demonstrate a thorough understanding of the topic. Anticipate possible objections and provide evidence or reasoning to counter them. Acknowledging opposing viewpoints but explaining why they are flawed further strengthens your own argument and credibility.

5. Conclusion: Wrap up your essay with a strong conclusion that summarizes your main points and restates your thesis in a clear and compelling manner. Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion, but instead, emphasize the significance of your argument and its implications.

By structuring your synthesis essay in an organized and logical manner, you can ensure that your ideas are presented cohesively and persuasively. Remember to revise and edit your essay for clarity, coherence, and grammar, and proofread it carefully before submission. With a well-structured essay, you can effectively convey your argument and convince your readers of your viewpoint.

Writing and Revising Your Synthesis Essay

Crafting and fine-tuning your synthesis essay is an essential step in the writing process. Once you have conducted comprehensive research and gathered a plethora of sources, it’s time to consolidate your findings and present them in a cohesive and persuasive manner.

When it comes to writing your synthesis essay, it is crucial to lay a solid foundation. Begin by organizing your thoughts and ideas into an outline, creating a clear and logical structure for your essay. This framework will serve as a roadmap, guiding you through the writing process and ensuring that your arguments flow smoothly.

Once your outline is complete, you can begin the actual writing process. Start with a strong introduction that captures the reader’s attention and clearly states your thesis statement. From there, proceed to develop your ideas in a series of well-crafted paragraphs, each with its own topic sentence and supporting evidence.

As you write, remember to maintain a formal and academic tone, using appropriate language and avoiding slang or colloquialisms. Your synthesis essay should demonstrate your understanding of the topic and your ability to effectively analyze and synthesize information from a variety of sources.

Once you have completed your initial draft, it is essential to revise and edit your synthesis essay to ensure its clarity and coherence. Begin by reviewing the overall structure and organization of your essay. Check that your paragraphs flow smoothly and logically, and ensure that your thesis statement is well-supported by the evidence presented.

Next, focus on the content of your essay. Review each paragraph to ensure that it contributes to the overall argument and that the evidence presented is relevant and persuasive. Consider whether there are any gaps in your analysis or any areas that could benefit from further development.

In addition to content, pay attention to the style and mechanics of your writing. Check for grammatical and spelling errors, and ensure that your sentences are clear, concise, and varied. Consider the use of appropriate transitions to guide your reader through your essay and help them follow your line of reasoning.

Lastly, take the time to proofread your essay carefully. Read it aloud, or have someone else read it to you, to catch any errors or areas that could be strengthened. Remember, the revision process is an opportunity to refine and improve your essay, so take the time to make necessary changes and ensure that your synthesis is well-crafted and compelling.

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Synthesis Essay Topics

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Are you assigned to examine any idea on the basis of multiple sources, but don’t know what synthesis essay topics to choose? If yes, don’t go any further! We've taken this challenge head-on, curating an expansive list of riveting topics for synthesis essays across diverse domains. Whether your interest lies in technology, education, art, or beyond, this blog post is your ticket to a compelling synthesis essay. 

We've sifted through the mundane to offer synthesis ideas that will inspire you. But remember, choosing the perfect topic is just the beginning. When it's time to transform your thoughts into a coherent essay, our team is here to help you. Get matched with the best essay writer online who will take care of your writing task.

What Are Synthesis Essay Topics?

Topics for a synthesis essay draw from two or more sources and combine them to make a unique argument. For example, you might be asked to analyze multiple published works to prove that one author used ideas from another. You could also use sources such as primary documents, speeches, and research papers to craft an argument about a particular event in time. 

In these terms, synthesis essay ideas are very much similar to argumentative essay topics . It’s just that you must include more than one resource to make your argument stronger.

A synthesis essay topic not only demands an understanding of several perspectives. Your task here is to synthesize, or blend together these differing views to create a well-rounded point. You should engage deeply with material to recognize biases, and to appreciate the complexity of different viewpoints.

How to Choose a Synthesis Essay Topic?

When you’re trying to pick the right synthesis essay topic, look for one that reflects your own passion. Make sure you can access enough material to analyze various perspectives. Here are more tips for choosing an ideal synthesis essay topic:

  • Follow your interests Always start with what piques your curiosity. The more interested you are in a topic, the more motivated you will be during the writing process. And trust us, your enthusiasm will shine through in your essay!
  • Seek complexity Good topics for a synthesis essay should be complex and open to interpretation. It’s important to select topics that involve multiple views, and can accommodate a variety of opinions.
  • Identify the context When exploring synthesis essay ideas, it is imperative to understand the context in which they are being discussed. Researching both sides of the argument can help you better identify the underlying ideas.
  • Narrow the scope down It is important to narrow down your synthesis essay topic to make it more digestible. You don’t have to cover every single aspect of a broad subject – two or three points should be enough.
  • Be original Last but not least, make sure to choose a unique topic. Your professor might have heard of the same argument before, so try to pick something distinct.

Top List of Synthesis Essay Topics

Are you looking for the most popular synthesis essay topics? Your research should start here! Below, we've selected top synthesis essay prompts and ideas in different fields.

  • Impact of mindfulness on productivity.
  • Role of AI in personalizing education.
  • Veganism and global food security.
  • Influence of pop culture on fashion trends.
  • Cybersecurity in the age of the Internet of Things.
  • Dark tourism and its ethical implications.
  • Intersectionality in feminist movements.
  • Disruptive effects of pandemics on economies.
  • Space privatization and international law.
  • Rise of cryptocurrency and financial systems.
  • Artificial meat and its potential impact.
  • Social media as a catalyst for political change.
  • Machine learning and future job markets.
  • Climate change and migration patterns.
  • Urbanization and wildlife conservation.

Good Synthesis Essay Topics

Good topics for synthesis papers are those that can be argued in a logical manner and facilitate a thorough examination. A great topic allows you to interweave ideas, concepts, and narratives. Discover your perfect match from our handpicked selection of synthesis essay topic ideas:

  • Future of remote work post-pandemic.
  • Impact of electric vehicles on the oil industry.
  • Influences shaping modern architectural design.
  • Role of influencers in digital marketing.
  • Fast fashion's contribution to environmental degradation.
  • Genetically modified crops and food safety.
  • Holistic wellness vs traditional medicine.
  • Use of drones in agriculture.
  • eSports rise as a mainstream entertainment.
  • Impact of homeschooling on social skills.
  • Virtual reality in healthcare training.
  • Cashless society and financial inclusion.
  • Influence of language on cultural identity.
  • Social implications of gene editing technologies.
  • Psychedelics for mental health treatments.

Easy Synthesis Essay Topics

If you’re looking for synthesis essay topics that don’t require too much research, then you’ve come to the right place. Here are some simple synthesis topics:

  • Music's influence on workout intensity.
  • Reality TV's impact on societal values.
  • Online dating and changing relationship norms.
  • Print media vs digital media consumption.
  • Plastic bans and alternatives for sustainability.
  • Video games' role in cognitive development.
  • Social media's impact on body image.
  • Role of pets in reducing stress.
  • Laughter as a form of therapy.
  • Online shopping and consumer behavior.
  • Yoga's benefits for mental health.
  • Caffeine's role in boosting performance.
  • Green spaces and urban well-being.
  • Home cooking vs processed food consumption.
  • Use of technology in managing time.

Interesting Synthesis Essay Topics

Are you looking for some interesting topics to write a synthesis essay on? Don’t search any further. Get inspired by these engaging synthesis essay topics:

  • Hyperloop technology and future travel.
  • Autonomous vehicles and city infrastructure.
  • Impact of microtransactions in gaming.
  • Podcasts transforming traditional storytelling.
  • Use of Augmented Reality in advertising.
  • Quantum computing and data security.
  • Role of meme culture in online communication.
  • Minimalism lifestyle combating consumerism.
  • Role of bioluminescence in deep-sea exploration.
  • Significance of street art in urban culture.
  • Use of CRISPR technology in disease prevention.
  • Exploring potential of renewable energy storage.
  • Role of meditation in stress management.
  • Understanding sleep and its effects on health.
  • Plant-based diets and their ecological significance.

Fun Synthesis Essay Topics

It is important to remember that a synthesis essay should still be informative and argumentative. However, it can also be fun at the same time! Here are some of the most enjoyable synthesis essay prompt ideas:

  • Animated films' impact on child psychology.
  • Role of superheroes in shaping ethics.
  • Food trucks driving culinary innovation.
  • Comedy's role in stress relief.
  • Board games vs video games for family bonding.
  • Influence of astrology on decision-making.
  • Impact of stand-up comedy on social discourse.
  • Selfie culture and self-expression.
  • Role of festivals in cultural preservation.
  • Celebrity endorsements and consumer choice.
  • Adventure tourism boosting local economies.
  • Role of magic tricks in cognitive development.
  • Online streaming platforms reshaping entertainment.
  • Role of comic strips in early reading.
  • Virtual reality and the future of gaming.

Best Synthesis Essay Topics

The world of synthesis paper topics is vast and varied. You can write about anything from the evolving culture of music festivals to the history of gender roles in film. Below we have compiled some of our favorite synthesis essay topics for you:

  • Digital nomad lifestyle revolutionizing work.
  • Microplastics and human health risks.
  • Role of apps in habit formation.
  • Evolution of language in digital age.
  • Zero waste movement and consumerism.
  • Color psychology in marketing and branding.
  • Effect of solitude on creativity.
  • Wearable tech and healthcare advancements.
  • Blue light exposure and sleep health.
  • Tiny houses and sustainable living.
  • Influence of TikTok on youth culture.
  • Benefits of intergenerational friendships.
  • Impacts of personal finance education.
  • Meal prep culture and health impacts.
  • Role of urban farming in food security.

Informative Synthesis Essay Topics

Synthesis assignments can be informative pieces that provide readers with an understanding of a particular topic. Start exploring the following synthesis essay topics for your next assignment:

  • Advancements in healthcare through robotics.
  • Climate change and polar ice meltdown.
  • Conservation possibilities with eco-tourism.
  • Balancing benefits and risks of desalination plants.
  • Music's influence on brain functionality.
  • GMO foods debate.
  • Cryptocurrency in the evolving global economy.
  • Nanotechnology's breakthroughs in medicine.
  • High-speed rail transforming travel experiences.
  • Telemedicine and the democratization of healthcare access.
  • Biodiversity's significance in ecosystems.
  • 3D printing revolutionizing the manufacturing industry.
  • Digital marketing trends that shape businesses.
  • Autonomous drones reshaping delivery services.
  • Artificial intelligence in advanced data analysis.

>> Read more: Informative Writing Topics

Synthesis Essay Ideas for Students

If you’re a student, then it’s likely that you’ll be asked to write about synthesis topics at some point in your academic career. Our comprehensive list of synthesis topics for essays is categorically organized by academic level to guide you effortlessly through your selection process. Whether you're a high school student or pursuing higher education, we offer a wealth of synthesis project ideas and topics across diverse fields of interest.

Synthesis Essay Topics for High School Students 

High school is the perfect time to explore and be creative with synthesis essay topics. Scroll down to find some good prompts for your high school paper:

  • Dystopian literature reflecting societal fears.
  • Body positivity in modern media.
  • Social media shaping teen behavior.
  • Fast food culture and lifestyle changes.
  • Space exploration and human potential.
  • Reality TV's sway over perception.
  • Online learning in the post-pandemic world.
  • Mythology influences popular culture.
  • Graphic novels' role in literature.
  • Digital art revolutionizes creative expression.
  • Influences shaping modern music trends.
  • Smartphone addiction and its consequences.
  • Privacy issues in a digital era.
  • Rise in youth activism worldwide.
  • Artificial intelligence transforming everyday life.

College synthesis essay topics should offer more depth ans challenge critical thinking skills. They enable you to showcase your ability to navigate complex ideas, analyze various sources, and synthesize a compelling argument. We gathered some good ideas fitting a college level:

  • Ethical debates around genetic engineering.
  • Cryptocurrencies disrupting traditional finance.
  • Mental health discourse in social media.
  • Fusion energy as a sustainable power source.
  • Cybersecurity in an interconnected world.
  • Machine learning's transformative capabilities.
  • Influencer marketing and consumer decisions.
  • Multiculturalism reshaping global societies.
  • Pros and cons of universal basic income.
  • Ecofeminism and its significance today.
  • Data privacy in the age of big data.
  • E-sports rise in mainstream culture.
  • Telecommuting reshaping work culture.
  • Biohacking and human enhancement debates.
  • Virtual reality in education and training.

Synthesis Essay Topics by Subject

Below, we’ve divided up synthesis essay topics into different categories. While they are all related to academics, each section offers unique perspectives that you can use for your paper.

Synthesis Essay Topics on Technology

Topics for a synthesis essay on technology bring forward the latest advancements, ethical debates, and potential implications of rapidly evolving tech realms. Tech topics offer a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of technology with various aspects of life.

  • Ethics in facial recognition technologies.
  • Blockchain beyond cryptocurrencies.
  • Tech start-up culture and innovation.
  • Augmented reality in everyday life.
  • Deepfakes and information integrity.
  • Machine learning in weather forecasting.
  • Internet of Things in smart cities.
  • Neural networks transforming AI.
  • Tech advancements in renewable energy.
  • Gamification in education and training.
  • Biometric technology and personal security.
  • Quantum computing's potential and challenges.
  • Big data analytics in healthcare.
  • Cyber warfare and national security.
  • Virtual reality in mental health therapy.

>> View more: Political Topics to Write About

Topics for Synthesis Essays on Political Systems

Politics are closely intertwined with society, economics, and history. Ideas for synthesis essays in this domain cover topics such as democracy, communism, anarchism, and socialism.

  • Democracy versus authoritarianism.
  • Political impacts of social media.
  • Welfare states and economic growth.
  • Globalization and national sovereignty.
  • Populism in 21st-century politics.
  • Electoral reforms for fair representation.
  • Role of lobbying in policy making.
  • Politicization of climate change.
  • Political ideologies and income inequality.
  • Rise of right-wing politics.
  • Influence of nationalism on global peace.
  • Gender representation in politics.
  • Direct democracy: feasibility and implications.
  • Impact of political instability on economies.
  • Secularism and religious freedom in politics.

Global Economy Synthesis Essay Topics

The global economy is an ever-evolving and interconnected system of diverse markets. Synthesis essay topics in economics should explore current economic issues, their causes, and potential solutions.

  • Globalization and local economies.
  • Role of BRICS in the global economy.
  • Impacts of Brexit on European economy.
  • China's Belt and Road Initiative.
  • Future of work in the digital age.
  • Trade wars and their economic implications.
  • Carbon credits and global warming.
  • Income inequality in a global context.
  • E-commerce and traditional marketplaces.
  • Global recession and recovery strategies.
  • Cryptocurrencies and financial systems.
  • Economic impact of climate change.
  • Automation and the future job market.
  • Impact of COVID-19 on the global economy.
  • Fair trade practices and global poverty.

Synthesis Essay Topics on Education

Education is one of the most important aspects of student life. Education topics for synthesis essays can focus on how the educational system should be reformed or what changes need to be made.

  • Online learning and traditional classrooms.
  • Homeschooling versus public education.
  • Gamification in learning environments.
  • Mental health awareness in schools.
  • Impact of standardized testing.
  • Lifelong learning and career development.
  • Role of AI in personalized learning.
  • Education policies and social inequality.
  • Inclusion of ethnic studies in curricula.
  • Emotional intelligence in education.
  • MOOCs and access to higher education.
  • Value of liberal arts education.
  • School uniforms and student identity.
  • Role of arts in cognitive development.
  • Teacher's role in the digital age.

Literature Synthesis Essay Topics

Literature topic ideas for a synthesis essay focus on analyzing various literary works and evaluating their relevance to society. They help you understand how different literary components interact to create an effect.

  • Magical realism in Latin American literature.
  • Gothic elements in modern fiction.
  • Feminist themes in classic literature.
  • Postcolonial narrative in African literature.
  • Shakespeare's influence on modern drama.
  • Role of dystopia in YA literature.
  • Symbolism in American transcendentalist poetry.
  • Stream of consciousness in modernist literature.
  • Mythical allusions in fantasy literature.
  • Existential themes in absurdist literature.
  • Tragedy and comedy in ancient Greek plays.
  • Hero's journey in epic literature.
  • Haiku's influence on modern poetry.
  • Literary devices in detective fiction.
  • Postmodernism in contemporary literature.

Synthesis Essay Topics on Art

Art is a mirror of society as it reflects its values, beliefs, and ideologies. Synthesis paper ideas on art offer an excellent opportunity to reflect on works of art, their role in culture, and the purpose they serve.

  • Surrealism in modern digital art.
  • Graffiti: Street art or vandalism?
  • Renaissance influence on contemporary painting.
  • Art Nouveau and its aesthetic principles.
  • Role of photography in documenting history.
  • Cubism and its impact on modern design.
  • Body art as a form of self-expression.
  • Architecture's evolution through history.
  • Impressionism's influence on cinematography.
  • Minimalism in graphic design.
  • Pop art and consumer culture.
  • Role of music in cultural exchange.
  • Feminist messages in performance art.
  • Art therapy and mental health.
  • Animation as a form of storytelling.

Topics for Synthesis Essays on Religion

Religion has been a major influence on societies and cultures for centuries. Synthesis essay topics about religion explore the role of faith in society, evaluate its impact on individuals, and analyze religious beliefs and practices.

  • Religious pluralism in multicultural societies.
  • Secularism versus religious state governance.
  • Buddhism's influence on Western psychology.
  • Role of religion in conflict resolution.
  • New age spirituality and traditional faiths.
  • Religion and its role in identity formation.
  • Islam's influence on Middle Eastern architecture.
  • Religious symbolism in literary works.
  • Atheism in the 21st century.
  • Christian themes in popular music.
  • Religious tolerance and interfaith dialogue.
  • Indigenous religions and environmental stewardship.
  • Women's roles in different faith traditions.
  • Religion in science fiction literature.
  • Hindu philosophy's impact on yoga culture.

Synthesis Essay Topics on Social Media

Synthesis essay topics on social media offer an exciting opportunity to analyze the impact of digital platforms on our interactions, behaviors, and societal norms. These topics prompt a deep dive into how social media has transformed communication, commerce, and even politics. Here are some awesome synthesis essay questions for your consideration:

  • Rise of ephemeral content : Snapchat and beyond.
  • E-commerce trends on Instagram.
  • Digital activism and social justice.
  • Social media's role in digital art promotion.
  • Facebook's effect on personal relationships.
  • The boom of live streaming on platforms like Twitch.
  • Hashtags and online social movements.
  • Political campaigning on Twitter.
  • Self-branding on LinkedIn: A necessity or choice?
  • The shift towards audio: Clubhouse and Twitter Spaces.
  • Social media's role in shaping news.
  • Social media's effect on productivity.
  • TikTok and the short video revolution.
  • Reddit and the culture of niche communities.
  • Augmented reality features.

Society Synthesis Essay Topics

Synthesis essay prompts on society allow you to dive into the intricacies of social norms, cultural dynamics, and human behavior. These topics offer a gateway to evaluate societal issues, behaviors, and trends. Explore these outstanding topics to get a broader perspective on societal matters:

  • Urbanization and its consequences.
  • Aging population: Implications and challenges.
  • Consumerism and its influence on society.
  • Cultural assimilation versus cultural preservation.
  • Gender dynamics in the workplace.
  • Migration patterns and cultural exchange.
  • Rural life versus urban living.
  • LGBTQ+ rights and societal acceptance.
  • Youth culture and pop culture influence.
  • The influence of celebrities on societal norms.
  • Body positivity movement and societal standards.
  • Intersectionality in modern feminist movements.
  • Ethical consumption and societal trends.
  • Role of sports in societal bonding.
  • The digital divide: A societal challenge.

>> View more: Social Science Topics

Synthesis Essay Topics on Culture

Culture influences how we interact with one another and the world around us. When working in this field, you can explore how different aspects of culture interact to shape our lives, beliefs, values, and attitudes. Consider these synthesis essay topic ideas related to culture:

  • Globalization and its impact on local cultures.
  • Role of food in cultural identity.
  • Cultural representation in mainstream cinema.
  • Anime's influence beyond Japan.
  • Hip-hop as a cultural movement.
  • Cultural appropriation versus cultural exchange.
  • Tourism and its effect on indigenous cultures.
  • Cultural heritage preservation and challenges.
  • Fashion trends inspired by cultural elements.
  • Role of language in cultural preservation.
  • Cultural symbolism in architecture.
  • The rise of global pop culture.
  • Subcultures and countercultures: A societal analysis.
  • The influence of Hispanic culture on American society.
  • Cultural dimensions of body art and tattoos.

Synthesis Essay Topics on Ethics and Morality

Synthesis essay ideas  on ethics and morality challenge you to explore philosophical dilemmas, societal values, and the human conscience. Take a glance at these ideas if you need to synthesize information in your  essay on ethics :

  • Utilitarianism in contemporary decision-making.
  • Veganism as an ethical lifestyle choice.
  • Ethical implications of genetic engineering.
  • Business ethics in the digital age.
  • Morality in AI: Future challenges.
  • The ethics of capital punishment.
  • Physician-assisted suicide: A moral dilemma.
  • Animal rights and ethical treatment.
  • Ethics of privacy in the digital world.
  • Morality in children's literature.
  • Ethical issues in cosmetic surgery.
  • The moral implications of censorship.
  • Ethics of organ trafficking and transplantation.
  • The morality of war and conflict.
  • Ethical considerations in psychological research.

Synthesis Essay Topic Ideas on Criminal Justice

Criminal justice has been at the heart of societal debates in recent years. Start your investigative journey with these debatable and controversial topics for synthesis essay:

  • Community policing and crime prevention.
  • Juvenile justice system: Reformation needs.
  • Influence of media on public perception of crime.
  • Mental health issues in the criminal justice system.
  • The role of forensics in crime-solving.
  • Rehabilitation versus punishment: Which is more effective?
  • Cybercrime and its rising threat.
  • Immigration laws and criminal justice.
  • Racial bias in the criminal justice system.
  • Crime rates and socioeconomic status correlation.
  • The ethics of solitary confinement.
  • The death penalty: A deterrent or a violation?
  • Restorative justice : An alternative approach.
  • Human trafficking: Laws and prevention.
  • The evolution of criminal profiling.

>> More ideas: Criminal Justice Essay Topics

Immigration Topics for a Synthesis Essay

Immigration topics for a synthesis essay can be multifaceted and complex. You can explore the history of immigration, its economic benefits and drawbacks, or the societal impact of this movement on individuals and communities.

  • Asylum policies and human rights issues.
  • Economic implications of immigrant labor.
  • Immigration's role in cultural diversity.
  • The dreamers: DACA and its future.
  • Immigration policies in post-Brexit UK.
  • The border wall debate: USA and Mexico.
  • Impact of immigration on urban development.
  • Immigration and its influence on global cuisine.
  • Integration challenges faced by immigrants.
  • Refugees and international responsibility.
  • The brain drain phenomenon: Causes and consequences.
  • Immigration and public health concerns.
  • Anti-immigration sentiments and nationalism.
  • The effect of climate change on immigration patterns.
  • Immigration laws: A comparative study.

Synthesis Essay Topics on Healthcare

The healthcare sector has grown exponentially in recent years, bringing with it new ethical and moral dilemmas. Healthcare topics for synthesis essays might explore the role of medical science and technology in providing better care and quality of life to patients.

  • Rise of personalized medicine.
  • Vaccination policies: A global perspective.
  • Nutrition trends and public health outcomes.
  • Role of artificial intelligence in healthcare.
  • Mental health stigma in different societies.
  • Health implications of sleep deprivation.
  • The surge of holistic health practices.
  • Ethical issues in gene editing technologies.
  • Healthcare disparities in rural vs urban areas.
  • The rising challenge of antibiotic resistance.
  • Yoga and mindfulness: Implications for healthcare.
  • Climate change and disease spread.
  • Biomedical engineering for healthcare solutions.
  • The evolution of surgery: From invasive to minimally invasive techniques.
  • The debate around universal healthcare.

>> View more: Health Topics to Research

Mental Health Synthesis Essay Topics

Mental health is a crucial element of overall wellbeing. This being said, synthesis paper ideas explore how our society can address issues related to mental health. From understanding the causes of stress and burnout to evaluating the effectiveness of interventions, these topics will help you develop an argumentative essay that sheds light on mental health.

  • Efficacy of online therapy platforms.
  • The influence of childhood trauma on adult mental health.
  • Workplace policies for mental health support.
  • Role of art therapy in mental health treatment.
  • Impact of social isolation on mental health.
  • Decriminalization of suicide attempts.
  • Mental health representation in mainstream media.
  • The intersectionality of mental health, race, and gender.
  • Mindfulness practices and their impact on anxiety.
  • The rise of eating disorders among adolescents.
  • Stigmatization of mental health in schools.
  • The role of school counselors in early detection of mental health issues.
  • Ethical considerations in psychiatric medication.
  • Mental health first aid: Necessity and implementation.
  • PTSD in military personnel: Addressing the silent battle.

>> Learn more: Mental Health Research Topics

Synthesis Essay Topics on Global Warming

Global warming is a pressing issue that provides many ideas to be synthesized. Choose one of these synthesis topics to write a paper that provides facts, evidence, and analysis of global warming issues.

  • Climate change refugees: A growing concern.
  • Global warming and its influence on ocean currents.
  • Carbon footprint: Individual responsibility vs corporate accountability.
  • Deforestation and its role in global warming.
  • Technological solutions for reversing global warming.
  • Impact of global warming on agriculture and food security.
  • Renewable energy in combating global warming.
  • Polar ice melting: Consequences and solutions.
  • International cooperation in addressing global warming.
  • The relationship between urbanization and global warming.
  • Greenhouse gases: Identifying the biggest culprits.
  • Global warming and the increase in extreme weather events.
  • The role of lifestyle changes in reducing global warming.
  • Economic implications of global warming.
  • Education as a tool for global warming awareness and action.

Synthesis Essay Topics on the American Dream

The American Dream is an idea that has been present in the United States since its formation. Synthesis essay topics on this concept explore how people strive for freedom, success, and personal fulfillment despite socio-economic and racial inequalities.

  • The American Dream in literature: A reflection of societal values.
  • Race and the American Dream: An in-depth analysis.
  • The American Dream and income inequality.
  • The role of immigration in shaping the American Dream.
  • Women and the American Dream: A historical perspective.
  • The American Dream in the digital age.
  • Relevance of the American Dream to millennials.
  • The impact of the 2008 financial crisis on the American Dream.
  • The American Dream: A global perspective.
  • How the American Dream influences U.S. foreign policy.
  • Sustainability and the American Dream.
  • The American Dream and its effect on the education system.
  • Influence of the American Dream on popular culture.
  • The evolution of the American Dream throughout the 20th century.
  • The pursuit of the American Dream: Inspiration or pressure?

Synthesis Essay Topics on Drug Abuse

The misuse and abuse of drugs have serious consequences, both for individuals and society. Consider these synthesis essay topic ideas on drug abuse:

  • Role of peer pressure in initiating drug use.
  • Prescription drug abuse: A hidden crisis.
  • Drug abuse education in schools: Success and shortcomings.
  • The correlation between mental health issues and drug abuse.
  • Rehabilitation vs. punishment for drug abusers.
  • Effectiveness of public health campaigns against drug abuse.
  • The role of socioeconomic factors in drug abuse.
  • Opioid crisis: Causes and implications.
  • Influence of media portrayal on drug abuse.
  • Drugs and violence: An intricate relationship.
  • Decriminalization of drugs: Pros and cons.
  • Role of family in preventing and treating drug abuse.
  • Substance abuse among healthcare professionals.
  • The impact of drug abuse on the economy.
  • Strategies for early detection and intervention of drug abuse.

Food and Nutrition Synthesis Essay Topics

Food and nutrition have always been major topics of interest in academic research, since the way we eat affects our health. Here , you could study the role of diet in human wellbeing and how it can be improved to promote a healthier lifestyle.

  • Genetically modified foods: Boon or bane?
  • The impact of fast food culture on public health.
  • Food labeling: Understanding what we eat.
  • Vegetarianism and veganism: Health and environmental implications.
  • Nutrition disparities in low-income communities.
  • The rise of organic farming: A healthier choice?
  • Understanding eating disorders: Anorexia and bulimia.
  • Diet and mental health: An unexplored connection.
  • The role of government in regulating food quality.
  • The cultural impact on dietary habits.
  • The Keto diet: Hype or a real solution?
  • Food allergies: Understanding the increase.
  • The sugar debate: Its impact on health.
  • Nutritional needs across the lifespan.
  • The role of diet in disease prevention.

Sports Synthesis Essay Topics

Sports have always been a vital part of our culture. Synthesis paper topics on sports explore how different aspects of society are affected by sporting activities.

  • Gender equality in sports: Progress and roadblocks.
  • The societal impact of the Olympics.
  • Role of sports in promoting physical and mental health.
  • Steroid use in sports: Ethical implications.
  • The influence of sports celebrities on youth.
  • Economic implications of major sports events.
  • Role of sports in fostering international relations.
  • How sports can play a role in education.
  • Racial discrimination in professional sports.
  • The psychology of sports: The impact on athletes.
  • Commercialization in sports: Pros and cons.
  • Sports and media: A powerful partnership.
  • Role of sports in promoting social inclusion.
  • Effect of emerging technology on sports.
  • Youth sports programs in communities.

If you ever need more topics on other disciplines, refer to our blog for some great ideas. From persuasive essays topics to evaluation essay topics , we have a full assortment of suggestions fitting any assignment.

Bottom Line on Synthesis Topic Ideas

Synthesis essays are a great way to explore various topics related to culture, society, and ethics. From exploring ethical business practices to understanding the implications of digital technology on contemporary life, these synthesis essay topic ideas provide plenty of food for thought! Pick any of these ideas to get started on your task.

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Last updated on: Dec 30, 2023

Top Synthesis Essay Topics & Ideas for Students

By: Nathan D.

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Published on: Apr 13, 2021

Synthesis Essay Topics

A  synthesis essay  is a piece of academic writing in which an essay writer synthesizes the information in the existing sources and creates new knowledge.

However, for a good synthesis essay, you need a great essay topic. Some students think that finding a good topic takes a lot of time and effort. Though, if you have an excellent list of essay topics, you can simply pick the one you find interesting.

Continue reading this blog, and get a complete list of good synthesis essay topics.

Synthesis Essay Topics

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How to Choose the Best Synthesis Essay Topics?

The high school and college students always get stuck with the synthesis essay topic selection phase. Choosing an interesting topic for your essay can be difficult, but it's not impossible if you follow some expert tips.

Here are some tips to help you select the best topics for a synthesis essay in no time.

  • The topic should be of your audience’s interest.
  • Pick a topic that is debatable and can be easily explored from different perspectives.
  • The topic should be unique and fresh that have not been studied excessively.
  • It should be negotiable, and the readers take more interest in these types of essays.
  • Research on the topic as much as possible and then select it for your essay.

Synthesis Essay Topics 2022

An interesting synthesis essay topic not only makes your writing phase easy but it grabs the reader’s attention. For your help, we have compiled some synthesis essay ideas that you will use to impress the audience.

  • How do modern workplaces affect the behavior of minority workers?
  • How the use of fossil fuels impacts global warming?
  • What effects does poverty have on the health of children?
  • Should social media be better controlled, and how?
  • How to get rid of the world of nuclear weapons?
  • How listening to music while working helps you concentrate on work?
  • How does YouTube affect the shopping habits of youth?
  • Transformation of filmmaking in the 20th century.
  • Never forgets who you are and what is essential for you.
  • Are students taught skills they will need to succeed in life?

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Argumentative Synthesis Essay Topics

In an argumentative synthesis essay, you will combine information from multiple sources about the topic. Therefore, you will argue your own position on that topic.

However, finding the right argumentative essay topic sounds like a challenging and difficult task. But, don't panic. Below are some interesting topics that you can use for your synthesis paper.

  • Do we need to legalize marijuana in America?
  • How can we best fight against the obesity epidemic?
  • People should have full control over their future.
  • The positive impact of smaller class size on academic performance.
  • Should we blame teachers if students show low results in testing?
  • What should countries do to address the problem of illegal immigration?
  • How does the poverty of a child's parents affect their education?
  • What are the pros and cons of making friends virtually?
  • Are diets as effective as they are told?
  • How have video games impacted family life?

Explanatory Synthesis Essay Topics

In an explanatory synthesis essay, you don’t need to write your personal opinion but explain the topic with strong information. Its main purpose is to help the reader to get a complete understanding of the subject.

Here are some best explanatory synthesis essay topics for your ease.

  • What sports are best for those hoping to lose weight?
  • The effects of social networking sites on people's life.
  • Impact of technology on social lives.
  • What does the learner expect most in school?
  • What are the effects of health or nutrition education on children?
  • How can modern technologies benefit students and their education?
  • Which parts of the Constitution would you like to change and why?
  • What were the key causes of the American Civil War?
  • How is social media a threat to people’s privacy?
  • The connection between physical and mental health.

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Informative Synthesis Essay Topics

An informative synthesis essay is different from an explanatory and argumentative synthesis essay. In this essay, an essay writer combines multiple sources to explain a particular topic or subject. Therefore, state your research purposes only with clarity.

We have collected some great topics for your help that you can use for your essay.

  • Lawyers have the toughest job in the world.
  • What is the significance of multicultural structuring in enterprises?
  • How can gun control minimize mass shootings?
  • How are minority workers treated in the workplace?
  • What measures should be taken to stop cyberbullying?
  • The effects of technology on the entertainment industry.
  • What effect does global warming have on farming?
  • The impact of American art on modern European music.
  • Time has more value than money.
  • Does plea bargaining in the US justice system work?

AP Lang Synthesis Essay Topics

AP Lang synthesis essay is an essential part of the AP Lang exam. It is a type of essay that requires proper research and writing.

Some students get confused when choosing the topic for their AP Lang synthesis essay and end up selecting the bad topic. Always remember that a good topic is key to a successful essay.

Check these topics and pick the best one for your essay.

  • Will the problem of Global Warming be solved?
  • How should we prevent future mass shootings?
  • Modern technology and the building of smart cities.
  • Finding the balance between privacy and online connectivity.
  • Why did community service serve as an effective solution?
  • Disadvantages of lowering the drinking age from 21 to 16.
  • How do racial prejudices affect annual college admissions?
  • Have cell phones made our lives better or worse?
  • Why is city traffic increasing every year?
  • Does Instagram promote stereotyping?

Now, writing a synthesis essay is not difficult if you have a great essay topic. Pick the best topic from the topics mentioned above and start writing your essay.

However, if you need professional essay writing help, consult  5StarEssays.com . We are the best essay writing service that will help you write term papers, thesis statements, and other academic assignments.

You only have to request to  write my essay  and leave all your writing stress on our writers. They have experience in writing all types of writing assignments.

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300 Best Synthesis Essay Topics

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It’s pretty much impossible to write a great synthesis essay without a good topic. And let’s face it, we’re not Ethan Hunt to pull off some crazy stunts to get it done. So, it’s better to keep it realistic and rely on a thoughtful topic to stand out the best in this academic activity.

Speaking of which, are you having trouble coming up with a thoughtful topic for your synthesis essay? Don’t worry, this blog post has tons of ideas for you to check out. Let’s get to know them all!

Table of Contents

The Ultimate Lists of Unique Synthesis Essay Topics

Synthesis essay topics related to finance.

  • Impact of Cryptocurrencies on Traditional Banking Systems.
  • The Role of Financial Education in Wealth Accumulation.
  • Ethical Considerations in Investment Banking.
  • Government Regulations Effect on Stock Market Stability.
  • Behavioral Economics: Understanding Investor Decision-Making.
  • The Rise of Fintech: Disrupting Traditional Financial Services.
  • Corporate Social Responsibility in Financial Institutions.
  • Globalization’s Influence on Financial Markets.
  • Income Inequality and its Economic Implications.
  • The Pros and Cons of High-Frequency Trading.
  • Balancing Profit and Environmental Impact.
  • The Psychology of Consumer Spending and Debt.
  • Bridging the Knowledge Gap with Financial Literacy Programs.
  • Credit Card Debt and Its Long-Term Consequences.
  • The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Financial Decision-Making.
  • Striking a Balance Between Revenue and Business Growth.
  • The Economics of Healthcare: Insurance, Costs, and Access.
  • Challenges and Solutions in Student Loans.
  • The Role of Central Banks in Economic Stability.
  • Risks and Rewards of Investing in Emerging Markets.

Topics for a Synthesis Essay Related to History

  • Impact of Ancient Civilizations on Modern Societies.
  • The Influence of Enlightenment Ideas on Democratic Revolutions.
  • Comparative Analysis of Ancient Greek and Roman Political Systems.
  • The Role of Religion in Shaping Historical Events.
  • Transforming Economies and Societies in the Industrial Revolution.
  • Effects of Colonialism on Indigenous Cultures and Societies.
  • The Renaissance. 
  • Women’s Suffrage Movements – A Global Perspective.
  • Ideological Struggles and Global Consequences of The Cold War
  • The Impact of World War I on Political and Economic Landscapes.
  • Progress and Challenges of Civil Rights Movements.
  • The Age of Exploration – Europe’s Expansion and its Consequences.
  • Causes of The Fall of Ancient Empires. 
  • Pioneers and Paradigm Shifts During the Scientific Revolution.
  • Revolutionary Movements in Latin America. 
  • Social, Economic, and Cultural Transformations During the Black Death. 
  • Cold War Competition and Technological Advancements. 
  • The Causes, Responses, and Long-term Effects of the Great Depression. 
  • Impact of World War II on Global Political Alliances and Borders.
  • Resistance, Change, and Reconciliation of Apartheid in South Africa. 

Good Synthesis Essay Topics Related to Food

  • The Evolution of Fast-Food Culture and Its Impact on Society and Health.
  • Farm-to-Table Movement – Sustainability and Locavore Practices.
  • The Cons of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).
  • Exploring Cultures Through Food Experiences during Culinary Tourism.
  • Food Labeling and Consumer Awareness.
  • The Influence of Social Media on Food Trends and Eating Habits.
  • Traditional Cuisine vs. Globalization: Preserving Culinary Heritage.
  • The Health Impacts of Veganism: Benefits and Challenges.
  • Food Waste: Causes, Consequences, and Sustainable Solutions.
  • The Cultural Significance of Street Food Around the World.
  • Causes, Prevention, and Policy Initiatives of Obesity Epidemic.
  • The Role of Food in Celebrations and Rituals Across Cultures
  • Food Allergies and Intolerances. 
  • Health Benefits of The Mediterranean Diet.
  • Impact of Climate Change on Food Security and Agriculture.
  • The Rise of Plant-Based Meat Alternatives. 
  • Traditional Cooking Techniques vs. Modern Culinary Innovations.
  • Food Safety Regulations – Ensuring Public Health in a Globalized World.
  • The Psychology of Food Cravings and Emotional Eating.
  • Culinary Arts and Creativity Influences on Gastronomic Experiences.

Easy Synthesis Essay Topics Related to Technology

  • Transforming Industries and Workforce with Artificial Intelligence
  • Cybersecurity Threats in the Digital Age. 
  • The Impact of 5G Technology on Communication and Connectivity.
  • Big Data Analytics – Revolutionizing Business Decision-Making.
  • Ethical Implications of Biotechnology Advancements.
  • Internet of Things (IoT) – Connecting Devices and Transforming Lives
  • Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality. 
  • Blockchain Technology – Disrupting Traditional Industries.
  • Robotics and Automation. 
  • Privacy in the Digital Era Balancing Convenience and Security.
  • Quantum Computing – Unlocking the Potential of Unprecedented Computing Power.
  • The Role of Technology in Healthcare. 
  • Digital Transformation in Education – Online Learning and Virtual Classrooms.
  • The Impact of Social Media on Society and Relationships.
  • Smart Cities – Enhancing Urban Living Through Technology.
  • E-commerce and Online Retail. 
  • The Future of Work – Remote Collaboration and Gig Economy.
  • Advancements in Identity Verification and Security.
  • Environmental Sustainability in Technology. 
  • Human-Computer Interaction – User Experience Design and Accessibility.

Informative Synthesis Essay Topics

  • Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture, Health, and Economies.
  • Advancements in Renewable Energy. Solar, Wind, and Hydroelectric Power.
  • Rise of Populism – Global Political Landscape and Implications.
  • Social Media Influence on Political Opinions and Activism.
  • Mental Health Stigma – Cultural Variations and Attitude Shifts.
  • Historical Context and Modern Consequences of Digital Revolution.
  • Space Exploration – Past Achievements and Future Frontiers.
  • Global Water Crisis, Scarcity, Pollution, and Sustainable Solutions.
  • The Impact of COVID-19 on Healthcare Systems and Public Health Policies.
  • Biodiversity Conservation – Importance, Threats, and Conservation Strategies.
  • Impact of Video Games on Cognitive Skills and Social Behavior.
  • Mass Migration – Causes, Challenges, and Social Integration.
  • Online Education – Accessibility, Effectiveness, and Future Trends.
  • Rise of Extremism: Factors, Ideologies, and Counterterrorism Efforts.
  • Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Employment and Job Markets.
  • The Role of Women in Sustainable Development and Gender Equality.
  • Technological Solutions to Urban Traffic Congestion and Pollution.
  • Impact of Social Isolation on Mental and Physical Health.
  • Challenges and Opportunities in Rural Healthcare Access.
  • Global Economic Inequality – Causes, Consequences, and Policy Responses.
  • The Role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Global Development.
  • Impact of Ocean Pollution on Marine Ecosystems and Human Health.
  • Cultural Globalization – Homogenization, Hybridization, and Resistance.
  • The Influence of Art and Literature on Social Change and Cultural Values.
  • Genetic Engineering – Ethics, Applications, and Controversies.
  • The Role of International Organizations in Conflict Resolution.
  • Internet Privacy – Legislation, Surveillance, and User Awareness.
  • Impact of Social Determinants on Health Disparities.
  • Technological Solutions for Sustainable Waste Management.
  • The Role of Education in Social Mobility and Economic Development.

Synthesis Essay Topics Related to Art & Literature

  • Impact of Art Movements on Modern Creative Expression.
  • The Influence of Literature on Social and Political Change.
  • Feminism in Art: Empowerment, Representation, and Challenges.
  • Surrealism in Art and Literature: Exploring Dreams and Reality.
  • Literary Symbolism – Hidden Meanings Across Cultures and Ages.
  • Renaissance Art and Humanism – Rediscovery of Classical Ideals.
  • Dystopian Literature – Reflections of Societal Fears and Hopes.
  • Cubism in Art – Deconstruction and Reconstruction of Reality.
  • Postcolonial Literature – Voices from Marginalized Communities.
  • Romanticism in Art and Poetry – Emotion, Nature, and Imagination.
  • The Beat Generation – Rebellion, Freedom, and Literary Innovation.
  • Gothic Art and Literature. 
  • Modernism in Art and Literature. 
  • Magical Realism – Blurring the Lines Between Reality and Fantasy.
  • Impressionism in Art – Capturing Light, Color, and Momentary Impressions.
  • Absurdist Literature and Theater – Nihilism and Existentialism.
  • Native American Art and Literature. 
  • Satire in Art and Literature. 
  • Graphic Novels – Merging Visual Arts and Narrative Storytelling.
  • Neoclassicism in Art – Revival of Classical Ideals and Forms.
  • Science Fiction Literature – Exploring Future Societies and Technologies.
  • Baroque Art – Drama, Emotion, and Ornate Beauty.
  • The Poetry of War. 
  • Rebellion, Activism, and Urban Creativity in The Street Art.
  • Existentialism in Literature – Human Freedom and Individual Responsibility.
  • Photorealism in Art – Replicating Reality in Astonishing Detail.
  • Literature of the Harlem Renaissance – African American Cultural Revival.
  • Minimalism in Art and Literature.
  • Environmental Art and Eco-Literature. 

Politics Synthesis Essay Topics

  • The Impact of Political Polarization on Democratic Institutions.
  • Globalization and Nationalism – Conflicting Forces in International Politics.
  • Human Rights in the Age of Terrorism.
  • The Role of Social Media in Political Movements and Public Opinion.
  • Populist Leaders and Democratic Erosion.
  • Foreign Aid and Development.
  • The Influence of Political Lobbying on Policy-Making and Legislation.
  • International Cooperation and National Interests.
  • Understanding the US Electoral Systems.
  • Nationalism and Ethnic Conflict.
  • Crisis Diplomacy.
  • The Role of Supranational Organizations (EU, UN) in Modern Diplomacy.
  • Media Influence on Elections.
  • Civil Liberties vs. National Security.
  • The Refugee Crisis.
  • Gender Equality in Politics.
  • Disinformation Campaigns.
  • Political Movements and Social Change.
  • The Impact of Economic Inequality on Political Participation and Policy Decisions.
  • Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution. 
  • Nuclear Proliferation – International Agreements and Security Dilemmas.
  • Soft Power in International Relations: Cultural Diplomacy and Influence Strategies”

As you know a thoughtful topic is a must for a great synthesis essay as it guides your piece into the realm of success. This blog post was all about providing you with some excellent topics for your synthesis essay. Also, it’s not absolutely necessary that you use these topics but you can make use of the ideas and come up with your own subject for an impressive and unique synthesis essay.

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How to Write a Synthesis Essay

How to Write a Synthesis Essay

4-minute read

  • 31st May 2023

Are you writing a synthesis essay? This is a paper that combines information from a variety of sources to form a new idea. Essentially, you’re synthesizing existing concepts and arguments to create something original.

As a student, you’ll probably have to write a synthesis essay at some point. Read on for our step-by-step guide on how to write one effectively.

Step 1. Define Your Idea or Argument

If you haven’t done so already, decide on a topic to write about. Read up about it using a variety of credible sources and make detailed notes while you research. Make sure you keep track of the sources you decide to pull information from so that you can cite them properly later.

Make a list of key points from your research. Once you have a good selection of material to work with, start developing your own idea or argument. This will be the focus of your essay.

Step 2. Create an Outline

Synthesis essays generally follow this format: an introduction, a handful of main body paragraphs, and a conclusion. It’s a good idea to come up with an essay plan before you start writing so that you can keep things organized while you work.

The outline is mainly helpful for deciding what to include in your body paragraphs. Decide what supporting points (and counterarguments ) from your research you want to include, and which order you want to discuss them in. You should have enough information to flesh out one paragraph for each point.

Step 3. Write Your Introduction

In your introduction, you should open with something that hooks the reader and captures their attention. Then, state your argument or idea (i.e., your thesis statement) and briefly summarize the material you’ll be including in your essay. You should also include any relevant background information here.

Step 4. Write the Body Paragraphs

Using your outline, discuss each point from your source material in more depth, devoting a body paragraph to each. Explain the information from the outside source, including appropriate citations, and discuss how it connects with your idea.

It’s a good idea to mostly focus on points that support your argument, but you should also include a paragraph with a counterargument or two. This means discussing a perspective that doesn’t necessarily align with your idea, and then explaining why your argument still works.

Step 5. Tie It All Together With a Conclusion

The conclusion should leave the reader feeling convinced of your idea. Restate your point clearly and summarize the main points you’ve discussed. You could also offer any concluding reflections on the topic.

Different Types of Synthesis Essays

While you can follow our steps for any type of synthesis essay, yours will probably fall under one of two categories: explanatory or argumentative.

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Argumentative essays are as they sound – they present an argument. With an argumentative essay, you’ll take a more definitive stance on something and use your supporting material to persuade the reader.

Explanatory essays don’t necessarily take a side one way or the other. Rather, they focus on developing and explaining a concept thoroughly. Knowing which type of essay you’re writing will help you to gather more effective source material for your purpose.

Cite Your Sources

Since synthesis essays are particularly dependent on outside material, it’s especially important that you cite your sources correctly. Familiarize yourself with your referencing system before you start researching so you know what information you need to keep track of, and include appropriate citations whenever you use someone else’s work.

At the end of the essay, you’ll need to compile your sources into a reference list following the requirements of your style guide.

Summary: Writing a Synthesis Essay

Hopefully, this post has helped you to feel more confident in writing a synthesis essay. Choose a topic first, do your research, keep track of your sources, and develop an argument or idea. From there, you can organize your thoughts into an outline and get to writing!

Once you’ve created a first draft, make sure you send it our way! We’ll check it for errors in grammar, spelling, referencing, and more. Try it out for free today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a synthesis essay.

A synthesis essay gathers ideas and viewpoints from several different sources and ties them together to form a new concept.

How long is a synthesis essay?

Synthesis essays usually follow the five-paragraph format, with an introduction, three main body paragraphs discussing different points, and a conclusion.

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Synthesis Essays: A Step-by-Step How-To Guide

A synthesis essay is generally a short essay which brings two or more sources (or perspectives) into conversation with each other.

The word “synthesis” confuses every student a little bit. Fortunately, this step-by-step how-to guide will see you through to success!

Here’s a step-by-step how-to guide, with examples, that will help you write yours.

Before drafting your essay:

After reading the sources and before writing your essay, ask yourself these questions:

  • What is the debate or issue that concerns all of the writers? In other words, what is the question they are trying to answer?
  • On what points do they agree?
  • On what points do they disagree?
  • If they were having a verbal discussion, how would writer number one respond to the arguments of writer number two?

In a way, writing a synthesis essay is similar to composing a summary. But a synthesis essay requires you to read more than one source and to identify the way the writers’ ideas and points of view are related.

Sometimes several sources will reach the same conclusion even though each source approaches the subject from a different point of view.

Other times, sources will discuss the same aspects of the problem/issue/debate but will reach different conclusions.

And sometimes, sources will simply repeat ideas you have read in other sources; however, this is unlikely in a high school or AP situation.

To better organize your thoughts about what you’ve read, do this:

  • Identify each writer’s thesis/claim/main idea
  • List the writers supporting ideas (think topic sentences or substantiating ideas)
  • List the types of support used by the writers that seem important. For example, if the writer uses a lot of statistics to support a claim, note this. If a writer uses historical facts, note this.

There’s one more thing to do before writing: You need to articulate for yourself the relationships and connections among these ideas.

Sometimes the relationships are easy to find. For example, after reading several articles about censorship in newspapers, you may notice that most of the writers refer to or in some way use the First Amendment to help support their arguments and help persuade readers. In this case, you would want to describe the different ways the writers use the First Amendment in their arguments. To do this, ask yourself, “How does this writer exploit the value of the First Amendment/use the First Amendment to help persuade or manipulate the readers into thinking that she is right?

Sometimes articulating the relationships between ideas is not as easy. If you have trouble articulating clear relationships among the shared ideas you have noted, ask yourself these questions:

  • Do the ideas of one writer support the ideas of another? If so, how?
  • Do the writers who reach the same conclusion use the same ideas in their writing? If not, is there a different persuasive value to the ideas used by one writer than by the other?
  • Do the writers who disagree discuss similar points or did they approach the subject from a completely different angle and therefore use different points and different kinds of evidence to support their arguments?
  • Review your list of ideas. Are any of the ideas you have listed actually the same idea, just written in different words?

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Home — Blog — Topic Ideas — 85 Synthesis Essay Topics for College Students

85 Synthesis Essay Topics for College Students

synthesis essay topics

Synthesis essays are a key component of AP Language and Composition courses, providing students with an opportunity to delve into various sources, combine ideas, and present a cohesive argument. These essays require students to evaluate information, identify relationships between different sources, and construct a well-supported thesis. This article will provide an in-depth exploration of synthesis essay topics, including examples and tips for selecting good synthesis essay topics, and cover how to write an AP Lang synthesis essay. By the end, you'll be equipped with a wide array of synthesis topics and understand how to approach your next essay with confidence.

Understanding Synthesis Essays

Before diving into topics, it’s crucial to understand what a synthesis essay entails. A synthesis essay involves combining information from multiple sources to support a central argument or thesis. This type of essay requires you to:

  • Analyze various sources: Evaluate the credibility and relevance of each source.
  • Identify common themes: Look for overarching themes or ideas that connect the sources.
  • Formulate a thesis: Develop a clear and concise thesis statement that reflects your synthesized understanding.
  • Support your argument: Use evidence from the sources to back up your thesis, while also considering counterarguments.

Tips for Choosing a Good Synthesis Essay Topic

Selecting a good synthesis essay topic is essential for a successful essay. Here are some tips to help you choose a topic:

  • Interest and Relevance: Choose a topic that interests you and is relevant to your course or current events.
  • Availability of Sources: Ensure there are enough credible sources available on the topic.
  • Debatability: Select a topic with multiple perspectives to facilitate a well-rounded argument.
  • Scope: Avoid topics that are too broad or too narrow. Aim for a balanced scope that allows for thorough exploration without overwhelming you with information.

75 Good Synthesis Essay Topics

Here are some synthesis essay topics across various subjects:

Social Issues

  • The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health: Analyze how social media platforms influence mental well-being.
  • Abolishment of Capital Punishment
  • Income Inequality and Its Effects on Society: Discuss the causes and consequences of income inequality.
  • The Role of Education in Reducing Poverty: Explore how education can be a tool for poverty alleviation.
  • The Influence of Pop Culture on Youth Identity: Examine how pop culture shapes the identities of young people.
  • The Effectiveness of Gun Control Laws: Debate the effectiveness of existing gun control measures in reducing violence.
  • The Relation of Black Lives Matter to "Nineteen Eighty-four" by George Orwell
  • The Impact of Refugees on The Countries in Which They Settle
  • How Political Correctness is an Attack on The 1st Amendment
  • Discussion on Whether America Should Repeal The 2nd Amendment

Arts & Culture

  • The Reasons Graffiti Should Be Legalized
  • Is It Possible to Make a Neutral Question
  • Influence of British Colonialism on Indian Culture in The 19th Century
  • Creativity is not enough in the Modern World
  • Analysis of The Evolution of Vampires Approaching The Twenty-first Century

Environmental Issues

  • Climate Change and Its Global Impact: Assess the various ways climate change affects the planet.
  • Sustainable Agriculture Practices: Investigate the benefits and challenges of sustainable farming.
  • The Role of Renewable Energy in Reducing Carbon Footprint: Discuss the potential of renewable energy sources in combating climate change.
  • Deforestation and Its Consequences: Analyze the causes and effects of deforestation on ecosystems.
  • Daylight Saving Time: Benefits, Drawbacks, and Controversies
  • The Impact of Plastic Pollution on Marine Life: Examine how plastic waste affects ocean ecosystems.
  • The Evolution of Wind Farms
  • The Unintended Consequences of The Plastic Straw Ban
  • Earthquake and Its Devastating Effects
  • Global Warming: Impact of Melting Snow
  • Discussion on Whether It is Right to Treat Water as a Commodity

Technology and Innovation

  • The Future of Artificial Intelligence: Explore the potential benefits and risks of AI advancements.
  • The Ethical Implications of Genetic Engineering: Debate the ethical considerations surrounding genetic modification.
  • The Role of Technology in Education : Assess how technology is transforming the educational landscape.
  • Cybersecurity Threats in the Digital Age: Analyze the evolving nature of cybersecurity threats and how to mitigate them.
  • The Impact of Automation on Employment: Discuss how automation and robotics are changing the job market.
  • The Impact of Technology on Communication
  • The Negative Effects of Smartphones on an Individual's Cognitive Abilities
  • Smartphones as Huge Educational Tools
  • The Importance of Honor Codes in Higher Education
  • STEM Education: Benefits, Challenges, Strategies, and Future
  • Why Free College Tuition is Rather a Financial Burden, not a Breakthrough
  • The Possibilities of Offering Fine Arts in Rural Schools
  • The Need for Repeating Policy in Educational Institutions
  • The Importance of Sex Education in Schools
  • The Impact of College Tuition Payment on Graduation Rates
  • Online Vs Traditional Classes: is One More Effective than The Other
  • Evaluation of The Advantages and Disadvantages of Fiber Optic Transmission
  • Discussion on Whether College Should Be Tuition-free

Health and Medicine

  • The Opioid Crisis in America: Examine the causes and potential solutions to the opioid epidemic.
  • Vaccination and Public Health: Debate the importance of vaccination in preventing disease outbreaks.
  • The Benefits and Risks of Medical Marijuana: Analyze the medical uses and potential downsides of marijuana legalization.
  • The Issue of Legalization of Cannabis in Canada
  • Approving Drugs as a Solution to the War on Drugs
  • Mental Health Stigma in Society: Discuss the impact of stigma on mental health treatment and support.
  • The Future of Telemedicine: Explore the potential of telemedicine in improving healthcare access.
  • The Debate Over Free Healthcare and Universal Healthcare in America
  • The Effectiveness of Narrative Medicine in Health Care Practice
  • The Effect of Mental Illnesses on Art Throughout Different Time Periods
  • Effects of Stress on The Body: How It Affects Physical and Psychological Health
  • Analysis of Marijuana's Benefits and Dangers from Medical and Social Points
  • The Ever-Evolving American Dream
  • The Pros and Cons of Eminent Domain
  • The Relationship Between Economic Growth and Income Inequality
  • The Political Consequences of Rising Economic Inequality
  • Negative Impact of Coal Mining on The Environment

Politics and Governance

  • The Effectiveness of Democracy in the Modern World: Assess the strengths and weaknesses of democratic systems.
  • The Role of International Organizations in Global Governance: Analyze the influence of organizations like the UN and WHO.
  • The Impact of Political Polarization on Governance: Discuss how political divides affect governmental effectiveness.
  • Discussion on Whether Governments Should Subsidize The Arts
  • The Influence of Lobbying on Legislation: Examine the impact of lobbying on the legislative process.
  • Immigration Policies and Their Socioeconomic Effects: Debate the benefits and drawbacks of various immigration policies.
  • Analysis of The Causes of The ISIS Epidemic Spreading Across The Globe

Law, Crime & Punishment

  • Is Domestic Violence a Widespread Problem
  • The Second Amendment – Support Or Abolish
  • The Link Between The Cruelty of Animals and Humans
  • Racial Discrimination in The US Criminal Justice
  • Positive Psychology and Restorative Justice to Reduce Recidivism in Youth Offenders
  • How The Criminalization of Prostitution Impacts Essential Human Rights
  • Drug Policy in America: The Issue of Marijuana Legalization

AP Lang Synthesis Essay Example

To better understand how to write a synthesis essay, let’s look at an example prompt and outline the approach.

Example Prompt:

"Evaluate the impact of social media on interpersonal relationships. Use at least three sources to support your argument."

Step-by-Step Approach:

  • Analyze the Prompt: Understand the key elements of the prompt. Here, the focus is on the impact of social media on relationships.
  • Gather Sources: Collect at least three credible sources that discuss social media and interpersonal relationships.
  • Identify Common Themes: Look for recurring themes in the sources, such as communication patterns, emotional effects, and social dynamics.
  • Formulate a Thesis: Develop a thesis statement that reflects your synthesized understanding. For example: "While social media can enhance communication, it often leads to superficial interactions and decreased face-to-face engagement, ultimately affecting the quality of interpersonal relationships."
  • Create an Outline.

Argumentative Synthesis Essay Topics

Argumentative synthesis essays require you to take a stance on an issue and support it with evidence from multiple sources. Here are some topics to consider:

  • Should College Education be Free for All?
  • Is the Death Penalty an Effective Deterrent to Crime?
  • Should Governments Regulate Social Media Platforms?
  • Is Universal Basic Income a Viable Solution to Poverty?
  • Should Animal Testing be Banned in Scientific Research?
  • Is Climate Change Primarily Driven by Human Activity?
  • Should Healthcare be Considered a Human Right?
  • Is Censorship Justifiable in the Age of Information?
  • Should Voting be Mandatory in Democratic Societies?
  • Are GMO Foods Safe for Human Consumption?

Final Thoughts

Crafting a synthesis essay involves not only selecting a compelling topic but also synthesizing information from various sources to support a coherent argument. By understanding the components of a synthesis essay and exploring the wide array of synthesis essay topics provided, you can develop a strong foundation for your next essay. Whether you’re tackling social issues, environmental concerns, technological advancements, health matters, or political debates, the key is to stay organized, critically evaluate your sources, and present a balanced argument.

By leveraging these topic ideas provided, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of synthesis essays and achieving academic success.

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Synthesis Essay Topics

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Best Synthesis Essay Topics and Prompt Ideas

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13+ Winning Synthesis Essay Examples For Your Inspiration

When it comes to writing essays that blend different ideas, like synthesis essays, picking the right topic can be tricky. 

Many students struggle to find topics that are just right—interesting, but also fitting for their schoolwork.

In this blog, we're tackling this challenge. We're going to explore synthesis essay topics and help you solve the puzzle of picking the best one. 

Let's get started!

Arrow Down

  • 1. Good Synthesis Essay Topics
  • 2. Synthesis Essay Topics For Students
  • 3. Good Argumentative Synthesis Essay Topics
  • 4. Explanatory Synthesis Essay Topics
  • 5. Informative Synthesis Essay Topics
  • 6. Research Synthesis Essay Topics
  • 7. AP Language Synthesis Essay Topics
  • 8. Funny Synthesis Essay Topics
  • 9. Sports Synthesis Essay Topics
  • 10. Persuasive Synthesis Essay Topics
  • 11. Social Media Synthesis Essay Topics
  • 12. Synthesis Essay Prompts
  • 13. How to Choose a Synthesis Essay Topic?
  • 14. Synthesis Essay Writing Tips

Good Synthesis Essay Topics

A synthesis essay involves students gathering information from various sources to create a distinct viewpoint on a specific topic in academic writing.

A strong synthesis essay topic is relevant to your course, embraces diverse sources, and encourages critical analysis. Here are some common synthesis essay topics:

  • The Impact of Technology on Human Connection
  • Exploring How Deforestation Contributes to Global Warming
  • Environmental Sustainability and Its Influence on Consumer Behavior
  • The Role of Social Media in Shaping Public Opinion
  • Analyzing the Relationship Between Air Pollution and Human Health
  • Balancing Privacy and Technological Advancements in the Digital Age
  • The Intersection of Nature vs. Nurture in Human Development
  • The Influence of Media Representation on Social Perceptions
  • Optimizing Business Productivity in the Digital Age: Strategies, Technologies,
  • and Impact on Organizational Success
  • Examining the Effects of Sports on Cultural Dynamics

Synthesis Essay Topics For Students

For students starting with synthesis essays, there are lots of interesting topics to explore. 

Whether you're in middle school, high school, or college, these topics are meant to help you think critically and write thoughtfully.

Here are some synthesis essay ideas for students:

Synthesis Essay Topics For Middle School

  • The Impact of Hobbies on Personal Growth
  • The Role of Friendship in Adolescent Years
  • The Influence of Technology on Homework Habits
  • Exploring Nature vs. Nurture in Teenage Identity
  • The Impact of Extracurricular Activities on Academic Performance
  • Benefits and Drawbacks of Social Media for Middle School Students
  • The Role of Family in Middle School Development
  • The Influence of Popular Culture on Middle School Behavior
  • The Effects of Video Games on Middle Schoolers' Cognitive Skills
  • The Connection Between Physical Activity and Academic Success in Middle School

Synthesis Essay Topics For High School

  • Social Media and Teenage Mental Health
  • The Role of Literature in Shaping Worldviews
  • The Effects of Part-Time Jobs on Academic Performance
  • Examining the Role of Gender Stereotypes in Teen Relationships
  • The Significance of Cultural Diversity in High School Education
  • The Impact of Advanced Placement (AP) Courses on College Readiness
  • The Influence of Peer Pressure on High School Decision-Making
  • Analyzing the Link Between Music Preferences and High School Social Groups
  • The Role of High School Clubs in Personal Development
  • Exploring the Impact of Teenage Employment on High School Students

Synthesis Essay Topics For College Students

  • The Influence of Social Media on Career Choices
  • The Impact of College Education on Economic Mobility
  • Balancing Academic and Social Life in College
  • The Role of Technology in Modern Learning Environments
  • The Connection Between Mental Health and Academic Performance in College
  • The Effects of Internships on Career Development for College Students
  • Analyzing the Impact of Diversity Programs in Higher Education
  • The Role of Student Organizations in College Networking
  • The Influence of Cultural Exchanges on College Perspectives
  • Examining the Relationship Between College Majors and Job Satisfaction

Easy Synthesis Essay Topics

  • Social media and its influence on the young generation
  • How is global warming affecting mother earth?
  • Why do video games teach violence to kids?
  • How did World War II affect Germany?
  • Patriarchy vs matriarchy; what are the pros and cons of each
  • How has technology made this world a global village?
  • What effect does class size have on the student’s academic performance?
  • What are the current social issues that need to be highlighted?
  • Higher education should be free
  • How does poverty affect a child’s health?
  • Ethical consideration of testing new drugs on animals
  • How illiteracy is damaging our society?
  • Why should we buy essays from a legitimate essay writing service?
  • Why do students cheat on exams?
  • Advancement in technology in the last 5 years

Good Argumentative Synthesis Essay Topics

  • TV commercials should be considered as an art
  • Reading a book is way better than listening to an audiobook
  • It is better to rehabilitate the criminals than to punish them
  • People should have full control over their future
  • Is it right to legalize prostitution or should it be illegal?
  • Why are poor people more likely to end up in a lockup than rich people?
  • Illegal immigration limits the employment opportunities for the legal residents of the country
  • Does complaint culture hinder personal happiness?
  • Is considering business sustainability a must before making a purchase?
  • How has social media reshaped student life?

Explanatory Synthesis Essay Topics

  • How to stop the body-shaming culture?
  • How to rationalize the mind of a religious fanatic?
  • How violent video games lead to real-life violence
  • Boys vs girls: who is more powerful?
  • Why are most of the students reluctant to read coursebooks?
  • Black and white vs colored TV
  • Why is smoking becoming so common in teenagers?
  • The effects of social networking sites on people's life
  • How has artificial intelligence reduced work opportunities for people?
  • How social media is a threat to people’s privacy

Informative Synthesis Essay Topics

  • The benefits of getting an arts education
  • The benefits technology has brought with the passage of time
  • How machine learning affects productivity in business
  • The effects of fossil fuels on the environment
  • The placement of death penalties in developed countries
  • What are the ethical implications of genetic engineering?
  • Why do we need to resolve the issue of overcrowded prisons
  • How scholarships help poor students get higher education
  • Does life exist somewhere besides earth?
  • How saving money help you become rich

Research Synthesis Essay Topics

  • How is homeschooling at an early age better than sending your kids to a Montessori school?
  • Should gay marriages be banned or legalized?
  • Is space exploration vital to the survival of humankind?
  • Does modern US society give women enough rights as they claim?
  • Are reality shows on TV actually based on reality?
  • How can we control internet pornography?
  • Why are school dress codes mandatory?
  • What role do security cameras play in the betterment of society?
  • Does social media make people less social?
  • What causes the divorce rate to increase in the past few years?

AP Language Synthesis Essay Topics

  • The boundary line between truth and fiction
  • How can we defeat poverty once and for all?
  • Are students distracted by social networking sites?
  • Explain why money can’t buy happiness
  • Everyone should learn the basic survival skills
  • Role of schools and colleges in promoting cultural diversity
  • How will smart schools benefit the students in the learning process?
  • Why should students choose literature as a major?
  • What effects does global warming have on farming?
  • How to take the culture of body shaming under control?

Funny Synthesis Essay Topics

  • The Humor in Everyday Life: Exploring the Role of Laughter in Coping Mechanisms.
  • The Evolution of Internet Memes: A Synthesis of Humorous Online Culture.
  • The Power of Satire: Analyzing How Comedic Writing Influences Public Opinion.
  • The Psychology of Stand-Up Comedy: Examining the Connection Between
  • Humor and Mental Well-being.
  • The Cultural Impact of Funny Advertisements: A Synthesis of Marketing and Entertainment.
  • From Slapstick to Satire: Tracing the Development of Humor in Film.
  • The Social Dynamics of Jokes: How Humor Strengthens Relationships.
  • The Intersection of Comedy and Technology: Navigating the Digital Age with a Smile.
  • Laughing Across Borders: Analyzing Cross-Cultural Humor.
  • The Therapeutic Effects of Laughter: A Synthesis of Humor in Healthcare.

Sports Synthesis Essay Topics

  • The Role of Sports in Building a Strong Community: A Synthesis of Social Bonds.
  • The Impact of Athlete Activism: Synthesizing Perspectives on Sports and Social Change.
  • The Science Behind Sports Nutrition: A Comprehensive Synthesis of Dietary Strategies.
  • Sports and Education: Examining the Relationship Between Physical Activity and Academic Performance.
  • The Evolution of Women's Role in Sports: A Synthesis of Gender Equality in Athletics.
  • The Economics of Sports: Analyzing the Financial Dynamics of Professional Leagues.
  • The Influence of Sports on Cultural Identity: A Synthesis of National Pride.
  • Technology in Sports: A Comprehensive Synthesis of Innovation and Performance Enhancement.
  • The Psychology of Winning: Exploring the Mental Strategies of Successful Athletes.
  • The Ethics of Performance-Enhancing Drugs in Sports: A Synthesis of Fair Play.

Persuasive Synthesis Essay Topics

  • The Impact of Social Media on Political Discourse: Persuading for Informed Online Conversations.
  • Climate Change and Policy: Synthesizing Arguments for Sustainable Practices.
  • The Role of Education in Shaping Social Equality: A Persuasive Synthesis.
  • The Influence of Advertising on Consumer Behavior: Crafting a Persuasive Synthesis.
  • Synthesizing Perspectives on Universal Healthcare: Making the Case for Accessible Medical Services.
  • The Power of Storytelling in Persuasion: A Synthesis of Narrative Techniques.
  • Gun Control in America: Crafting a Persuasive Synthesis for Safer Communities.
  • Synthesizing Arguments for Cybersecurity: Persuading for Online Safety Measures.
  • The Importance of Arts Education: Making the Case for Creative Learning.
  • Synthesizing Perspectives on Immigration: Crafting a Persuasive Argument for Inclusivity.

Social Media Synthesis Essay Topics

  • The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health: A Synthesis of Research Findings.
  • Influencer Culture: Examining the Role of Social Media Stars in Shaping Trends.
  • Synthesizing Perspectives on Online Activism: The Power of Hashtag Movements.
  • The Evolution of Social Media Platforms: A Comprehensive Analysis of Changing Trends.
  • The Dark Side of Social Media: A Synthesis of Cyberbullying and Online Harassment.
  • The Influence of Social Media on Body Image: A Synthesis of Beauty Standards.
  • Synthesizing Perspectives on Privacy in the Digital Age: Balancing Connectivity and Security.
  • The Role of Social Media in Political Movements: A Comprehensive Analysis.
  • Social Media and Relationships: Examining the Impact on Interpersonal Connections.
  • The Business of Social Media: A Synthesis of Marketing Strategies in the Digital Landscape.

Synthesis Essay Prompts

Synthesis essays demand a unique blend of analytical skills and creativity. Here are some thought-provoking prompts for your synthesis essay:

  • The Impact of Technology on Human Connection: Synthesize viewpoints on how technological advancements affect interpersonal relationships in the digital age.
  • Environmental Sustainability and Economic Growth: Explore the synthesis of information on how environmental practices can contribute to or hinder economic development.
  • The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Modern Society: Synthesize perspectives on the benefits and challenges posed by the increasing integration of AI in our daily lives.
  • Media Influence on Public Opinion: Analyze and synthesize information regarding how media shapes public perception and influences societal attitudes.
  • The Relationship Between Education and Social Mobility: Synthesize insights on how education can impact an individual's social and economic trajectory.
  • The Ethics of Genetic Engineering: Explore various perspectives on the ethical implications of genetic manipulation in fields like medicine and agriculture.
  • Globalization and Cultural Identity: Synthesize viewpoints on how globalization affects the preservation or evolution of cultural identities around the world.
  • The Impact of Social Media on Political Activism: Analyze and synthesize information on how social media platforms contribute to political movements and activism.
  • The Intersection of Science and Ethics: Synthesize perspectives on how scientific advancements raise ethical dilemmas and societal considerations.
  • The Effects of Urbanization on the Environment: Explore and synthesize information on the environmental consequences of rapid urban development.

Synthesis Essay Prompts AP Lang

In the AP Lang course, synthesis essays play a crucial role in assessing students' ability to analyze and synthesize information from various sources. 

Here are some AP synthesis essay topics:

  • The Impact of Digital Communication on Language Synthesize information from diverse sources to explore how the rise of digital communication platforms has influenced language use and communication styles.
  • The Intersection of Technology and Privacy Analyze and synthesize perspectives on the trade-offs between technological advancements and individual privacy rights in the digital age.
  • Environmental Sustainability and Consumer Behavior Explore the synthesis of information on how consumer choices and behaviors impact environmental sustainability, considering perspectives from various sources.
  • The Role of Education in Social Equality Synthesize insights on how educational systems contribute to or challenge social equality and opportunities for diverse socioeconomic groups.
  • Media Representation and Social Perceptions Analyze and synthesize information on how media portrayals influence societal perceptions of individuals or groups, examining potential biases and stereotypes.

Synthesis Essay Prompts College Board

As outlined by the College Board, synthesis essays are a key component of the writing assessment. Below are sample prompts that align with the expectations set by the College Board for synthesis essays:

  • The Impact of Social Media on Civic Engagement Synthesize information from various sources to analyze the role of social media in shaping civic engagement and political participation.
  • The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence Explore perspectives on the ethical considerations surrounding the use of artificial intelligence, synthesizing information on its potential benefits and risks.
  • Globalization and Cultural Identity Synthesize insights from diverse sources to examine the impact of globalization on cultural identity, considering both preservation and transformation.
  • The Influence of Historical Events on Contemporary Society Analyze and synthesize information on how historical events continue to shape and influence contemporary social, political, or economic structures.
  • The Role of Science in Ethical Decision-Making Explore the synthesis of perspectives on how scientific advancements present ethical challenges and considerations in decision-making.

How to Choose a Synthesis Essay Topic?

Now that you have a synthesis essay topic list, you must be wondering about how to choose the best topic for your essay. Here are the tips that will help you choose a topic for your synthesis paper:

Interesting Idea

Choose a topic that interests you the most as you have to do thorough research on it.

If you choose a topic of your interest, you’re more likely to spend time researching and writing a synthesis essay.

Focused Topic

Avoid choosing a general topic like cyberbullying, global warming, cybersecurity, etc. 

These types of topics are too general and may not convey exactly what you really want to tell your audience. Instead, choose a focused topic that is specific to a point and allows you to create a complete essay.

Debatable and Negotiable Topic

Choose an interesting topic that is debatable as well as negotiable at the same time. 

People take more interest in these kinds of essays where they are allowed to present their point of view. Pick a topic that gives you room for reasonable changes.

Synthesis Essay Writing Tips

When you write an essay, keep the following tips in your mind to make your essay flawless.

  • Choose a good synthesis essay prompt by considering the tips given above.
  • Find touchpoints between different standpoints to make an organic synthesis.
  • Spare some time for research to collect credible information about the topic from several sources
  • Evaluate each source and present a relationship between the material collected through research. 
  • Read some synthesis essay examples to understand the format of the essay.
  • Craft a synthesis essay outline to synthesize the information
  • Work out the main statement of your essay that is the thesis statement.
  • Develop an organizational plan and write a rough draft.
  • Cite your sources by using MLA or Chicago style formatting.
  • Proofread and edit your essay to ensure that it is logical, clear, and concise from the beginning through the end. Correct all the punctuation, grammatical, and spelling mistakes.

You now have lots of great synthesis essay topics to choose from, making it easy to get started on your writing. 

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100 Good Synthesis Essay Topics for Inquisitive Minds and Brilliant Papers

Synthesis is a style of writing that draws information from many sources and combines them into a coherent argument, discussion, or informative digest. Depending on a particular type of paper, synthesis can provide extensive supporting evidence for an argument, present an overview of differing theories, or give a balanced account of opposing viewpoints. Synthesis is used for argumentative essays, research papers, business reports, literature reviews, and analysis papers.

Thorough research plays a pivotal role in producing a solid synthesis essay. When brainstorming synthesis paper ideas, it is vital to narrow down the scope, otherwise, the research volume will quickly become unruly. For example, a topic such as "Global warming" is by far too broad. It is impossible to give a comprehensive account of the phenomenon, its causes, effects, possible solutions, and theories surrounding it in one college paper. However, something more defined, such as "Effects of global warming on polar bears," is already manageable.

Below you will find a list of 100 synthesis essay topic examples along with some model written works attached to them. To help you find the best fit quicker, we have grouped the topics by subject categories.

Education Synthesis Paper Topics

On the surface, many synthesis essay prompts look just like suggestions for any other argumentative or persuasive paper, and the difference is not that easy to spot. For example, the free-response section of the Advanced Placement English Language and Composition test (often shortened to AP Lang) includes three essays, the first of which is synthesis, and the last is argumentative. Both give the assertion and ask you to defend, challenge, or qualify it using the supporting evidence. The only difference is that for the synthesis essay, you are given 6 or 7 excerpts, of which you should use at least 3 combined to make your case for the claim. Therefore, the key for the synthesis is to work with multiple sources and draw cohesive conclusions from a diverse pool of information.

"So, how shall I write my essay , then?" Great question! The key is to find the right organization strategy. Depending on the genre of your synthesis paper, you can use one of the following:

  • Comparison and contrast – summarize each source highlighting differences and similarities (works best for overviews)
  • Problem and solution – put forward a problem as a thesis and offer several solutions based on your pool of sources (works best for reports and research papers)
  • Climactic order – start from the least potent evidence and climb up to the most significant and persuasive (works best for arguments).

Ready to pick your topic? Let's start with something close to home – education.

  • Teaching English reading to Arabic students
  • Criticism of the evidence-based practice
  • Research synthesis: systematic phonics instruction
  • Understanding the concept of friendship
  • Effects of sleep deprivation on academic performance of college students
  • Pros and cons of punishing off-campus cyberbullying
  • What are the pros and cons of single-sex classrooms?
  • What are the arguments for and against school uniforms?
  • Teaching gifted students in inclusive classrooms
  • Tackling sensitive topics in preschool and elementary education
  • Sex education: finding the balance between curriculum requirements and parental objections
  • Challenges and benefits of self-directed education
  • The correlation between standardized test scores and later academic achievements
  • Teacher's role in career orientation
  • Challenges and possibilities of teaching in a low-tech classroom
  • Strategies for working with difficult students

Argumentative Synthesis Essay Topics

Persuasive writing is arguably the most interesting genre to work with, but at the same time, the most challenging. It takes more than rhetorical prowess to overturn the opinions of others. The key to success is methodical research and the ability to understand your opponent's reasoning. With the following argumentative synthesis topics, you will have an excellent opportunity to practice that!

  • Should faith schools be banned?
  • Should evolution theory be taught in public schools?
  • Should marijuana be legalized in all 50 states for recreational (as well as medical) use?
  • Should parents be allowed to spank their children?
  • Should English be the official language in the United States?
  • Should prostitution be legalized?
  • Why we should increase military spending
  • Should we ban pit bulls?
  • Should we lower the drinking age?
  • Should we vaccinate our children?
  • Should prayer be allowed in schools?
  • Should we all be vegetarian?
  • Should we trust the media?
  • Should we raise the age limit for obtaining a driving license?
  • Should community colleges be tuition-free?
  • Gun control: should the US follow Australian practices?
  • Should marriage be abolished?

STEM, Biology, and Natural Resources Synthesis Essay Ideas

Below you will find synthesis essay topic ideas for a wide range of subject areas from IT to Ecology. Don't forget to check out the free samples attached to select topics as a studying aid.

  • Perspectives of the project-based learning for STEM education
  • Continuum mechanics applications in nanotubes
  • Electrical conductivity as a function of nanoadditive (carbon-based) in biopolymer
  • Comparing turboprop and turbojet engines
  • Securing cloud network infrastructure using Bayesian predictive analysis against unrecognized malware
  • The capability of crystalline silicon, thin-film solar cells, and photonic nanostructures to enhance the efficiency of solar panels for domestic use
  • Main challenges of the emerging translation and speech generation technology
  • Artificial Intelligence: problems and perspectives
  • Analysis of oil palm shell concrete
  • Oxidation and advanced oxidation processes for water and wastewater treatment
  • Understanding the implications of global warming
  • Fracking in the United States: energy over health?
  • Economic growth vs. conservation of the Amazon rainforest in Brazil
  • Deforestation and its impact on biodiversity
  • Risk factors of future zoonosis epidemics and possible solutions
  • Climate change impact on public health and life expectancy
  • Problems and perspectives of introduced species in developing countries

Arts and Literature Topics for Synthesis Essays

Art is a creative synthesis by definition, so it lends itself readily to this type of writing. If you need topics for a synthesis essay on music, literature, visual art, or pop culture, look in this section.

  • What is leitmotif: from Wagner to Stephen Sondheim
  • The problem of objectification in show business
  • The role of consumerism in the crisis of contemporary art
  • The significance of environment in art installations
  • The renaissance of mural art: the good, the bad, and the ugly
  • A brief history of body horror
  • Nathaniel Hawthorne's views on gender in The Scarlet Letter
  • Public perception of the arts and the disconnection between the value of art and the value of artists
  • Theme and narrative elements in the short story The Welcome Table by Alice Walker
  • The use of jazz in the short story Sony's Blues by Baldwin
  • Gender divide and role reversal in Merchant of Venice by Shakespeare
  • Themes explored in Maya Angelou's I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
  • Themes explored in The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
  • Transcendentalism thoughts in contemporary culture
  • Naturalism in Jose Austacio Rivera's The Vortex
  • History and way of life in biographies by Sima Qian
  • Conflicts and social expectations in Troncoso's and Smith's literary works

Synthesis Topics to Write About Politics, Law, and Society

Politics is a hotbed of controversial issues, so there will be plenty of challenging matters to tackle in these explanatory synthesis essay topics.

  • The court-martial of General Sinclair
  • The relation of poverty and exposure to crime in adolescent men
  • Labor market inequalities
  • Human sex-trafficking: the Canadian perspective
  • Skill shortage in the Canadian labor market
  • What are the challenges faced by Saudi women and the business opportunities available to them
  • The relative importance of class and other stratification in post-industrial society
  • The components of the Immigration Modernization Act of 2013
  • Female teens' participation in Athletics
  • Significance of food to religion
  • Religion in the Arab world
  • An overview of the world religions
  • Developing world's role in global warming
  • Effectiveness of neuromarketing in comparison to traditional marketing methods
  • Corporate governance in the US and abroad
  • Comparison between supermarkets and discounters in the UK
  • Historic living cities and heritage planning

Nursing and Healthcare Synthesis Essay Topics

Health is the real wealth, so it probably should top our synthesis essay topics list. However, we decided to finish strong and crown our work with topic suggestions on nursing and medicine.

  • Challenges and strategies of building health information technology workforce
  • Barriers of implementation TQM approach in HCOS
  • Strategies to decrease the turnover in nursing
  • The unintended consequence of ACOS
  • Mental health issues in sexual assault survivors
  • Ways of achieving higher levels of education and training for nurses
  • Maintaining emotional wellbeing in a nursing profession
  • The effectiveness of Ginkgo Biloba for Alzheimer's disease treatment
  • Health effects of dietary fiber
  • Effects of public smoking
  • Causes of autism
  • Effect of physical activity in preventing/treating cardiovascular disease
  • Risk factors and possible causes of cancer
  • The efficiency of placebo for relief of pain with different algogenesis
  • Cognitive impairment and sexuality: attitudes, support, and prevention of exploitation
  • Bioethical dilemmas of prenatal diagnosis

Elements of synthesis can be found in the majority of academic papers. We invite you to explore our database of research papers, literature reviews, reports, and argumentative papers to master this writing style and find inspiration for topics on any subject you like. Stay curious and love writing!

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Jana Rooheart

Jana Rooheart came to WOWESSAYS™ with a mission to put together and then slice and dice our vast practical experience in crafting all kinds of academic papers. Jana is an aspired blogger with rich expertise in psychology, digital learning tools, and creative writing. In this blog, she willingly shares tricks of pencraft and mind-altering ideas about academic writing any student will find utterly beneficial.

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How to Write a Synthesis Essay: Your Guide From Start to Finish

topics to do synthesis essay on

Today, we're swamped with information, like reading 174 newspapers every day. It comes from all over—news, social media, science, and more. This flood might make you feel overwhelmed and lost in a sea of facts and opinions. But being able to make sense of it all is crucial.

In this guide, we'll show you steps for choosing the right topic and organizing your essay. Let's dive in and learn how to turn scattered facts into powerful essays that really stand out. If you're looking for assistance in writing a paper, you can consider the option to order essay from our expert writing service.

What Is a Synthesis Essay

Synthesis essay is an academic assignment where you take information from several sources and combine it to create a new, unified argument. Throughout the essay, you'll weave in evidence and insights from your sources to support your thesis, explaining how each source contributes to your overall argument.

Synthesis essays are commonly assigned in high school and undergraduate courses across various disciplines. They are a great way to develop critical thinking, research, and writing skills. They are particularly useful when a topic has multiple angles or ongoing debates, as they train you to analyze information objectively and form your own well-supported conclusions.

If you're struggling with this task, just ask us to ' write paper for me ,' and we'll handle your assignment for you.

How to Write a Synthesis Essay with Easy Steps

Writing a synthesis essay requires a methodical approach to blend information from different sources into a strong and persuasive argument. Here are steps to help you along the way.

1. Choose Your Topic:

  • Make sure it's broad enough to allow for multiple perspectives but specific enough for focused research.
  • Look for topics with ongoing debates or with room for your own interpretation.

2. Research and Gather Sources:

  • Use credible sources like academic journals, books, and reputable news websites. Aim for a variety of perspectives to ensure a well-rounded analysis.
  • Take notes while researching! Focus on key points, evidence, and the author's main arguments.

3. Develop Your Thesis Statement:

  • This is the central argument of your essay, informed by your research.
  • It should clearly state how the different sources will be used to create a unified perspective.

4. Structure Your Essay:

  • Introduction: Briefly introduce the topic, highlight the various perspectives, and present your thesis statement.
  • Topic Sentence: Briefly introduce the point you'll be making in this paragraph.
  • Analysis & Evidence: Integrate information from your sources, explaining how they support your point. Use in-text citations and proper formatting.
  • Commentary: Explain the significance of the source material and how it contributes to your overall argument.
  • Conclusion: Summarize your main points and reiterate the importance of your thesis statement. You can also offer further implications or remaining questions on the topic.

5. Write and Revise:

  • Draft your essay, ensuring smooth transitions between your ideas and source integration.
  • Revise for clarity, proper citation format, and strong argument flow.

For a more detailed explanation on how to write a conclusion , check out our special guide.

Synthesis Essay Example

Here are a couple of synthesis essay examples that demonstrate how to apply the synthesis process in real life. See how they tackle a wide range of issues by drawing on diverse perspectives.

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Synthesis Essay Thesis Statement

A strong thesis statement for a synthesis essay is more nuanced than a simple opinion. It acknowledges the complexities of the topic and positions your essay as a bridge between existing perspectives. Here's how to craft an effective thesis:

  • Avoid extremes: Statements like "Social media is destroying society" are too broad and lack specific arguments. Saying "Taxes are bad" ignores potential benefits or complexities.
  • Acknowledge Nuance: Show you understand different viewpoints by using qualifiers like "often," "in some cases," or "to a certain extent."
  • Bridge the Gap: Your thesis should connect various source viewpoints to create a new perspective.

Example transformation:

Original (weak): Video games are a waste of time.

Improved: While video games can be a source of leisure, their excessive use can negatively impact academic performance and social interaction. (This acknowledges the entertainment value while highlighting potential drawbacks.)

  • Your thesis should be specific to your topic and the sources you'll use.
  • It should be clear, concise, and directly address the prompt.
  • It sets the stage for your argument by outlining the connections between your chosen sources.

Synthesis Essay Checklist

Writing a strong synthesis essay requires careful attention to detail. Use this checklist to ensure you've covered all the bases:

Criteria Questions
Clear Thesis Statement 📜 Does your thesis clearly state how you'll use multiple sources to create a unified perspective?
Source Integration 🔗 Do you seamlessly weave evidence and insights from your sources throughout the essay?
Balanced Analysis ⚖️ Do you acknowledge different viewpoints and offer fair treatment to all sources?
Strong Argument Flow 🌊 Do your ideas transition smoothly, building a cohesive argument towards your thesis?
Grammar and Punctuation ✅ Is your essay free of grammatical errors and typos?
Word Count 📏 Does your essay meet the required word count?

Synthesis Essay Format

A well-structured synthesis essay guides the reader through your analysis of multiple sources and effectively builds your argument. Here's a breakdown of the typical format:

  • Double-space your essay unless otherwise instructed.
  • Use a standard font (e.g., Times New Roman, Arial) and font size (e.g., 12 pt).
  • Maintain consistent margins (e.g., 1 inch).
  • Include page numbers in the top right corner (optional, but often recommended).
  • Introduction (10-15% of word count):
  • Body Paragraphs (60-70% of word count)
  • Conclusion (10-15% of word count):
  • The specific word count breakdown might vary based on your assignment instructions.
  • Always follow the formatting guidelines provided by your instructor.

For a deeper understanding of a compare and contrast essay , including format and writing process, consult our dedicated article.

Explanatory vs. Argumentative Synthesis Essays

In synthesis writing, there are two main types: explanatory and argumentative. While both involve analyzing multiple sources, their ultimate goals differ. Here's a breakdown of the key distinctions between explanatory and argumentative synthesis essays:

Criteria Explanatory Synthesis Argumentative Synthesis
Goal 🎯 To clearly explain and compare/contrast different perspectives on a complex topic. To develop a specific argument on a debatable topic, supported by evidence from multiple sources.
Focus 🔍 Presents a balanced overview of various viewpoints without taking a strong personal stance. Persuades the reader by integrating source material that strengthens your chosen position.
Structure 🏗️ Highlights key arguments, evidence, and conclusions from each source, demonstrating their connections and potential contradictions. Selectively emphasizes information from sources that align with your argument, while acknowledging and addressing opposing viewpoints.
Thesis Statement 📜 Outlines the key points of comparison or contrast between the sources. States your position on the topic and outlines how the sources will be used to support your claim.
Example 💡 "This essay will explore the different approaches to tackling climate change, analyzing the proposals put forth by environmental scientists, economists, and social scientists." "While some argue for a complete ban on social media, a more measured approach that encourages responsible use and promotes digital literacy is a more effective solution."

And if you're keen on knowing how to write an informative essay , we've got you covered on that, too!

Synthesis Essay Topics

Picking essay topics is just the beginning. To write a great synthesis essay, you need to carefully evaluate and connect different sources to build a strong argument or viewpoint. Here's a step-by-step infographic guide to help you choose the right synthesis essay topics wisely.

There are myriads of essay topics , so how do you choose the right one? Don’t waste your time, here we offer some great ideas:

  • What role does effective communication play in resolving international conflicts?
  • Are video games a legitimate form of art?
  • Does standardized testing hinder critical thinking skills?
  • Is cultural appropriation a valid concern or does it stifle artistic exchange?
  • Should economic growth outweigh environmental sustainability and social welfare?
  • Is the traditional family structure the best model for child-raising?
  • Should social media platforms curb misinformation?
  • Is artificial intelligence a boon for scientific discovery, or does it pose ethical challenges?
  • Is globalization more about economic prosperity or cultural homogenization?
  • Should controversial historical monuments be preserved?
  • Can renewable energy alone combat climate change, or are more drastic measures necessary?
  • Should artistic expression face censorship or enjoy complete freedom?
  • How can national security and individual privacy be balanced in the digital age?
  • Does the cost of higher education hinder social mobility?
  • Does automation threaten jobs or create new opportunities?

If you’re interested in persuasive essays topics , this guide's got your back.

Concluding Thoughts

Writing a synthesis essay is a great way to learn about a topic. It lets you explore different viewpoints and see how they fit together. This guide gives you the steps to follow for a strong essay. Remember, the goal is to use what you learn from your sources to create your own unique understanding. So next time you have a complex topic, give a synthesis essay a try! You might be surprised by what you learn.

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How Should You Conclude a Synthesis Essay?

Daniel Parker

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

topics to do synthesis essay on

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

How to Write a Critical Thinking Essay

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27 How do I Write a Synthesis Essay?

A synthesis essay is a type of essay that gathers information from a variety of sources to form a new idea, question, or argumentative thesis. Writers composing a synthesis essay will discuss ideas, data, and evidence from a series of sources to either explain or argue something original.

Explanatory vs. Argumentative Synthesis Essays: How Are They Different?

Though the formatting is largely the same, there are two main types of synthesis essays: explanatory and argumentative.

  • 1.   Explanatory : The purpose of an explanatory synthesis essay is to use different sources to explain a particular point of view. These synthesis papers objectively examine the similarities and differences between ideas but don’t necessarily choose a side or attempt to sway the reader in any direction.
  • 2.   Argumentative : An argumentative synthesis essay follows the same structure as a typical argumentative essay. The thesis of an argumentative essay will argue one specific point.

Synthesis Essay Structure

Synthesis essays typically adhere to the five-paragraph essay structure, but there are slight nuances to structuring this type of essay. Here is how a synthesis essay is structured.

  •   Introduction : The foundational ideas of your essay are expressed in the introductory paragraph. You will address the general landscape of ideas around your topic, introducing some of your sources. You will also introduce the argument to be made through a thesis statement, which succinctly states your primary argument in a sentence or two. The thesis statement typically comes at the very end of your introductory paragraph.
  •   Body : The body of your synthesis essay is usually about three paragraphs long. This typically includes two paragraphs synthesizing your sources in a way that supports your argument, and one paragraph that acknowledges opposing arguments.
  • Conclusion : The conclusion of your synthesis essay reiterates the argument that you’ve made throughout your essay. It may emphasize how each of the points you made and the sources you’ve cited substantiate your point.

How to Write a Synthesis Essay

A great synthesis essay walks readers through a series of ideas and sources to prove or explain a larger point.

Follow this step-by-step guide for writing your essay:

  • Choose a topic you’re curious about . Brainstorm a few ideas for your synthesis essay topic, prioritizing the subjects you feel passionate about.
  • Do your research . Once you’ve decided on a topic, use the internet, library, and other sources to perform extensive research. You can turn to academic primary sources to find quotes from scholars and experts, or look up statistics or scientific studies relevant to your topic. This research will help you develop a point of view that is backed up by concrete information. Use credible sources that are unbiased.
  • Outline your point . Your entire essay should focus on either explaining a certain perspective or making an argument. Outline how each of your sources relates to your theme and support your idea.
  • Write your introduction . An introduction is the first paragraph of a paper. Its main purpose is to present the general premise of the paper, provide any necessary background information, and hopefully, capture the reader’s attention. The introductory paragraph to your synthesis essay should be where you include a strong thesis statement. This is where you will state the point of view that you’re exploring or the argument you’re making.
  • Include your body paragraphs . Synthesis essays will typically contain three body paragraphs. A good body paragraph contains three main sections: a topic sentence (or key sentence), relevant supporting  sentences, and a closing (or transition)
  • sentence. This structure keeps your paragraph focused on the main idea, providing clear, concise information. Each body paragraph should discuss different elements and supporting arguments of your thesis, along with evidence drawn from each source. Explain the common theme between your resources, as well as how they are relevant to your text. Include counterarguments as well as how your source material can discredit those claims and support your own idea.
  • Wrap it up with a strong conclusion . A conclusion is a final piece of writing in a research paper, essay, or article that summarizes the entire work. The concluding paragraph of your synthesis essay will restate your thesis, summarize the key supporting ideas you discussed throughout the work, and offer your final impression of the central idea.
  • Proofread . Always proofread your writing a few times before submitting or presenting it. A few missed words or grammatical errors can sometimes change or discredit the entire crux of an argument or opinion. Make sure that your grammar, syntax, and flow are as accurate and clear as possible. This will help you come across as a credible source.

College Reading & Writing: A Handbook for ENGL- 090/095 Students Copyright © by Yvonne Kane; Krista O'Brien; and Angela Wood. All Rights Reserved.

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How to Write a Synthesis Essay: Examples, Topics, & Outline

A synthesis essay requires you to work with multiple sources. You combine the information gathered from them to present a well-rounded argument on a topic. Are you looking for the ultimate guide on synthesis essay writing? You’ve come to the right place!

In this guide by our custom writing team, you will find:

  • a step-by-step writing guide;
  • a list of 34 synthesis essay topics;
  • a full essay sample in MLA format.
  • 📚 Synthesis Essay Definition
  • 📝 Essay Types
  • ✅ Step-by-Step Guide
  • ✍️ Topics & Prompts
  • 📑 Example & Formatting Tips

📚 What Is a Synthesis Essay?

A synthesis essay is an assignment that requires a unique interpretation of a particular topic using several reliable sources. To write it, you need to understand, analyze, and synthesize information. That is why this type of essay is used in the AP Lang exam to assess students’ reasoning skills.

The key features of the synthesis essay are:

  • Debatable topic . If your goal is to write a good synthesis essay, it’s necessary to choose an arguable topic. It’s best to choose something that people have different opinions about. This will allow you to use many sources with various viewpoints for your synthesis.
  • Clear thesis statement. It’s a sentence that briefly describes the main idea of your essay.
  • Reliable sources to prove your thesis . For a synthesis essay, your opinion is not enough. You also need to find the evidence. Keep in mind that simply reading an online encyclopedia won’t do; make sure to choose only reliable sources.

What Does It Mean to Synthesize Information?

Synthesis is a process that has huge importance in nature, science, and our everyday life. The word stems from Ancient Greek “synthesis,” which means “putting together.” In general, synthesis is the combination of components to form a connected whole.

The picture shows examples of synthesis usage in various spheres: biochemistry, physics, and sound creation.

In everyday life, we usually resort to it to synthesize information . This means taking the data from different sources and bringing it together. This process is the opposite of analyzing:

  • For an analysis , you break problems into pieces,
  • For a synthesis , you combine separate elements into a whole.

We use synthesis for analysis papers, research papers, argument papers, and business reports.

What Does Synthesis Mean in Writing?

Synthesis in writing means summarizing and connecting different sources considering a particular topic. Although synthesis and analysis are two opposite things, they usually go together in synthesis essays. The process consists of 2 stages:

  • Conduct the analysis. For that, you break down a problem into parts and analyze the sources. It’s helpful to highlight everything regarding your topic while reading.
  • Carry out the synthesis. The next step is to formulate an opinion and combine the highlighted information from the sources.

Synthesis is not only used in writing but also in reading comprehension . It’s useful to do this kind of reading while studying your sources. There are three reading comprehension stages:

  • Your previous knowledge about the topic.
  • Expansion of your knowledge while you are reading.
  • Understanding of the problem when you have finished reading.

So, synthesized reading comprehension means combining three stages in one and formulating one statement.

Synthesis vs Summary: What Is the Difference?

A summary is a paraphrasing of the written source in your own words. For a good summary, it’s necessary to include all of the text’s key elements. Meanwhile, synthesis means combining different ideas from different sources. You don’t have to include all the key points; just choose everything related to your topic.

The picture explains the difference between a synthesis and a summary.

Both of these techniques are used for the synthesis essay:

  • The summary goes in the conclusion. You briefly sum up your paper’s main ideas.
  • Synthesis goes in the body paragraphs. Here, you combine multiple sources to prove a point.

📝 Synthesis Essay Types

There are two main types of a synthesis essay: argument and explanatory synthesis.

Both of them require working with multiple reliable sources and analyzing information. The only difference is that an argument synthesis essay requires your own opinion, while an explanatory synthesis essay does not.

Argument Synthesis Essay: Outline and Definition

As you already know, an argument synthesis essay requires you to state your own opinion about the given topic and back it up with several reliable sources. The purpose of such an essay is to persuade the reader that your point is correct.

Here’s what an argument synthesis essay consists of:

Explanatory Synthesis Essay: Definition and How to Write

An explanatory informative synthesis essay requires you to stay neutral towards the problem you are discussing. This means you cannot express your own opinion considering the given question or a problem. Your task is just to inform the reader. That’s why this essay type is also called informative synthesis.

Check out this explanatory essay outline:

✅ How to Write a Synthesis Essay Step by Step

When it comes to the synthesis essay outline, it’s not too different from other assignments. Have a look at this template:

The picture shows a synthesis essay outline: introduction, main body, and conclusion.

How to Synthesize: Working with Sources

After you’ve decided on your topic, it’s time to figure out how to synthesize articles into one text. This is how you do it:

  • Choose reliable sources: the ones printed in journals or published on academic websites.
  • Become familiar with them and see if they fit into your essay.
  • Try to find a few sources for each point. It will increase your essay’s reliability.
  • Relate each source to your arguments and see similarities between them.
  • Don’t forget to list every source in the references.

When you are done with a comprehensive analysis of related literature, try to step back and imagine a person who has a different opinion on this topic. Think of some arguments that they can provide to prove their opinion. After you have the list of arguments, find the written evidence of why they are wrong and put them in your essay.

Analyzing and organizing sources is the first and very important step for the synthesis essay. So make sure you do understand what the text means before using it as a reference.

Synthesis Essay Outline: How to Write

For structuring your essay, it’s useful to try mapping . This technique means combining the information from different sources and rearranging it to create a new direction. To do it, you need to analyze the authors’ ideas and come up with your own conclusions.

The best way to do that is called synthesis matrix or graphic organizer. It’s a chart that you can make when you start working on your essay. Here you have a horizontal column that states the main ideas and a few vertical columns that present sources. Your task is to take sources you have chosen and write down the main ideas from them.

Here’s an example of a matrix chart:

Topic: The influence of technologies on teenagers

While doing that, you will see how many sources contain the same ideas. When you analyze them, you will be able to formulate your thesis backed up with evidence. The synthesis matrix also helps to see new arguments you can cover in your synthesis paper.

How to Write an Introduction for a Synthesis Essay

Now it’s time to start writing the paper. In the introductory part of the essay, you can include:

  • A short yet catchy sentence or a quotation that would present the topic. The start of your essay should make people interested. It’s best to make the first sentence not only informative but also easy to understand.
  • The texts that are used for the essay. Provide the titles and the authors’ names (use the appropriate guidelines depending on the writing style.)
  • The background information which is needed to understand your essay. Definitions of terms or unknown words considering the topic can be included in this part. Otherwise, people may find it hard to understand what they are reading about.

How to Write a Thesis for a Synthesis Essay

A thesis statement is a point of view on a certain problem that you will defend in your essay. It should contain the key points that you want to include in your paper. Here’s how to create a perfect thesis statement:

  • Find several central ideas in the chart.
  • Choose the ones that are repeated the most often and the ones that you feel need to be in your essay.
  • Combine them, and you have a thesis statement with all the key points.
  • Make a draft of the thesis statement. Try to formulate the main idea you want to present in your essay.
  • Elaborate on this idea. Add some details and expand it a bit further.

If the whole picture is coherent, and it conveys exactly what you wanted, then this is your perfect thesis statement. See the example below:

Gender inequality still exists at the workplace: women are less likely to get the most responsible positions, easily lose careers due to maternity leave, and often receive less pay for the same amount of work.

How to Write Synthesis Paragraphs for the Main Body

Your essay’s main body consists of a few paragraphs. Each of them presents a different argument considering the topic. When you start a paragraph, make sure to begin with a topic sentence, which informs the reader about the paragraph’s main idea. Then, include the synthesized sources and elaborate on them.

Here’s what you should and shouldn’t do when writing the main body:

✔️ Dos❌ Don’ts
Make sure you make the essay as informative as possible. Try to show various opinions of the authors. Avoid shuffling unrelated information into it. Try to make smooth transitions from one paragraph to another. Instead, show your understanding and present the conclusions you’ve drawn from the texts. If you do that, you are involved in plagiarism. This would damage your credibility.

You can use the following words to present the ideas from your sources. They will help you reflect the authors’ tone:

Talking about argumentsTalking about researchAdding emphasis
The author: The author: The author:

How to Conclude a Synthesis Essay

There are quite a few ways to conclude the synthesis paper. Have a look at some of the options:

  • Paraphrase the thesis. As you remember, the thesis is the main idea of your essay. The conclusion is a good place to remind your readers about it. When they are done with the reading, they remember the most important thing from your essay.
  • Synthesize the arguments. There is no need to repeat everything you wrote in your essay. Just briefly summarize the most crucial points.
  • Answer the “So what” question. Tell the readers why this topic matters, why you’ve chosen it, and why it’s valuable for the reader.
  • Provide a closure. It’s an effective strategy when you want to make the reader think. Leave them with a strong statement at the end of your essay.

Synthesis Paper Proofreading Tips

When you have finally written your paper, there is still one important thing left to do. You need to check your paper for any grammatical and contextual mistakes. You certainly can do it yourself, but it would be perfect if you could ask somebody else to read it.

The first thing you need to check grammar-wise is the tense you are using. There is no single tense you need to use for the synthesis essay. It depends on the format:

  • If you’re writing in MLA format, use the present tense;
  • For APA essays, you use the past tense.

The next step is to check whether your synthesis essay has everything that’s required. For that, we have prepared the checklist of questions you can ask yourself to proofread your essays.

  • Is there a clear thesis statement?
  • Did you include all of the key points from the synthesis?
  • Are there clear transitions between paragraphs?
  • Did you organize a paragraph around a single idea?
  • Did you use reliable and up-to-date sources?
  • Did you analyze sources rather than just summarize them?
  • Did you mention every source you’ve used?

If you’ve answered “yes” to all the questions—congratulations, you are done with the essay! Otherwise, you need to come back and fix everything that you’ve answered “no” to.

✍️ Synthesis Essay Topics and Prompts

Sometimes, when you don’t have a topic , it is tough to come up with a suitable idea. That is why we have prepared two lists of topics that you can use for any synthesis essay type.

Explanatory Synthesis Essay Topics

The topics below are suitable for an explanatory synthesis essay:

  • The beginning of Hollywood cinema. Cinema is a huge industry in the USA. Tell the readers about its history. Describe what it was like in the beginning, which movie was the first one, and who started this industry.
  • Tactics on dealing with noisy children. Sometimes kids can be very loud, especially in public places. Write about different tactics that can help with this issue.
  • The effects of climate change on the water cycle.  Climate change has affected the water cycle significantly. Your task is to explain how.
  • The best American cities to live in. Provide the list of the best cities and explain why you’ve included them.
  • The importance of a healthy diet . Keeping a healthy diet is beneficial in many ways. Write about all the advantages it brings.
  • Who can become an entrepreneur? Entrepreneurship is not for everybody. In this essay, you can describe the qualities needed for having your own business.
  • The correlation between overpopulation and poverty . Describe how overpopulation leads to poverty and vice versa.
  • The advantages of taking an active vacation.
  • Cultural shock as a part of moving to a different country.
  • The consequences of the first wave of feminism.
  • Synthesis of Tan and Rodriguez’ essays ideas. 
  • Difficulties you may encounter during the job interview.
  • How does reading prevent Alzheimer’s disease?
  • The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on businesses.
  • The connection between religion and politics in ruling the country.
  • What can non-verbal signals tell you about a person?
  • The psychology of leadership .
  • The origins of the most common  stereotypes  about Americans.
  • Role of social media in business communication.
  • The synthesis of personal nursing philosophy concept. 
  • Behavioral components of schizophrenia and psychosis.
  • Main components of successful entrepreneurship.
  • Critical components of scientific research.
  • Change in religion and human beliefs throughout history.
  • The effect of global warming on modern life.

Argument Synthesis Paper Topics

The list of topics for the Argument Synthesis Essay:

  • Vaping is better than smoking. People are starting to exchange cigarettes for vapes and e-cigarettes. In what ways are they less harmful?
  • Rich people should pay higher taxes. The same percentage of money doesn’t equal for rich and poor people. Explain why the ones who can afford more should share with others.
  • Depression is a disease. Prove that psychological problems must be recognized as real health issues that should be cured and not ignored.
  • Social media affects young people’s lives. Social media has a massive influence on people. In this essay, you can discuss which life spheres are the most affected.
  • Beauty pageants should be banned. Provide the reasons why they should be banned and tell the reader about psychological problems they can cause.
  • People should cut meat from their diet to stop global warming. Describe how the meat industry influences climate change.
  • The voting age should be 25+. Your task is to show the reasons why the votes of people under 25 should not be taken into account during elections.
  • A healthy lifestyle requires a lot of money.
  • Each healthy man should serve in the military.
  • School bullying should be punished by immediate exclusion.
  • Does friendship exist between men and women?
  • Drinking coffee is a bad habit.
  • Working hard is more important than being talented.
  • Everybody should visit a therapist at least once.
  • Should universities be free?
  • Artificial intelligence will cause huge unemployment rates.
  • Gaming should not be allowed to children under 18.
  • Components and strategies of social responsibility
  • Integration of relevant ethical theory and conceptual principles in health care 
  • Children under 10 should be banned from gadgets.  
  • Social media platforms facilitate cyberbullying.
  • Issues of distance education.
  • Social media addiction is a serious disease.
  • Deforestation critically contributes to global warming.
  • Healthcare should be free for everyone.

📑 Synthesis Essay Example & Synthesis Essay Format Tips

Now let’s talk about formatting. There are two writing styles you can use for a synthesis essay: APA or MLA. You need to choose the one that is required for your assignment.

We will start with the paper in APA format. It is usually used in science and education.

Format
Title page
In-text citations Example: The artworks from the past are entirely different from the modern ones (Benjamin, 1935) Example: According to Benjamin (1935), “Mechanical reproduction of a work of art…” (p.7)
References Example: Benjamin, W. (1935). The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction. Random House

And these are MLA formatting rules:

Format
Title page
In-text citations Example: The artworks from the past are entirely different from the modern ones (Benjamin 7)
References Example: Benjamin, Walter. Random House, 1935

Finally, we’ve prepared a synthesis essay sample for you to check out. Feel free to download the PDF file below:

First introduced in the Civil Rights Act of 1964, affirmative action policies aim to mitigate the discrepancy in opportunities available for underrepresented social groups by taking into account one’s minority background. The policies have become a pressing public issue that obstructs previously marginalized individuals, particularly in the educational environment.

Thank you for reading the ultimate guide on synthesis essay writing. We hope you found it helpful. Don’t forget to share it with your friends. Good luck with your assignments!

🔍 References

  • Writing a Synthesis Essay: Bowling Green State University
  • What Is Synthesis: University of Manitoba
  • Synthesis: Biology Online
  • Reading Strategies: Difference Summarizing and Synthesizing: WordPress
  • Summary, Analysis, Synthesis Definitions: University of Utah
  • Argumentative Synthesis: University of Arkansas
  • How to Synthesize Written Information: Simply Psychology
  • Mapping of Synthesis Essay: University of Nevada, Reno
  • Writing a Literature Review and Using a Synthesis Matrix: Florida International University
  • Synthesis Essay: Cleveland State University
  • Literature Review: Synthesizing Multiple Sources: Louisiana State University
  • Writing a Conclusion: Texas Women’s University
  • General APA Guidelines: Purdue University
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100 Synthesis Essay Topics That Are Easy to Write

Are you looking for some inspiring synthesis essay topics? Then you are not alone: numerous students all over the world are doing the exact same thing. Synthesis essays are a common assignment in colleges and universities: they are a piece of writing where you explore a topic by drawing information from several different sources at once, using them to paint a complete and objective picture of the chosen issue.

It is helpful because you learn how to research and apply different sources of data at once, differentiating between bias and rationality in them. It’s a useful skill to have both in academic environment and life in general, so it is understandable why your professors want you to succeed in acquiring it. The problem is, to get a good mark, you should choose a winning topic first. And that’s where real difficulties appear: where to find it? How to make it interesting and how to avoid getting bored as you start working on it? We’ll provide you with these answers below.

Guide for Learning How to Choose Good Synthesis Topics

The first main question we should answer is, what are the tips for selecting an effective topic for a synthesis paper? All your other choices will depend on it. For example, you cannot start looking for sources before you know what they should be dedicated to. In fact, you might realize you won’t get an acceptable grade even before you do any work at all! Bad or uninspiring topic is a recipe for disaster. Here are four ways to avoid it.

  • Understand the topic you’re choosing.  It is important to choose a topic that you enjoy and understand both. Otherwise, you’ll just frustrate yourself by trying to make sense of a subject that feels overly complex or boring. Who needs to spend hours on research? If you cannot grasp the topic, you cannot recognize good and bad points, so the whole writing process turns into a complete disaster. Pick among synthesis essay prompts that speak to you and reflect your interests: they could be related to your hobby, favorite subject, a beloved book or TV show, or even family.
  • Choose a perspective.  Before you start research by sorting through different articles, you need to settle on a perspective. Remember, synthesis essays are all about combining different sources to explore a specific point. So first, you should choose what it’s going to be. Will you argue against a subject? Are you planning on supporting it? You could use this advice as a starting point for finding a topic: are there things you strongly agree or disagree with? Maybe there are online discussions you participated in recently where you stayed up late to argue? This could supply you with fresh and engaging ideas!
  • Locate sources in advance.  If several topics for synthesis essays are already rolling in your mind, look for sources on them. You should make sure that there are enough credible articles with DOI or books dedicated to your subject. If you cannot find anything new and trustworthy, it is better to chance the topic and look for another option,
  • Verify your choice.  If you are almost certain what you’d like writing about, discuss it with your professor. They should decide whether your choice is acceptable. If they don’t require this, talk with classmates or friends to ensure your theme sounds academic enough.

100 Inspiring Synthesis Paper Topics

Still looking for an idea as the feeling of hopelessness grows? No worries: we’ve got you covered. The list below has 100 different topics that could serve as a basis for your synthesis essay. They are further broken into ten big categories — in accordance with our survey, most students prefer to write about them, so this might make your choice easier. Read these options, copy the ones you like, and consider basing your paper on them.

Social Media and Technology Topics

Who doesn’t use social media these days? It became a valuable part of our lives and is used now not only for entertainment but also work, studying, etc. Most students will relate to synthesis essay ideas about it.

  • How Did Ways of Earning Money Change with the Emergence of Platforms like YouTube?
  • Marrying Someone You Met Online: Reality or Myth?
  • Is There Such Thing as Privacy in the Internet?
  • Evolution of People’s Communication Habits After Appearance of Social Media
  • How Does Instagram Affect Global Beauty Standards?
  • Technologies Made Our Lives Easier: Combination of Benefits
  • Work Changed Under Technological Influence: New Possibilities
  • Technology Facilitated Abuse of Employees’ Free Time
  • Why Video Games Are Such a Popular Entertainment Practice
  • Cheating in Classes Became More Possible with Technology

Education Synthesis Essay Ideas

Young people from all countries are concerned about their education. Explanatory synthesis essay topics below could help you explore quality, price, and overall value issues.

  • American Education Is One of the Most Expensive Education Worldwide
  • What Lies Behind the Concept of Pre-School?
  • Why College Is the Goal of Many Young People
  • Why Finding a Good Job Is Easier With Master’s Degree
  • Lack of Tolerance Among College Professors: What Causes It and How Frequent It Is
  • Who Invented Homework & What Its Purpose Is
  • Technology Applied in Classroom: A Threat or a Treat?
  • An Ideal Number of Students Per Classroom
  • Role of Sport in American Education System
  • Free Education: How Good It Is & On Which Principles It Functions

Synthesis Essays Toopics on Health and Medicine

It is difficult to find a person who wouldn’t be concerned about their health in the CODI year. Find related synthesis topics to write about.

  • How the Nature of Coronavirus Evolved Over 2020
  • Who Invented Medical Masks &  Why They Are Helpful
  • Correlation between Poverty and Poor Health
  • Free Healthcare in the World: Where Is It Present and How Does It Work?
  • Testing Drugs on Animals: How It Started & Why It Keeps Happening
  • Discuss Healthcare Act in the US along with Its Background
  • People Who Work From Home and Level of Their Physical Activity
  • Age Limit for Cosmetic Surgeries
  • Discuss Common Views on Allowing People with Genetic Disorders to Reproduce
  • Suicide Prevention Line: How Useful Is It?

Society Issues

As a society, we have our share of problems and victories. Synthesis essay topic ideas could help explore them in more depth.

  • Abuse at the Workplace: What Starts It and How It Should Be Stopped
  • Why Death Penalty Remains a Controversial Issue in America
  • Parents Who Hire Nannies to Look After Their Children: Do They Fail as Parents?
  • Stereotypes Surrounding Violence Men Suffer From Women
  • What Positions Immigrants Can Count On in the US
  • Who Are People That Encourage Banning of Problematic Fictional Content?
  • In What Covert Ways Is Homophobia Promoted in American Society?
  • Why Men Are Worried About Expressing Their Emotions Openly
  • How Smoking Is Promoted Worldwide  and Why It Happens
  • Do All People Receive Equal Support from the Government?

US Law and Justice System Synthesis Essays Ideas

Are you interested in law and justice? If so, check any of these argumentative synthesis essay topics.

  • Why People Opposing Abortion Are Hypocritical
  • How Did Capital Punishment Come to Exist in America?
  • Ways of Making Sure There Are No Guns on Campus
  • What Is the Harshest Legal Punishment Given For?
  • Benefits of Making Prostitution Legal
  • Protection for Prisoners: Could It Be Ensured?
  • Is There a Disproportion Between Poor and Rich People in Prison?
  • How Often Do Laws Change to Keep Up with the Times?
  • Should a Person Really Be Punished for Breaking the Law If They Did Not Know They Are Doing It?
  • Do Black People Really Commit More Crimes or Is There Racism Involved?

Environment Synthesis Essay Prompts

Our environment holds so much relevance that choosing synthesis prompts about it is natural.

  • Reasons Behind Global Warming and Ways of Their Alleviation
  • What Is an Acceptable Pollution Level in Places Where People Live?
  • Do Modern Recycling Methods Improve Chances of Diminishing Pollution?
  • How Nature Would Improve If People Stopped Eating Meat
  • Do Real Facts Support the Alarming Picture of Nature Degradation Presented in the Media?
  • How Chemical Spills Affect Oceans?
  • Why Do Some People Not Believe in Climate Change?
  • Which Alternative Fuels Are Cheapest Despite Being Effective?
  • How Coastal Ecosystems Affect the Overall World Health?
  • Do Small Individual Contributions Matter When It Comes to Saving Nature?

Art and Literature

In case you are passionate about books or art, these synthesis prompt ideas could trigger your interest.

  • Could Advertisements Be Considered Art?
  • Why Do People Listen to Audiobooks Instead of Reading?
  • Is Fanfiction a Valid Form of Literature?
  • Is There Still a Need for Physical Libraries?
  • Is There a Point in Writing Books When Everything Is Pirated?
  • Are There Criteria Determining Which Artworks Are Good?
  • Is Graffiti a Form of Modern Art?
  • What Value Do Books Present to People?
  • Do Musicians Really Have a Better Hearing Than Others?
  • Is Fiction Distracting in a Good or Bad Way?

Synthesis Essays Topic on Ethics and Morality

Ethics and moral principles could form a solid base for generating good synthesis project ideas.

  • New Facts About Old Debate: Nature vs. Nurture
  • Could Torture Be Justified Under Certain Conditions?
  • Could Cloning Become an Acceptable Procedure?
  • Is There a Tangible Connection between Money and Happiness?
  • Loving Criminals: Is It Morally Acceptable?
  • Are Modern People in Full Control over Their Life?
  • Which People Are More Successful, Those Who Have Talent or Who Work Hard?
  • Should Protecting Animals Be a Moral Obligation of Every Person?
  • Does Complaining to Others Make a Person Happier?
  • What Is the Value of Gossiping?

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Synthesis Topics on Immigration and American Dream

Many people move to another country having hopes. Look at synthesis essay prompt example below and find inspiring ideas to discuss immigration topic or civil rights issue.

  • Does American Dream Still Exist?
  • Does Immigration Pose Any Real Danger to Americans?
  • Is Eliminating Racism Entirely Possible in Our World?
  • Most Common Reasons That Push People to Immigrate
  • How Many Lives Has American Dream Actually Ruined?
  • Why Was American Dream Invented?
  • How Does Culture Change Under the Flows of Immigration?
  • Discuss the Process of Emigration and Its Causes
  • What Classifies as Illegal Immigration?
  • How Could Happiness Be Measured?

Movies and TV

We all watch TV because it’s fun and entertaining. Check the range of these topics for synthesis essay and  complete an essay about your favorite show.

  • Positive Effects Bad Endings of TV Shows Have on Their Fans
  • How Can Queerbaiting Be Explained?
  • Is It Possible to Become a Famous Actress On Talent Alone?
  • What Transformations Did TV Undergo in the Last 10 Years?
  • Does Violent Fiction Make People More Used to Violence in Real Life?
  • Truth Behind Reality Shows: Are They All Fake?
  • Is It Possible to Make Real Friends in a Cutthroat Entertainment Industry?
  • How Was the Longest TV Show in Industry Created?
  • Alternative Endings to Movies: What Is Their Purpose?
  • Why Do Many Actors Grow Tired of Playing the Same Role over the Years?

Start Enjoying Your Writing by Picking the Best Topics

Have you already decided on some synthesis paper ideas? We hope our list was helpful and you’ll start your research any second now. As long as you like what you’ve chosen and have at least some degree of interest in it, things will likely go well. But if you still have doubts and are worried about writing, you could always look for extra help. We would be glad to assist you! Our team has years of experience, and they are here with one goal: help students with their tasks. So, we could supply you with good synthesis essay topics, find credible sources, or write an essay on the idea you’ve chosen. Specify your needs and we’ll do everything to meet them!

Can’t come up with a topic for you paper? We’ve prepared a collection of essay topics for you

Want to write a winning essay but lack experience? Browse our free essay samples

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How to Write a Synthesis Essay

Last Updated: April 7, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Christopher Taylor, PhD . Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,126,187 times.

Writing a synthesis essay requires the ability to digest information and present it in an organized fashion. While this skill is developed in high school and college classes, it translates to the business and advertising world as well. Scroll down to Step 1 to begin learning how to write a synthesis essay.

Examining Your Topic

Step 1 Understand the concept of a synthesis essay.

  • Argument synthesis: This type of essay has a strong thesis statement that presents the writer's point of view. It organizes relevant information gathered from research in a logical manner to support the thesis' point of view. Business white papers known as position papers often take this form. This is the type of synthesis essay that students will write during the AP test.
  • Review: Often written as a preliminary essay to an argument synthesis, a review essay is a discussion of what has been written previously on a topic, with a critical analysis of the sources covered. Its unstated thesis is usually that more research needs to be done in that area or that the topic problem has not been adequately addressed. This type of paper is common in social science classes and in medicine.
  • Explanatory/background synthesis: This type of essay helps readers understand a topic by categorizing facts and presenting them to further the reader's understanding. It does not advocate a particular point of view, and if it has a thesis statement, the thesis is a weak one. Some business white papers take this form, although they are more likely to have a point of view, if understated.

Step 2 Choose a topic suitable for a synthesis essay.

  • Example of a broad topic narrowed down into a reasonable synthesis essay topic: Instead of the broad topic of Social Media, you could discuss your view on the effects texting has had on the English language.
  • If you've been assigned a topic as part of a class, make sure you read the prompt carefully and fully understand it.

Step 3 Choose and read your sources carefully.

  • Keep in mind that it's better to do three sources well than to do five sources incompletely.
  • Annotate each source by writing notes in the margins. This allows you to keep track of your train of thought, developing ideas, etc.

Step 4 Develop a thesis...

  • Example: Texting has had a positive impact on the English language as it has helped the millennial generation create their own form of the language.

Step 5 Re-read your source material for items to support your thesis.

  • If you wish to take on a claim by an opponent of your idea, and to poke holes in it, you should also find some ideas or quotes that go against your thesis statement, and plan ways to disprove them. This is called a concession, refutation, or rebuttal, which can strengthen your argument if you do it well.
  • Example : For the thesis statement listed above, excellent sources would include quotes from linguists discussing the new words that have developed through 'text-speak', statistics that show the English language has evolved with almost every generation, and facts that show students still have the ability to write with the use of grammar and spelling (which your opponents would bring up as the main reason texting has had a negative effect on the English language).

Outlining Your Essay

Step 1 Outline the structure of your thesis.

  • The introductory paragraph: 1. An introductory sentence that acts as a hook, capturing the reader's interest. 2. Identification of the issue you will be discussing. 3. Your thesis statement.
  • The body paragraphs: 1. Topic sentence that gives one reason to support your thesis. 2. Your explanation and opinion of the topic sentence. 3. Support from your sources that backs up the claim you just made. 4. Explanation of the significance of the source(s).
  • The conclusion paragraph: 1. State further significance of your topic from the evidence and reasons you discussed in the essay. 2. A profound thought or thoughtful ending for your paper.

Step 2 Use a more creative structure to present your thesis.

  • Example/illustration. This may be a detailed recount, summary, or direct quote from your source material that provides major support for your point of view. You may use more than one example or illustration, if your paper calls for it. You should not, however, make your paper a series of examples at the expense of supporting your thesis.
  • Straw man. With this technique, you present an argument opposed to the argument stated in your thesis, then show the weaknesses and flaws of the counter-argument. This format shows your awareness of the opposition and your readiness to answer it. You present the counter-argument right after your thesis, followed by the evidence to refute it, and end with a positive argument that supports your thesis. [5] X Research source
  • Concession. Essays with concessions are structured similar to those using the straw man technique, but they acknowledge the validity of the counter-argument while showing that the original argument is stronger. This structure is good for presenting papers to readers who hold the opposing viewpoint.
  • Comparison and contrast. This structure compares similarities and contrasts differences between two subjects or sources to show the facets of both. Writing an essay with this structure requires a careful reading of your source material to find both subtle and major points of similarity and difference. This kind of essay can present its arguments source-by-source or by points of similarity or difference.

Step 3 Create an outline appropriate for a background or review synthesis essay.

  • Summary. This structure presents summaries of each of your relevant sources, making a progressively stronger argument for your thesis. It provides specific evidence to support your point of view, but usually omits presenting your own opinions. It's most commonly used for background and review essays.
  • List of reasons. This is a series of sub-points that flow from the main point of your paper as stated in its thesis. Each reason is supported with evidence. As with the summary method, reasons should become progressively more important, with the most important reason last.

Writing Your Essay

Step 1 Write your first draft according to your outline.

  • Your essay should have an introductory paragraph that includes your thesis , a body to present evidence that supports your thesis, and a conclusion that summarizes your point of view.

Step 2 Write in the third person.

  • Lengthy quotes of three lines or more should generally be set off as block quotes to better call attention to them. [7] X Trustworthy Source Purdue Online Writing Lab Trusted resource for writing and citation guidelines Go to source

Finalizing Your Essay

Step 1 Revise your essay.

  • Ask someone else to proofread your paper. The saying “two heads are better than one” still holds true. Ask a friend or colleague what would they add or remove from the paper. Most importantly, does your argument make sense, and is it clearly supported by your sources?

Step 2 Proofread your paper.

  • Read the paper aloud to guarantee that you don't accidentally add in or take out words when reading in your head.
  • If you can, get a friend or classmate to proofread your essay as well.

Step 3  Cite your...

  • Example of citing in an AP synthesis essay: McPherson claims “texting has changed the English language in a positive way--it has given a new generation their own unique way to communicate” (Source E).
  • For college essays, you'll most likely use MLA format. Whichever format you use, be consistent in its use. You may also be asked to use APA or Chicago style.

Step 4 Title your essay.

  • Example title: : English and the iPhone: Exploring the Benefits of 'Text-Speak'

Outline Template

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Community Answer

  • Just as your title should fit your essay instead of writing your essay to fit the title, your thesis, once chosen, should direct your subsequent research instead of subsequent research altering your thesis � unless you find you've adopted an unsupportable thesis. Thanks Helpful 21 Not Helpful 8

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  • ↑ https://success.uark.edu/get-help/student-resources/synthesis-paper.php
  • ↑ https://www.unr.edu/writing-speaking-center/student-resources/writing-speaking-resources/mapping-a-synthesis-essay
  • ↑ https://www.bgsu.edu/content/dam/BGSU/learning-commons/documents/writing/synthesis/planning-synthesis-essay.pdf
  • ↑ https://writingcenterofprinceton.com/synthesis-essays-a-step-by-step-how-to-guide/
  • ↑ https://owl.excelsior.edu/argument-and-critical-thinking/logical-fallacies/logical-fallacies-straw-man/
  • ↑ https://writingcommons.org/section/rhetoric/rhetorical-stance/point-of-view/third-person-point-of-view/
  • ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/mla_style/mla_formatting_and_style_guide/mla_formatting_quotations.html
  • ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/the_writing_process/proofreading/steps_for_revising.html
  • ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/the_writing_process/proofreading/proofreading_suggestions.html
  • ↑ https://www.edhs.org/ourpages/auto/2010/5/17/41759867/Synthesis%20Essay%20Introduction.pdf
  • ↑ https://writing.umn.edu/sws/assets/pdf/quicktips/titles.pdf

About This Article

Christopher Taylor, PhD

To write a synthesis essay, start by coming up with a thesis statement that you can support using all of the sources you've read for your essay. For example, your thesis statement could be "Texting has had a positive impact on the English language." Once you've got your thesis, go through your sources to find specific quotes, facts, and statistics that back up your claim. Structure your essay so it has an introduction that includes your thesis statement, a body that includes your arguments and evidence, and a conclusion that wraps everything up. For more tips on structuring your synthesis essay, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Synthesis Essay

Caleb S.

Writing a Perfect Synthesis Essay: Definition & Examples

16 min read

Published on: Mar 1, 2023

Last updated on: Jul 24, 2024

Synthesis Essay

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Do you have a ton of research to synthesize but don't know how? Or maybe you're not sure what a synthesis essay is and how to write a good synthesis essay. 

We know writing a synthesis essay is not an easy task to do; it’s challenging for most of us. But it can be perfectly done with the right guidance and preparation. 

In this blog, we'll walk you through all the necessary information to craft a perfect synthesis essay. So you can get done with your assignments confidently! 

Let’s get started.

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What is a Synthesis Essay?

Synthesis essay definition states:

It is a piece of writing that takes a unique perspective on a central idea, topic, or theme. Then backs it up with evidence from multiple sources.

A synthesis essay is an important part of academic writing. The main purpose of this essay is to show your ability to prove an argument.

To make sense of these arguments, you need to use different credible sources. It demonstrates your basic understanding of the main subject. This type of essay help to enhance your critical, analytical, and research skills.

A synthesis essay is made up of ideas and conclusions based on the information reviewed. Also, this essay asks you to summarize the topic and add your own thoughts about it in relation to what you have read.

Furthermore, the synthesis essays can be similar to analytical essays , argumentative essays , or compare and contrast essays .

Synthesis Essay Types

There are three types of a synthesis essay:

1. Argument Synthesis Essay

This essay's purpose is to debate or argue on a certain topic or issue. It justifies its claims by providing evidence in the body of the essay.

In contrast to the explanatory essay, you will perform the same thing as if you were writing a typical argumentative paper. First, state your argument, make supporting statements, and back up each claim with reliable facts.

2. Review Essay

A review essay is frequently written as a preparatory essay to an argument synthesis. Review essays are commonly used in social science and medicine classes.

It is a discussion of what has already been published on a topic, with a critical examination of the sources mentioned.

An unwritten thesis statement is added to it, which is not final and indicates that further study is needed in that area.

3. Explanatory Synthesis Essay

In this essay, the writer helps the reader to grasp deeper knowledge about the topic. Rather than arguing or debating on some points, the goal of this essay is to explain a certain topic.

Like any other essay, it needs backing up with supporting claims and credible sources.

How to Start a Synthesis Essay?

The following are some helpful techniques for writing an essay. These will help you start the process and avoid common errors that plague many writers.

1. Choosing a Synthesis Essay Topic 

A prompt for a synthesis paper must be arguable. Based on your project, you may be required to select primary content. Select a book that may include contrasting perspectives. Here are some important tips for choosing a topic for a synthesis essay.

  • Look through the themes and ideas. Read from sources and investigate specific topics thoroughly to see if any of them catch your interest.
  • Select a topic and collect relevant and valuable references for your synthesis paper.
  • Outline your synthesis essay using concepts or ideas from the sources. This should make writing a lot simpler and save you a lot of time.

It is necessary to find an arguable topic to make your synthesis essay effective. Another reason is that these topics have been discussed in public for decades. 

Examples of good synthesis essay topics are;

  • The process of hiring in the age of social media
  • Social networks promote suicide
  • Should higher education be free?
  • Is it necessary to remove marks in education 
  • The importance of getting a good education
  • 3D printers are not used efficiently nowadays.
  • Is technology really helping people?
  • Why has technology made surgery safe and effective?
  • What is the cause of widespread obesity in teens?
  • What is the role of gender today?

2. Analyze Your Topic

Here's how you can fully understand your synthesis essay topic.

  • Grasp the Idea of a Synthesis Essay

A synthesis essay's purpose is to establish meaningful connections between sections of a work. When conducting research on a topic, you have to look for connections to build a strong viewpoint on the subject. The ultimate goal of the essay is to present and prove a claim about a topic .

  • Select a Topic Appropriate for a Synthesis Essay

The subject and topic must be extensive enough to include multiple relevant sources. If you have a free hand in deciding what to write about, some preparatory research may assist you in researching and choosing the right topic. 

  •  Select and Study Your Sources Carefully

Research and find relevant information and sources. Generally, choose at least three references for your essay. It's a good idea to learn one or two additional sources for better understanding but no matter what it is, make sure that you study it properly.

Remember that it is better to read three sources properly than five sources poorly.

Compile each source by writing notes in the margins. This allows you to keep track of your thoughts, fresh ideas, and so on. 

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  • Reread the Source Material 

Reread your source material for elements that will help to support your argument. 

Examine your sources for important statements, figures, thoughts, and facts that support your thesis. Make a note of them when you come across them. This will be very useful throughout your writing process. 

3. Develop a Thesis Statement 

Your thesis statement will be the central idea of your essay. It should cover the topic and express your viewpoint on it. After reading the sources and conducting your research, form an opinion on your topic. 

It should be stated as a complete sentence. Based on the essay, your thesis statement could be the first sentence of the essay or the last sentence of the first paragraph.

  • Structure Your Thesis Statement Creatively 

To present your thesis, use a more creative structure. You can use a more elaborate structure than the one outlined above. You can develop your essay using the following approaches:

Straw man: In this approach, you will present the counter-arguments first. Then demonstrate their weaknesses and flaws. 

Such an approach demonstrates your awareness of the opposition as well as your readiness to respond to it. You present the counter-argument immediately following your thesis statement, followed by evidence to refute it. And conclude with a positive argument that supports your thesis.

Concession: In structure, concessions in essays are similar to the straw man. But this approach acknowledges the validity of the counter-argument while demonstrating that your argument is stronger. This structure is suitable for presenting papers to readers who hold opposing views. 

Illustration/ Example: It could be a thorough narrative, synopsis, or quotation from your source material that provides support for your position. However, you should not make your paper a collection of examples at the expense of supporting your thesis statement.

Comparison and Contrast: In this approach, similarities and differences between two subjects or sources demonstrate both aspects. It requires a thorough reading of your source material to identify both subtle and major points of comparison.

This type of essay can present its arguments source by source or by points of similarity or difference.

4. Create an Outline for Your Essay

An essay outline is a method for outlining the framework of your essay. Here's what you have to do. Outlining can help you structure and plan your synthesis paper. 

The standard outline of a synthesis essay is divided into three sections:

- Introduce your topic and thesis statement 
- Discuss one point related to your thesis statement 
- Discuss another point related to your thesis statement 
- Discuss yet another point related to your thesis statement 
- Summarize your points and reiterate why they support your thesis statement  

Need detailed guidance on how to write a synthesis essay? Check out this video?

How to Write a Synthesis Essay?

For writing a great essay, you have to do extensive research on your subject. This essay connects sections of multiple works and develops a strong viewpoint on a subject.

There are some major steps of the process:

1. Start Writing Your Essay 

After getting done with the preparation part, start to write your synthesis essay. 

2. Write Your First Draft Using Your Outline as a Guide

But be prepared to change your strategy if you discover fresh ideas and information. And make sure it supports your thesis and the source material. 

Your essay should have an introduction paragraph with your thesis statement at the end of it. A body with evidence that supports your main topic and thesis statement. Lastly, a conclusion that summarizes your point of view.

3. Use Transitions 

To make the content flow logically, use transitions between paragraphs. Transition words are an excellent method to highlight areas where your sources complement one another. 

Longer quotes of three lines or more should be presented as block quotes to draw emphasis to them.

4. Wrap Up Your Essay 

Here you have completed the writing process, but still, you need to make sure that your essay is flawless. 

5. Revise Your Essay

This is the time to enhance transitions between points and paragraphs and to reinforce arguments. You should strive to make your argument as concise and clear to understand as possible. It is beneficial to read your essay aloud so you can spot problematic phrases or unclear ideas.

Request someone else to proofread your paper. Have you heard the cliche "two heads are better than one"? Is it still valid?

Ask a friend or coworker what they would add or eliminate from the paper. Most importantly, does your thesis statement make sense, and are your references clearly supporting it?

Answer these questions in your essay.

6. Proofread Your Content

Examine your document for any grammatical, punctuation, or spelling mistakes. 

Are all the terms, names, and words accurately spelled? Are there any extraneous English language or sentence fragments? As you go, correct them.

Read the essay loudly to ensure that you don't accidentally add or remove words when reading in your mind. If possible, ask a friend or classmate to edit your writing.

7. Must Cite Sources

Use footnotes to mention information in the body paragraph and bibliography of cited books at the conclusion. Footnotes and in-text citations should be used for any information that is quoted, paraphrased, or cited.

8. Title Your Essay 

The point of view expressed in your thesis statement and supporting arguments should be reflected in your title. Therefore, choose a title that suits your essay rather than constructing your essay to fit the title.

Synthesis Essay Format

The format of your synthesis paper is chosen by your high school, college, or university professor. MLA, APA, and Chicago styles are the most often used styles.

The APA format is followed in the disciplines of science, education, and psychology. Chicago is commonly followed in the field of history, fine arts, and business. And MLA is the style of citation used in the humanities.

APA Style Format

The following are some APA style important details:

  • Add a page header to the top of each page.
  • Times New Roman, 1" margins, 12 pt. Font, double-spaced.
  • The format of a synthesis essay should be separated into four sections: title page, abstract, main body, and references.
  • Insert a page number in the upper right corner.

Chicago Style Format

The following are some Chicago style key points:

  • Use double-spacing between the paper's lines.
  • Make margins of one inch.
  • Font size: 12 pt. Times New Roman font style.
  • Create text that is left-justified with a rugged edge.
  • Mention the full name of a person, place, or organization.
  • At the start of the paragraph, use half-inch indents.
  • The bibliography should be on its own page.

MLA Style Format

The following are some MLA style significant points:

  • The title must be centered.
  • Font: Times New Roman, 1" margins, 12 pt font size, double-spaced
  • Mention your name, professor's name, the course number, and the date (dd/mm/yy).
  • On each page, the top right corner displays the last name and page number.
  • The final page provides a "Works Cited" list.

Synthesis Essay Rubric

A rubric is essentially a list of criteria that your professor will use to grade your paper. 

Knowing how each criterion is weighted can help make sure you get the best grade possible on your synthesis essay. 

The Basics of the Synthesis Essay Rubric

The basic elements of any synthesis essay rubric include organization, focus/development, and language use/style. 

  • Organization refers to how well you structure your paper. It should flow logically and have clear transitions between sections. 
  • Focus/development looks at how well you develop your argument throughout the paper. Are you able to clearly explain why each point supports your thesis?
  • Language use/style focuses on grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Was the paper proofread thoroughly or did careless errors slip in?

For example , your synthesis essay thesis statement is

"Capital punishment should be abolished in all states." 

Do you provide evidence from different angles, such as legal history, religious beliefs, or moral arguments to back up this claim? 

Does this evidence prove why capital punishment should be abolished?

How to Write a Synthesis Essay - Ap Lang

Are you an AP Lang student who's been assigned the dreaded synthesis essay? Here's how to write a successful synthesis essay for AP Lang. 

  • Understand the Prompt 

The first step in writing any synthesis essay is to read and understand the prompt. It's also important to note any specific requirements such as word count, formatting style, or sources that must be used in your essay. 

  • Organize Your Argument 

Once you have all the information necessary, it's time to start organizing your argument.

Start by identifying any common themes or ideas between the various sources of evidence and create an outline with these points at its core. 

  • Write Your Essay 

Now comes the fun part - writing! 

You should now have a comprehensive outline of all the points and evidence you want to include in your essay. So use this as a guide when crafting your argument. 

Make sure that each point has supporting evidence from credible sources and that everything flows logically from one point to another. 

Finally, don't forget to proofread and edit before submitting so that there are no errors in grammar or spelling. These small details can make all the difference! 

Synthesis Essay Tips

Working on a synthesis paper requires a thorough study of a particular given prompt. To evaluate it properly, you must first understand the prompt's goal, argument, author's claim, and rhetoric.

To compose a successful synthesis essay, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind.

  • Use Multiple Reasons

It is well recognized that the use of various reasons (generally two) is a very successful approach.

Present one argument against your strong thesis statement. This type of evidence presents an introduction and description. The advantage of this method is to teach awareness of the other side of the argument. It is followed by the opposing view and a decisive factor.

This is one of the most basic ways of organizing. It enables you to summarise the sources that are most relevant to you. The problem is that this technique excludes any of your individual thinking.

  • Compare and Contrast

Comparing reveals similarities, while contrasting reveals distinctions. It is feasible to show an in-depth analysis of your chosen topic. It allows writers to compare and contrast two sources at the same time.

Write quotations from sources in your own words. This approach also allows the usage of quotable sources. Ensure to cite the reference when you use the reference.

This method depicts the opposing point of view. It demonstrates that the positives outweigh the negatives.

Writing a synthesis essay is not as difficult as it may seem. You can also try our AI essay writer to generate plagiarism-free content and make the process easier. 

However, if you are having trouble understanding the concepts or writing a synthesis essay, it is best to hire professionals.

Our synthesis essay writing service is the perfect solution to your problems. We have a team of skilled writers who will help you through each step of the essay-writing process.

You contact our professionals at CollegeEssay.org to get essay writing help online . Our essay writer service is always ready to ace your assignments. 

So don't hesitate and order your essay now!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you end a synthesis essay.

A strong ending fulfills these 3 things: 

  • Restate your thesis. 
  • Summarize or synthesize key points. 
  • Make your argument's context explicit. 

What is a synthesis paragraph?

A synthesis is a textual debate that includes support from multiple sources with opposing viewpoints. This type of work requires analysis by using different sources and determining their relevance to your thesis.

Why is synthesis important?

It is important because it allows us to: 

  • Test and validate hypotheses. 
  • Comprehend key processes. 
  • Plan future research efforts. 

How to conclude a synthesis essay?

Synthesize rather than summarize your argument. No need to go over your entire paper again. Instead, include a brief summary of the main points of the paper and explain to your reader how you've made points.

What is an example of a synthesis?

Making connections or putting things together is all that is required. We naturally synthesize information to assist others in seeing connections between things. For example, synthesis occurs when you report to a friend what other friends have said about a film or book.

How many paragraphs is a synthesis essay?

According to the standard outline provided, you should stick to the basic five-to-six paragraph structure. In rare cases, there may be more paragraphs in the main body.

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  • Synthesizing Sources | Examples & Synthesis Matrix

Synthesizing Sources | Examples & Synthesis Matrix

Published on July 4, 2022 by Eoghan Ryan . Revised on May 31, 2023.

Synthesizing sources involves combining the work of other scholars to provide new insights. It’s a way of integrating sources that helps situate your work in relation to existing research.

Synthesizing sources involves more than just summarizing . You must emphasize how each source contributes to current debates, highlighting points of (dis)agreement and putting the sources in conversation with each other.

You might synthesize sources in your literature review to give an overview of the field or throughout your research paper when you want to position your work in relation to existing research.

Table of contents

Example of synthesizing sources, how to synthesize sources, synthesis matrix, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about synthesizing sources.

Let’s take a look at an example where sources are not properly synthesized, and then see what can be done to improve it.

This paragraph provides no context for the information and does not explain the relationships between the sources described. It also doesn’t analyze the sources or consider gaps in existing research.

Research on the barriers to second language acquisition has primarily focused on age-related difficulties. Building on Lenneberg’s (1967) theory of a critical period of language acquisition, Johnson and Newport (1988) tested Lenneberg’s idea in the context of second language acquisition. Their research seemed to confirm that young learners acquire a second language more easily than older learners. Recent research has considered other potential barriers to language acquisition. Schepens, van Hout, and van der Slik (2022) have revealed that the difficulties of learning a second language at an older age are compounded by dissimilarity between a learner’s first language and the language they aim to acquire. Further research needs to be carried out to determine whether the difficulty faced by adult monoglot speakers is also faced by adults who acquired a second language during the “critical period.”

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

To synthesize sources, group them around a specific theme or point of contention.

As you read sources, ask:

  • What questions or ideas recur? Do the sources focus on the same points, or do they look at the issue from different angles?
  • How does each source relate to others? Does it confirm or challenge the findings of past research?
  • Where do the sources agree or disagree?

Once you have a clear idea of how each source positions itself, put them in conversation with each other. Analyze and interpret their points of agreement and disagreement. This displays the relationships among sources and creates a sense of coherence.

Consider both implicit and explicit (dis)agreements. Whether one source specifically refutes another or just happens to come to different conclusions without specifically engaging with it, you can mention it in your synthesis either way.

Synthesize your sources using:

  • Topic sentences to introduce the relationship between the sources
  • Signal phrases to attribute ideas to their authors
  • Transition words and phrases to link together different ideas

To more easily determine the similarities and dissimilarities among your sources, you can create a visual representation of their main ideas with a synthesis matrix . This is a tool that you can use when researching and writing your paper, not a part of the final text.

In a synthesis matrix, each column represents one source, and each row represents a common theme or idea among the sources. In the relevant rows, fill in a short summary of how the source treats each theme or topic.

This helps you to clearly see the commonalities or points of divergence among your sources. You can then synthesize these sources in your work by explaining their relationship.

Example: Synthesis matrix
Lenneberg (1967) Johnson and Newport (1988) Schepens, van Hout, and van der Slik (2022)
Approach Primarily theoretical, due to the ethical implications of delaying the age at which humans are exposed to language Testing the English grammar proficiency of 46 native Korean or Chinese speakers who moved to the US between the ages of 3 and 39 (all participants had lived in the US for at least 3 years at the time of testing) Analyzing the results of 56,024 adult immigrants to the Netherlands from 50 different language backgrounds
Enabling factors in language acquisition A critical period between early infancy and puberty after which language acquisition capabilities decline A critical period (following Lenneberg) General age effects (outside of a contested critical period), as well as the similarity between a learner’s first language and target language
Barriers to language acquisition Aging Aging (following Lenneberg) Aging as well as the dissimilarity between a learner’s first language and target language

If you want to know more about ChatGPT, AI tools , citation , and plagiarism , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

  • ChatGPT vs human editor
  • ChatGPT citations
  • Is ChatGPT trustworthy?
  • Using ChatGPT for your studies
  • What is ChatGPT?
  • Chicago style
  • Paraphrasing

 Plagiarism

  • Types of plagiarism
  • Self-plagiarism
  • Avoiding plagiarism
  • Academic integrity
  • Consequences of plagiarism
  • Common knowledge

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Synthesizing sources means comparing and contrasting the work of other scholars to provide new insights.

It involves analyzing and interpreting the points of agreement and disagreement among sources.

You might synthesize sources in your literature review to give an overview of the field of research or throughout your paper when you want to contribute something new to existing research.

A literature review is a survey of scholarly sources (such as books, journal articles, and theses) related to a specific topic or research question .

It is often written as part of a thesis, dissertation , or research paper , in order to situate your work in relation to existing knowledge.

Topic sentences help keep your writing focused and guide the reader through your argument.

In an essay or paper , each paragraph should focus on a single idea. By stating the main idea in the topic sentence, you clarify what the paragraph is about for both yourself and your reader.

At college level, you must properly cite your sources in all essays , research papers , and other academic texts (except exams and in-class exercises).

Add a citation whenever you quote , paraphrase , or summarize information or ideas from a source. You should also give full source details in a bibliography or reference list at the end of your text.

The exact format of your citations depends on which citation style you are instructed to use. The most common styles are APA , MLA , and Chicago .

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If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Ryan, E. (2023, May 31). Synthesizing Sources | Examples & Synthesis Matrix. Scribbr. Retrieved August 12, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/working-with-sources/synthesizing-sources/

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IMAGES

  1. 175 Best Synthesis Essay Topics and Ideas for Students

    topics to do synthesis essay on

  2. How to Write a Synthesis Essay Guide by EssayHub

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  3. Synthesis Essay: Writing Guide with Synthesis Essay Example

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  4. How to Write a Synthesis Essay: A Step-by-Step Guide

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  5. PPT

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  6. 50+ Synthesis Essay Topics, Trendy Synthesis Essays for Students

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COMMENTS

  1. How to Write a Synthesis Essay, WIth Examples

    Structuring your synthesis essay by topic works best for more complicated ideas with different aspects that should be explored individually. Example outline: I. Introduction A. Thesis statement. II. Topic 1 A. Source A discussing Topic 1 1. A point or piece of evidence/data from Source A about Topic 1 2.

  2. Guide to Writing a Synthesis Essay: Tips and Examples

    In the process of crafting a synthesis essay, you will be tasked with combining information from multiple sources to create a cohesive and well-supported argument. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, providing helpful tips and examples along the way. Step 1: Understand the Assignment.

  3. 100+ Creative Synthesis Essay Topics & Ideas (2024)

    The most important thing to do best in your essays is to come up with some creative synthesis essay topics. That's why in this blog we'll walk you through 50+ ideas for creative synthesis essays topics in specific prompts. Now you're bound to find something that interests you! Let's get into it. On This Page. 1. Good Synthesis Essay Topics.

  4. 435 Synthesis Essay Topics & Ideas to Choose From

    Synthesis essay topics on this concept explore how people strive for freedom, success, and personal fulfillment despite socio-economic and racial inequalities. The American Dream in literature: A reflection of societal values. Race and the American Dream: An in-depth analysis. The American Dream and income inequality.

  5. Synthesis Essay Topics for All Students

    When composing essays for academic purposes, you are usually expected to collect data and arrange it in an orderly. However, there is an additional layer of complexity when it comes to writing a synthesis essay.Not only do you require the proper abilities, but a compelling topic is also necessary. ‍ Selecting strong topics for your synthesis essay can significantly elevate your marks.

  6. 40+ Trending Synthesis Essay Topics for 2024

    A synthesis essay is a piece of academic writing in which an essay writer synthesizes the information in the existing sources and creates new knowledge. However, for a good synthesis essay, you need a great essay topic. Some students think that finding a good topic takes a lot of time and effort. Though, if you have an excellent list of essay ...

  7. 300 Unique and Interesting Synthesis Essay Topics

    Informative Synthesis Essay Topics. Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture, Health, and Economies. Advancements in Renewable Energy. Solar, Wind, and Hydroelectric Power. Rise of Populism - Global Political Landscape and Implications. Social Media Influence on Political Opinions and Activism. Mental Health Stigma - Cultural Variations and ...

  8. Guide to Synthesis Essays: How to Write a Synthesis Essay

    The writing process for composing a good synthesis essay requires curiosity, research, and original thought to argue a certain point or explore an idea. Synthesis essay writing involves a great deal of intellectual work, but knowing how to compose a compelling written discussion of a topic can give you an edge in many fields, from the social sciences to engineering.

  9. How to Write a Synthesis Essay

    As a student, you'll probably have to write a synthesis essay at some point. Read on for our step-by-step guide on how to write one effectively. Step 1. Define Your Idea or Argument. If you haven't done so already, decide on a topic to write about. Read up about it using a variety of credible sources and make detailed notes while you research.

  10. Synthesis Essays: A Step-by-Step How- To Guide

    How to write body paragraphs for synthesis essays: 1.Pick three points to write about from your list of points about which the writers agreed or disagreed. When picking three to write about, pick the three that offer you ample evidence. 2.Decide the order of the three points to be written about in your body paragraphs.

  11. 85 Synthesis Essay Topics for College Students

    A synthesis essay involves combining information from multiple sources to support a central argument or thesis. This type of essay requires you to: Analyze various sources: Evaluate the credibility and relevance of each source. Identify common themes: Look for overarching themes or ideas that connect the sources.

  12. Full Guide to Synthesis Essays: How to Write a Synthesis Essay

    Step 3: Crafting a strong thesis statement. A strong thesis statement has to capture the main idea of your synthesis essay. It should include a synthesis of information that you gathered during ...

  13. 160+ Interesting Synthesis Essay Topics and Prompts

    Synthesis Essay Topics For High School. Social Media and Teenage Mental Health. The Role of Literature in Shaping Worldviews. The Effects of Part-Time Jobs on Academic Performance. Examining the Role of Gender Stereotypes in Teen Relationships. The Significance of Cultural Diversity in High School Education.

  14. 100 Synthesis Essay Topics for Well-Reasoned Arguments

    Synthesis Topics to Write About Politics, Law, and Society. Politics is a hotbed of controversial issues, so there will be plenty of challenging matters to tackle in these explanatory synthesis essay topics. The court-martial of General Sinclair. The relation of poverty and exposure to crime in adolescent men.

  15. EssayPro Blog

    Picking essay topics is just the beginning. To write a great synthesis essay, you need to carefully evaluate and connect different sources to build a strong argument or viewpoint. Here's a step-by-step infographic guide to help you choose the right synthesis essay topics wisely. There are myriads of essay topics, so how do you choose the right ...

  16. 27 How do I Write a Synthesis Essay?

    Synthesis essays will typically contain three body paragraphs. A good body paragraph contains three main sections: a topic sentence (or key sentence), relevant supporting sentences, and a closing (or transition) sentence. This structure keeps your paragraph focused on the main idea, providing clear, concise information.

  17. How to Write a Synthesis Essay: Examples, Topics, & Outline

    A synthesis matrix will help you with that: Find several central ideas in the chart. Choose the ones that are repeated the most often and the ones that you feel need to be in your essay. Combine them, and you have a thesis statement with all the key points. Make a draft of the thesis statement.

  18. How to Write a Synthesis Essay

    5 helpful tips to write a synthesis essay. 1. Acceptable number of sources. If you need to take the AP exam, you have to use at least three sources (you can use a maximum of four sources). If you must write a synthesis essay as an academic assignment, you may use more sources.

  19. 100 Synthesis Essay Topics for Your Inspiration

    The list below has 100 different topics that could serve as a basis for your synthesis essay. They are further broken into ten big categories — in accordance with our survey, most students prefer to write about them, so this might make your choice easier. Read these options, copy the ones you like, and consider basing your paper on them.

  20. Synthesis Essay

    A synthesis essay is a written work that takes a unique viewpoint about a central idea, theme, or topic, and backs it up with a combination of multiple sources. The process has four major components:

  21. How to Write a Synthesis Essay

    The purpose of a synthesis essay is to make insightful connections between parts of a work, or multiple works, with the goal of ultimately presenting and supporting a claim about a topic. In other words, when you do research on a topic, you will look for connections that you can form into a solid perspective on a topic. The different types of ...

  22. How to Write a Synthesis Essay: Step-by-Step Guide

    1. Choosing a Synthesis Essay Topic A prompt for a synthesis paper must be arguable. Based on your project, you may be required to select primary content. Select a book that may include contrasting perspectives. Here are some important tips for choosing a topic for a synthesis essay. Look through the themes and ideas.

  23. Synthesizing Sources

    It also doesn't analyze the sources or consider gaps in existing research. Example: Effective synthesis. Research on the barriers to second language acquisition has primarily focused on age-related difficulties. Building on Lenneberg's (1967) theory of a critical period of language acquisition, Johnson and Newport (1988) tested Lenneberg ...

  24. How to cite ChatGPT

    We, the APA Style team, are not robots. We can all pass a CAPTCHA test, and we know our roles in a Turing test.And, like so many nonrobot human beings this year, we've spent a fair amount of time reading, learning, and thinking about issues related to large language models, artificial intelligence (AI), AI-generated text, and specifically ChatGPT.

  25. Where Tim Walz Stands on the Issues

    As governor of Minnesota, he has enacted policies to secure abortion protections, provide free meals for schoolchildren, allow recreational marijuana and set renewable energy goals.

  26. Who Are the Far-Right Groups Behind the U.K. Riots?

    After a deadly stabbing at a children's event in northwestern England, an array of online influencers, anti-Muslim extremists and fascist groups have stoked unrest, experts say.

  27. Vance Attacks Walz's Military Record, Accusing Him of Avoiding a Tour

    Mr. Walz was deployed after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, but not in a combat zone. "The governor carried, fired and trained others to use weapons of war ...