difference between thesis and synthesis

Persuasive Writing In Three Steps: Thesis, Antithesis, Synthesis

April 14, 2021 by Ryan Law in

Great writing persuades. It persuades the reader that your product is right for them, that your process achieves the outcome they desire, that your opinion supersedes all other opinions. But spend an hour clicking around the internet and you’ll quickly realise that most content is passive, presenting facts and ideas without context or structure. The reader must connect the dots and create a convincing argument from the raw material presented to them. They rarely do, and for good reason: It’s hard work. The onus of persuasion falls on the writer, not the reader. Persuasive communication is a timeless challenge with an ancient solution. Zeno of Elea cracked it in the 5th century B.C. Georg Hegel gave it a lick of paint in the 1800s. You can apply it to your writing in three simple steps: thesis, antithesis, synthesis.

Use Dialectic to Find Logical Bedrock

“ Dialectic ” is a complicated-sounding idea with a simple meaning: It’s a structured process for taking two seemingly contradictory viewpoints and, through reasoned discussion, reaching a satisfactory conclusion. Over centuries of use the term has been burdened with the baggage of philosophy and academia. But at its heart, dialectics reflects a process similar to every spirited conversation or debate humans have ever had:

Person A presents an idea: “We should travel to the Eastern waterhole because it’s closest to camp.”
Person B disagrees and shares a counterargument: “I saw wolf prints on the Eastern trail, so we should go to the Western waterhole instead.”
Person A responds to the counterargument , either disproving it or modifying their own stance to accommodate the criticism: “I saw those same wolf prints, but our party is large enough that the wolves won’t risk an attack.”
Person B responds in a similar vein: “Ordinarily that would be true, but half of our party had dysentery last week so we’re not at full strength.”
Person A responds: “They got dysentery from drinking at the Western waterhole.”

This process continues until conversational bedrock is reached: an idea that both parties understand and agree to, helped by the fact they’ve both been a part of the process that shaped it.

Dialectic is intended to help draw closer to the “truth” of an argument, tempering any viewpoint by working through and resolving its flaws. This same process can also be used to persuade.

Create Inevitability with Thesis, Antithesis, Synthesis

The philosopher Georg Hegel is most famous for popularizing a type of dialectics that is particularly well-suited to writing: thesis, antithesis, synthesis (also known, unsurprisingly, as Hegelian Dialectic ).

Thesis: Present the status quo, the viewpoint that is currently accepted and widely held.
Antithesis: Articulate the problems with the thesis. (Hegel also called this phase “the negative.”)
Synthesis: Share a new viewpoint (a modified thesis) that resolves the problems.

Hegel’s method focused less on the search for absolute truth and more on replacing old ideas with newer, more sophisticated versions . That, in a nutshell, is the same objective as much of content marketing (and particularly thought leadership content ): We’re persuading the reader that our product, processes, and ideas are better and more useful than the “old” way of doing things. Thesis, antithesis, synthesis (or TAS) is a persuasive writing structure because it:

Reduces complex arguments into a simple three-act structure. Complicated, nuanced arguments are simplified into a clear, concise format that anyone can follow. This simplification reflects well on the author: It takes mastery of a topic to explain it in it the simplest terms.
Presents a balanced argument by “steelmanning” the best objection. Strong, one-sided arguments can trigger reactance in the reader: They don’t want to feel duped. TAS gives voice to their doubts, addressing their best objection and “giv[ing] readers the chance to entertain the other side, making them feel as though they have come to an objective conclusion.”
Creates a sense of inevitability. Like a story building to a satisfying conclusion, articles written with TAS take the reader on a structured, logical journey that culminates in precisely the viewpoint we wish to advocate for. Doubts are voiced, ideas challenged, and the conclusion reached feels more valid and concrete as a result.

There are two main ways to apply TAS to your writing: Use it beef up your introductions, or apply it to your article’s entire structure.

Writing Article Introductions with TAS

Take a moment to scroll back to the top of this article. If I’ve done my job correctly, you’ll notice a now familiar formula staring back at you: The first three paragraphs are built around Hegel’s thesis, antithesis, synthesis structure. Here’s what the introduction looked like during the outlining process . The first paragraph shares the thesis, the accepted idea that great writing should be persuasive:

Next up, the antithesis introduces a complicating idea, explaining why most content marketing isn’t all that persuasive:

Finally, the synthesis shares a new idea that serves to reconcile the two previous paragraphs: Content can be made persuasive by using the thesis, antithesis, synthesis framework. The meat of the article is then focused on the nitty-gritty of the synthesis.

Introductions are hard, but thesis, antithesis, synthesis offers a simple way to write consistently persuasive opening copy. In the space of three short paragraphs, the article’s key ideas are shared , the entire argument is summarised, and—hopefully—the reader is hooked.

Best of all, most articles—whether how-to’s, thought leadership content, or even list content—can benefit from Hegelian Dialectic , for the simple reason that every article introduction should be persuasive enough to encourage the reader to stick around.

Structuring Entire Articles with TAS

Harder, but most persuasive, is to use thesis, antithesis, synthesis to structure your entire article. This works best for thought leadership content. Here, your primary objective is to advocate for a new idea and disprove the old, tired way of thinking—exactly the use case Hegel intended for his dialectic. It’s less useful for content that explores and illustrates a process, because the primary objective is to show the reader how to do something (like this article—otherwise, I would have written the whole darn thing using the framework). Arjun Sethi’s article The Hive is the New Network is a great example.

The article’s primary purpose is to explain why the “old” model of social networks is outmoded and offer a newer, better framework. (It would be equally valid—but less punchy—to publish this with the title “ Why the Hive is the New Network.”) The thesis, antithesis, synthesis structure shapes the entire article:

Thesis: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram grew by creating networks “that brought existing real-world relationships online.”
Antithesis: As these networks grow, the less useful they become, skewing towards bots, “celebrity, meme and business accounts.”
Synthesis: To survive continued growth, these networks need to embrace a new structure and become hives.

With the argument established, the vast majority of the article is focused on synthesis. After all, it requires little elaboration to share the status quo in a particular situation, and it’s relatively easy to point out the problems with a given idea. The synthesis—the solution that needs to reconcile both thesis and antithesis—is the hardest part to tackle and requires the greatest word count. Throughout the article, Arjun is systematically addressing the “best objections” to his theory and demonstrating why the “Hive” is the best solution:

Antithesis: Why now? Why didn’t Hives emerge in the first place?
Thesis: We were limited by technology, but today, we have the necessary infrastructure: “We’re no longer limited to a broadcast radio model, where one signal is received by many nodes. ...We sync with each other instantaneously, and all the time.”
Antithesis: If the Hive is so smart, why aren’t our brightest and best companies already embracing it?
Thesis: They are, and autonomous cars are a perfect example: “Why are all these vastly different companies converging on the autonomous car? That’s because for these companies, it’s about platform and hive, not just about roads without drivers.”

It takes bravery to tackle objections head-on and an innate understanding of the subject matter to even identify objections in the first place, but the effort is worthwhile. The end result is a structured journey through the arguments for and against the “Hive,” with the reader eventually reaching the same conclusion as the author: that “Hives” are superior to traditional networks.

Destination: Persuasion

Persuasion isn’t about cajoling or coercing the reader. Statistics and anecdotes alone aren’t all that persuasive. Simply sharing a new idea and hoping that it will trigger an about-turn in the reader’s beliefs is wishful thinking. Instead, you should take the reader on a journey—the same journey you travelled to arrive at your newfound beliefs, whether it’s about the superiority of your product or the zeitgeist-changing trend that’s about to break. Hegelian Dialectic—thesis, antithesis, synthesis— is a structured process for doing precisely that. It contextualises your ideas and explains why they matter. It challenges the idea and strengthens it in the process. Using centuries-old processes, it nudges the 21st-century reader onto a well-worn path that takes them exactly where they need to go.

Ryan is the Content Director at Ahrefs and former CMO of Animalz.

Why ‘Vertical Volatility’ Is the Missing Link in Your Keyword Strategy

Get insight and analysis on the world's top SaaS brands, each and every Monday morning.

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

Scholarly Community Encyclopedia
Log in/Sign up

Version	Summary	Created by	Modification	Content Size	Created at	Operation
1	handwiki		--	1044	2022-10-31 01:38:44

Video Upload Options

MDPI and ACS Style
Chicago Style

In philosophy, the triad of thesis, antithesis, synthesis (German: These, Antithese, Synthese; originally: Thesis, Antithesis, Synthesis) is a progression of three ideas or propositions. The first idea, the thesis, is a formal statement illustrating a point; it is followed by the second idea, the antithesis, that contradicts or negates the first; and lastly, the third idea, the synthesis, resolves the conflict between the thesis and antithesis. It is often used to explain the dialectical method of German philosopher Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, but Hegel never used the terms himself; instead his triad was concrete, abstract, absolute. The thesis, antithesis, synthesis triad actually originated with Johann Fichte.

1. History of the Idea

Thomas McFarland (2002), in his Prolegomena to Coleridge's Opus Maximum , [ 1 ] identifies Immanuel Kant's Critique of Pure Reason (1781) as the genesis of the thesis/antithesis dyad. Kant concretises his ideas into:

Thesis: "The world has a beginning in time, and is limited with regard to space."
Antithesis: "The world has no beginning and no limits in space, but is infinite, in respect to both time and space."

Inasmuch as conjectures like these can be said to be resolvable, Fichte's Grundlage der gesamten Wissenschaftslehre ( Foundations of the Science of Knowledge , 1794) resolved Kant's dyad by synthesis, posing the question thus: [ 1 ]

No synthesis is possible without a preceding antithesis. As little as antithesis without synthesis, or synthesis without antithesis, is possible; just as little possible are both without thesis.

Fichte employed the triadic idea "thesis–antithesis–synthesis" as a formula for the explanation of change. [ 2 ] Fichte was the first to use the trilogy of words together, [ 3 ] in his Grundriss des Eigentümlichen der Wissenschaftslehre, in Rücksicht auf das theoretische Vermögen (1795, Outline of the Distinctive Character of the Wissenschaftslehre with respect to the Theoretical Faculty ): "Die jetzt aufgezeigte Handlung ist thetisch, antithetisch und synthetisch zugleich." ["The action here described is simultaneously thetic, antithetic, and synthetic." [ 4 ] ]

Still according to McFarland, Schelling then, in his Vom Ich als Prinzip der Philosophie (1795), arranged the terms schematically in pyramidal form.

According to Walter Kaufmann (1966), although the triad is often thought to form part of an analysis of historical and philosophical progress called the Hegelian dialectic, the assumption is erroneous: [ 5 ]

Whoever looks for the stereotype of the allegedly Hegelian dialectic in Hegel's Phenomenology will not find it. What one does find on looking at the table of contents is a very decided preference for triadic arrangements. ... But these many triads are not presented or deduced by Hegel as so many theses, antitheses, and syntheses. It is not by means of any dialectic of that sort that his thought moves up the ladder to absolute knowledge.

Gustav E. Mueller (1958) concurs that Hegel was not a proponent of thesis, antithesis, and synthesis, and clarifies what the concept of dialectic might have meant in Hegel's thought. [ 6 ]

"Dialectic" does not for Hegel mean "thesis, antithesis, and synthesis." Dialectic means that any "ism" – which has a polar opposite, or is a special viewpoint leaving "the rest" to itself – must be criticized by the logic of philosophical thought, whose problem is reality as such, the "World-itself".

According to Mueller, the attribution of this tripartite dialectic to Hegel is the result of "inept reading" and simplistic translations which do not take into account the genesis of Hegel's terms:

Hegel's greatness is as indisputable as his obscurity. The matter is due to his peculiar terminology and style; they are undoubtedly involved and complicated, and seem excessively abstract. These linguistic troubles, in turn, have given rise to legends which are like perverse and magic spectacles – once you wear them, the text simply vanishes. Theodor Haering's monumental and standard work has for the first time cleared up the linguistic problem. By carefully analyzing every sentence from his early writings, which were published only in this century, he has shown how Hegel's terminology evolved – though it was complete when he began to publish. Hegel's contemporaries were immediately baffled, because what was clear to him was not clear to his readers, who were not initiated into the genesis of his terms. An example of how a legend can grow on inept reading is this: Translate "Begriff" by "concept," "Vernunft" by "reason" and "Wissenschaft" by "science" – and they are all good dictionary translations – and you have transformed the great critic of rationalism and irrationalism into a ridiculous champion of an absurd pan-logistic rationalism and scientism. The most vexing and devastating Hegel legend is that everything is thought in "thesis, antithesis, and synthesis." [ 7 ]

Karl Marx (1818–1883) and Friedrich Engels (1820–1895) adopted and extended the triad, especially in Marx's The Poverty of Philosophy (1847). Here, in Chapter 2, Marx is obsessed by the word "thesis"; [ 8 ] it forms an important part of the basis for the Marxist theory of history. [ 9 ]

2. Writing Pedagogy

In modern times, the dialectic of thesis, antithesis, and synthesis has been implemented across the world as a strategy for organizing expositional writing. For example, this technique is taught as a basic organizing principle in French schools: [ 10 ]

The French learn to value and practice eloquence from a young age. Almost from day one, students are taught to produce plans for their compositions, and are graded on them. The structures change with fashions. Youngsters were once taught to express a progression of ideas. Now they follow a dialectic model of thesis-antithesis-synthesis. If you listen carefully to the French arguing about any topic they all follow this model closely: they present an idea, explain possible objections to it, and then sum up their conclusions. ... This analytical mode of reasoning is integrated into the entire school corpus.

Thesis, Antithesis, and Synthesis has also been used as a basic scheme to organize writing in the English language. For example, the website WikiPreMed.com advocates the use of this scheme in writing timed essays for the MCAT standardized test: [ 11 ]

For the purposes of writing MCAT essays, the dialectic describes the progression of ideas in a critical thought process that is the force driving your argument. A good dialectical progression propels your arguments in a way that is satisfying to the reader. The thesis is an intellectual proposition. The antithesis is a critical perspective on the thesis. The synthesis solves the conflict between the thesis and antithesis by reconciling their common truths, and forming a new proposition.

Samuel Taylor Coleridge: Opus Maximum. Princeton University Press, 2002, p. 89.
Harry Ritter, Dictionary of Concepts in History. Greenwood Publishing Group (1986), p.114
Williams, Robert R. (1992). Recognition: Fichte and Hegel on the Other. SUNY Press. p. 46, note 37.
Fichte, Johann Gottlieb; Breazeale, Daniel (1993). Fichte: Early Philosophical Writings. Cornell University Press. p. 249.
Walter Kaufmann (1966). "§ 37". Hegel: A Reinterpretation. Anchor Books. ISBN 978-0-268-01068-3. OCLC 3168016. https://archive.org/details/hegelreinterpret00kauf.
Mueller, Gustav (1958). "The Hegel Legend of "Thesis-Antithesis-Synthesis"". Journal of the History of Ideas 19 (4): 411–414. doi:10.2307/2708045. https://dx.doi.org/10.2307%2F2708045
Mueller 1958, p. 411.
marxists.org: Chapter 2 of "The Poverty of Philosophy", by Karl Marx https://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1847/poverty-philosophy/ch02.htm
Shrimp, Kaleb (2009). "The Validity of Karl Marx's Theory of Historical Materialism". Major Themes in Economics 11 (1): 35–56. https://scholarworks.uni.edu/mtie/vol11/iss1/5/. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
Nadeau, Jean-Benoit; Barlow, Julie (2003). Sixty Million Frenchmen Can't Be Wrong: Why We Love France But Not The French. Sourcebooks, Inc.. p. 62. https://archive.org/details/sixtymillionfren00nade_041.
"The MCAT writing assignment.". Wisebridge Learning Systems, LLC. http://www.wikipremed.com/mcat_essay.php. Retrieved 1 November 2015.

Terms and Conditions
Privacy Policy
Advisory Board

How to Synthesize Written Information from Multiple Sources

Shona McCombes

Content Manager

B.A., English Literature, University of Glasgow

Shona McCombes is the content manager at Scribbr, Netherlands.

Learn about our Editorial Process

Saul Mcleod, PhD

Editor-in-Chief for Simply Psychology

BSc (Hons) Psychology, MRes, PhD, University of Manchester

Saul Mcleod, PhD., is a qualified psychology teacher with over 18 years of experience in further and higher education. He has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Clinical Psychology.

On This Page:

When you write a literature review or essay, you have to go beyond just summarizing the articles you’ve read – you need to synthesize the literature to show how it all fits together (and how your own research fits in).

Synthesizing simply means combining. Instead of summarizing the main points of each source in turn, you put together the ideas and findings of multiple sources in order to make an overall point.

At the most basic level, this involves looking for similarities and differences between your sources. Your synthesis should show the reader where the sources overlap and where they diverge.

Unsynthesized Example

Franz (2008) studied undergraduate online students. He looked at 17 females and 18 males and found that none of them liked APA. According to Franz, the evidence suggested that all students are reluctant to learn citations style. Perez (2010) also studies undergraduate students. She looked at 42 females and 50 males and found that males were significantly more inclined to use citation software ( p < .05). Findings suggest that females might graduate sooner. Goldstein (2012) looked at British undergraduates. Among a sample of 50, all females, all confident in their abilities to cite and were eager to write their dissertations.

Synthesized Example

Studies of undergraduate students reveal conflicting conclusions regarding relationships between advanced scholarly study and citation efficacy. Although Franz (2008) found that no participants enjoyed learning citation style, Goldstein (2012) determined in a larger study that all participants watched felt comfortable citing sources, suggesting that variables among participant and control group populations must be examined more closely. Although Perez (2010) expanded on Franz’s original study with a larger, more diverse sample…

Step 1: Organize your sources

After collecting the relevant literature, you’ve got a lot of information to work through, and no clear idea of how it all fits together.

Before you can start writing, you need to organize your notes in a way that allows you to see the relationships between sources.

One way to begin synthesizing the literature is to put your notes into a table. Depending on your topic and the type of literature you’re dealing with, there are a couple of different ways you can organize this.

Summary table

A summary table collates the key points of each source under consistent headings. This is a good approach if your sources tend to have a similar structure – for instance, if they’re all empirical papers.

Each row in the table lists one source, and each column identifies a specific part of the source. You can decide which headings to include based on what’s most relevant to the literature you’re dealing with.

For example, you might include columns for things like aims, methods, variables, population, sample size, and conclusion.

For each study, you briefly summarize each of these aspects. You can also include columns for your own evaluation and analysis.

summary table for synthesizing the literature

The summary table gives you a quick overview of the key points of each source. This allows you to group sources by relevant similarities, as well as noticing important differences or contradictions in their findings.

Synthesis matrix

A synthesis matrix is useful when your sources are more varied in their purpose and structure – for example, when you’re dealing with books and essays making various different arguments about a topic.

Each column in the table lists one source. Each row is labeled with a specific concept, topic or theme that recurs across all or most of the sources.

Then, for each source, you summarize the main points or arguments related to the theme.

The purposes of the table is to identify the common points that connect the sources, as well as identifying points where they diverge or disagree.

Step 2: Outline your structure

Now you should have a clear overview of the main connections and differences between the sources you’ve read. Next, you need to decide how you’ll group them together and the order in which you’ll discuss them.

For shorter papers, your outline can just identify the focus of each paragraph; for longer papers, you might want to divide it into sections with headings.

There are a few different approaches you can take to help you structure your synthesis.

If your sources cover a broad time period, and you found patterns in how researchers approached the topic over time, you can organize your discussion chronologically .

That doesn’t mean you just summarize each paper in chronological order; instead, you should group articles into time periods and identify what they have in common, as well as signalling important turning points or developments in the literature.

If the literature covers various different topics, you can organize it thematically .

That means that each paragraph or section focuses on a specific theme and explains how that theme is approached in the literature.

synthesizing the literature using themes

Source Used with Permission: The Chicago School

If you’re drawing on literature from various different fields or they use a wide variety of research methods, you can organize your sources methodologically .

That means grouping together studies based on the type of research they did and discussing the findings that emerged from each method.

If your topic involves a debate between different schools of thought, you can organize it theoretically .

That means comparing the different theories that have been developed and grouping together papers based on the position or perspective they take on the topic, as well as evaluating which arguments are most convincing.

Step 3: Write paragraphs with topic sentences

What sets a synthesis apart from a summary is that it combines various sources. The easiest way to think about this is that each paragraph should discuss a few different sources, and you should be able to condense the overall point of the paragraph into one sentence.

This is called a topic sentence , and it usually appears at the start of the paragraph. The topic sentence signals what the whole paragraph is about; every sentence in the paragraph should be clearly related to it.

A topic sentence can be a simple summary of the paragraph’s content:

“Early research on [x] focused heavily on [y].”

For an effective synthesis, you can use topic sentences to link back to the previous paragraph, highlighting a point of debate or critique:

“Several scholars have pointed out the flaws in this approach.” “While recent research has attempted to address the problem, many of these studies have methodological flaws that limit their validity.”

By using topic sentences, you can ensure that your paragraphs are coherent and clearly show the connections between the articles you are discussing.

As you write your paragraphs, avoid quoting directly from sources: use your own words to explain the commonalities and differences that you found in the literature.

Don’t try to cover every single point from every single source – the key to synthesizing is to extract the most important and relevant information and combine it to give your reader an overall picture of the state of knowledge on your topic.

Step 4: Revise, edit and proofread

Like any other piece of academic writing, synthesizing literature doesn’t happen all in one go – it involves redrafting, revising, editing and proofreading your work.

Checklist for Synthesis

Do I introduce the paragraph with a clear, focused topic sentence?
Do I discuss more than one source in the paragraph?
Do I mention only the most relevant findings, rather than describing every part of the studies?
Do I discuss the similarities or differences between the sources, rather than summarizing each source in turn?
Do I put the findings or arguments of the sources in my own words?
Is the paragraph organized around a single idea?
Is the paragraph directly relevant to my research question or topic?
Is there a logical transition from this paragraph to the next one?

Further Information

How to Synthesise: a Step-by-Step Approach

Help…I”ve Been Asked to Synthesize!

Learn how to Synthesise (combine information from sources)

How to write a Psychology Essay

Student Resources

How To Cite A YouTube Video In APA Style – With Examples

How to Write an Abstract APA Format

APA References Page Formatting and Example

APA Title Page (Cover Page) Format, Example, & Templates

How do I Cite a Source with Multiple Authors in APA Style?

How to Write a Psychology Essay

The Writing Center • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Thesis Statements

What this handout is about.

This handout describes what a thesis statement is, how thesis statements work in your writing, and how you can craft or refine one for your draft.

Introduction

Writing in college often takes the form of persuasion—convincing others that you have an interesting, logical point of view on the subject you are studying. Persuasion is a skill you practice regularly in your daily life. You persuade your roommate to clean up, your parents to let you borrow the car, your friend to vote for your favorite candidate or policy. In college, course assignments often ask you to make a persuasive case in writing. You are asked to convince your reader of your point of view. This form of persuasion, often called academic argument, follows a predictable pattern in writing. After a brief introduction of your topic, you state your point of view on the topic directly and often in one sentence. This sentence is the thesis statement, and it serves as a summary of the argument you’ll make in the rest of your paper.

What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement:

tells the reader how you will interpret the significance of the subject matter under discussion.
is a road map for the paper; in other words, it tells the reader what to expect from the rest of the paper.
directly answers the question asked of you. A thesis is an interpretation of a question or subject, not the subject itself. The subject, or topic, of an essay might be World War II or Moby Dick; a thesis must then offer a way to understand the war or the novel.
makes a claim that others might dispute.
is usually a single sentence near the beginning of your paper (most often, at the end of the first paragraph) that presents your argument to the reader. The rest of the paper, the body of the essay, gathers and organizes evidence that will persuade the reader of the logic of your interpretation.

If your assignment asks you to take a position or develop a claim about a subject, you may need to convey that position or claim in a thesis statement near the beginning of your draft. The assignment may not explicitly state that you need a thesis statement because your instructor may assume you will include one. When in doubt, ask your instructor if the assignment requires a thesis statement. When an assignment asks you to analyze, to interpret, to compare and contrast, to demonstrate cause and effect, or to take a stand on an issue, it is likely that you are being asked to develop a thesis and to support it persuasively. (Check out our handout on understanding assignments for more information.)

How do I create a thesis?

A thesis is the result of a lengthy thinking process. Formulating a thesis is not the first thing you do after reading an essay assignment. Before you develop an argument on any topic, you have to collect and organize evidence, look for possible relationships between known facts (such as surprising contrasts or similarities), and think about the significance of these relationships. Once you do this thinking, you will probably have a “working thesis” that presents a basic or main idea and an argument that you think you can support with evidence. Both the argument and your thesis are likely to need adjustment along the way.

Writers use all kinds of techniques to stimulate their thinking and to help them clarify relationships or comprehend the broader significance of a topic and arrive at a thesis statement. For more ideas on how to get started, see our handout on brainstorming .

How do I know if my thesis is strong?

If there’s time, run it by your instructor or make an appointment at the Writing Center to get some feedback. Even if you do not have time to get advice elsewhere, you can do some thesis evaluation of your own. When reviewing your first draft and its working thesis, ask yourself the following :

Do I answer the question? Re-reading the question prompt after constructing a working thesis can help you fix an argument that misses the focus of the question. If the prompt isn’t phrased as a question, try to rephrase it. For example, “Discuss the effect of X on Y” can be rephrased as “What is the effect of X on Y?”
Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? If your thesis simply states facts that no one would, or even could, disagree with, it’s possible that you are simply providing a summary, rather than making an argument.
Is my thesis statement specific enough? Thesis statements that are too vague often do not have a strong argument. If your thesis contains words like “good” or “successful,” see if you could be more specific: why is something “good”; what specifically makes something “successful”?
Does my thesis pass the “So what?” test? If a reader’s first response is likely to be “So what?” then you need to clarify, to forge a relationship, or to connect to a larger issue.
Does my essay support my thesis specifically and without wandering? If your thesis and the body of your essay do not seem to go together, one of them has to change. It’s okay to change your working thesis to reflect things you have figured out in the course of writing your paper. Remember, always reassess and revise your writing as necessary.
Does my thesis pass the “how and why?” test? If a reader’s first response is “how?” or “why?” your thesis may be too open-ended and lack guidance for the reader. See what you can add to give the reader a better take on your position right from the beginning.

Suppose you are taking a course on contemporary communication, and the instructor hands out the following essay assignment: “Discuss the impact of social media on public awareness.” Looking back at your notes, you might start with this working thesis:

Social media impacts public awareness in both positive and negative ways.

You can use the questions above to help you revise this general statement into a stronger thesis.

Do I answer the question? You can analyze this if you rephrase “discuss the impact” as “what is the impact?” This way, you can see that you’ve answered the question only very generally with the vague “positive and negative ways.”
Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? Not likely. Only people who maintain that social media has a solely positive or solely negative impact could disagree.
Is my thesis statement specific enough? No. What are the positive effects? What are the negative effects?
Does my thesis pass the “how and why?” test? No. Why are they positive? How are they positive? What are their causes? Why are they negative? How are they negative? What are their causes?
Does my thesis pass the “So what?” test? No. Why should anyone care about the positive and/or negative impact of social media?

After thinking about your answers to these questions, you decide to focus on the one impact you feel strongly about and have strong evidence for:

Because not every voice on social media is reliable, people have become much more critical consumers of information, and thus, more informed voters.

This version is a much stronger thesis! It answers the question, takes a specific position that others can challenge, and it gives a sense of why it matters.

Let’s try another. Suppose your literature professor hands out the following assignment in a class on the American novel: Write an analysis of some aspect of Mark Twain’s novel Huckleberry Finn. “This will be easy,” you think. “I loved Huckleberry Finn!” You grab a pad of paper and write:

Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn is a great American novel.

You begin to analyze your thesis:

Do I answer the question? No. The prompt asks you to analyze some aspect of the novel. Your working thesis is a statement of general appreciation for the entire novel.

Think about aspects of the novel that are important to its structure or meaning—for example, the role of storytelling, the contrasting scenes between the shore and the river, or the relationships between adults and children. Now you write:

In Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain develops a contrast between life on the river and life on the shore.

Do I answer the question? Yes!
Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? Not really. This contrast is well-known and accepted.
Is my thesis statement specific enough? It’s getting there–you have highlighted an important aspect of the novel for investigation. However, it’s still not clear what your analysis will reveal.
Does my thesis pass the “how and why?” test? Not yet. Compare scenes from the book and see what you discover. Free write, make lists, jot down Huck’s actions and reactions and anything else that seems interesting.
Does my thesis pass the “So what?” test? What’s the point of this contrast? What does it signify?”

After examining the evidence and considering your own insights, you write:

Through its contrasting river and shore scenes, Twain’s Huckleberry Finn suggests that to find the true expression of American democratic ideals, one must leave “civilized” society and go back to nature.

This final thesis statement presents an interpretation of a literary work based on an analysis of its content. Of course, for the essay itself to be successful, you must now present evidence from the novel that will convince the reader of your interpretation.

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Anson, Chris M., and Robert A. Schwegler. 2010. The Longman Handbook for Writers and Readers , 6th ed. New York: Longman.

Lunsford, Andrea A. 2015. The St. Martin’s Handbook , 8th ed. Boston: Bedford/St Martin’s.

Ramage, John D., John C. Bean, and June Johnson. 2018. The Allyn & Bacon Guide to Writing , 8th ed. New York: Pearson.

Ruszkiewicz, John J., Christy Friend, Daniel Seward, and Maxine Hairston. 2010. The Scott, Foresman Handbook for Writers , 9th ed. Boston: Pearson Education.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Make a Gift

Literature Review Survival Library Guide: Thesis, antithesis and synthesis

What is a literature review?
Thesis, antithesis and synthesis
1. Choose your topic
2. Collect relevant material
3. Read/Skim articles
4. Group articles by themes
5. Use citation databases
6. Find agreement & disagreement
Review Articles - A new option on Google Scholar
How To Follow References
Newspaper archives
Aditi's Humanities Referencing Style Guide
Referencing and RefWorks
New-version RefWorks Demo
Tracking Your Academic Footprint This link opens in a new window
Finding Seminal Authors and Mapping the Shape of the Literature
Types of Literature Review, including "Systematic Reviews in the Social Sciences: A Practical Guide"
Research Data Management
Tamzyn Suleiman's guide to Systematic Reviews
Danielle Abrahamse's Search String Design and Search Template

Thesis, antithesis, synthesis

The classic pattern of academic arguments is:

Thesis, antithesis, synthesis.

An Idea (Thesis) is proposed, an opposing Idea (Antithesis) is proposed, and a revised Idea incorporating (Synthesis) the opposing Idea is arrived at. This revised idea sometimes sparks another opposing idea, another synthesis, and so on…

If you can show this pattern at work in your literature review, and, above all, if you can suggest a new synthesis of two opposing views, or demolish one of the opposing views, then you are almost certainly on the right track.

Next topic: Step 1: Choose your topic

<< Previous: What is a literature review?
Next: 1. Choose your topic >>
Last Updated: Apr 2, 2024 12:22 PM
URL: https://libguides.lib.uct.ac.za/litreviewsurvival

Drew University On-Line Resources for Writers

Whenever you report to a friend the things several other friends have said about a film or CD you engage in synthesis. People synthesize information naturally to help other see the connections between things they learn; for example, you have probably stored up a mental data bank of the various things you've heard about particular professors. If your data bank contains several negative comments, you might synthesize that information and use it to help you decide not to take a class from that particular professor. Synthesis is related to but not the same as classification, division, or comparison and contrast. Instead of attending to categories or finding similarities and differences, synthesizing sources is a matter of pulling them together into some kind of harmony. Synthesis searches for links between materials for the purpose of constructing a thesis or theory.

The basic research report (described below as a background synthesis) is very common in the business world. Whether one is proposing to open a new store or expand a product line, the report that must inevitably be written will synthesize information and arrange it by topic rather than by source. Whether you want to present information on child rearing to a new mother, or details about your town to a new resident, you'll find yourself synthesizing too. And just as in college, the quality and usefulness of your synthesis will depend on your accuracy and organization.

In the process of writing his or her background synthesis, the student explored the sources in a new way and become an expert on the topic. Only when one has reached this degree of expertise is one ready to formulate a thesis. Frequently writers of background synthesis papers develop a thesis before they have finished. In the previous example, the student might notice that no two colleges seem to agree on what constitutes "co-curricular," and decide to research this question in more depth, perhaps examining trends in higher education and offering an argument about what this newest trend seems to reveal. [ More information on developing a research thesis .]

On the other hand, all research papers are also synthesis papers in that they combine the information you have found in ways that help readers to see that information and the topic in question in a new way. A research paper with a weak thesis (such as: "media images of women help to shape women's sense of how they should look") will organize its findings to show how this is so without having to spend much time discussing other arguments (in this case, other things that also help to shape women's sense of how they should look). A paper with a strong thesis (such as "the media is the single most important factor in shaping women's sense of how they should look") will spend more time discussing arguments that it rejects (in this case, each paragraph will show how the media is more influential than other factors in that particular aspect of women's sense of how they should look").

[See also thesis-driven research papers .] [See also " Preparing to Write the Synthesis Essay ," " Writing the Synthesis Essa y ," and " Revision . "]

Because each discipline has specific rules and expectations, you should consult your professor or a guide book for that specific discipline if you are asked to write a review of the literature and aren't sure how to do it.

[See also " Preparing to Write the Synthesis Essay ," " Writing the Synthesis Essa y ," and " Revision . "]

Regardless of whether you are synthesizing information from prose sources, from laboratory data, or from tables and graphs, your preparation for the synthesis will very likely involve comparison . It may involve analysis , as well, along with classification, and division as you work on your organization.

Sometimes the wording of your assignment will direct you to what sorts of themes or traits you should look for in your synthesis. At other times, though, you may be assigned two or more sources and told to synthesize them. In such cases you need to formulate your own purpose, and develop your own perspectives and interpretations. A systematic preliminary comparison will help. Begin by summarizing briefly the points, themes, or traits that the texts have in common (you might find summary-outline notes useful here). Explore different ways to organize the information depending on what you find or what you want to demonstrate ( see above ). You might find it helpful to make several different outlines or plans before you decide which to use. As the most important aspect of a synthesis is its organization, you can't spend too long on this aspect of your paper!

A synthesis essay should be organized so that others can understand the sources and evaluate your comprehension of them and their presentation of specific data, themes, etc. The following format works well:

The introduction (usually one paragraph) 1. Contains a one-sentence statement that sums up the focus of your synthesis. 2. Also introduces the texts to be synthesized: (i) Gives the title of each source (following the citation guidelines of whatever style sheet you are using); (ii) Provides the name of each author; (ii) Sometimes also provides pertinent background information about the authors, about the texts to be summarized, or about the general topic from which the texts are drawn.

The body of a synthesis essay: This should be organized by theme, point, similarity, or aspect of the topic. Your organization will be determined by the assignment or by the patterns you see in the material you are synthesizing. The organization is the most important part of a synthesis, so try out more than one format. Be sure that each paragraph : 1. Begins with a sentence or phrase that informs readers of the topic of the paragraph; 2. Includes information from more than one source; 3. Clearly indicates which material comes from which source using lead in phrases and in-text citations. [Beware of plagiarism: Accidental plagiarism most often occurs when students are synthesizing sources and do not indicate where the synthesis ends and their own comments begin or vice verse.] 4. Shows the similarities or differences between the different sources in ways that make the paper as informative as possible; 5. Represents the texts fairly--even if that seems to weaken the paper! Look upon yourself as a synthesizing machine; you are simply repeating what the source says, in fewer words and in your own words. But the fact that you are using your own words does not mean that you are in anyway changing what the source says.

Conclusion. When you have finished your paper, write a conclusion reminding readers of the most significant themes you have found and the ways they connect to the overall topic. You may also want to suggest further research or comment on things that it was not possible for you to discuss in the paper. If you are writing a background synthesis, in some cases it may be appropriate for you to offer an interpretation of the material or take a position (thesis). Check this option with your instructor before you write the final draft of your paper.

What do you like best about your peer's synthesis? (Why? How might he or she do more of it?);
Is it clear what is being synthesized? (i.e.: Did your peer list the source(s), and cite it/them correctly?);
Is it always clear which source your peer is talking about at any given moment? (Mark any places where it is not clear);
Is the thesis of each original text clear in the synthesis? (Write out what you think each thesis is);
If you have read the same sources,
did you identify the same theses as your peer? (If not, how do they differ?);
did your peer miss any key points from his or her synthesis? (If so, what are they?);
did your peer include any of his own opinions in his or her synthesis? (If so, what are they?);
Where there any points in the synthesis where you were lost because a transition was missing or material seems to have been omitted? (If so, where and how might it be fixed?);
What is the organizational structure of the synthesis essay? (It might help to draw a plan/diagram);
Does this structure work? (If not, how might your peer revise it?);
How is each paragraph structured? (It might help to draw a plan/diagram);
Is this method effective? (If not, how should your peer revise?);
Was there a mechanical, grammatical, or spelling error that annoyed you as you read the paper? (If so, how could the author fix it? Did you notice this error occurring more than once?) Do not comment on every typographical or other error you see. It is a waste of time to carefully edit a paper before it is revised!
What other advice do you have for the author of this paper?

| | | |

Walden University
Faculty Portal

Using Evidence: Synthesis

Synthesis video playlist.

Note that these videos were created while APA 6 was the style guide edition in use. There may be some examples of writing that have not been updated to APA 7 guidelines.

Basics of Synthesis

As you incorporate published writing into your own writing, you should aim for synthesis of the material.

Synthesizing requires critical reading and thinking in order to compare different material, highlighting similarities, differences, and connections. When writers synthesize successfully, they present new ideas based on interpretations of other evidence or arguments. You can also think of synthesis as an extension of—or a more complicated form of—analysis. One main difference is that synthesis involves multiple sources, while analysis often focuses on one source.

Conceptually, it can be helpful to think about synthesis existing at both the local (or paragraph) level and the global (or paper) level.

Local Synthesis

Local synthesis occurs at the paragraph level when writers connect individual pieces of evidence from multiple sources to support a paragraph’s main idea and advance a paper’s thesis statement. A common example in academic writing is a scholarly paragraph that includes a main idea, evidence from multiple sources, and analysis of those multiple sources together.

Global Synthesis

Global synthesis occurs at the paper (or, sometimes, section) level when writers connect ideas across paragraphs or sections to create a new narrative whole. A literature review , which can either stand alone or be a section/chapter within a capstone, is a common example of a place where global synthesis is necessary. However, in almost all academic writing, global synthesis is created by and sometimes referred to as good cohesion and flow.

Synthesis in Literature Reviews

While any types of scholarly writing can include synthesis, it is most often discussed in the context of literature reviews. Visit our literature review pages for more information about synthesis in literature reviews.

Related Webinars

Didn't find what you need? Email us at [email protected] .

Previous Page: Analysis
Next Page: Citing Sources Properly
Office of Student Disability Services

Walden Resources

Departments.

Academic Residencies
Academic Skills
Career Planning and Development
Customer Care Team
Field Experience
Military Services
Student Success Advising
Writing Skills

Centers and Offices

Center for Social Change
Office of Academic Support and Instructional Services
Office of Degree Acceleration
Office of Research and Doctoral Services
Office of Student Affairs

Student Resources

Doctoral Writing Assessment
Form & Style Review
Quick Answers
ScholarWorks
SKIL Courses and Workshops
Walden Bookstore
Walden Catalog & Student Handbook
Student Safety/Title IX
Legal & Consumer Information
Website Terms and Conditions
Cookie Policy
Accessibility
Accreditation
State Authorization
Net Price Calculator
Contact Walden

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

Knowledge Base
Working with sources
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.

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.”

Don't submit your assignments before you do this

The academic proofreading tool has been trained on 1000s of academic texts. Making it the most accurate and reliable proofreading tool for students. Free citation check included.

Try for free

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

Scribbr Citation Checker New

The AI-powered Citation Checker helps you avoid common mistakes such as:

Missing commas and periods
Incorrect usage of “et al.”
Ampersands (&) in narrative citations
Missing reference entries

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 .

Cite this Scribbr article

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 June 18, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/working-with-sources/synthesizing-sources/

Is this article helpful?

Eoghan Ryan

Other students also liked, signal phrases | definition, explanation & examples, how to write a literature review | guide, examples, & templates, how to find sources | scholarly articles, books, etc., "i thought ai proofreading was useless but..".

I've been using Scribbr for years now and I know it's a service that won't disappoint. It does a good job spotting mistakes”

gardeshq, best essay writing service, best termpaper writing service, best write my paper service

Synthesis Essay vs. Argumentative Essay

Essays are one of the most popular types of academic writing. They are short pieces of writing on a particular topic. The main body of an essay is made up of paragraphs, each containing one or more sentences.

And among the different essay types are argumentative essays and synthesis essays. Both of these belong to the genre of persuasion, but they differ a lot. Whereas one synthesizes different pieces of information to create a common stand, the other argues different standpoints to drive a certain perception.

However, the two essays are also similar in some ways, which might often confuse you. But this post is here to clear the confusion and make you understand the two essay types better. Here is a detailed synthesis essay vs. argumentative essay analysis.

The similarities: Synthesis Essay vs. Argumentative Essay

Synthesis and argumentative essays have several similarities, from reliance on facts, their structure, and to some extent, their purpose. Here is a look at the similarities;

They Rely on facts

The first similarity between synthesis and argumentative essays is that they rely on facts as their main sources of information. For example, an argumentative essay would use specific statistics as evidence to support its argument. Similarly, a synthesis essay would use several books, journals, or articles as evidence to support its thesis statement.

New Service Alert !!!

We are now taking exams and courses

This means writing them requires deep research, and the information in them is not a personal opinion. Every claim is data-backed, thus giving these pieces more authority.

In fact, a professor will specifically ask you to include sources in your essay so they can see how well you can cite your sources correctly and use them correctly in their writing without plagiarizing others’ work or accidentally misquoting someone else’s words or ideas.

The Structure

The structure of both papers is largely similar. The pieces have an introduction, body, and conclusion. In both cases, you begin with an introduction that grabs the reader’s attention and sets the topic for discussion.

Also see: How Do You Write a Toulmin Argumentative Essay

The body provides supporting details that explain your position and back up your arguments with facts, statistics, and other evidence. Finally, the conclusion closes your essay by explaining why the reader should accept your viewpoint as valid and important.

In addition, the conclusion paragraph summarizes what you have written in the body paragraphs, draws conclusions based on your evidence, and states any final thoughts regarding the subject matter.

Have a Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is a short paragraph that includes your main idea and explains how you will prove this idea. It also contains an argument for your main point.

On one hand, a synthesis essay has a thesis statement explaining the different viewpoints and what you will develop from them. Similarly, an argumentative essay has a statement explaining the different perspectives and how you will prove which is better over the other.

Differences: Synthesis Essay vs. Argumentative Essay

How to write.

The writing process of the essays is one of the differences between the two.

In synthesis essays, you have to write a paper on a specific topic. The article should be based on your research, observations, and experience. You must also use various sources for your writing. Further, they require in-depth research, critical thinking, and analysis. It requires a lot of time to write an excellent synthesis essay because you need to examine different sides of the issue and then come up with an argument of your own.

In contrast, an argumentative essay needs you to take a side and defend it using logical reasoning and evidence from reliable sources. You can choose any topic for your argumentative essays, mostly controversial ones such as politics or religion.

However, you must remember that there are two sides to every argument, so make sure that you present both sides in your paper before giving your verdict based on facts and reasonings provided by credible sources like books, magazines, and journals.

Definition and Purpose

A synthesis essay is an academic assignment requiring students to examine different viewpoints on a topic and then develop an informed opinion of their own. This essay is often done for students to demonstrate their ability to read different sources and then form their own opinions based on the information read.

Simply put, synthesis essays mean to synthesize or make an opinion after reading several sources. It is also used in research papers when researchers try to combine multiple theories into one coherent theory.

In contrast, an argumentative essay is an academic assignment requiring students to write about their opinions on something. They aim to persuade readers to agree with you on a specific issue, but you must present factual evidence to support your claims. This means all of your claims are data-backed by multiple sources, so they don’t seem biased or come from just one person’s opinion alone.

But unlike a synthesis essay, an argumentative essay does not require students to read books or articles about the topic or put forward their point of view on it. Instead, they are only needed to analyze what other people say about the issue and then give their opinion on whether they agree with them but give reasons for their stand.

Generally, a synthesis essay focuses on the topic by putting all the facts together, while an argumentative essay focuses on persuading the audience to agree with you.

Further, a synthesis essay educates and informs your reader about a particular subject. On the contrary, an argumentative essay presents an opinion or stance on a specific issue. Thus you must have extensive research on your topic to provide accurate information.

Even though both essays have a largely similar structure, there are a few differences in structure. An argumentative essay is structured in a way that builds up to a convincing conclusion.

It starts with an introduction presenting the different thoughts available. Each body paragraph explains why a specific view is superior, thus leading to the conclusion.

The purpose of the first paragraph of an argumentative essay is to state your thesis and give support for the opinion you’re presenting. The second paragraph should provide more evidence or examples to support your claim while keeping it brief since you have several paragraphs left. Finally, the third paragraph needs to provide one final piece of evidence or example that strengthens your argument and will lead to a solid conclusion.

This pattern can also be seen in synthesis papers as well but differently. A synthesis paper starts with an introduction introducing its topic and giving some background information. Next, each main point is developed in detail with specific examples.

Finally, at the end of each section, there will be some summary statements about what was said previously, followed by conclusions drawn from all points combined into one solid statement.

Even though there is the use of sources in both essays, there is a significant difference. In a synthesis essay, you can use different sources to support your point of view, but in an argumentative essay, you have to use only one source.

A synthesis essay requires you to examine multiple sources and provide the reader with the information needed to understand the topic. The author will often use the sources to support their argument or thesis statement.

The structure of a synthesis essay typically includes an introduction, body, and conclusion, but it can also include other sections, an abstract. The body is where you will find the majority of your research. A synthesis essay often involves using secondary and primary sources for your research.

In contrast, an argumentative essay requires you to take a side on a controversial issue and present evidence that supports your position. In addition, many different arguments can be used in such essays, including deductive, inductive, and definition arguments.

The structure of an argumentative essay typically includes an introduction, body paragraphs with supporting evidence, a conclusion, and any outside reading material with in-text citations.

Perspective

A synthesis essay provides multiple perspectives on one issue or topic, whereas an argumentative essay gives one side of an issue or topic.

In a synthesis essay, you must look at different sides of the issue and then come up with your conclusion. The main idea is not to argue for or against a particular point but rather to present all sides of an issue and let the reader decide. A synthesis essay should be more analytical than argumentative and persuasive.

On the other hand, an argumentative essay requires you to take a stand on an issue and provide evidence supporting it. The purpose of an argumentative essay is to persuade readers that your point of view is correct. An argumentative essay requires you to investigate both sides of an issue before providing your opinion and supporting evidence.

Clearly, a synthesis and an argumentative essay are two different pieces of writing with distinct structures, purposes, and writing styles. However, there are some converging areas, probably where many get confused.

Generally, synthesis essays have a central theme on which multiple ideas are based. On the other hand, argumentative essays have different viewpoints, but one is presented as the superior one. Both pieces require you to be explicit about your position and support it with relevant evidence from the texts.

Therefore, mastering these differences will be crucial if you want to stop the confusion and create any piece without problems.

Anatomy & Physiology
Astrophysics
Earth Science
Environmental Science
Organic Chemistry
Precalculus
Trigonometry
English Grammar
U.S. History
World History

... and beyond

Socratic Meta
Featured Answers

What are thesis, antithesis, synthesis? In what ways are they related to Marx?

Syntheses vs Synthesis: When To Use Each One In Writing?

When it comes to the English language, there are often words that sound similar and can be easily confused. One such example is syntheses and synthesis. Although they sound similar, they have different meanings and uses.

Syntheses and synthesis are both related to the process of combining different elements to form something new. However, syntheses is the plural form of synthesis, which means the combination of two or more things to create something new. Syntheses, on the other hand, refers to the multiple processes of combining elements to form something new.

Throughout this article, we will explore the differences between syntheses and synthesis and how to use them correctly.

Define Syntheses

Syntheses, in the context of chemistry, refer to the process of combining two or more substances to form a more complex compound. This process involves the creation of chemical bonds between the substances, resulting in the formation of a new substance that has unique properties and characteristics. Syntheses can occur naturally, such as in the formation of proteins in living organisms, or they can be artificially created in a laboratory setting.

In the field of philosophy, syntheses refer to the combination of two or more ideas or concepts to form a new and more complex idea. This process involves the integration of opposing viewpoints or ideas to create a more comprehensive understanding of a particular topic or issue. Syntheses can also occur in art and literature, where multiple themes or ideas are combined to create a new and unique work of art.

Define Synthesis

Synthesis, on the other hand, refers to the act of combining or merging two or more things to create a unified whole. This can refer to the combination of ideas, concepts, or physical objects. In the context of chemistry, synthesis refers to the creation of a new compound from simpler substances.

In philosophy, synthesis refers to the creation of a new and more comprehensive understanding of a particular topic or issue by combining opposing viewpoints or ideas. This process involves the integration of different perspectives to form a more nuanced and complete understanding of a particular subject.

Overall, the key difference between syntheses and synthesis is that syntheses involve the creation of a new and more complex substance, while synthesis involves the combination of existing substances or ideas to form a more unified whole.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Proper usage of words is important in any form of communication, especially in writing. In this section, we will discuss how to correctly use the words “syntheses” and “synthesis” in a sentence.

How To Use “Syntheses” In A Sentence

“Syntheses” is the plural form of “synthesis.” It refers to the combination of two or more elements to form a new whole. Here are some examples of how to use “syntheses” in a sentence:

The syntheses of different chemicals can result in unexpected reactions.
His research involved the syntheses of various compounds.
The artist’s work is a synthesis of different styles and techniques.

As you can see, “syntheses” is used to describe the process of combining different elements to create something new.

How To Use “Synthesis” In A Sentence

“Synthesis” is the singular form of “syntheses.” It refers to the act of combining two or more elements to form a new whole. Here are some examples of how to use “synthesis” in a sentence:

The synthesis of different chemicals can result in unexpected reactions.
His research involved the synthesis of various compounds.

As you can see, “synthesis” is used to describe the act of combining different elements to create something new. It is important to note that “synthesis” is singular, so it should be used when referring to one combination of elements.

More Examples Of Syntheses & Synthesis Used In Sentences

In order to gain a better understanding of the difference between syntheses and synthesis, it can be helpful to look at some examples of how these terms are used in sentences.

Examples Of Using Syntheses In A Sentence

The scientist conducted a series of syntheses to determine the best method for extracting the desired compound.
The author’s book was a synthesis of various theories and ideas on the topic.
The artist’s work was a beautiful synthesis of different styles and techniques.
The team’s success was the result of a synthesis of individual talents and skills.
The professor’s lecture provided a synthesis of the key concepts covered in the course.
The company’s new product was a synthesis of customer feedback and market research.
The composer’s symphony was a masterful synthesis of different musical genres.
The researcher’s study was a synthesis of previous findings and new data.
The chef’s dish was a delicious synthesis of different flavors and textures.
The architect’s design was a stunning synthesis of form and function.

Examples Of Using Synthesis In A Sentence

The chemist’s goal was to achieve the synthesis of a new compound.
The philosopher’s work was a deep synthesis of various philosophical traditions.
The company’s success was due to the synthesis of innovative ideas and efficient processes.
The musician’s album was a seamless synthesis of different musical styles.
The researcher’s findings provided a synthesis of current knowledge on the topic.
The artist’s painting was a beautiful synthesis of color and form.
The writer’s novel was a complex synthesis of different storylines and characters.
The engineer’s design was a successful synthesis of form and function.
The doctor’s diagnosis was a synthesis of various test results and medical history.
The teacher’s lesson was a clear synthesis of different concepts and examples.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using syntheses and synthesis, there are several common mistakes that people make. One of the most common mistakes is using these two terms interchangeably. This is incorrect because syntheses and synthesis have different meanings and uses.

Using Syntheses And Synthesis Interchangeably

Syntheses and synthesis are two different terms that should not be used interchangeably. Syntheses refers to the plural form of synthesis, which means the combination of different elements or substances to form a whole. On the other hand, synthesis refers to the process of combining different elements or substances to form a whole.

One common mistake people make is using syntheses when they mean synthesis. For example, saying “the synthesis of these elements” is correct, while saying “the syntheses of these elements” is incorrect. Another common mistake is using synthesis when they mean syntheses. For example, saying “these syntheses are important” is correct, while saying “these synthesis are important” is incorrect.

Tips To Avoid Making These Mistakes

To avoid making these common mistakes, it is important to understand the differences between syntheses and synthesis. Here are some tips to help you avoid making these mistakes:

Always use synthesis when you are referring to the process of combining different elements or substances to form a whole.
Always use syntheses when you are referring to the plural form of synthesis, which means the combination of different elements or substances to form a whole.
If you are unsure which term to use, consult a dictionary or thesaurus to ensure that you are using the correct term.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between syntheses and synthesis, context plays a critical role in determining which term to use. The context in which these terms are used can significantly impact their meaning and usage. In this section, we will explore how the choice between syntheses and synthesis can depend on the context in which they are used and provide examples of different contexts where the choice might change.

Examples Of Different Contexts

One context where the choice between syntheses and synthesis might change is in the field of chemistry. In chemistry, synthesis refers to the process of combining two or more substances to create a new compound. On the other hand, syntheses refer to the multiple processes of combining substances to create multiple compounds. Therefore, the choice between syntheses and synthesis in this context depends on whether you are referring to a single or multiple processes of combining substances.

Another context where the choice between syntheses and synthesis might change is in academic writing. In academic writing, synthesis is used to describe the process of combining multiple sources to create a new idea or argument. Syntheses, on the other hand, refers to the multiple processes of combining sources to create multiple ideas or arguments. Therefore, the choice between syntheses and synthesis in this context depends on whether you are referring to a single or multiple processes of combining sources.

Yet another context where the choice between syntheses and synthesis might change is in the field of music. In music, synthesis refers to the process of combining different sounds to create a new sound. Syntheses, on the other hand, refers to the multiple processes of combining different sounds to create multiple new sounds. Therefore, the choice between syntheses and synthesis in this context depends on whether you are referring to a single or multiple processes of combining different sounds.

As we have seen, the choice between syntheses and synthesis can depend on the context in which they are used. Whether you are referring to a single or multiple processes of combining substances, sources, or sounds can significantly impact the meaning and usage of these terms. Therefore, it is essential to consider the context carefully when deciding which term to use to ensure that your message is clear and accurate.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using syntheses and synthesis are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to be aware of. In certain cases, the standard guidelines may not apply, and it’s important to understand when and why this is the case.

Exceptions For Syntheses

One exception to the rule for using syntheses is when referring to the chemical process of combining two or more substances to form a compound. In this context, the term “syntheses” is often used in the plural form, even when referring to a single instance of the process.

Another exception is when referring to the plural form of “synthesis” in the context of academic research. In some cases, researchers may conduct multiple syntheses of a particular compound or material, and in these instances, it may be appropriate to use the plural form of the word.

Exceptions For Synthesis

One exception to the rule for using “synthesis” is when referring to the philosophical concept of synthesizing ideas or concepts. In this context, “synthesis” is often used as a singular noun, even when referring to multiple instances of the process.

Another exception is when using “synthesis” as an adjective, as in the phrase “synthesis essay.” In this case, the word is being used to describe a particular type of essay that requires the writer to synthesize information from multiple sources.

Exceptions to Syntheses vs. Synthesis
Word Usage	Context	Exception
Syntheses	Chemical process	Plural form used for single instance
Syntheses	Academic research	Plural form used for multiple instances
Synthesis	Philosophical concept	Singular form used for multiple instances
Synthesis	Adjective	Used to describe a particular type of essay

By understanding these exceptions to the rules for using syntheses and synthesis, you can ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and accurate.

Practice Exercises

To improve your understanding and use of syntheses and synthesis in sentences, it’s important to practice. Here are some exercises to help you:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Fill in the blank with either “syntheses” or “synthesis” to complete the sentence correctly:

1. The __________ of these two chemicals creates a powerful reaction.	Answer: synthesis
2. The __________ of their ideas led to a groundbreaking discovery.	Answer: syntheses
3. The __________ of different perspectives is necessary for a well-rounded argument.	Answer: syntheses
4. The __________ of these two musical styles creates a unique sound.	Answer: synthesis

Exercise 2: Identify The Correct Word

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence:

The __________ of these two chemicals creates a powerful reaction.
a. syntheses
b. synthesis
The __________ of their ideas led to a groundbreaking discovery.
The __________ of different perspectives is necessary for a well-rounded argument.
The __________ of these two musical styles creates a unique sound.

Answer Key:

1. b

2. a

3. a

4. b

By practicing these exercises, you’ll be able to better understand and use syntheses and synthesis correctly in your writing.

After exploring the differences between syntheses and synthesis, it is clear that these terms have distinct meanings in the context of grammar and language use. Syntheses refer to the plural form of synthesis, which is the process of combining different elements to form a whole. Synthesis, on the other hand, refers to the singular process of combining elements to form a whole.

It is important to understand these differences in order to use these terms correctly in writing and communication. Using the correct term can enhance clarity and precision in language use.

Key Takeaways

Syntheses is the plural form of synthesis, which refers to the process of combining different elements to form a whole.
Synthesis is the singular process of combining elements to form a whole.
Using the correct term can enhance clarity and precision in language use.

As with any aspect of grammar and language use, there is always more to learn. Continuing to study and improve language skills can lead to more effective communication and better writing overall.

So, keep exploring the world of grammar and language, and strive for clear and concise communication in all aspects of life.

Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.

Organizations
Planning & Activities
Product & Services
Structure & Systems
Career & Education
Entertainment
Fashion & Beauty
Political Institutions
SmartPhones
Protocols & Formats
Communication
Web Applications
Household Equipments
Career and Certifications
Diet & Fitness
Mathematics & Statistics
Processed Foods
Vegetables & Fruits

Difference Between Thesis and Antithesis

• Categorized under Miscellaneous | Difference Between Thesis and Antithesis

Thesis and antithesis are literary techniques used to make a point during a debate or a lecture or discourse about a topic. The thesis is the theory or the definition of the point under discussion. Antithesis is the exact opposite of the point made in the thesis. Anti is a prefix meaning against. The antithesis therefore goes against the thesis to create an opposition effect. The antithesis creates a clash of ideas or opinions and is a rhetorical device used to sway the opinions of the reader. The two opposite statements highlight a point in literature, politics and other forums of debate. Hearing the two sides of an argument has to have more impact on the reader or listener. The two opposing ideas make the writer’s point more definite and obvious.

Definition of Thesis

The thesis is the beginning of the study or debate. It is the introduction to the topic. The thesis is the normal way of looking at the subject matter. The thesis is the accepted way of thinking or viewing an issue to be discussed or written about. It is often the theory that is presented by philosophers and usually believed by the majority. A thesis can be used in a written document or as a speech. The thesis study looks at the positive side of the topic to be presented or discussed. The subject matter is usually what readers consider normal. In a political context it may be what is seen as the status quo. Not necessarily the right situation for the times politically, but what has been the norm, and what has been established before change must take place.

Definition of Antithesis

The antithesis is the opposite or opposition to the thesis. Anti being the prefix, and when it is added to thesis, spells antithesis. Anti changes the meaning of the word thesis. Opposition or an opposing statement or word, is the role that the antithesis plays. The antithesis helps to bring out the reason behind a debate or an emotive statement. Looking at the opposing theme and comparing the thesis and the antithesis highlights the mental picture through the anti aspect of the word antithesis. For example, when Neil Armstrong told the world he had made one small step for man and a giant leap for mankind he used the normal step he took as the thesis, and used the antithesis as a giant leap to create the picture of how great this step was for mankind. This created a memorable image, and shows the enormity of the first man walking on the moon. Antithesis is a form of rhetoric and a useful way of persuading people and igniting emotional reactions. Antithesis has been used by writers and politicians to stir emotions and bring home an important point.

What is the connection between Thesis, Antithesis and synthesis?

Thesis, together with antithesis results in a synthesis, according to philosopher Hegel. Hegel’s dialectics is a philosophical method involving a contradictory series of events between opposing sides. He describes the thesis as being the starting point, the antithesis is the reaction and the synthesis is the outcome from the reaction. Karl Marx used this philosophy to explain how communism came about. According to Marx’s theory:

The thesis was capitalism, the way Russia was run at the time.

The antithesis was the Proletariat, the industrial workers and labor force, at that time. The Proletariat decided to revolt against the capitalists, because they were being exploited. This reaction is the antithesis, or the opposition.

The synthesis results from these two groups opposing one another and there is an outcome, a synthesis. The outcome is a new order of things and new relationships. The new order was Communism. I t was a direct result of the antithesis or political opposition. The connection is therefore between the perceived ‘normal’ or starting point against the opposition, the antithesis, to create a new order of doing things.

How is Thesis and Antithesis used in literary circles?

Dramatic effect and contrasts of character are created through an antithesis. The writer uses the normal character matched with the completely opposite character to create an understanding or the different personalities or the different environment. Snow White and the wicked queen, who is the stepmother, are a shining example of antithesis. Hamlet’’s soliloquy, to be or not to be, sums up his dilemma at the time and creates a confusion of thought. Charles Dickens uses this rhetorical technique in a Tale of Two Cities as he describes ‘It was the best of times and the worst of times,’ when chapter one begins. The reader is immediately drawn into the story and the upsetting times of the French Revolution that is the scene for the book.

How are Thesis and Antithesis used in the political arena?

Well known politicians have used thesis and antithesis in their propaganda and speeches to rouse their followers. The well known Gettysburg address, given by Abraham Lincoln, used the antithesis of little and long at Gettysburg at the dedication to national heroism. Lincoln said:

“The world will little note, nor long remember, what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.” This speech has gone down in history as one of the most important speeches and it has definitely been remembered.

Antithesis in a speech helps to advertise sentiments and rally crowds together due to its emotional power. Martin Luther King used antithesis to sway a crowd by saying unless people chose to live together as brothers they would surely perish as fools.

How does Thesis and Antithesis form part of a debate?

Formal debates make good use of the opposition concept brought about by the use of antithesis. The debate will start with the presentation of the thesis, followed by the antithesis and summed up in the synthesis. For example, a debate about eating meat could open with the points for eating meat. The next section of the debate argues for not eating meat and finally the points for and against could sum up eating meat, but as small portions of a persons dietary needs. The conflict of the argument comes between the thesis and the antithesis. The summary for the listeners to take away is the synthesis of the points made in the debate.

What makes Antithesis a rhetorical device?

The antithesis conjures up a more emotive response because of the opposition factor. Adding in the opposite or exaggerated form of a word in a statement makes more impact for the listener. In the event of a man walking on the moon, for example, this was not just a small event happening when a rocket went to the moon. No, this was a gigantic expedition to another planet. Whether it was intentional or not this statement has stood the test of time. It has become one of the most well known quotes highlighting a particular event. The clever use of the antithesis of a giant leap as part of the statement has made these words stand out in asthey marked this occasion. They bring the impact of these steps to the world as a great vision and achievement for mankind.

Chart to compare Thesis and Antithesis

Summary of Thesis and Antithesis:

Thesis and antithesis are literary devices that highlight themes or emotional rhetorical situations.
Well known events, using thesis and antithesis, show how this form of rhetoric creates an emotional response from readers or audiences. Neil Armstrong’s comment upon landing and walking on the moon for the first time in history is a shining example.
The use of thesis and antithesis in literature enable the author to give more emphasis to an event or a theme in a story or play.
Karl Marx used the thesis, antithesis and conclusion of a synthesis, to explain the evolution of communism.
Using this format in debate helps to understand how two opposing ideals, around one debatable topic, can help the speakers provide their arguments. The debate is then wrapped up in a synthesis of ideas and the conclusion of the debate leading to a consensus of opinion.
When well known politicians make a statement using thesis and antithesis, the statement is more powerful. These rhetorical statements become part of our history and become famous for the impact they made using just a few words to express a life changing situation.
Recent Posts
Difference Between Lagoon and Bay - October 20, 2021
Difference Between Futurism and Preterism - August 12, 2021
Difference Between Dichotomy and Paradox - August 7, 2021

Sharing is caring!

Pinterest 3

Search DifferenceBetween.net :

Difference Between Antithesis and Oxymoron
Difference Between Thesis and Dissertation
Difference Between Analysis and Synthesis
Difference Between Full Moon and New Moon
Difference Between Lunar Eclipse And New Moon

Cite APA 7 Wither, C. (2020, November 23). Difference Between Thesis and Antithesis. Difference Between Similar Terms and Objects. http://www.differencebetween.net/miscellaneous/difference-between-thesis-and-antithesis/. MLA 8 Wither, Christina. "Difference Between Thesis and Antithesis." Difference Between Similar Terms and Objects, 23 November, 2020, http://www.differencebetween.net/miscellaneous/difference-between-thesis-and-antithesis/.

Leave a Response

Name ( required )

Email ( required )

Please note: comment moderation is enabled and may delay your comment. There is no need to resubmit your comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail

References :

Advertisments, more in 'miscellaneous'.

Difference Between an Arbitrator and a Mediator
Difference Between Cellulite and Stretch Marks
Difference Between Taliban and Al Qaeda
Difference Between Kung Fu and Karate
Difference Between Expression and Equation

Top Difference Betweens

Get new comparisons in your inbox:, most emailed comparisons, editor's picks.

Difference Between MAC and IP Address
Difference Between Platinum and White Gold
Difference Between Civil and Criminal Law
Difference Between GRE and GMAT
Difference Between Immigrants and Refugees
Difference Between DNS and DHCP
Difference Between Computer Engineering and Computer Science
Difference Between Men and Women
Difference Between Book value and Market value
Difference Between Red and White wine
Difference Between Depreciation and Amortization
Difference Between Bank and Credit Union
Difference Between White Eggs and Brown Eggs

Wikidiff.com Find the difference between words.

Hypothesis vs Synthesis - What's the difference?

Synthesis is a antonym of hypothesis ., as nouns the difference between hypothesis and synthesis, derived terms, related terms, external links.

IMAGES

How to Write a Synthesis Essay: Examples, Topics, & Synthesis Essay Outline
thesis and antithesis method
Dissertation vs. Thesis: What’s the Difference?
How to Write a Synthesis Essay: Examples, Topics, & Synthesis Essay Outline
Synthesis
Difference Between Thesis and Antithesis

VIDEO

Thesis Abstract and Research Article Abstract
Thesis, Anti-thesis & Synthesis
Difference between Thesis and Research Paper || Thesis || Research Paper || Topic Difference
How to do Project |Explained in Tamil| Difference between project and thesis
Thesis, antithesis, synthesis
Communication design thesis display| uog thesis display

COMMENTS

Persuasive Writing In Three Steps: Thesis, Antithesis, Synthesis
Thesis: Present the status quo, the viewpoint that is currently accepted and widely held. Antithesis: Articulate the problems with the thesis. (Hegel also called this phase "the negative.") Synthesis: Share a new viewpoint (a modified thesis) that resolves the problems. Hegel's method focused less on the search for absolute truth and more ...
Thesis, Antithesis, Synthesis
In philosophy, the triad of thesis, antithesis, synthesis (German: These, Antithese, Synthese; originally: Thesis, Antithesis, Synthesis) is a progression of three ideas or propositions. The first idea, the thesis, is a formal statement illustrating a point; it is followed by the second idea, the antithesis, that contradicts or negates the first; and lastly, the third idea, the synthesis ...
How To Write Synthesis In Research: Example Steps
Step 1 Organize your sources. Step 2 Outline your structure. Step 3 Write paragraphs with topic sentences. Step 4 Revise, edit and proofread. When you write a literature review or essay, you have to go beyond just summarizing the articles you've read - you need to synthesize the literature to show how it all fits together (and how your own ...
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.
Thesis Statements
A thesis statement: tells the reader how you will interpret the significance of the subject matter under discussion. is a road map for the paper; in other words, it tells the reader what to expect from the rest of the paper. directly answers the question asked of you. A thesis is an interpretation of a question or subject, not the subject itself.
Thesis, antithesis and synthesis
This revised idea sometimes sparks another opposing idea, another synthesis, and so on… If you can show this pattern at work in your literature review, and, above all, if you can suggest a new synthesis of two opposing views, or demolish one of the opposing views, then you are almost certainly on the right track. Next topic: Step 1: Choose ...
PDF Writing a Synthesis Essay
thesis. 2. Synthesis is used in: • Analysis papers to examine related theories. • For example a comparison between the theories of evolution or who shot JFK. • Research papers to incorporate multiple sources. • For example looking at economic and social effects of proposed legislation.
Academic Guides: Evidence-Based Arguments: Synthesis
Synthesis is different from summary. Summary consists of a brief description of one idea, piece of text, etc. Synthesis involves combining ideas together. Summary: Overview of important general information in your own words and sentence structure. Paraphrase: Articulation of a specific passage or idea in your own words and sentence structure.
Resources for Writers: Synthesis Writing
Synthesis Writing. Although at its most basic level a synthesis involves combining two or more summaries, synthesis writing is more difficult than it might at first appear because this combining must be done in a meaningful way and the final essay must generally be thesis-driven. In composition courses, "synthesis" commonly refers to ...
Synthesis
Basics of Synthesis. As you incorporate published writing into your own writing, you should aim for synthesis of the material. Synthesizing requires critical reading and thinking in order to compare different material, highlighting similarities, differences, and connections. When writers synthesize successfully, they present new ideas based on ...
How to Write a Thesis Statement
Step 2: Write your initial answer. After some initial research, you can formulate a tentative answer to this question. At this stage it can be simple, and it should guide the research process and writing process. The internet has had more of a positive than a negative effect on education.
Thesis vs Synthesis
Synthesis is a related term of thesis. In lang=en terms the difference between thesis and synthesis is that thesis is the accented part of the measure, expressed by the downward beat; the opposite of arsis while synthesis is a deduction from the general to the particular. As nouns the difference between thesis and synthesis is that thesis is a statement supported by arguments while synthesis ...
Synthesis
When asked to synthesize sources and research, many writers start to summarize individual sources. However, this is not the same as synthesis. In a summary, you share the key points from an individual source and then move on and summarize another source. In synthesis, you need to combine the information from those multiple sources and add your ...
Synthesizing Sources
Example of 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. Example: Poor synthesis. Lenneberg (1967) theorized that language acquisition could occur only within a critical period of development between infancy and puberty.
Synthesis Essay vs. Argumentative Essay
Table of Contents The similarities: Synthesis Essay vs. Argumentative Essay They Rely on facts The Structure Have a Thesis Statement Differences: Synthesis Essay vs. Argumentative Essay How to Write Definition and Purpose Structure Sources Perspective Essays are one of the most popular types of academic writing. They are short pieces of writing on a particular topic.
What are thesis, antithesis, synthesis? In what ways are ...
This would be the synthesis. Answer link. They are concepts used by Marx to explain the progression of human society through distinct phases. In general terms a thesis is a starting point, an antithesis is a reaction to it and a synthesis is the outcome. Marx developed the concept of historical materialism whereby the history of man developed ...
Hypothesis vs Synthesis: Which One Is The Correct One?
Hypothesis is typically used in scientific research, where it is used to formulate and test theories. Synthesis, on the other hand, is more commonly used in social science research, where it is used to analyze and interpret data from multiple sources. Throughout the rest of this article, we will delve deeper into the differences between ...
Syntheses vs Synthesis: When To Use Each One In Writing?
After exploring the differences between syntheses and synthesis, it is clear that these terms have distinct meanings in the context of grammar and language use. Syntheses refer to the plural form of synthesis, which is the process of combining different elements to form a whole. Synthesis, on the other hand, refers to the singular process of ...
Synthesis Essay Flashcards
Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like Thesis Formula, What's the difference between synthesis and argument essay?, How many sources MUST you use? and more. ... Take 1 min to outline your essay with a thesis (counterclaim, reasons, and stance) 5. Make sure you connect your souces back to your stance.
Difference Between Thesis and Antithesis
The thesis is the theory or the definition of the point under discussion. Antithesis is the exact opposite of the point made in the thesis. Anti is a prefix meaning against. The antithesis therefore goes against the thesis to create an opposition effect. The antithesis creates a clash of ideas or opinions and is a rhetorical device used to sway ...
Theses or Thesis
A written essay, especially one submitted for a university degree. I told them of the grave, becoming, and sublime deportment they should assume upon this mystical occasion, and read them two homilies and a thesis of my own composing, to prepare them. (logic) An affirmation, or distinction from a supposition or hypothesis.
Hypothesis vs Synthesis
Synthesis is a antonym of hypothesis. As nouns the difference between hypothesis and synthesis is that hypothesis is used loosely, a tentative conjecture explaining an observation, phenomenon or scientific problem that can be tested by further observation, investigation and/or experimentation. As a scientific term of art, see the attached quotation. Compare to theory, and quotation given there ...

Persuasive Writing In Three Steps: Thesis, Antithesis, Synthesis

Use Dialectic to Find Logical Bedrock

Create Inevitability with Thesis, Antithesis, Synthesis

Writing Article Introductions with TAS

Structuring Entire Articles with TAS

Destination: Persuasion

Why ‘Vertical Volatility’ Is the Missing Link in Your Keyword Strategy

Video Upload Options

1. History of the Idea

2. Writing Pedagogy

How to Synthesize Written Information from Multiple Sources

Unsynthesized Example

Synthesized Example

Step 1: Organize your sources

Summary table

Synthesis matrix

Step 2: Outline your structure

Step 3: Write paragraphs with topic sentences

Step 4: Revise, edit and proofread

Checklist for Synthesis

Further Information

Thesis Statements

Introduction

What is a thesis statement?

How do I create a thesis?

How do I know if my thesis is strong?

Works consulted

Literature Review Survival Library Guide: Thesis, antithesis and synthesis

Thesis, antithesis, synthesis

Using Evidence: Synthesis

Basics of Synthesis

Local Synthesis

Global Synthesis

Synthesis in Literature Reviews

Related Webinars

Walden Resources

Centers and Offices

Student Resources

Have a language expert improve your writing

Synthesizing Sources | Examples & Synthesis Matrix

Table of contents

Don't submit your assignments before you do this

Scribbr Citation Checker New

Cite this Scribbr article

Is this article helpful?

Eoghan Ryan

Synthesis Essay vs. Argumentative Essay

The similarities: Synthesis Essay vs. Argumentative Essay

They Rely on facts

We are now taking exams and courses

The Structure

Have a Thesis Statement

Differences: Synthesis Essay vs. Argumentative Essay

Definition and Purpose

Perspective

... and beyond

What are thesis, antithesis, synthesis? In what ways are they related to Marx?

Syntheses vs Synthesis: When To Use Each One In Writing?

Define Syntheses

Define Synthesis

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

How To Use “Syntheses” In A Sentence

How To Use “Synthesis” In A Sentence

More Examples Of Syntheses & Synthesis Used In Sentences

Examples Of Using Syntheses In A Sentence

Examples Of Using Synthesis In A Sentence

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Using Syntheses And Synthesis Interchangeably

Tips To Avoid Making These Mistakes

Context Matters

Examples Of Different Contexts

Exceptions To The Rules

Exceptions For Syntheses

Exceptions For Synthesis

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Exercise 2: Identify The Correct Word

Key Takeaways

Difference Between Thesis and Antithesis

Definition of Thesis