Essay
Synthesis
"Synthesis" is the combining of separate elements or substances to form a coherent whole.
Choosing which parts of the selected texts to use
-Review the notes on your chosen passages -Ignore items you have not annotated -Determine if each excerpt contributes to the development of your thesis
Sources include
Textuals Non-Textuals -Essays -Photos -Articles -Charts -Fiction -Graphs -Drama -Art -Poetry -Editorial cartoons -Newspaper
Selecting sources
What is your purpose Does the soiurce give new info ir info that other sources cover does the source reflect view points of any other texts Will this info add deph to your essay?
All in all
ALL IN ALL: 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 introduction (first paragraph) 1. Thesis sentence 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: Each paragraph should: 1. Start with a topic sentence; 2. Include information from more than one source; 3. Indicate the names of your sources; . Conclusion. Write a concluding paragraph that restates your thesis in different words and summarizes themes you have found and the ways they connect to the overall topic.
What is an essay?
An essay is a piece of writing that usually has five or more paragraphs. An essay is written about one topic that has several main points. the main point are introduced in an introductory paragraph and supported body paragraphs. The conclusion is the last paragraph
NB!
Be sure that your thesis covers all the supporting points -Check that each body paragraph begins with clear topic sentence to focus the main idea -Make sure that all of your evidence supports your points clearly; edit out any facts, quotes or ideas that do not (or move them to paragraphs where they logically belong)
Conclusion
Brief summary of the main points of the essay
Inference
Dra a conclusion based on the important information provided Waht do yuo get out of the material or source
Introduction
General statements and information about the topic Thesis statement-lists the main ideas in the essasy and states the overall plan of the essay
How do I answer the synthesis essay?
Investigate a variety of sources, both print and visual -Choose which of the sources to include inn your writing -Respond to these sources and discuss how they relate to your thesis (position) YOU MUST Relate it to the thesis -use specific examples (personal and otherwise -use selected sources to support points -Collect your sources on the topic -Familiarise yourself with what others have written about the topic -Write a brief summary of each of your sources -Examine the evidence that other writers have used to support or to argue against the issue -Formulate your own thesis, after reflecting on your research
Synthesis essay
Studetns are given -seeks to put ideas/information together to form one piece -intro and description of a topic that has different perspectives -Selection of sources that address the topic Non-fiction non textuals
Body paragraphs
Support the main ideas of the thesis statement Begin with topic sentences and several supporting sentences. A conclusion sentence draws the paragraph together
Process of synthesis writing:
Through research, assemble ideas from various sources (books, journals, Internet e.t.c) Develop your own original idea, or thesis, based on these sources.
Paraphrase
Transpose the original material into your own words
NB!
Using your thesis (position) as a starting point, free write, brainstorm question or map out ideas in the topic -Using the prewriting material you generate, create a scratch outline -It is always wise to create a short scratch outline for your essays. However, for synthesis essays, this step is essential if you are to clearly and logically organise your multiple sources
Types of synthesis essays 1) Explanatory essay 2) Expository essay 3) Argument synthesis
explanatory essay: is meant ot provide an explanation of a process, situation or habit. The writer shares ideas, conveys information and provides proof and explanations. E.G, autobiographies Expository essay: presents information abouit a specific topic and an analyis of the most important elements, not only explanation The writer educates the reader by presenting straightforward facts and information but nor personal views Argumetns synthesis: this type of esssay has a strong thesis statements that presents the writer's point of view. It oragnises relevant information gathered from research in a logical manner to support the theses' point of view
Purpose of synthesis essay
to determine ability to: -Read critically -Understand and analyse texts -Develop and support a position on a given topic -Support a position with evidence friom outside sources -Incorporate outside sources into texts of essay -Cite sources used in the essay