SYNTHESIS+ESSAY+RESOURCES

Synthesis in Everyday Life - An Example
Whenever you talk to a friend about what you've heard other friends say about the latest blockbuster movie - you engage in __//synthesis//__. You might decide whether or not to see a particular movie based on what you have heard. You probably do the same thing when deciding which classes to take. If you hear that Ms. Cunningham's Class is "the bomb" you might try to take her class; if your friends constantly complain about Mrs. Kupiec, you might avoid her, if possible. So, you use synthesis every day - Should I buy the Mac or the PC? Go to 99 or Red Robin? You use information, both positive and negative, to make your decisions. That's what a synthesis essay is - looking at all sides of a topic and presenting that information in an intelligent way. It's NOT to argue for or against a particular view, but to give your reader a full understanding of all sides of a topic - Not just a list of the facts. The essay should combine the information you have found and present it in ways that help readers see the topic in question in a new way.

L. Kupiec and S. Crowther Sandra Jamieson, Drew University. 1999 Adapted from material written by Rebecca Moore Howard and Sandra Jamieson.


 * Synthesis Essay:**
 * Students integrate new information into their current knowledge, drawing conclusions by developing new ideas based on information they gather and connect new ideas with their prior knowledge (Information Power ALA)**

Read thoughtfully. Take notes. Respond to what you read. Write it down! Think about what is being said that reinforces your viewpoint. Think about what challenges your viewpoint. Build understanding. Deepen your analysis.