When you write a synthesis essay, your focus should be on “synthesizing” provided source material in order to support your own opinion.

You get 15 minutes to read through the source material, but you can start writing before that time is up.

Is it recommended to start writing the essays before that 15 minutes is up?

Is it recommended to use a portion of that 15 minutes to break down the synthesis prompt?

Synthesis writing is both explanatory/expository and argumentative.

You should never take a stance before reading the accompanying sources.

Your argument should be the focus, not the sources.

You need to use a minimum of two sources in a synthesis essay.

Your thesis statement should be structured like an argument thesis.

State clearly, in each paragraph, which point it is making to support your assertion.

Use source material that illustrates the points you make, and cite them appropriately (make sure you are consistent with how you cite - either use the “Source A, Source B . . . “ citation, or the descriptions in parentheses. Don’t go back and forth.

Be sure to analyze the source material - you can do this by explaining how it illustrates your point, or discrediting it with another source.

Try to integrate your source material as smoothly and naturally as possible into your sentences.

Organize synthesis body paragraphs around the sources.

Do not use more than one source in any paragraph.

The reader has not read the documents, so make sure you summarize them when using them to prove your point.

Having a +, -, or x system is a good way to organize sources.

Readers make sure you use the sources, but your score comes from your own words.