How To Write a Synthesis Essay APA Style
Bailey Kerr
To write a synthesis essay in APA style, follow these steps:
Understand the prompt: Read the prompt carefully to understand the topic and the purpose of the essay. Identify the main ideas and arguments that need to be synthesized.
Conduct research: Gather relevant sources from reputable academic journals, books, and websites. Take notes on the key points, arguments, and evidence from each source.
Develop a thesis statement: Based on your research, formulate a clear and concise thesis statement that presents your main argument or claim. The thesis statement should be debatable and provide a roadmap for the essay.
Organize your ideas: Create an outline that organizes your main points and supporting evidence. The synthesis essay typically follows a five-paragraph structure: introduction, three body paragraphs (each focusing on a different aspect of the topic), and a conclusion.
Write an introduction: Start with an engaging opening sentence to grab the reader's attention. Provide background information on the topic and briefly explain the main points that will be discussed in the essay. End the introduction with a strong thesis statement.
Write body paragraphs: Each body paragraph should focus on a different aspect of the topic and present supporting evidence from your sources. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea. Then, provide evidence from your sources and explain how it supports your thesis. Use in-text citations in APA style to give credit to the original sources.
Use APA style for in-text citations: In APA style, use the author-date format for in-text citations. Include the author's last name and the publication year in parentheses after the information you are citing. For example: (Smith, 2021). If you are directly quoting a source, include the page number as well: (Smith, 2021, p. 45).
Write a conclusion: Summarize the main points discussed in the body paragraphs and restate your thesis statement. Reflect on the significance of your findings and suggest further research or implications. Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion.
Revise and edit: Read through your essay to check for clarity, coherence, and grammar errors. Ensure that your writing is concise and follows APA style guidelines for formatting, citation, and referencing.
Include a reference page: Create a separate page titled "References" and list all the sources cited in your essay. Follow APA style guidelines for the reference list, including the author's name, publication date, title of the source, and other required information.
Remember to consult the APA Publication Manual or other reputable sources for detailed guidelines on APA style formatting and citation.
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