How To Write an Explanatory Synthesis Essay
Lane Hubbard
An explanatory synthesis essay is a type of essay that requires you to gather information from various sources and then present that information in an organized and coherent manner to explain a particular topic or idea. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to write an explanatory synthesis essay:
Choose a Topic: Select a broad topic that you're interested in exploring. Ensure it's something that has enough information available from various sources.
Conduct Research: Gather information from a variety of reputable sources such as books, scholarly articles, journals, reputable websites, and other reliable publications. Take notes and ensure you record the sources for citation purposes.
Develop a Thesis Statement: Formulate a strong thesis statement that defines the purpose of your essay and presents the main argument or idea that you will be explaining throughout the essay.
Outline Your Essay: Create an outline that includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each section of the outline should contain main points and sub-points that support your thesis.
Introduction:
- Start with an attention-grabbing hook to engage your reader.
- Provide necessary background information about the topic.
- Present your thesis statement clearly, indicating what the essay aims to explain.
Body Paragraphs:
- Each paragraph should focus on a single aspect or sub-point related to your thesis statement.
- Use topic sentences to introduce the main idea of each paragraph.
- Support your ideas with evidence and examples from your research. Ensure to cite your sources properly using the appropriate citation style (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.).
- Analyze and evaluate the information you present, demonstrating how it contributes to the overall understanding of the topic.
Use Transitions: Ensure smooth transitions between paragraphs and ideas to maintain the flow of your essay.
Counterarguments (if applicable): Acknowledge and address opposing viewpoints if they exist. This demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the topic and strengthens your argument.
Conclusion:
- Summarize the main points discussed in the body paragraphs.
- Restate the thesis statement in a rephrased manner, reinforcing the importance of your argument.
- Offer some final thoughts or implications regarding the topic.
Proofread and Revise: Review your essay for clarity, coherence, and proper grammar. Edit for any spelling or punctuation errors. Ensure that your essay presents a logical progression of ideas.
Citation and References: Create a bibliography or reference page listing all the sources you cited in your essay, following the required citation format.
Finalize Your Essay: Make any necessary revisions based on feedback and ensure that your essay meets all the requirements before submitting it.
Remember to follow the specific guidelines provided by your instructor or the required style guide for formatting, citation, and other details when writing an explanatory synthesis essay.
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Check our previous article: How To Write an Excellent Thesis Statement