What
makes a good synthesis essay response? As the name of the essay suggests,
students must synthesize
several
texts (written or visual), some of which may differ in tone, purpose, or
thesis. In a synthesis, a student will bring the arguments (theses) together
(syn-) to
support an argument (synthesis) based
on the several
texts.
Before we present a sample synthesis essay, here is some advice for this new
question:
Provide a
context for the argument, which is the issue at hand.
The more
extensive the context, the better.
Frame the
argument, the issue.
Explain
briefly the background or any analogous situations.
Consider
and treat the complexities, whatever nuances, ambiguities, paradoxes, or
juxtapositions
there may
be.
Transcend
merely citing sources to evaluating how the sources support the student’s own
argument.
Connect
the sources to the argument.
Students
should have a level of comfort with sources and the conventions of
documentation.
Such a
level of comfort comes with repeated practice of working with sources.
If
students feel intimidated by working with sources, they should be encouraged to
enter a conversation
with the
sources, as Chief Reader David A. Jolliffe suggests.
Choose
examples thoughtfully in order to integrate them into the student’s argument.
Identify
the implications and the impact of the argument for the citizenry.
Does this
issue make a difference for citizens?
How
should informed citizens think about such issues?
How does
such a topic affect citizens? How does it affect the nation?
Student
responses will synthesize the sources and appropriately cite them. A student
will combine the
argumentative
punch of the sources with the student’s own thesis in order to create a
cohesive, coherent
argument,
grounded in the sources.
- College Board
