SYNTHESIS ESSAY STRUCTURE

Adapted from Preparing for the Synthesis Question: Six Moves

Toward Success by David Jolliffe and YourDictionary.com
In regard to a synthesis question the successful writer
is going to be able to show readers how he or she has
thought through the topic at hand by:

~considering the sources critically 

~creating a composition that draws conversations

with the sources into his or her own thinking. 
 (1)
R EA D TH E S O U R C ES
C A R E FU LLY W H I LE
C O N S ID E R IN G  TH E S Y N T H ES I S
Q U EST I O N

(2)
A N A LY ZE TH E A R G U M EN T O F
E A C H S O U R C E:
~W H AT C L A I M I S BEI N G M A D E
A B O U T TH E I S S U E?
~W H AT EV I D EN C E
S U PP O RTS  TH AT C LA I M ?
~ WH AT A R E TH E A SS U M P TI O N S
O R BEL I EF S ?
 (3)
A S K : "W H AT A R E   M O R E
P O S S IBLE P O SI TI O N S O N T H I S
ISS U E TH AT I C O U LD TA K E?
WH I C H O F TH O SE P O SI TI O N S D O
I R EA L LY WA N T TO TA K E ?
WH Y ? "

(4)
- - A N D TH E M O ST C H A L LE N G I N G
--
IM A G IN E P R ES EN T I N G Y O U R
P O S ITIO N S O N T H E I S SU E TO
TH E A U TH O R S O F T H E
PR O V ID E D SO U R C E S.
WO U LD T H E A U T H O R / C R E ATO R
A G R E E W ITH TH E WR I TER 'S
P O S ITI O N ? W H Y ?  
 (5)
F I N E S S E , TO R E F I N E ,
T H E   P O I N T  Y O U W O U L D L I K E
TO   M A K E   S O T H AT I T C A N
S E RV E  A T H E S I S

(6)
 
   A R G U E H I S O R H E R   P O S I T I O N —
DEVELOP A CASE
F O R  T H E   P O S I T I O N
B Y  I N C O R P O R AT I N G  
T H E   P R I M A RY  S O U R C E S .   F E E L
F R E E TO S AY T H I N G S L I K E ,
" S O U R C E A TA K E S A P O S I T I O N
S I M I L A R TO M I N E , " O R " S O U R C E
C WOULD OPPOSE MY POSITION,
BUT HERE'S WHY I STILL
M A I N TA I N I T S VA L I D I T Y, " O R
" S O U R C E E O F F E R S A S L I G H T LY
DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE, ONE
T H AT I W O U L D A LT E R A B I T. "
 INTRODUCTION

• Introductory paragraph
In the movies, the doe-eyed homeschooler getting thrust
is short (2-4 sentences).  into public education becomes either a comedy or horror
fest. But does art truly mimic life when it comes to
• First sentence contains an homeschooling? This might have been true of the
attention-getter broader than religious-based homeschooling curriculum of the past, but
the specific topic of the in modern homeschooling education, students have access
thesis, to online and personalized learning, socialization
activities, and lasting friendships. 

BODY PARAGRAPHS
• The first sentence of each body
paragraph should begin with you
making an assertion related to
your thesis.
No body paragraphs should begin
with a source, whether quoted,
paraphrased, or summarized.
Click icon to add picture
One of the main issues with public
education is the lack of personalization.
Not every person learns or thinks the
same way. Homeschooling negates this
issue by allowing students to personalize
their learning through technology. In
fact, a large research study by Education
Elements shows personalized learning
can help boost math and reading scores
by 20%. Corporate giants like Bill Gates
also demonstrate how learning
personalized through technology can
help students to explore their interests

BODY PARAGRAPHS
Every piece of evidence requires
commentary, and this commentary should
explain/enrich/develop the argument, not
simply restate the evidence.
EX:   “While Source A points out
_______________, This shows ...
EX:  After after using Source B, you might
say something like “The point that Source
B makes is...
Click icon to add picture
One of the main issues with public
education is the lack of personalization.
Not every person learns or thinks the
same way. Homeschooling negates this
issue by allowing students to personalize
their learning through technology. In
fact, a large research study by Education
Elements shows personalized learning
can help boost math and reading scores
by 20%. Corporate giants like Bill Gates
also demonstrate how learning
personalized through technology can
help students to explore their interests
 ADDITIONAL BODY PARAGRAPH
EXAMPLES

TOPIC SENTENCE
EVIDENCE & COMMENTARY

•Moreover, socialization has always been a huge worry for homeschooling

parents. While socialization is different for a homeschooler, it is just as rich
but without exposure to bullying and peer pressure, which according to
statistics can lead to negative consequences. For example, homeschoolers
socialize through national associations, volunteering, clubs, missions, and
community theater programs. 
 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the digital age is changing the landscape

• Thesis specifically addresses
of homeschooling. While stigmas are still attached to
prompt.  homeschooling and it is a large lifestyle change, the
• Take a clear stance.  education itself is more personalized. Coupled with the
• Listing the major factors (as multiple socialization activities and lasting friendships
unformulaically as you can students can make online, homeschooling can be a
manage). positive experience for children.
 NEED MORE CONTENT?

• Make a list of what your arguments or

factors will be.  (Make it longer than you’ll
actually use so you can choose the best
things)
• Remember generally good to refute at least
one source
• when applicable, make a concession to the
same or a different source. 
• Choose from the sources the best quotes or
lines to paraphrase to help you make your
argument.