Barbara P
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Synthesis Essay Outline - Template and Examples

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Published on: Jul 8, 2019

Last updated on: May 26, 2023

Synthesis Essay Outline

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Developing an outline is the first step in writing a perfect synthesis essay. A synthesis essay is the most engaging type of essay that students get to write in high school and college. It requires choosing a controversial topic, collecting data from a variety of sources, summarizing them, and developing a cohesive essay.

Therefore, we create an outline to organize and summarize the information. An outline not just provides a writing guideline but also ensures that the information included within it is cohesive.

This blog provides you a complete procedure of how to develop a synthesis essay outline. Save yourself time and effort and learn to create a perfect outline from this step-by-step guide. Let’s begin!

What is a Synthesis Essay?

A synthesis essay collects information from multiple sources and then combines them together to make a new whole. The ‘new whole’ is your essay that explains your point of view while analyzing both sides of the issue.

These types of essays need to be properly structured and they should be well organized. If the information in the essay is not connected logically, it will confuse the reader. The reader won’t get anything out of it if it does not provide cohesive information.

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Difference Between a Synthesis Essay and an Argumentative Essay

The synthesis essay is somewhat similar to an argumentative essay but it is a more complex type of essay. In an argumentative essay, you have to present an issue, support it with evidence, and prove that your views are right. Whereas in the synthesis essay, you have to evaluate the factors of an issue to consider the implications of a decision.

For writing a good essay, you need to choose a strong synthesis essay topic and you are supposed to synthesize information from several sources. Put the information into an argument either by paraphrasing or summarizing or directly quoting from several sources. Remember, the sources don’t make your point, they just provide supporting evidence so that you can make your point.

What is a Synthesis Essay Outline?

A synthesis essay outline is a way to develop the paper structure before you begin writing it. Essentially, it is a plan that states what you will write.

A typical outline for a synthesis essay will begin with your introduction. Underneath this, you’ll include an ‘attention grabber’ and a thesis statement. After this, you’ll outline what each of the three paragraphs in the body of the essay will be about. You should include details about multiple pieces of information from different sources.

Finally, your outline will show what you intend your conclusion to cover. It should wrap up your argument. An outline can help you relate and make a connection between the information.

Learn how you can create a perfect outline for your essay in this ultimate guide.

Synthesis Essay Outline Structure

Here is a synthesis essay outline template that you can follow while writing your essay:

1. Introduction

    • Grab reader’s attention
    • Provide a little background information
    • Explain the specific terminology
    • Write the thesis statement

2. Body Paragraph I

    • The least important reason supporting the thesis statement
    • Present evidence, facts, and examples
    • A sentence of contemporary that explains how this reason supports your thesis
    • A concluding statement

3. Body Paragraph II

    • The second most important reason supporting the thesis statement
    • Present evidence, facts, and examples
    • A sentence of contemporary that explains how this reason supports your thesis
    • A concluding statement

4. Body Paragraph III

    • The most important reason supporting the thesis statement
    • Present evidence, facts, and examples
    • A sentence of contemporary that explains how this reason supports your thesis
    • A concluding statement

5. Refutation and Concession

    • Consider an argument contrary to your thesis statement
    • State why it is not valid
    • Provide evidence that explains it is a good idea but it is wrong
    • A concluding sentence

6. Conclusion

    • Restate the thesis statement
    • Summarize your argument and all key concepts that you were intended to deliver
    • Persuade the audience why your claim is the most valid
    • Provide a call to action from an ethical standpoint.

Be mindful of using the correct synthesis essay outline structure for your essay. Here is an outline worksheet to help you write a fabulous essay without getting into any trouble.

How to Write a Synthesis Essay Outline?

The outline is important because it helps you develop a logical flow in your essay. Without an outline, your synthesis paper might end up in multiple directions.

By following a proper guideline you can ensure that all imperative information is included in a logical sequence.

The structure of a synthesis essay has four major parts:

Synthesis Essay Introduction

The introduction is the section where you introduce the topic of your paper. Start with a hook statement to grab the reader’s attention at the beginning. Provide a brief background of the issue and state the purpose of your essay.

Convince the reader to review your work by stating the importance of your point of view. Lastly, state the thesis statement that briefly summarizes the whole agenda of your essay.

Synthesis Essay Body Paragraphs

The body section starts with the topic sentence that supports the thesis statement. Invoke relevant facts and data that strengthen your argument. Then relate all the evidence and target points to conclude the overall essay.

PRO TIP

Refutation

Consider the counter-arguments made by those who do not agree with your point of view. Tackle them carefully, state that they are very good points but they do not make a valid argument. Provide evidence that supports your claim and help you refute the counter-arguments.

Synthesis Essay Conclusion

In the conclusion section just summarize the information that you have presented earlier. Restate the thesis statement to enforce the message of your essay. Reiterate the main points of your essay and provide a call to action and close the essay nicely.

Synthesis Essay Bibliography

The way you cite your sources depends on the writing style you are using. There are different styles for MLA, APA, and others.

You will need to include a list of sources at the end of your essay to credit the research you did. This citations list and bibliography can take one or two pages and appears after the conclusion.

Here is a complete guideline template to help you write an amazingly perfect essay without making any mistakes. Download it to use it later and refer to it while writing your essay.

Synthesis Essay Outline PDF

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Synthesis Essay Outline Example

An example essay helps a lot in understanding the format and how to structure the information. Whether you are writing a college essay or a research paper, taking help from sample essays is always a good idea.

Refer to the following synthesis essay examples and learn to create a flawless essay.

Synthesis Essay Outline AP Lang Example

Argumentative Synthesis Essay Outline Example

Explanatory Synthesis Essay Outline Example

Hopefully, this ultimate outline writing guide and samples will help you craft a perfect outline for your essay. However, if you still face some difficulty in crafting the outline, take help from a professional writer.

Writers at MyPerfectWords.com provide impeccable essays written just according to your requirements. You can purchase any type of essay, research paper, thesis, dissertation, book review, and any other type of paper from our best writing services. Just say " do my paper" and leave the rest to us!

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Barbara P

WRITTEN BY

Barbara P (Literature, Marketing)

Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.

Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.

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