Learn How to Write a Synthesis Essay

A similar approach to a synthesis essay would be a compare and contrast piece where the subjects are laid out clearly and dissected into similarities and differences. A synthesis essay takes a different avenue - solidifying a position and defending it by providing, interpreting and incorporating legitimate sources. The whole point of this type of writing is to practice the ability to retain a confident grip on a set of ideals based on researched or provided facts. What is a Synthesis Essay: Definition, Approach First things first, what does synthesis mean? Synthesis revolves around working with a mix of elements or ideas and implementing them into one whole. Within this context, you probably got an assignment that involves several texts, and the aim is to dissect them. Synthesis usually requires a thesis, an idea that the essay bases on to get the point across. Playing with this idea is instrumental to college success. How to Start Writing: Topics List and Thesis Choosing a Topic Picking a good topic is essential to write a reasoned paper. Like a research paper, a topic cannot be too vague or too specific. There must be enough room for discussion. If it is too broad, forming a compelling argument could prove challenging. If it is too specific, there would not be sufficient breathing room. Topics that incite a disagreement are usually quite compelling because there is no right or wrong answer. Synthesis essay topic examples include, but are not limited to: Good Topic Suggestions Abortion There are quite a few approaches to this issue. You could discuss its ethical approach, its juridical viewpoint (Its legality and parallel to murder) among others. Get creative with it. War War is a sensitive topic, thus its effectiveness. The economic approach of armed conflict could be an argument for, but its disregard for innocent lives could be a con. Globalization What is globalization? Businesses try to develop international influence and thus infiltrate international markets. You could discuss its macro and microeconomic impact from the perspective of the international firm or a small domestic company that tries to compete on that level. Alcoholism (Addiction) / Depression The reason these two are tied is that it is perceived that one is a cause for the other. Further research about the issue may lead to a compelling argument and plenty of information to cite. Literature / Art Any creative output is bound to force multiple perspectives. Different interpretations are a great way of comparing, contrasting and perhaps settling on a conclusion. Eugenics Apart from being a cool word, it is also a fascinating concept. While it could be a tool to eradicate disease, meddling with the natural progression is a valid counterargument. Minimum Wage The debate over minimum wage is a huge issue within many governments. The right offers its abolishment, while the left calls for its increase. Exploring this concept provides much economic insight into the problem. Bad Topic Samples Global Warming This could have been a good topic a few years ago, but nowadays it is overused and has way too much evidence from one side; this limits the scope of research and the formulation of a strong argument. Death Penalty Also a commonly used topic, its application in a mostly democratic world is questionable. That could have been a good approach to writing that type of paper a while ago, but the worldwide consensus on such a matter shows its ineffectiveness to spark a conversation. Video Games Upon further research, video games in modern culture do not correlate with violence. It could be interesting to delve into it, but it would not be extensive. Volunteering Self-explanatory. Volunteering is mostly positive, apart from a few exceptions. How to Write a Thesis The thesis is the most important building block of your essay. It structures a claim and shows the most important points. A thesis is written after a thorough examination of sources and is supposed to establish a position that you are taking. An example of a thesis statement would look something like this: Minimum wage should be abolished because a perfect capitalist system allows the market to decide how much a good or a service is worth and employers need to compete for employees as much as they need to compete for profit. How to Write an Outline Before you scurry off to write your bombastic, controversial point of view, you need to plan. Make sure you have a particular approach to an outline. An outline will help maintain the synthesis essay structure. Suppose you came up with your thesis statement already, and you have done enough research to solidify your claim. If the thesis statement has three parts, for example, divide the outline into three sections. Make sure that every part of the thesis proves the central claim. This type of generalization must be underlined in your essay as much as possible to make your case stronger. Be familiar with all of your sources and make sure you can analyze them, rather than summarize. Synthesis Essay Outline Example Introduction Provide Context within the field of study Personal Anecdote (optional, but welcome) Thesis (Minimum wage should be abolished because†¦) Point 1 (functions of a capitalist economy and its market) Point 2 (perfect competition) Point 3 (Employee performance = Their revenue) Body Point 1 expanded Evidence (Best if accompanied by a source or quote, the more sources you use, the more credible your writing will seem) In-depth evidence analysis Point 2 expanded Evidence Analysis Point 3 Evidence Analysis Counterargument (if applicable) Conclusion Restate main points and their significance; integrate them into a final statement. How to Start a Synthesis Essay Establish the way you want to argue and integrate it into your thesis. Familiarize yourself with the sources. Be it in a prompt or an assignment, a lot of the analysis comes from the sources you use through the supporting arguments and the thesis. An organizational plan accounts for reliable resource implementation. That means you should try to arrange more than just one source per point. Some may agree and disagree on the same topic. Your evaluation will decide which one has better logic and credibility. After evaluation, fuse it with your interpretation and establish the relationship between each one. The writer drives the argument, not the sources. Document every source as you go because you will need that for your citation page (refer to essay formatting). Arrange the most critical evidence last (preferably). Include a general progression where a problem is established and then solutions are offered. How to Format a Synthesis Essay (MLA / APA) For a thorough explanation of proper formatting, click here. Here are the most important things you need to know about formatting your essay. MLA Font Times New Roman, 12pt Spacing Double spaced everywhere. No extra spaces between paragraphs Margins 1-inch margins on all sides Title/Header Titles are centered The top left includes your full name, instructor’s name, course number and the date (dd/mm/yyyy) The header must include last name and page number Works Cited Easybib is an excellent citation tool for the proper formatting of external sources. Read our guidelines on How to Reference your Essay. Tense Use the present tense APA Font Times New Roman, 12pt Spacing Double spaced everywhere No extra spaces Margins 1-inch margins Title / Header Titles should be centered The header includes shortened title of your essay (under 50 characters) to the top left and a page number in the top right References The equivalent of MLA’s works cited but structured differently. Tense Use past tense. AP Synthesis Essay This type of assignment is frequently used in the AP English Language and Composition class, which as you have probably noticed, is quite scrupulous. It requires a student to showcase a deeper understanding of the subject matter through analytical reading and writing. Being able to mold language into one’s favor is a critical skill within college application and everything after it. When writing, try to focus on the main branches of the course: argument, synthesis and rhetorical analysis. (The following is based on the course rubric) Argument – Create a claim and find concrete supporting evidence. Attempt to convince the reader that you are right. Synthesis – This is something we have been over. To synthesize means to collide multiple perspectives and then identify an agreement and a disagreement between sources. When multiple perspectives collide, your own begins to form. Rhetorical Analysis – This is based mostly on the author and his intentions. To apply this method means to ask questions that investigate the author’s motive: Purpose, intended audience, audience appeal, and structure. Synthesis Essay Rubric The rubric will apply to the example of minimum wage mentioned prior. 9. Exceptional A 9 is tough to achieve because it fits all of the criteria that an eight would, but advances in the level of sophistication of presenting a compelling argument or exceptionally good language usage. 8. Effective Essays earning a score of 8 effectively take a position that defends, challenges, or qualifies the claim, for example, that of minimum wage decreasing the competitiveness of the job market. They support their position by effectively synthesizing and by employing all of their sources (at least three). The writer’s argument is convincing, and the cited sources effectively support the writer’s position. The written piece showcases an ability to control a wide range of the elements of effective writing. 7. Essays earning a score of 7 fit the description of essays that are scored a six but are distinguished by more complete or more purposeful argumentation and synthesis of cited sources, or a more mature approach to the style of the prose. 6. Sufficient Essays earning a score of 6 adequately take a position that defends, challenges, or qualifies the claim that minimum wage decreases the competitiveness of the job market. They adequately synthesize and cite at least three of the sources. The writer’s argument is convincing, and the cited sources support the writer’s position, but the argument is less developed or just does not hold up to the level of the arguments of essays earning higher scores. The style of writing is clear but may lack in its diction or syntax. 5. Essays earning a score of 5 take a position that defends, challenges, or qualifies the claim that minimum wage decreases the competitiveness of the job market. They support their position by synthesizing and citing at least three sources, but the downside is that the use of cited sources is limited, inconsistent, or represented in an unclear manner. The writer’s argument is clear, and the sources support the writer’s position, but the established relationship between the sources and the argument is not somewhat fragile. The writing may lack on the front of diction or syntax, but it adequately conveys their idea and stance. 4. Weak Essays earning a score of 4 do not tolerably take a position that defends, challenges, or qualifies the claim that minimum wage decreases the competitiveness of the job market. They attempt to present an argument and support their position by synthesizing and citing at least two sources but in the process may misunderstand, misrepresent, or oversimplify either their argument or the cited sources that they include. The connection between the case and the used (and cited) sources is weak. 3. Essays earning a score of 3 meet the criteria for that of a four but show a lower level of understanding of the cited sources, less success in developing and expanding their position, or less control of writing. 2. Unsuccessful Essays earning a score of 2 demonstrate a limited ability in taking a position that defends, challenges, or qualifies the claim that minimum wage decreases the competitiveness of the job market. They may simply allude to the knowledge that was extracted from the sources rather than citing the sources themselves. The work shows that the writer misreads the sources, fails to present an argument, or substitutes a rooted formulation of an argument for a very obvious or straightforward answer and summary of the sources. The prose of essays scored a two often demonstrates consistent weaknesses in writing, such as a lack of development or organization, significant grammatical issues, or a lack of control over the applied elements. 1. Those earning a score of 1 meet the criteria for the score of two but are notably simplistic or weak in their control of writing or do not use or cite a single source. Source: AP English Language and Composition Sample Scoring Guidelines for the Synthesis Essay Need Help Writing Your Synthesis Essay? Struggling with your Synthesis paper? 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What Is ACT Standby How Do You Get It

What Is ACT Standby How Do You Get It SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips Need to take the ACT on the next test date but missed the late registration deadline? Luckily, even if it's already past the late registration deadline for an ACT test date, you might still be able to take the test by signing up for standby testing. But what exactly is standby testing? How do you sign up for it?Read on to learn how to request standby testing for the ACT and why you might do it. Requesting ACT Standby Testing You can request standby testing for the ACT no later than eight days before a test date.Standby testing must be requested through your online ACT account during the standby request period- that is, the time between the late registration deadline and eight days before the test. Here's a list of test dates for the upcoming school year along with their standby request deadlines: Test Date Standby Deadline September 8, 2018 August 31, 2018 October 27, 2018 October 19, 2018 December 8, 2018 November 30, 2018 February 9, 2019 February 1, 2019 April 13, 2019 April 5, 2019 June 8, 2019 May 31, 2019 July 13, 2019 July 5, 2019 Source: ACT.org Be sure to upload a photo of yourself and complete all online information so your standby request will be valid.You'll have to pay the normal registration fee ($46 for the ACT without Writing, $62.50 for the ACT with Writing) plus astandby testing fee of $53(which will be refunded to you if you're denied admission on test day). Standby Testing on ACT Test Day Unfortunately, you’re not guaranteed a seat or test booklet at the test center if you sign up for standby testing. Rather, you’ll be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis. If there aren’t enough materials or staff on hand, you could be turned away; however,you'll get both your registration fee and waitlist fee refunded if this happens! Remember to bring your Standby Ticket that indicates the name of the correct test center as well as an acceptable photo ID (i.e., one issued by an official government agency or your school). Only standard time and standard testing materials are offered for standby requests, so if you need special test accommodations, you should avoid standby testing. 3 Reasons to Request ACT Standby Testing Is it really worth it to sign up for ACT standby testing if you missed the late registration deadline? Here are a few scenarios in which you might consider it as an option: #1: It's Your Last Chance to Take the ACT Before You Send Scores to Colleges Many colleges don’t accept scores from any ACTs taken later than December.Therefore, if it’s your senior year and you missed the late registration deadline for the December ACT test date, you might consider standby testing. Sign up for this last ACT test date if you think you have a good shot at improving your scores by taking the test one last time. #2: It’s Crucial for Your Plan to Take the ACT at This Time If you've been planning for this test date and know it’s going to be the best time for you to take the ACT in the grand scheme of your college application plan, you might consider standby testing. If this was supposed to be your first ACT in the fall of your junior year, your second ACT in the spring of your junior year, or your last ACT in the fall of your senior year(all benchmark tests), you'd be smart to consider standby testing to keep yourself on track. You should also take some time to think about why you missed the late registration deadline if this was such an important test for you. If you were too caught up in studying to remember to sign up for the ACT, you might need to tone down your intensity a bit! If your face is stuck to a book, you need to reevaluate your life choices. On the bright side, you'll have a great new profile picture that also provides biting social commentary. #3: You Want to Use Test Information Release (TIR) to Study ACT, Inc.'sTest Information Release (TIR)gives you a way to review your ACT scores in more depth by providing access to your test booklet along with details about the questions you answered correctly, answered incorrectly, and omitted. Though this service is only available for the December, April, and June test dates,it can be a really great study tool.If you know that you won’t get another opportunity to order TIR for a while if you miss this test date, definitely consider standby testing. 2 Reasons to Just Wait for the Next ACT Test Date Sometimes, it’s not a smart idea to sign up for standby testing for the ACT. It costs a fair amount of extra money, after all, and you might not really need to take the test on this specific date.Here are two reasons you might want to hold off and wait for the next ACT test date: #1: You Can Take the ACT on the Next Date Without Having It Impact Your Plans Much For example, if it’s your junior year and you missed both of September's registration deadlines, it might not be a big deal for you to take the ACT in October instead.You would still be able to take it in the fall of your junior year and give yourself time between your first and subsequent test dates in the winter and spring to focus on studying. #2: The Standby Fee Will Be a Financial Burden The sad truth is that you can’t get a fee waiver for the ACT standby fee.If you think it will be a significant strain on you to pay the extra $53, don’t opt for standby testing unless this test date is your absolute last chance to take the ACT and reach your target score. The Bottom Line: How ACT Standby Testing Works You can order ACT standbytesting up to eight days before a test date.It’s a $53 fee,but this will be refunded to you if you're denied admission to the test center. ACT standbytesting uses a first-come, first-served basis, so you're not guaranteed a seat on test day. Consider ordering standby testing if you're relying on this ACT test date to keep you on track with your studying plans or if it’s your last chance to take the ACT before applying to college. On the other hand, don’t order standby testing if you can easily take the ACT on the next test date without any major consequences or if you can't afford the extra standby testing fee. Ultimately, it's best toavoid putting yourself in this situation by being aware of all upcoming ACT test dates and by registering far in advance! What's Next? Wondering which ACT test date is right for you? Here'sa guide to choosing the best test date. If you're not sure whether you should register for the ACT with or without Writing, take a look at this list of schools that require the ACT with Writing. Waiting to see your latest ACT scores? Check out this guide on how to get and interpret your ACT score report.If you have any concerns or are confused about your scores, consider ordering Test Information Release (TIR),or, in more extreme cases, Hand Scoring. If you're still debating whether to take the ACT again, use this guide to make your decision. In addition, here'sa list of schools that superscore the ACT, meaning they take your best score from each section of the test and compile them to create your best composite score. Want to improve your ACT score by 4+ points? Download our free guide to the top 5 strategies you need in your prep to improve your ACT score dramatically.