Writing a Synthesis Statement

Craft a single claim that integrates several sources into an original, defensible position.

A synthesis statement is your own thesis built from multiple sources. It is not a list of what each source says; it is a new claim that the sources, together, make possible. Strong synthesis statements usually acknowledge complexity using structures like 'Although... , ... ' or 'While... , the evidence suggests... ' Consider three original sources on homework: one finds modest benefits in high school; one finds little benefit in elementary grades; one finds that excessive homework increases stress.

A list: 'Source 1 says homework helps, Source 2 says it does not, Source 3 says it causes stress. ' A synthesis statement: 'The evidence suggests that homework's value depends on age and amount: moderate assignments may benefit older students, but for younger students, or in excess, the costs appear to outweigh the gains. ' This claim goes beyond any single source, accounts for apparent conflicts by identifying a variable (age and amount), and stays appropriately qualified. Finding the variable that explains the disagreement is often the key to synthesis.

• 1A synthesis statement is a new claim, not a list.
• 2Use structures that acknowledge complexity.
• 3Find the variable that reconciles the sources.