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25 Synthesis Quotes to inspire the Aspiring Synthesizers

By Kyle Kowalski · Leave a Comment

For years now, I’ve been saving my favorite synthesis quotes as I’ve been learning about my own synthesizing mind. These 25 quotes on synthesis illustrate why we need synthesizers more than ever.

“May synthesizing minds thrive.” — Howard Gardner

Premium members also have access to the full companion post: 🔒 Meta-Synthesis: 100+ Quotes on Synthesis, Synthesizers, & Synthesizing Minds

🧠 UPDATE: The new Synthesizer course is now live!

Post Contents:

  • Information Overload & Knowledge Economy
  • Specialization & Fragmentation
  • Training & Cultivation
  • Polarization & Unity

Synthesis Quotes

Synthesis quotes on information overload & knowledge economy:

1. “ We are drowning in information, while starving for wisdom . The world henceforth will be run by synthesizers, people able to put together the right information at the right time, think critically about it, and make important choices wisely.” — E. O. Wilson

2. “Valuable in the past, the capacity to synthesize becomes ever more crucial as information continues to mount at dizzying rates .” — Howard Gardner

3. “In an age of information overload , information discovery—the service of bringing to the public’s attention that which is interesting, meaningful, important, and otherwise worthy of our time and thought—is a form of creative and intellectual labor, and one of increasing importance and urgency .” — Maria Popova

4. “The ability to foster, nurture, and synthesize the impacts of varying views of information is critical to knowledge economy survival .” — George Siemens

5. “ Sources of information are vast and disparate and individuals crave coherence and integration.” — Howard Gardner

Synthesis quotes on specialization & fragmentation:

6. “ The modern mind divides, specializes, thinks in categories : the Greek instinct was the opposite, to take the widest view, to see things as an organic whole.” — H.D.F. Kitto

7. “In an increasingly complex world, the fragmented state of knowledge can be seen as one of the most pressing social problems of our time .” — via Gregg Henriques

8. “We live in a time where our most talented minds know more and more about increasingly narrow spheres . The division of labour has swept the marketplace of ideas as well and there is no reason to expect the drive toward specialisation will be stemmed . Therefore, we need to make a concerted effort to develop this important mental capacity (of synthesizing) in society.” — Howard Gardner

9. “As the world has grown increasingly complex, a new phenomenon has emerged. The social, technical, scientific, educational, cultural, and political problems which are arising for modern man in the midst of this increasing complexity, are problems which the specialist is literally unable to solve . There are few problems any more which can be said to be berthed safely within the confines of a single, traditional discipline . The problems of modern man are interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary , that is to say, a proper solution of these problems requires information and methods which stem from many disciplines.” — Henry Winthrop

10. “The world badly needs international and interdisciplinary travelers to carry new knowledge from one enclave to another .” — Herbert Simon

Synthesis quotes on lack of training & cultivation:

11. “People take four courses in economics, go to business school, have all these I.Q. points, and write all these essays, but  they can’t synthesize worth a damn .” — Charlie Munger

12. “You have people walking around with all the knowledge of humanity on their phone, but they have no idea how to integrate it . We don’t train people in thinking or reasoning .” — Arturo Casadevall

13. “Very few people have the training and information access needed to adequately understand critical and complex issues independently .” — The Consilience Project

14. “Though there are certainly exceptions, by and large, synthesizing capacities are neither systematically trained nor regularly and reliably assessed . Either one does or does not have such an inclination; and if one is inclined to be a synthesizer, one is consigned (for the most part) to being an autodidact. This need not be the case. Particularly in the 21st century, when so much information is available at our fingertips (so to speak), it’s high time to direct our attention to the cultivation of the capacity to synthesize .” — Howard Gardner

15. “Creativity is just connecting things. When you ask creative people how they did something, they feel a little guilty because they didn’t really do it, they just saw something. It seemed obvious to them after a while. That’s because they were able to connect experiences they’ve had and synthesize new things. And the reason they were able to do that was that they’ve had more experiences or they have thought more about their experiences than other people. Unfortunately, that’s too rare a commodity. A lot of people in our industry haven’t had very diverse experiences. So they don’t have enough dots to connect, and they end up with very linear solutions without a broad perspective on the problem. The broader one’s understanding of the human experience, the better design we will have .” — Steve Jobs

Synthesis quotes on polarization & unity:

16. “In this time of divisive tendencies within and between the nations, races, religions, sciences and humanities , synthesis must become the great magnet which orients us all.” — Oliver Reiser

17. “ Our main hope of survival in this highly polarized world lies in a prodigious effort at synthesis of the two cultures while there is still time … One must see from this that, slowly but surely, both civilizations, East and West, are converging toward a higher synthesis of views about man and the ideal society for man’s further development.” — Oliver Reiser

18. “The major thesis of this ‘search for synthesis’ is that the world requires a vast ‘integration of knowledge’ program to unify the globe spiritually and socially and give meaning and purpose to human existence.” — Oliver Reiser

19. “All of this is resulting in an increased recognition of the need to restore unity to learning . The recognition of the degree to which intellectual integration and scholarly synthesis are imperative.” — Henry Winthrop

20. “The wisdom needed must be the creative synthesis of the best in past human effort, in contemporary proposals, and in the modes of action that are foreseen as humanity’s choices for its own future .” — Henry Winthrop (quoting Oliver Reiser)

Synthesis quotes on the future:

21. “ In the twenty-first century, the most important kind of mind will be the synthesizing mind .” — Murray Gell-Mann (Nobel Laureate in Physics in 1969, founder of the interdisciplinary Santa Fe Institute, and coiner of the term ‘synthesizing mind’)

22. “ We are approaching a new age of synthesis . Knowledge cannot be merely a degree or a skill; it demands a broader vision, capabilities in critical thinking and logical deduction without which we cannot have constructive progress.” — Li Ka-shing

23. “In the era of technological convergence, well-educated generalists will be those who are the most valuable. It is time for a renaissance of the ‘Renaissance Man .'” —  Jake Chapman

24. “ Over the next century, scholars and fans, aided by computational algorithms, will knit together the books of the world into a single networked literature . A reader will be able to generate a social graph of an idea, or a timeline of a concept, or a networked map of influence for any notion in the library. We’ll come to understand that no work, no idea, stands alone, but that all good, true and beautiful things are networks, ecosystems of intertwingled parts , related entities and similar works.” — Kevin Kelly

25. “ Here’s what’s important:  as scholars, we assembled these data and synthesized our impressions and our numbers, in as powerful a way as we could. And over and above the data that we arrayed,  we hoped that our writings, individually or collectively, could change the conversation about human beings at a particular time in a particular social and cultural context .” — Howard Gardner

You May Also Enjoy:

  • 🔒 Meta-Synthesis: 100+ Quotes on Synthesis, Synthesizers, & Synthesizing Minds
  • 45 Lifelong Learning Quotes that will Inspire You to be a Student of Life
  • Synthesizers: Why the Future Belongs to the Idea Connectors
  • Combinatorial Creativity: The Art of “New” Ideas & Why Everything is a Remix
  • “So, what do you do?” An Introduction to Synthesis, Integration, Interdisciplinarity, & More
  • “A Synthesizing Mind” by Howard Gardner (Book Summary)
  • “Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies” (Book Summary)
  • 7 Transdisciplinary Cognitive Skills for Creative Education (Book Summary)

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About Kyle Kowalski

👋 Hi, I'm Kyle―the human behind Sloww . I'm an ex-marketing executive turned self-education entrepreneur after an existential crisis in 2015. In one sentence: my purpose is synthesizing lifelong learning that catalyzes deeper development . But, I’m not a professor, philosopher, psychologist, sociologist, anthropologist, scientist, mystic, or guru. I’m an interconnector across all those humans and many more—an "independent, inquiring, interdisciplinary integrator" (in other words, it's just me over here, asking questions, crossing disciplines, and making connections). To keep it simple, you can just call me a "synthesizer." Sloww shares the art of living with students of life . Read my story.

Sloww participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. When you purchase a book through an Amazon link, Sloww earns a small percentage at no additional cost to you. This helps fund the costs to support the site and the ad-free experience.

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Synthesis Quotes

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slogan about synthesis in writing

It seems plain and self-evident, yet it needs to be said: the isolated knowledge obtained by a group of specialists in a narrow field has in itself no value whatsoever, but only in its synthesis with all the rest of knowledge and only inasmuch as it really contributes in this synthesis toward answering the demand, "Who are we?"

But life at its best is a creative synthesis of opposites in fruitful harmony.

Mere change is not growth. Growth is the synthesis of change and continuity, and where there is no continuity there is no growth.

Creativity is the production of meaning by synthesis.

Get the habit of analysis - analysis will in time enable synthesis to become your habit of mind.

True knowledge is that which establishes harmony and synthesis between ience on the one hand and spirituality and ethics on the other.

We are approaching a new age of synthesis. Knowledge cannot be merely a degree or a skill... it demands a broader vision, capabilities in critical thinking and logical deduction without which we cannot have constructive progress.

Life is not found in atoms or molecules or genes as such, but in organization; not in symbiosis but in synthesis.

Analysis and synthesis are both as necessary to the thinking spirit as inspiration and expiration to the organism.

Enhance and intensify one's vision of that synthesis of truth and beauty which is the highest and deepest reality.

Most research is a synthesis of problem solving and creativity.

Any product of the mind is a reaction of the past, a synthesis of what is old.

What we think of as reality is a continuous synthesis of elements from a fixed hierarchy of a priori concepts and the ever changing data of the senses.

In order to begin an analysis, there must already be a synthesis present in the mind.

A designer is an emerging synthesis of artist, inventor, mechanic, objective economist and evolutionary strategist.

Love is the internal, affectively apprehended, aspect of the affinity which links and draws together the elements of the world... Love, in fact, is the expression and the agent of universal synthesis.

...comparing the capacity of computers to the capacity of the human brain, I've often wondered, where does our success come from? The answer is synthesis, the ability to combine creativity and calculation, art and science, into whole that is much greater than the sum of its parts.

Without analysis, no synthesis.

It is in vain that we search for an essential difference between good and evil, for their constituents are the same. The crucial distinction lies in their structure, i.e., the manner in which the pieces are assembled. Evil is disintegration, an angry juxtaposition of alienated opposites, with parts always striving to repress other parts. Good is the synthesis and reconciliation of these same pieces.

There is synthesis when, in combining therein judgments that are made known to us from simpler relations, one deduces judgments from them relative to more complicated relations. There is analysis when from a complicated truth one deduces more simple truths.

The strong man holds in a living blend strongly marked opposites. The idealists are not usually realistic, and the realists are not usually idealistic. The militant are not generally known to be passive, nor the passive to be militant. Seldom are the humble self-assertive, or the self-assertive humble. But life at it's best is a creative synthesis of opposites in fruitful harmony.

Take nothing for granted as beautiful or ugly, but take every building to pieces, and challenge every feature. Learn to distinguish the curious from the beautiful. Get the habit of analysis - analysis will in time enable synthesis to become your habit of mind. 'Think simples' as my old master used to say - meaning to reduce the whole of its parts into the simplest terms, getting back to first principles.

Poetry is the synthesis of hyacinths and biscuits.

The Synthesis consists in assuming the Causes discovered and established as Principles, and by them explaining the Phænomena proceeding from them, and proving the Explanations.

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The previous section introduces you to the idea of synthesis as conversation, and you are given a definition of  synthesis throughout this text, but how do you indicate synthesis in your writing? When you synthesize, you are responding to the voices and ideas of others, so you should be as flexible in your written response to them as you would be in a verbal response to those you were having a discussion with about a complex topic. Primarily, your synthesis will indicate agreement or disagreement with your sources, but it may also recognize patterns of thinking, errors in logic, or the omission of important points—whatever it is you are adding to the conversation.

Synthesis that adds to the conversation in other ways:

  • While most of the experts on topic X see overfishing as the primary cause of species depletion, only Source D acknowledges that there may be other, environmental causes.
  • When I began writing about topic X, I expected to learn reason Y. To my surprise, none of the sources address this reason, which leads me to believe that . . .
  • Because Source A is the expert in the field of topic X, most others writing about X accede to A’s authority, but a closer examination of A reveals an important omission about X.

Other Examples of Sentence Structures that Demonstrate Synthesis

Synthesis that indicates agreement/support:

  • Source A asserts that… Source B agrees when he or she states…
  • According to both A & B…
  • The combined conclusions of sources B & C seem to indicate that…
  • The evidence shows that…
  • Source B is correct that…
  • Source C makes a convincing case when she argues…
  • I agree with Source A’s conclusion that…

Synthesis that indicates disagreement/conflict:

  • Source A asserts that…Yet Source B offers a different perspective by…
  • Source C & B would likely disagree regarding…
  • My view, however, contrary to what Source A has argued, is…
  • I argue that X & Y are the best solution, though Source B offers a different option.
  • In contrast, I would like to offer some objections to the opinions expressed by source C…
  • While source A makes an intriguing argument, I would disagree…

What the above examples indicate is that synthesis is the careful weaving in of outside opinions in order to show your reader the many ideas and arguments on your topic and further assert your own. Notice, too, that the above examples are also signal phrases : language that introduces outside source material to be either quoted or paraphrased. See section 11.4 for more information on signal phrases.

Remember that you are working with multiple sources, so it is important to remember the following: 

Consider your audience : they are intelligent readers, most likely belong to academic environment; however, they are not familiar with all your source-materials, so they  rely upon your presentation to get the meaning of the information you have retrieved from your research. Make it clear to your audience what information is taken from which of your sources.

“5.3 Make Connections When Synthesizing in Your Writing” licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0  / A derivative from the  original work by Svetlana Zhuravlova, Yvonne Bruce, and Melanie Gagich

A Guide to Rhetoric, Genre, and Success in First-Year Writing (CSN Edition) Copyright © 2022 by Angela Spires; Brendan Shapiro; Geoffrey Kenmuir; Kimberly Kohl; and Linda Gannon is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Reading & Writing Purposes

Reading & writing to synthesize, synthesis defined.

slogan about synthesis in writing

The concept of a “coherent whole” is essential to synthesis. When you synthesize in writing, you examine different types of information (ideas, examples, statistics, etc., from different sources) and different themes (perspectives and concepts) from different sources with the purpose of blending them together to help explain one main idea. So you have to look for relationships 1) among the sources’ themes and 2) between these themes and your own ideas in order to blend all of the pieces to make a coherent whole.

The concept of a “coherent whole” is important in terms of language, too. Once you examine content and choose the parts to synthesize, you need to express those parts in your own language in order to create a coherent whole in terms of writing style.

Synthesis is like combining different ingredients to make a stew. If you choose and combine carefully, with the end result (supporting your main idea) in mind, the ingredients will be both separate and well-blended, with all ingredients contributing as they should to the final taste.

View the following video for a basic definition of, and introduction to, the concept of synthesis.

As stated in the video, synthesis means combining similar information to create something new.  Reading and writing to synthesize means that you read information from many sources relating to a particular topic, question, insight, or assertion.  You extract appropriate pieces of information from each source, information that relates to your insight in some way (supporting it, negating it, offering additional detail).  You react to those pieces of information and relate them to your insight, to create something new–your own reasoned argument.

One standard example of reading and writing to synthesize is a research paper–a basic assignment in many college courses.  Skills that you develop in researching and synthesizing information also transfer to writing a business report or proposal. When you research a topic, you find information from many different sources which informs your personal thoughts and assertion about that topic.  However, reading and writing to synthesize involves more than just finding information and inserting it into an essay, report, or proposal.  You use the information you find to help create and support your own, unique thoughts.

Example of Synthesis in an Academic Setting

A research paper is the classic example of synthesis in an academic setting. You may be assigned to write a research paper in a sociology course, for example.  You may have read a number of selections dealing with different cultures, and the assignment asks you to synthesize information from these articles along with information from at least four other sources, to support your unique thesis. You start with a main idea in order to start the synthesis. You might create the following main idea: People within a culture have to both assimilate and adapt to their cultural and physical environments in order to thrive . You then might combine appropriate parts from different reading selections:

  • definition and examples of assimilation from a chapter in a sociology textbook
  • examples from researched articles on assimilation, cultural adaptation
  • examples from interviews with people who have assimilated

Your research paper would blend themes from all of these sources to support your original insight and assertion (thesis) about assimilation and adaptation.

Example of  Synthesis in a Business Setting

After receiving more than ten different requests for flex time over the last year, you’ve decided that it makes sense to institute flexible hours for the fifty workers you supervise in your department.  You research a number of other businesses and examples of companies moving to flex time, quote or summarize those, and put them all into a document, which you send to your boss.  Your request is denied, because while your boss understood that flex time worked in other companies, she could not relate your research to the actual situation in your department. If you had offered your own analysis of how different companies’ strategies would benefit your own department, the outcome might have been different and your proposal approved.  It’s worth saying again: it’s important to blend the information you find with your own purpose, whether that is a proposal at work or an essay designed to offer your own, unique thoughts, supported by research.

Reading to Synthesize

slogan about synthesis in writing

Synthesis builds upon analysis.  You need to be able to read and analyze the quality of a text in order to decide whether you want to bring that text into the conversation. However, reading to synthesize moves in almost an opposite direction from analysis.  As you analyze, you break the text down into its parts in order to evaluate the text.  Analysis is like taking a puzzle apart and examining each piece, or analyzing a cake to find out what the ingredients are and how they work together.

On the other hand, as you read with the purpose of synthesizing, you search for thoughts about the same focused topic, thoughts which can be similar or different, in order to get a picture of the whole ongoing conversation about that topic. Then you decide if you agree or disagree with those thoughts–you join the conversation or discourse. Synthesis is like examining puzzle pieces with the purpose of putting the whole picture together, or baking a cake with ingredients that complement each other.

The process of reading to synthesize, in itself, blends or synthesizes many reading skills, which may include the following:

  • skimming texts
  • preview questions and answers
  • reading for main idea (which may involve annotating, note taking, and more)
  • summarizing
  • analyzing the quality of the texts
  • applying chosen texts to your insight
  • reacting to the ideas in the texts

The main thing to remember as you read with the purpose of synthesizing is that your task is to find relationships among ideas.  Reading to synthesize does not merely consist of finding appropriate quotations and plugging them into an essay; instead, ideas from multiple texts need to be considered thoughtfully and linked with your own insights, reactions, and commentary.

Use an Idea Matrix to Synthesize Ideas

A idea matrix supports reading to synthesize, especially if you are reading multiple texts about a topic.  An idea matrix is a table that helps you identify and organize ideas from those texts according to their themes. It allows you to compare and contrast different insights about those themes. An idea matrix is a useful graphic, since one source may include ideas about many different themes.

Here’s one example of an idea matrix which synthesizes information from multiple sources around a specific focus.

Focus of Reading: Lessons Learned from the 1918 flu pandemic

source 1 with all identifying information

 

paraphrases, summaries, quotes dealing with this theme (include exact page numbers as appropriate) paraphrases, summaries, quotes paraphrases, summaries, quotes
source 2 with all identifying information paraphrases, summaries, quotes paraphrases, summaries, quotes
source 3 with all identifying information paraphrases, summaries, quotes paraphrases, summaries, quotes
etc.

To create an idea matrix, identify a topic around which your texts converge and state it clearly above the matrix. When you identify this focus, make sure it’s not too broad (e.g., pandemics – you’d have thousands of texts to read) or too narrow (e.g., number of U.S. deaths from the 1918 flu – you’d just need to consult one valid text for that information). The focus should be something that is part of a conversation happening among a manageable number of texts (e.g., lessons learned from the 1918 flu ).

The text column lists each source’s exact name.  It should also include the author, publication information for an eventual bibliography, url, and any other important identifying information.

The themes emerge from the sources you’ve read. You may choose to note them as paraphrases, summaries, and/or quotations.

Link to additional examples of idea matrices about different themes:

  • Anxiety in Graduate Students from Ashford University’s Writing Center
  • Thesis that makes an assertion about Democratic and Coaching Styles of Leadership

An idea matrix for reading can help you synthesize information from many texts, identify idea relationships within that information, and eventually help you formulate your own thoughts to add to the conversation.

Writing to Synthesize

Writing to synthesize involves taking those related ideas that you’ve extracted from multiple texts and incorporating them into a research paper, report, or proposal that’s structured around your own main insight, assertion, or thesis.

Don’t Do This:

In writing a document that synthesizes ideas from multiple texts, it’s the impulse of many students to summarize or paraphrase a paragraph or a whole article, insert the summary, and then move on to the next text and summary.  That’s not good practice, since it doesn’t link ideas in terms of their themes, and doesn’t focus on how those themes relate to your own ideas.

Instead , Do This:

Work from the idea matrix you built as you read different texts.  For a college research paper, turn your topic or focus statement at the top of the matrix into a thesis sentence , a sentence that makes an assertion or provides an insight offering your own informed views on the topic.  Offering your own perspective is key.  You’ll then structure the body of your essay using the groups of supporting ideas/themes you noted in the idea matrix, in whatever order you choose.  Each group gets its own topic sentence and unit of support.  And each group of supporting ideas includes your own thoughts, applications, and reactions to the texts included in that group.  One general rule is that you always structure “writing to synthesize” around your own ideas, and that you always offer your own ideas about information from each text used – that’s your contribution to the conversation.

The following video offers a clear discussion and examples to reinforce the concept of writing to synthesize.

This video about writing to synthesize researched sources incorporates information about using an idea matrix:

They Say/I Say Approach to Synthesis

Another way to think of synthesis is as though you’re joining a conversation; you’re listening to (reading) different texts, and bringing your own insight and experience to that conversation.  One good way of understanding synthesis in terms of reading and writing is to consider the “They Say/I Say” format created by Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein, which helps you synthesize your own ideas with the text’s. The following video, although somewhat lengthy, provides a summary of Graff’s and Birkenstein’s text.

The video below explains how to write a synthesis applying the They Say/I Say framework. There’s a useful extended example showing how a writer incorporated appropriate pieces of different texts into an essay. (Note – don’t get too caught up in the MLA/APA format details at this point – focus on the concept of synthesis and how to synthesize texts in an essay.)

Summary: Reading & Writing to Synthesize

  • Synthesis means that you’re coordinating different pieces (themes, ideas, types of information) to create a coherent and new whole.
  • All of the pieces you synthesize in a piece of writing for college need to focus around your own insight/assertion/ thesis.
  • Often, a research essay assignment will expect that you synthesize information to address and offer your unique insight about a debatable issue.
  • Synthesis itself involves blending many reading and thinking skills, such as skimming, annotating, summarizing, and analyzing, among others.
  • There are different approaches to synthesis that may help you read and write about multiple texts.  They Say/I Say helps you blend your own ideas with ideas in other texts.  An Idea Matrix helps you organize ideas from multiple texts around the focus of your own main idea.
  • Reading & Writing to Synthesize. Authored by : Susan Oaks. Project : Introduction to College Reading & Writing. License : CC BY-NC: Attribution-NonCommercial
  • video Synthesizing Information. Provided by : GCFLearnFree.org. Located at : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dEGoJdb6O0 . License : Other . License Terms : YouTube video
  • video They Say/I Say: The Moves that Matter in Academic Writing. Authored by : jilljitsu81. Located at : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2s8SWS-SZDw . License : Other . License Terms : YouTube video
  • image of man's face on a puzzle, with one piece askew. Authored by : Richard Reid. Provided by : Pixabay. Located at : https://pixabay.com/photos/puzzle-jigsaw-jigsaw-puzzle-1487340/ . License : CC0: No Rights Reserved
  • video Strategies for Synthesis. Authored by : Mary Lourdes Silva. Located at : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7HtCHtQ9w0 . License : Other . License Terms : YouTube video
  • video Synthesis: Definition and Examples. Provided by : WUWritingCenter. Located at : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLhkalJe7Zc . License : Other . License Terms : YouTube video
  • video Research Synthesis. Provided by : USU Libraries - Utah State University. Located at : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObK6J7vGnw8 . License : Other . License Terms : YouTube video
  • image of woman with laptop and pie chart showing relationship of parts to whole. Authored by : Tumisu. Provided by : p. Located at : https://pixabay.com/photos/analytics-charts-business-woman-3265840/ . License : CC0: No Rights Reserved

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Chapter 5: Writing a Summary and Synthesizing

5.2 Synthesizing in Your Writing

Yvonne Bruce, Melanie Gagich, and Svetlana Zhuravlova

Synthesis as  Conversation Among the Authors of Your Source Materials

To synthesize is to combine ideas and create a completely new idea. That new idea becomes the conclusion you have drawn from your reading. This is the true beauty of reading: it causes us to weigh ideas, to compare, judge, think, and explore—and then to arrive at a moment that we hadn’t known before. We begin with simple summary , work through analysis , evaluate using critique , and then move on to synthesis .

How do you synthesize?

Synthesisis a common skill we practice all the time when we converse with others on topics we have different levels of knowledge and feeling about. When you argue with your friends or classmates about a controversial topic like abortion or affirmative action or gun control, your overall understanding of the topic grows as you incorporate their ideas, experiences, and points of view into a broader appreciation of the complexities involved. In professional and academic writing, synthesizing requires you to seek out this kind of multi-leveled understanding through reading, research, and discussion. Though, in academic writing, this is another kind of discussion: you set the goal for the discussion, organize the discussion among the authors of your found researched materials, orchestrate the progress of the discussion, provide comments and build logical guidance for your audience (readers of your Synthesis Essay), and finally you draw your conclusion on the topic.

Below are some steps you can use to help you synthesize research:

  • Determine the goal(s) for your discussion such as reviewing a topic or supporting an argument
  • Organize the discussion among the authors of your found researched materials
  • Lead the discussion among the authors of your sources
  • Provide comments and build logical guidance for your audience
  • Summarize the most vivid of the authors’ examples and explanations
  • Finally, draw your unique conclusion on the topic: in fact, the answer to your research question

See Appendix B for examples

What synthesis is NOT

Synthesizing does not mean summarizing everyone’s opinion: “Julia is pro-life, and Devon is pro-choice, and Jasmine says she thinks women should be able to have abortions if their life is in danger or they’ve been the victims of rape or incest.”

Synthesizing does not mean critiquing opinions: “Rick tried to defend affirmative action, but everyone knows it’s really reverse racism.”

Synthesizing does not simply comparative  texts (unless assigned as such by your instructor). You are neither evaluating nor comparing the effectiveness of the authors’ presentations.

What synthesis IS

Instead, synthesis demonstrates YOUR full, objective, empathetic understanding of a topic from multiple perspectives. When you synthesize, you “cook” the ideas and opinions of others by thinking, talking, and writing about them, and what comes out is a dish full of many blended flavors but uniquely your recipe: “Because feelings about gun control are so strong on all sides, and because outlawing semi-automatic weapons will not solve the problem of illegal handguns that are implicated in most gun crimes in the United States, any solution to the problem of our gun violence will likely require greater efforts to reduce illegal weapons, greater responsibility taken by gun manufacturers, and better enforcement of existing legislation rather than new legislation or constitutional change.”

Notice that this synthesis does not crouch behind limited and thoughtless positions: “You can’t change the Second Amendment!” “Ban all guns!” This synthesis instead tries to depict hard reality: guns are an integral part of American culture, and so is gun violence, and limiting the latter can not be done without impacting the former. This synthesis reserves judgment and aims for understanding.

For a more in-depth explanation of what synthesis writing is, what its goals are and how you can approach synthesis, visit the Writing Commons article “ Identifying a Conversation “

5.2 Synthesizing in Your Writing by Yvonne Bruce, Melanie Gagich, and Svetlana Zhuravlova is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Synthesis in Writing: What, Why, and How?

Synthesis in Writing

Scholarly writing requires the use of synthesis. Scholars take writing beyond the analysis level to the level where synthesis is evident; they add their ideas, interpretations, and voices to existing sources’ information and take it further ( Efron & Ravid, 2018). 

What's the difference between Summarizing and Synthesis?

Summarizing requires an understanding of the material and identification of the major themes. No new information is being added to the information; it’s just being summed up. Although summarizing is necessary for the process of synthesis, synthesis goes beyond summarizing into the addition of information like interpretations or new conclusions ( Efron & Ravid, 2018). 

Moving from Summarizing to Synthesis

Approach this in a step-by-step manner, starting with a summary of each source. The next step is to look for patterns and themes within each summary. After noting those, compare and contrast those patterns and themes between all sources. Find the relationships between the sources ( Efron & Ravid, 2018). 

Synthesis occurs at the paragraph level when writers connect individual pieces of evidence from multiple sources to support a paragraph’s main idea and advance a paper’s thesis statement. Your paragraph includes a main idea, evidence from multiple sources, and the analysis of those multiple sources together.

Use strong verbs to integrate sources:

  • The author affirms, states, mentions, warns, predicts, proposes, admits that..
  • Finings emphasize, argue, reject the importance..
  • Research revealed, verified, suggests that..
  • Evidence indicates, confirms, denies, demonstrates ...

Here’s an example:

slogan about synthesis in writing

For additional support, a synthesis matrix will simplify this process.

Synthesis Matrix:

slogan about synthesis in writing

( Efron & Ravid, 2018). 

Questions to consider:

Did all the authors make the same comments and interpretations? Did only the recent papers have the same conclusions? Is there a pattern of the same interpretations over time? Are all the author’s in agreement? Does one author extend the research of another? Where do sources overlap and where do they differ?

Reference: Efron , S. E., & Ravid, R . (2018).  Writing the literature review: A practical guide . Guilford Publications.

More information on this topic:

Paraphrasing & Student Voice: What, Why, and How?

Writing the Literature Review : A Practical Guide by Sara Efrat Efron , and Ruth Ravid  https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/ras/reader.action?docID=5522670&ppg=199

Judith Garrard. (2020).  Health Sciences Literature Review Made Easy . Jones & Bartlett Learning.    https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=ip,shib&db=nlebk&AN=2693815&site=ehost-live&scope=site&custid=s9076023&ebv=EK&ppid=Page-__-173

Hempel, S. (2019).  Conducting your literature review . American Psychological Association.    https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/ras/reader.action?docID=5899941&ppg=111

Clark, K. R., & Buckley, M. B. (2017). Using a Synthesis Matrix to Plan a Literature Review. Radiologic Technology , 88 (3), 354–357. https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=ip,shib&db=mnh&AN=28298590&site=eds-live&custid=s9076023

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How to Write a Synthesis Paper: Key Strategies and Examples

  • Dr. Huey Logan
  • December 8, 2023
  • Study Guides

Here’s how to write a synthesis paper . Whether you’re a student tackling an academic assignment or a professional seeking to improve your writing skills, this writing guide will provide you with key strategies and examples to help you succeed.

Here's What You'll Learn

A synthesis paper is a written discussion that incorporates support from multiple sources to examine a variety of viewpoints related to a thesis. It is commonly used in various types of assignments such as analysis papers, research papers, argument papers, and business reports.

To write an effective synthesis essay , it is crucial to establish a clear purpose, carefully select and evaluate sources, develop an organizational plan, and properly document sources to avoid plagiarism. Additionally, understanding different strategies for organizing a synthesis paper , such as climactic order, problem/solution, and comparison and contrast, can greatly enhance the structure and flow of your writing.

Remember that the tense to use in a synthesis paper depends on the citation style you are following, with MLA using present tense and APA using past tense.

Whether you’re new to synthesis writing or looking to refine your skills, this guide will take you step-by-step through the process and provide you with valuable insights and examples. Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways:

  • A synthesis paper incorporates support from multiple sources to examine different viewpoints related to a thesis.
  • Important tips for writing an effective synthesis essay include establishing a clear purpose, selecting and evaluating sources, developing an organizational plan, and documenting sources to avoid plagiarism.

Strategies for organizing a synthesis paper include climactic order, problem/solution, and comparison and contrast.

  • Choose the appropriate tense based on the citation style you are using, with MLA using present tense and APA using past tense.
  • Mastering the art of writing a synthesis paper can help you convey your ideas effectively and engage with multiple perspectives.

Understanding the Process of Synthesizing Multiple Sources

A synthesis essay is an intricate task that requires the writer to bring multiple sources into conversation with each other. It involves identifying connections between ideas and points of view from different authors in order to develop a well-rounded analysis. To successfully navigate this process, several key steps should be followed.

Pre-writing Techniques for a Synthesis Essay

  • Identify the debate or issue: Start by clearly understanding the topic and the various perspectives that exist.
  • Determine points of agreement and disagreement: Analyze the sources to identify common ground and areas of contention between writers.
  • Imagine a verbal discussion: Envision a conversation between the writers, imagining how they would respond to each other’s arguments.

These pre-writing techniques help provide a solid foundation for the synthesis essay, allowing the writer to have a clear understanding of the sources and their respective viewpoints.

Organizing Ideas in a Synthesis Essay

Organizing a synthesis essay is crucial for presenting a coherent and well-structured argument. Three main approaches can be used:

  • Point by point organization: This approach focuses on discussing similar points among multiple sources. It allows for a comparison and analysis of ideas that are aligned.
  • Source by source organization: Here, each source is summarized and interpreted individually. This approach is useful when the sources have distinct perspectives.
  • Blended organization: A blended approach combines both point by point and source by source methods. It allows for a more sophisticated and comprehensive analysis.

By selecting the appropriate organization style, the writer can present the information in a structured and logical manner, facilitating understanding and engagement for the readers.

How to develop a Synthesis Essay Thesis Statement

A synthesis essay thesis statement acts as the foundation of the essay. It should be carefully crafted to acknowledge alternative points of view and demonstrate an understanding of complexity. A strong thesis statement will:

  • State a strong position on the topic
  • Briefly summarize the writer’s main points
  • Introduce the sources that will be analyzed

By establishing a clear and compelling thesis statement, the writer sets the tone for the entire essay, guiding the analysis and providing a roadmap for the reader to follow.

How to Write a Synthesis Paper in 5 Proven Steps,

Do you find the process of writing a synthesis paper intimidating? Are you unsure of where to start or how to effectively organize your ideas? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Writing a synthesis paper can be a challenging task, but with the right strategies and examples, it can become a much more manageable endeavor.

In this article, we will provide you with the key steps and techniques to write an engaging synthesis essay or synthesis paper. Whether you’re a student working on an academic assignment or a professional looking to develop your writing skills, this guide will equip you with the tools you need to succeed.

First, we will dive into understanding the synthesis paper format. By familiarizing yourself with the structure and requirements of a synthesis paper, you will be able to approach your writing with clarity and precision. Next, we will explore the importance of conducting in-depth research. You’ll learn how to gather and analyze relevant sources, ensuring that your synthesis paper is well-informed and well-supported.

Effective organization of ideas is crucial in any form of writing, and synthesis papers are no exception. We’ll provide you with strategies to arrange your thoughts and arguments in a logical and compelling manner. Additionally, crafting a strong thesis statement is essential for a successful synthesis paper. We’ll show you how to develop a concise and impactful thesis that serves as the backbone of your writing.

But that’s not all—we will guide you through the five proven steps of actually writing a synthesis paper. From outlining your paper to revising and polishing your final draft, we’ll cover each stage of the writing process. Furthermore, we will delve into writing clear and cohesive paragraphs, ensuring that your ideas flow seamlessly and your message resonates with your readers.

By following these five proven steps, you will be well-equipped to tackle any synthesis paper with confidence. Don’t let the writing process intimidate you anymore. Start unlocking your synthesis paper writing potential today and achieve the academic success you deserve! So, let’s dive in and discover how to write a synthesis paper that captivates and convinces.,

Understanding the Synthesis Paper Format

Understanding the Synthesis Paper Format is crucial when it comes to crafting a compelling and coherent piece of writing. By grasping the structure and components of this specific type of academic paper, you will be able to present your ideas in a clear and organized manner. In the following section, we will explore the key elements of the synthesis paper format and how to effectively utilize them to convey your arguments persuasively.

To begin with, the synthesis paper typically consists of an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The introduction serves as a roadmap for your readers, providing them with a concise overview of the topic you will be discussing and the thesis statement that anchors your paper. This section should capture the attention of your audience and establish the relevance and significance of your chosen topic.

Moving on to the body paragraphs, these form the backbone of your synthesis paper. Each paragraph should focus on a specific aspect or subtopic that supports your thesis statement. It is essential to present information from multiple sources and critically analyze them, highlighting the connections, patterns, and conflicts among the sources. As you incorporate evidence and examples, ensure that you cite your sources accurately and consistently according to the required citation style.

Furthermore, maintaining a logical flow between paragraphs is crucial to ensure that your synthesis paper is cohesive and easy to follow. Use transitional words and phrases to smoothly connect ideas and demonstrate the relationships between different concepts. This will help your readers navigate through your paper effortlessly and grasp the central argument you are presenting.

Finally, the conclusion brings your synthesis paper to a close by summarizing your key points and restating your thesis statement in light of the evidence you have presented. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the significance of your findings and suggest potential avenues for future research or discussion. The conclusion should leave your readers with a sense of closure and reinforce the main ideas you have conveyed throughout your paper.

By understanding and implementing the synthesis paper format effectively, you will be able to create a strong and impactful piece of writing. In the next section, we will delve into the first step of the writing process, which is conducting in-depth research.,

Conducting In-Depth Research

Conducting in-depth research is a crucial step in writing a synthesis paper as it lays the foundation for the entire writing process. It involves gathering relevant and credible sources, thoroughly understanding the material, and identifying the key concepts and arguments presented. By immersing yourself in the research phase, you will be equipped with the necessary knowledge and understanding to effectively organize your ideas and create a cohesive synthesis paper that resonates with your readers.

To begin conducting in-depth research, it is important to first identify your topic and determine the specific areas or aspects you want to explore. This will help you narrow down your search and find the most relevant sources. Utilize a wide range of resources, including books, scholarly articles, reputable websites, and even interviews or surveys, to gather a comprehensive understanding of the topic.

As you navigate through the sea of information, critically evaluate the sources you come across. Consider the expertise and credibility of the authors, the publication date, and the reliability of the sources themselves. By doing so, you can ensure that the information you include in your synthesis paper is accurate and trustworthy.

While conducting research, take notes and highlight the key points, arguments, and evidence presented in each source. This will help you keep track of the information and easily refer back to it later when organizing your ideas. Additionally, make note of any opposing viewpoints or gaps in the literature, as addressing these in your synthesis paper can strengthen your argument and provide a more well-rounded perspective.

To enhance your understanding of the material, go beyond surface-level comprehension and strive to grasp the underlying themes, connections, and implications presented in the sources. Look for patterns, similarities, and differences among the various viewpoints and arguments, as these will be the building blocks of your synthesis paper.

By immersing yourself in thorough research, you will be able to gain a deep understanding of your topic and develop a strong foundation on which to build your synthesis paper. With this knowledge in hand, you can now move on to organizing your ideas effectively, ensuring that your paper flows smoothly and engages your readers from start to finish.,

Organizing Your Ideas Effectively

To truly capture the essence of your synthesis paper, it is essential to organize your ideas effectively. After immersing yourself in thorough research, gaining a deep understanding of your topic, and establishing a strong foundation, it’s time to structure your thoughts in a way that flows smoothly and engages your readers.

Start by identifying the key themes and arguments from your sources. Look for patterns, similarities, and differences among the various viewpoints. By organizing these elements, you can create a logical flow that guides your readers through your paper.

Consider creating an outline to map out the structure of your synthesis paper. Begin with a strong introduction that sets the stage for your topic and captures your readers’ attention. Then, arrange your main points in a coherent order that supports your thesis statement. Each paragraph should be dedicated to a specific idea or argument, and transitions between paragraphs should be seamless, guiding your readers smoothly from one point to the next.

Within each paragraph, use topic sentences to clearly introduce your main ideas. These topic sentences serve as signposts for your readers, highlighting the focus and purpose of each paragraph. Connect these ideas with supporting evidence from your sources, ensuring that your arguments are well-supported and persuasive.

Remember to consider the balance between your own voice and the voices of your sources. Aim for a synthesis that blends your own analysis and insights with relevant quotes and evidence from your research. This integration creates a cohesive narrative that showcases your understanding of the material while demonstrating your ability to critically evaluate multiple perspectives.

Ultimately, organizing your ideas effectively lays the groundwork for crafting a strong thesis statement. Through a thoughtful arrangement of your main points and arguments, you can guide your readers towards your central claim with finesse and conviction. So, let’s dive into the next section and explore how to craft a thesis statement that captures the essence of your synthesis.,

Crafting a Strong Thesis Statement

Organizing your ideas effectively lays the groundwork for crafting a strong thesis statement. Through a thoughtful arrangement of your main points and arguments, you can guide your readers towards your central claim with finesse and conviction. As we delve into the next section, we will explore how to craft a thesis statement that captures the essence of your synthesis, setting the stage for the five proven steps of writing a synthesis paper.,

Five Steps of Writing a synthesis Paper

Through a thoughtful arrangement of your main points and arguments, you can guide your readers towards your central claim with finesse and conviction. As we delve into the next section, we will explore how to craft a thesis statement that captures the essence of your synthesis, setting the stage for the five proven steps of writing a synthesis paper. These steps will provide you with a clear roadmap to effectively synthesize information from multiple sources and present it in a cohesive and compelling manner, ensuring that your readers can follow your thought process seamlessly. By following these steps, you will be able to not only convey your understanding of the topic but also showcase your ability to critically analyze various viewpoints and synthesize them into one coherent narrative. So, let’s dive into the five steps of writing a synthesis paper and unleash your expertise in crafting insightful and persuasive arguments.,

Writing Clear and Cohesive Paragraphs

Crafting clear and cohesive paragraphs is crucial when writing a synthesis paper. Your paragraphs serve as building blocks for your overall argument, allowing you to present your ideas in a logical and organized manner. By following a few key principles, you can ensure that your paragraphs flow smoothly and effectively communicate your message to your readers.

Firstly, it’s important to start each paragraph with a clear topic sentence that succinctly introduces the main point you will discuss. This topic sentence acts as a guide for both you and your readers, setting the stage for the information that follows. It should be concise, yet informative, giving your readers a preview of what they can expect to learn in the upcoming paragraph.

Once you have established your topic sentence, it’s essential to provide evidence and examples that support your main point. This evidence can come from your synthesis of multiple sources, showcasing your ability to analyze various perspectives and integrate them seamlessly. Be sure to use credible sources and cite them appropriately to bolster the credibility of your argument.

Furthermore, as you develop your paragraphs, it’s crucial to maintain coherence and cohesion throughout. This can be achieved by using transitional words and phrases to smoothly connect your ideas. Words like “furthermore,” “in addition,” and “similarly” can help bridge different concepts, enabling a seamless flow of information. Additionally, using pronouns and referencing previously mentioned ideas can reinforce the connections between paragraphs, creating a sense of continuity.

In terms of paragraph length, aim for a balance between brevity and depth. While overly long paragraphs can become unwieldy and difficult to follow, excessively short paragraphs can lack the necessary substance to fully develop your ideas. As a general rule, try to limit paragraphs to around four to six sentences, ensuring that each paragraph focuses on a single main point.

Finally, don’t forget to wrap up your paragraphs effectively. Consider including a concluding sentence that summarizes the main idea and provides a smooth transition to the next paragraph. This helps create a cohesive narrative, allowing your readers to easily follow your thought process and understand the progression of your argument.

By writing clear and cohesive paragraphs, you can effectively convey your understanding of the topic and present your synthesis in a compelling manner. This attention to paragraph structure and organization not only enhances the readability of your paper but also showcases your ability to critically analyze information and construct persuasive arguments. So, with these principles in mind, let’s continue our exploration of the five steps of writing a synthesis paper, further honing your skills in crafting insightful and persuasive content.,

In conclusion, writing a synthesis paper may seem like a daunting task, but with these five proven steps, you can approach it with confidence and ease. By understanding the synthesis paper format, conducting thorough research, organizing your ideas effectively, crafting a strong thesis statement, and following the step-by-step process, you will be well-prepared to tackle any synthesis paper that comes your way.

Remember, the key to success lies in writing clear and cohesive paragraphs that seamlessly bring together different sources and ideas. This will not only impress your readers but also provide a comprehensive and insightful analysis.

So, don’t let the writing process intimidate you any longer. Start unlocking your synthesis paper writing potential today and watch as your academic success soars to new heights. As the saying goes, “The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” Embrace the challenge, trust in your abilities, and let your newfound synthesis paper skills take center stage.

Now, armed with the knowledge and strategies outlined in this article, it’s time to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and let your ideas flow. Remember, your synthesis paper has the power to inform, persuade, and inspire change. So, use your voice, make your mark, and leave a lasting impression.

In the words of Albert Einstein, “The only source of knowledge is experience.” So go forth, gain experience, and let your synthesis paper be a testament to your growth, intelligence, and passion. Good luck on your writing journey, and may your synthesis papers shine brightly among the sea of academic excellence.

Advantages of Point by Point Organization Advantages of Source by Source Organization Advantages of Blended Organization
Allows for a comprehensive analysis of similar points Allows for a detailed examination of each source Combines the strengths of both approaches
Enables easy comparison and contrast of ideas Highlights the unique perspectives of each source Facilitates a sophisticated and nuanced analysis
Provides a clear structure for the essay Ensures each source is given adequate attention Allows for a comprehensive exploration of the topic

Concluding Thoughts on Writing a Synthesis Paper

Synthesis essays require a thoughtful analysis of multiple sources and the ability to synthesize their ideas into a cohesive argument or narrative. It is in the conclusion that we bring together all the threads of our analysis and present a final statement that encapsulates the main points discussed.

Effective writing

in a synthesis essay involves crafting a strong thesis statement that acknowledges alternative points of view while demonstrating an understanding of the complexity of the topic. This thesis statement sets the tone for the entire essay and guides the reader through the writer’s analysis.

Organizing ideas effectively is another vital aspect of synthesis writing. Whether using a point-by-point, source-by-source, or blended approach, the goal is to present a well-structured essay that showcases the writer’s ability to connect different sources and their perspectives.

In conclusion , writing a synthesis paper allows us to delve into multiple perspectives and gain a deeper understanding of complex topics. By employing the right strategies and examples, anyone can master the art of synthesis writing and effectively convey their ideas to readers. The journey of writing a synthesis paper may be challenging, but it is a rewarding process that enables us to engage with diverse viewpoints and contribute to the academic discourse.

What is a synthesis paper?

A synthesis paper is a written discussion that incorporates support from multiple sources to examine a variety of viewpoints related to a thesis.

What types of assignments require synthesis?

Synthesis is used in various types of assignments such as analysis papers, research papers, argument papers, and business reports.

What are the tips for writing an effective synthesis essay?

Tips for writing an effective synthesis essay include establishing a clear purpose, selecting and evaluating sources, developing an organizational plan, and documenting sources to avoid plagiarism.

What are the strategies for organizing a synthesis paper?

How should i analyze the position of each source.

Use different verbs to analyze the position of each source depending on its argumentative, research-focused, or emphasis-driven nature.

What tense should I use in a synthesis paper?

The tense to use in a synthesis paper depends on the citation style, with MLA using present tense and APA using past tense.

What is the purpose of a synthesis essay?

A synthesis essay brings multiple sources into conversation with each other, requiring the writer to identify the connections between ideas and points of view.

What are the pre-writing techniques for a synthesis essay?

Pre-writing techniques for a synthesis essay include identifying the debate or issue, determining points of agreement and disagreement among writers, and imagining a verbal discussion between writers.

How can I organize my thoughts for a synthesis essay?

Creating a grid of common points can help organize thoughts and identify categories for analysis.

What are the different ways to organize a synthesis essay?

Organizing a synthesis essay can be done in three ways: point by point, source by source, or blended.

How should I craft a thesis statement for a synthesis essay?

A synthesis essay thesis statement should be qualified to acknowledge alternative points of view and show an understanding of complexity.

What should be included in the introduction of a synthesis essay?

The introductory paragraph of a synthesis essay should state a strong position on the topic, briefly summarize the writer’s main points, and introduce the sources being analyzed.

What is the importance of analysis in a synthesis essay?

Synthesis essays require a careful analysis of multiple sources and the ability to synthesize their ideas into a coherent argument or narrative.

How should I conclude a synthesis essay?

The conclusion of a synthesis essay should summarize the main points discussed and emphasize the significance of the analysis.

What are the key elements of successful synthesis writing?

Crafting a strong thesis statement, organizing ideas effectively, and including sufficient evidence and analysis are key elements of successful synthesis writing.

How can writing a synthesis paper enhance understanding?

By understanding the process of synthesizing multiple sources, writers can create compelling and well-structured synthesis papers.

Why should I write a synthesis paper?

Writing a synthesis paper allows writers to engage with multiple perspectives and develop a deeper understanding of complex topics.

How can I master the art of writing a synthesis paper?

With the right strategies and examples, anyone can master the art of writing a synthesis paper and effectively convey their ideas to readers.

Source Links

  • https://www.bgsu.edu/content/dam/BGSU/learning-commons/documents/writing/synthesis/planning-synthesis-essay.pdf
  • https://writingcenterofprinceton.com/synthesis-essays-a-step-by-step-how-to-guide/
  • https://www.lsu.edu/hss/english/files/university_writing_files/item35404.pdf

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  • Synthesizing Sources | Examples & Synthesis Matrix

Synthesizing Sources | Examples & Synthesis Matrix

Published on July 4, 2022 by Eoghan Ryan . Revised on May 31, 2023.

Synthesizing sources involves combining the work of other scholars to provide new insights. It’s a way of integrating sources that helps situate your work in relation to existing research.

Synthesizing sources involves more than just summarizing . You must emphasize how each source contributes to current debates, highlighting points of (dis)agreement and putting the sources in conversation with each other.

You might synthesize sources in your literature review to give an overview of the field or throughout your research paper when you want to position your work in relation to existing research.

Table of contents

Example of synthesizing sources, how to synthesize sources, synthesis matrix, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about synthesizing sources.

Let’s take a look at an example where sources are not properly synthesized, and then see what can be done to improve it.

This paragraph provides no context for the information and does not explain the relationships between the sources described. It also doesn’t analyze the sources or consider gaps in existing research.

Research on the barriers to second language acquisition has primarily focused on age-related difficulties. Building on Lenneberg’s (1967) theory of a critical period of language acquisition, Johnson and Newport (1988) tested Lenneberg’s idea in the context of second language acquisition. Their research seemed to confirm that young learners acquire a second language more easily than older learners. Recent research has considered other potential barriers to language acquisition. Schepens, van Hout, and van der Slik (2022) have revealed that the difficulties of learning a second language at an older age are compounded by dissimilarity between a learner’s first language and the language they aim to acquire. Further research needs to be carried out to determine whether the difficulty faced by adult monoglot speakers is also faced by adults who acquired a second language during the “critical period.”

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To synthesize sources, group them around a specific theme or point of contention.

As you read sources, ask:

  • What questions or ideas recur? Do the sources focus on the same points, or do they look at the issue from different angles?
  • How does each source relate to others? Does it confirm or challenge the findings of past research?
  • Where do the sources agree or disagree?

Once you have a clear idea of how each source positions itself, put them in conversation with each other. Analyze and interpret their points of agreement and disagreement. This displays the relationships among sources and creates a sense of coherence.

Consider both implicit and explicit (dis)agreements. Whether one source specifically refutes another or just happens to come to different conclusions without specifically engaging with it, you can mention it in your synthesis either way.

Synthesize your sources using:

  • Topic sentences to introduce the relationship between the sources
  • Signal phrases to attribute ideas to their authors
  • Transition words and phrases to link together different ideas

To more easily determine the similarities and dissimilarities among your sources, you can create a visual representation of their main ideas with a synthesis matrix . This is a tool that you can use when researching and writing your paper, not a part of the final text.

In a synthesis matrix, each column represents one source, and each row represents a common theme or idea among the sources. In the relevant rows, fill in a short summary of how the source treats each theme or topic.

This helps you to clearly see the commonalities or points of divergence among your sources. You can then synthesize these sources in your work by explaining their relationship.

Example: Synthesis matrix
Lenneberg (1967) Johnson and Newport (1988) Schepens, van Hout, and van der Slik (2022)
Approach Primarily theoretical, due to the ethical implications of delaying the age at which humans are exposed to language Testing the English grammar proficiency of 46 native Korean or Chinese speakers who moved to the US between the ages of 3 and 39 (all participants had lived in the US for at least 3 years at the time of testing) Analyzing the results of 56,024 adult immigrants to the Netherlands from 50 different language backgrounds
Enabling factors in language acquisition A critical period between early infancy and puberty after which language acquisition capabilities decline A critical period (following Lenneberg) General age effects (outside of a contested critical period), as well as the similarity between a learner’s first language and target language
Barriers to language acquisition Aging Aging (following Lenneberg) Aging as well as the dissimilarity between a learner’s first language and target language

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Synthesizing sources means comparing and contrasting the work of other scholars to provide new insights.

It involves analyzing and interpreting the points of agreement and disagreement among sources.

You might synthesize sources in your literature review to give an overview of the field of research or throughout your paper when you want to contribute something new to existing research.

A literature review is a survey of scholarly sources (such as books, journal articles, and theses) related to a specific topic or research question .

It is often written as part of a thesis, dissertation , or research paper , in order to situate your work in relation to existing knowledge.

Topic sentences help keep your writing focused and guide the reader through your argument.

In an essay or paper , each paragraph should focus on a single idea. By stating the main idea in the topic sentence, you clarify what the paragraph is about for both yourself and your reader.

At college level, you must properly cite your sources in all essays , research papers , and other academic texts (except exams and in-class exercises).

Add a citation whenever you quote , paraphrase , or summarize information or ideas from a source. You should also give full source details in a bibliography or reference list at the end of your text.

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9 Tips for Writing a Synthesis Essay (+ 10 Topic Ideas)

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90 Synthesize Quotes To Inspire You

Following is our list of synthesize quotations and slogans full of insightful wisdom and perspective about synthesis.

Famous Synthesize Quotes

Short synthesize quotes, history creator quotes, synthesis quotes, more synthesize quotes.

Without analysis, no synthesis. — Friedrich Engels 82
What better model of a synthesis than a nocturnal dream? Dreams simplify, don't they? — Manuel Puig 23
The object . . . is to discover methods of condensing information concerning large groups of allied facts into brief and compendious expressions suitable for discussion. — Francis Galton 32
To create architecture is to put in order. Put what in order? Function and objects. — Le Corbusier 260
Design is the conscious effort to impose a meaningful order — Victor Papanek 41
Providing, meaning to a mass of unrelated needs, ideas, words and pictures - it is the designer's job to select and fit this material together and make it interesting. — Paul Rand 38
In other words, we can think of life as a self-replicating information-processing system whose information — Max Tegmark 71
The organization of information actually creates new information. — Richard Saul Wurman 21
Form and function are a unity, two sides of one coin. In order to enhance function, appropriate form must exist or be created. — Ida Rolf 64
Form and function are a unity, two sides of one coin. In order to enhance function, appropriate form must exist or be created. — Ida P. Rolf 65
The cyborg is a kind of disassembled and reassembled, postmodern collective and personal self. This is the self feminists must code. — Donna J. Haraway 43
That which is creative must create itself. — John Keats 21
Induction for deduction, with a view to construction. — Auguste Comte 29
More and more I find that in order to create effectively one has to consider delirium and, yes, organize it. — Pierre Boulez 46
To work magic is to weave the unseen forces into form; to soar beyond sight; to explore the uncharted dream realm of the hidden reality. — Starhawk 61
  • Dreams and reality are opposites. Action synthesizes them. — Assata Shakur
  • For me, the guitar synthesizer is a great writing instrument. — Andy Summers
  • More recently, I used guitar synthesizer extensively on the two albums I did with Robert Fripp. — Andy Summers
  • Who ever asked theses and antitheses if they want to become syntheses? — Stanislaw Jerzy Lec
  • It's been very hard for the guitar as a serious synthesizer to compete with keyboards. — Andy Summers
  • The most obvious thing you can't do with a guitar synthesizer is to really sound like a guitar. — Andy Summers
  • I try stuff. I synthesize what's of value with some of the other things I have at my disposal. — Herbie Hancock
  • My music, my whole approach to the synthesizer has completely changed now. — John Frusciante
  • Some tracks are with quartet and some tracks are with synthesizer. — Charlie Haden
  • I think I was first to do live performances on a modern electronic sound synthesizer. — John Eaton

Synthesize Image Quotes

Through all of history mankind has ingested psychedelic substances. Those substances exist to put you in touch with spirits beyond yourself, with the creator, with the creative impulse of the planet. — Ray Manzarek 18
If the history of science teaches us anything, it is that what conquers our ignorance is research, not giving up and attributing our ignorance to the miraculous work of a creator. — Jerry A. Coyne 11
It is merely an accident of history that it is considered normal in our society to believe that the Creator of the universe can hear your thoughts while it is demonstrative of mental illness to believe that he is communicating with you by having the rain tap in Morse code on your bedroom window. — Sam Harris 10
When I see throughout this book, called the Bible, a history of the grossest vices and a collection of the most paltry and contemptible tales and stories, I could not so dishonor my Creator by calling it by His name. — Thomas Paine 6
We CREATORS are builders. We are dedicated to the idea of building a beautiful world so different and so superior to the present one that we CREATORS of this generation will go down in history as the revolutionaries who ushered in the Golden Age of Mankind. — Ben Klassen 4
It is the creator of fiction's point of view; it is the character who interests him. Sometimes he wants to convince the reader that the story he is telling is as interesting as universal history. — Raymond Queneau 2
Creators of history always play with our impotence and our ignorance. — Dejan Stojanovic 0
We as women know that there are no disembodied processes; that all history originates in human flesh; that all oppression is inflicted by the body of one against the body of another; that all social change is built on the bone and muscle, and out of the flesh and blood, of human creators. — Andrea Dworkin 0
History comes and history goes, but principles endure, and ensure future generations will defend liberty not as a gift from government but as a blessing from our Creator. — Ronald Reagan 0
I think it can be tremendously refreshing if a creator of literature has something on his mind other than the history of literature so far. Literature should not disappear up its own asshole, so to speak. — Kurt Vonnegut 0
Truth is found neither in the thesis nor the antithesis, but in an emergent synthesis which reconciles the two. — Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel 174
Our movement took a grip on cowardly Marxism and from it extracted the meaning of socialism. It also took from the cowardly middle-class parties their nationalism. Throwing both into the cauldron of our way of life there emerged, as clear as a crystal, the synthesis -- German National Socialism. — Hermann Goring 172
Our movement took a grip on cowardly Marxism and from it extracted the meaning of socialism. It also took from the cowardly middle-class parties their nationalism. Throwing both into the cauldron of our way of life there emerged, as clear as a crystal, the synthesis -- German National Socialism. — Hermann Goering 166
The civilization of the twentieth century cannot be universal except by being a dynamic synthesis of all the cultural values of all civilizations. It will be monstrous unless it is seasoned with the salt of negri-tude, for it will be without the savor of humanity. — Leopold Sedar Senghor 94
Poetry is the synthesis of hyacinths and biscuits. — Carl Sandburg 92
Poetry is the achievement of the synthesis of hyacinths and biscuits. — Carl Sandburg 90
Moreover the incorporation requires the same components needed for protein synthesis, and is inhibited by the same inhibitors. Thus the system is most unlikely to be a complete artefact and is very probably closely related to genuine protein synthesis. — Francis Crick 78
Give your difference, welcome my difference, unify all difference in the larger whole - such is the law of growth. The unifying of difference is the eternal process of life - the creative synthesis, the highest act of creation, the at-onement. — Mary Parker Follett 65
Life is not found in atoms or molecules or genes as such, but in organization; not in symbiosis but in synthesis. — Edwin Conklin 53
The circle is the synthesis of the greatest oppositions. It combines the concentric and the eccentric in a single form and in equilibrium. Of the three primary forms, it points most clearly to the fourth dimension. — Wassily Kandinsky 51

People Writing About Synthesize

Name Quotes Likes

Andy Summers

51 237

Friedrich Engels

60 1268

Manuel Puig

65 212

Francis Galton

24 680

Le Corbusier

40 4159

Victor Papanek

12 355
We are drowning in information, while starving for wisdom. The world henceforth will be run by synthesizers, people able to put together the right information at the right time, think critically about it, and make important choices wisely. — E. O. Wilson 130
Creativity is just connecting things. When you ask creative people how they did something, they feel a little guilty because they didn't really do it, they just saw something. It seemed obvious to them after a while. That's because they were able to connect experiences they've had and synthesize new things. — Steve Jobs 60
If you're a guitarist, you should not be intimidated by using your instrument as a synthesizer, but you shouldn't feel that you have to own one, either. — Andy Summers 50
Whatever the IPCC’s motives for omitting the fact of plummeting climate-related disaster deaths, one thing is certain: when the world’s most influential synthesizing institution does not include a crucial variable, what we are told the experts think is inevitably and significantly distorted. — Alex Epstein 45
For me it always comes down to what is a good song and I'm very old fashioned in the way that I like to make songs that have something classic about them whether you can play them with an orchestra or an electro synthesizer or an acoustic guitar. — Marc Almond 43
People come here penniless but not cultureless. They bring us gifts. We can synthesize the best of our traditions with the best of theirs. We can teach and learn from each other to produce a better America. — Mary Pipher 28
I believe that the great Creator has put ores and oil on this Earth to give us a breathing spell ... as we exhaust them, we must be prepared to fall back on our farms, which are God's true storehouse. We can learn to synthesize materials for every human need from things that grow. — George Washington Carver 27
While the impressionists make a table to give one particular moment and subordinate the life of the table to its resemblance to this moment, we synthesize every moment (time, place, form, color-tone) and thus build the table. — Umberto Boccioni 23
If it's a likeness, alone, it's not a success. If, through my portraits, you can come to know the subjects more meaningfully, if it synthesizes your feelings toward someone whose work has imprinted itself on your mind--if you see a photograph and say, 'Yes, this is the person,' with a little new insight--that is a beautiful experience. — Yousuf Karsh 21
James Joyce was a synthesizer, trying to bring in as much as he could. I am an analyzer, trying to leave out as much as I can. — Samuel Beckett 17
There is far more sensitivity in acoustic guitar players than could ever be compared to any synthesizer. That's a personal point of view but that's the way I see it. I think that's what it's all about. The drive, the fire, the passion - it all comes out on the guitar. — Jimmy Page 15
Knowledge is not the same as morality, but we need to understand if we are to avoid past mistakes and move in productive directions. An important part of that understanding is knowing who we are and what we can do... Ultimately, we must synthesize our understandings for ourselves. — Howard Gardner 15
The goal of a designer is to listen, observe, understand, sympathize, empathize, synthesize and glean insights that enable him or her to “make the invisible visible — Hillman Curtis 13
I used to practice piano for hours, and now, with a synthesizer, you can input the music and the machine perfects the song. That's why we have so many people in the music business who should be plumbers. They don't really understand music because they haven't been trained. — Quincy Jones 12
That's where my influences lie, in the blues with people like Muddy Waters and Tina Turner. At first I didn't really like the idea of working with synthesizers but now I think they're fun, there are no restrictions. Not that I understand how they work. — Vince Clarke 11
Those experienced in work must take up the study of theory and must read seriously; only then will they be able to systematize and synthesize their experience and raise it to the level of theory, only then will they not mistake their partial experience for universal truth and not commit empiricist errors. — Mao Zedong 11
If a potato can produce vitamin C, why can't we? Within the animal kingdom only humans and guinea pigs are unable to synthesize vitamin C in their own bodies. Why us and guinea pigs? No point asking. Nobody knows. — Bill Bryson 10
Millennials, in particular, consider themselves to be spiritual, but they're not necessarily going to anybody's church. It's not like the world is becoming hardcore, Richard Dawkins-atheist, but people are looking to sort of synthesize science - people love science, especially the millennials. — Adam Frank 6
[Paul McCartney] never, at the time, was going back to leaning back on the roots of his old band. He always built upon where he was, which was in London. And he didn't overuse synthesizers. He used them just enough. It's such a cool sound. — Fred Armisen 6
We're beginning to play God and get into cloning. We give up quickly. Divorce is an easy option. So why not just create your own mate? Synthesize a human being. You get tired of it, turn it off and put it in the closet like the vacuum cleaner. — Lenny Kravitz 6
The advent of electronically synthesized sound after World War II has unquestionably had enormous influence on music in general. — George Crumb 5
From early on, when synthesizers were first introduced into music, I liked the idea that you could get a big sound with them - electronic, but like an orchestra. And I could play it all myself. That was exciting. — John Carpenter 5
I think that that's the way the music grows and changes and becomes new and creative and vital. It's by synthesizing elements from all around it and not to maintain this kind of rigid myopic kind of tunnel vision, in a sense, trying to maintain a certain kind of purity, or whatever. — David Sanborn 5
Synthesize new ideas constantly. Never read passively. Annotate, model, think, and synthesize while you read, even when you're reading what you conceive to be introductory stuff. That way, you will always aim towards understanding things at a resolution fine enough for you to be creative. — Edward Boyden 3
There's so much to be said for making your guitar sound like a synthesizer and try to make your drummer sound like a drum machine. — Matt Tong 3
Many were starting to use computerized synthesizers & drum machines to produce an entirely new style of music. It was being punted by the critics that the guitar was old hat; I was reminded of the way my father & his clarinets were written off in the late Fifties. — Pete Townshend 3
Ego synthesized is selfhood, the sense of self-importance, that you really matter ... nothing could be further from the truth. — Frederick Lenz 3
Certain things are done intentionally opposite - like there's no sound at the end or synthesizers or all that stuff. Anything that drowns the movie, no. Anything that makes you sit up and watch it, yes. So, some are expecting a very sad theme going on. — A. R. Rahman 2
It's so much easier to use the default sounds in the synthesizers in Logic than it is to make your own thing or to learn how to play an instrument. — D.A. Wallach 2
Analogies and metaphors have often proved pivotal in expanding our thoughts both within and without science, and so one should not discourage the attempt to synthesize apparent opposites. However, citizens of the New Age often forget that, when they involve science, analogies should be tempered by experiment and calculation. — Tony Rothman 2
When I was a teenager, I got into four track recorders, drum machines, and synthesizers, and I started producing instrumental music. — Duncan Sheik 2
Choice of evils debates always produce extremism - people choose what they hope is the lesser evil, then call it good and demonize the other choice. It will be a challenge for your generation to synthesize - to move beyond Us versus Them, to We. — Margaret Atwood 2
Low levels of vitamin D in the population as a whole suggest that most people need to take a vitamin D supplement. This may be especially true for seniors, as the ability to synthesize vitamin D in the skin declines with age. — Andrew Weil 2
It's all about synthesis, you don't have to be a real musician. You just synthesize your own reality, synthesize your own talents. Welcome to the electronic age. — Klayton 1
No one has been able to define or synthesize that precarious, splendid, and perhaps untidy instant when the creative process begins. This is what the uniqueness of the artist is all about. The transcendent right of the artist is the right to create even though he may not always know what he is doing. — Norman Cousins 1
Ecology also teaches that all life on earth can be viewed as a competition among species for the solar energy captured by green plants and stored in the form of complex carbon molecules. A food chain is a system for passing those calories on to species that lack the pant's unique ability to synthesize them from sunlight. — Michael Pollan 1
Natural politicians are skilled actors, recreating reality, adjusting and ad-libbing, synthesizing the scenes, saying the same thing over and over again and making it seem that theyare saying it for the first time. — David Maraniss 1
We were developing a machine that used egg white, heat and sugar to synthesize methanol when a power surge caused an implosion. Owens was meringued. By the time we chipped him out the poor chap had expired. — Jasper Fforde 1
We are now in the third stage of the industrial revolution. The first involved machines which extended human muscle; the second used machines to extend the human nervous system (radio, television, telephones); the third is now utilizing machines which extend the human mind-computers. About half of all service workers (43 percent of the labor force by 2000) will be involved in collecting, analyzing, synthesizing, structuring, storing, or retrieving information... By 1995, 80 percent of all management will be knowledge workers. — Owen Davies 0

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Trump Reposts Crude Sexual Remark About Harris on Truth Social

Though the former president has a history of making crass insults about opponents, the reposts signal his willingness to continue to shatter longstanding political norms.

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Former President Donald J. Trump framed by American flags.

By Michael Gold

  • Aug. 28, 2024

Former President Donald J. Trump used his social-media website on Wednesday to amplify a crude remark about Vice President Kamala Harris that suggested Ms. Harris traded sexual favors to help her political career.

The post, by another user on Truth Social, was an image of Ms. Harris and Hillary Clinton, Mr. Trump’s opponent in 2016. The text read: “Funny how blowjobs impacted both their careers differently…”

The remark was a reference to Mrs. Clinton’s husband, former President Bill Clinton, and the Monica Lewinsky scandal, and a right-wing contention that Ms. Harris’s romantic relationship with Willie Brown, the former mayor of San Francisco whom she dated in the mid-1990s while he was speaker of the California State Assembly, fueled her political rise.

Mr. Trump’s repost was the second time in 10 days that the former president shared content from his personal account making sexually oriented attacks on Ms. Harris. Though he has a history of making crass insults about his opponents, the reposts signal Mr. Trump’s willingness to continue to shatter longstanding norms of political speech.

The image Mr. Trump shared on Wednesday morning was another user’s screenshot of a post on X, and it was a reply to an unrelated video clip Mr. Trump had posted on Tuesday night.

Mr. Trump reposted the image as part of a series of 30 reposts he made on Truth Social between 8:02 and 8:32 a.m. on Wednesday, including several posts with references to the QAnon conspiracy theory movement and its slogan. Mr. Trump also reposted photos that called for the prosecution or imprisoning of top Democrats and members of the House committee that investigated the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. The former president has vowed to direct federal prosecutors to investigate his political enemies if elected.

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Writing and Communication Program Enhances First-Year Curriculum

Posted August 26, 2024

Writing is getting a big boost in the introductory composition class taken by about one of every three Georgia Tech students.

ENGL 1101 — the first of the required two-course composition sequence for new Georgia Tech students — will now feature more research, idea synthesis, and revised writing than in previous years after a revamp by Writing and Communication Program in the School of Literature Media and Communication.

The changes will better prepare students for success in college and their careers, said Melissa Ianetta , Class of 1958 Professor in Communication and executive director of writing and communication.

“Georgia Tech students are brilliant and capable, and to lead effectively, they need strong communication skills, Ianetta said. “Our new more writing-focused approach in ENGL 1101 does two key things: it meets students where they are, helping them develop revision and composition strategies, and it ensures that they have the foundation needed to succeed in ENGL 1102 and beyond.”

ENGL 1102 is the second of two introductory composition courses offered by LMC. It is taken by nearly all Georgia Tech students and will continue to offer a broader approach to communication, emphasizing visual and multimedia communication in addition to writing.

Senior lecturer Rachel Dean-Ruzicka piloted the new curriculum last year.

“My students seemed to appreciate the distinct skills they take away from each class, and they’re more engaged with the research projects,” Dean-Ruzicka said.

Some of those projects included work on topics including women in Formula One racing, Japanese rock music culture, cultural appropriation in Dune , and mythological influences on the God of War videogame series, she said.

Andy Frazee , principal academic professional and director of writing and communication in LMC, said the revamped curriculum hones in on the persistently vital role of writing, in academia, business, and personal life.

“Writing also plays a vital role in developing critical thinking and clarity of thought, and the changes we’ve made emphasize writing as the basis for communication, which ultimately helps students in both their academic and professional lives,” he said.

In addition to the new curriculum for students, the Writing and Communication Program is also requiring instructors who teach ENGL 1101 an ENGL 1102 to take an additional postdoctoral seminar on teaching writing. Ianetta will lead the seminar.

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These Republicans denounced Trump and endorsed Harris at the DNC. Here's what they said.

By Kathryn Watson

Updated on: August 23, 2024 / 12:18 AM EDT / CBS News

Several prominent Republicans — some of whom worked for former President Donald Trump — took to the stage at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris. 

Former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan; Olivia Troye, who was homeland security adviser to Vice President Mike Pence; former Trump White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham and former Rep.  Adam Kinzinger have all thrown their support behind the Democratic nominee and suggested Trump lacks the moral character to lead the nation again. 

They all had one message to their fellow Republicans and independents: Do the right thing and vote for Harris in November. 

"To my fellow Republicans at home that want to pivot back toward policy, empathy and tone, you know the right thing to do, now let's have the courage to do it in November," said Duncan, summarizing the other Republican speakers' speeches as well as his own. 

Duncan knows what courage requires. Defending the election results in Georgia after the 2020 presidential election, when Trump narrowly lost in the state, Duncan faced such serious threats from Trump supporters that law enforcement had to protect his home. 

"In our family, my wife, Brooke, and I are raising three boys and we have a family motto," Duncan said Wednesday night at the DNC. "And it says, 'Doing the right thing will never be the wrong thing.' During 2020, during just the lowest of lows when we had armed officers outside our house protecting us from other Republicans, Donald Trump had targeted us. My son came downstairs and he handed me this coaster that I had given him years before at a father-son retreat for our church. And he said, 'Hey dad, doing the right thing will never be the wrong thing. Stay strong.'"

Election 2024 DNC

Troye, the former Pence adviser, said she "grew up in the kind of working family that Trump pretends to care about." 

"Conservative. Catholic. Texan," she said. "July 4th was our most sacred holiday. Those values made me a Republican. And they're the same values that make me proud to support Kamala Harris." 

Troye described working inside Trump's White House as "terrifying." 

"But what keeps me up at night is what'll happen if he gets back there," she said. "The guardrails are gone, the few adults in the room the first time resigned or were fired."

Grisham, who was criticized for never holding a press briefing during her tenure, resigned on Jan. 6, 2021, as rioters assaulted the Capitol and Trump said nothing to stop them. 

"I wasn't just a Trump supporter, I was a true believer," Grisham told the DNC crowd. "I was one of his closest advisers. The Trump family became my family. I spent Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's all at Mar-a-Lago. I saw him when the cameras were off. Behind closed doors, Trump mocks his supporters. He calls them basement dwellers."

Grisham recalled a hospital visit when Americans were dying at the ICU and she said he was upset the cameras weren't on him. 

"He has no empathy, no morals, and no fidelity to the truth," she said. "He used to tell me, 'It doesn't matter what you say, Stephanie — say it enough and people will believe you.' But it does matter. What you say matters. And what you don't say matters. On January 6th, I asked Melania if we could at least tweet that while peaceful protest is the right of every American, there's no place for lawlessness or violence. She replied with one word: 'No.'" 

Grisham said she "couldn't be part of the insanity any longer." 

"When I was press secretary, I got skewered for never holding a White House briefing," she said. "It's because, unlike my boss, I never wanted to stand at that podium and lie. Now here I am, behind a podium, advocating for a Democrat. And that's because I love my country more than I love my party. Kamala Harris tells the truth. She respects the American people. And she has my vote." 

Former Republican Anna Navarro, a Nicaraguan-born political commentator and co-host of "The View," also spoke out against Trump on stage at the DNC. She stopped supporting Republicans in 2016, partly over the "Access Hollywood" tape. Navarro blasted Trump for calling Harris a "communist." 

"Let's be serious," Navarro said. "Donald Trump and his minions call Kamala a communist. I know communism. I fled communism from Nicaragua when I was 8 years old. I don't take it lightly." 

Kinzinger, a Republican former congressman from Illinois who left office in 2023 and has long been critical of Trump, spoke on the  final night of the DNC  and said the Republican Party has lost its way. 

"Donald Trump has suffocated the soul of the Republican Party," Kinzinger said. "His fundamental weakness has coursed through my party like an illness."

He said the Republican Party has "switched its allegiance" to "a man whose only purpose is himself." 

"Donald Trump is a weak man pretending to be strong. A small man pretending to be big. A faithless man pretending to be righteous. A perpetrator who can't stop playing the victim. He puts on quite a show. But there's no real strength there."

Kinzinger said he never thought he'd be speaking at a Democratic convention.

"But I've learned something about the Democratic Party. And I want to let my fellow Republicans in on the secret. The Democrats are as patriotic as us," he said to loud applause. "They love this country just as much as we do. And they are as eager to defend American values at home and abroad as we conservatives have ever been. I was relieved to discover that." 

  • Kamala Harris
  • Democratic National Convention
  • Republican Party

Kathryn Watson is a politics reporter for CBS News Digital, based in Washington, D.C.

More from CBS News

How your paycheck would be impacted by the Trump and Harris tax plans

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9/11 victims' families call on Harris and Trump to oppose U.S.-Saudi deal

Harris addresses policy shifts in CNN interview, her first as Democratic nominee

IMAGES

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  6. HOW TO WRITE A SYNTHESIS ESSAY

COMMENTS

  1. 25 Synthesis Quotes to inspire the Aspiring Synthesizers

    Synthesis quotes on information overload & knowledge economy: 1. " We are drowning in information, while starving for wisdom. The world henceforth will be run by synthesizers, people able to put together the right information at the right time, think critically about it, and make important choices wisely.". — E. O. Wilson.

  2. TOP 25 SYNTHESIS QUOTES (of 148)

    Beauty, Reality, Vision. 10 Copy quote. Most research is a synthesis of problem solving and creativity. Joan Z. Borysenko. Creativity, Research, Problem. 6 Copy quote. Any product of the mind is a reaction of the past, a synthesis of what is old. Barry Long. Past, Mind, Reactions.

  3. 5.2: Synthesizing in Your Writing

    What synthesis IS. Instead, synthesis demonstrates YOUR full, objective, empathetic understanding of a topic from multiple perspectives. When you synthesize, you "cook" the ideas and opinions of others by thinking, talking, and writing about them, and what comes out is a dish full of many blended flavors but uniquely your recipe: "Because ...

  4. Phrases that begin the work of synthesis

    Phrases that begin the work of synthesis. Examples of sentence structures that demonstrate synthesis: Synthesis that indicates agreement/support: Source A asserts that…. Source B agrees when he or she states…. According to both A & B…. The combined conclusions of sources B & C seem to indicate that…. The evidence shows that….

  5. Synthesis

    When asked to synthesize sources and research, many writers start to summarize individual sources. However, this is not the same as synthesis. In a summary, you share the key points from an individual source and then move on and summarize another source. In synthesis, you need to combine the information from those multiple sources and add your ...

  6. 5.3 Make Connections When Synthesizing in Your Writing

    When I began writing about topic X, I expected to learn reason Y. To my surprise, none of the sources address this reason, which leads me to believe that . . . Because Source A is the expert in the field of topic X, most others writing about X accede to A's authority, but a closer examination of A reveals an important omission about X.

  7. How to Write a Synthesis Essay, WIth Examples

    Structuring your synthesis essay by topic works best for more complicated ideas with different aspects that should be explored individually. Example outline: I. Introduction A. Thesis statement. II. Topic 1 A. Source A discussing Topic 1 1. A point or piece of evidence/data from Source A about Topic 1 2.

  8. 5.3 Make Connections When Synthesizing in Your Writing

    Because Source A is the expert in the field of topic X, most others writing about X accede to A's authority, but a closer examination of A reveals an important omission about X. Other Examples of Sentence Structures that Demonstrate Synthesis. Synthesis that indicates agreement/support: Source A asserts that… Source B agrees when he or she ...

  9. Guide to Synthesis Essays: How to Write a Synthesis Essay

    The writing process for composing a good synthesis essay requires curiosity, research, and original thought to argue a certain point or explore an idea. Synthesis essay writing involves a great deal of intellectual work, but knowing how to compose a compelling written discussion of a topic can give you an edge in many fields, from the social sciences to engineering.

  10. Reading & Writing to Synthesize

    The process of reading to synthesize, in itself, blends or synthesizes many reading skills, which may include the following: skimming texts. preview questions and answers. reading for main idea (which may involve annotating, note taking, and more) summarizing. analyzing the quality of the texts.

  11. 5.2 Synthesizing in Your Writing

    Synthesis as Conversation Among the Authors of Your Source Materials. To synthesize is to combine ideas and create a completely new idea. That new idea becomes the conclusion you have drawn from your reading. This is the true beauty of reading: it causes us to weigh ideas, to compare, judge, think, and explore—and then to arrive at a moment ...

  12. Synthesis Quotes

    Explore 56 Synthesis Quotes by authors including Carl Sandburg, Hideo Kojima, and Frank Lloyd Wright at BrainyQuote. ... As historians write more and more histories, it's a sort of self-fulfilling prophecy that other historians read their histories and then make synthesis, and certain things just get forgotten and left out and neglected. ...

  13. Synthesis in Writing: What, Why, and How?

    Synthesis occurs at the paragraph level when writers connect individual pieces of evidence from multiple sources to support a paragraph's main idea and advance a paper's thesis statement. Your paragraph includes a main idea, evidence from multiple sources, and the analysis of those multiple sources together. Use strong verbs to integrate ...

  14. How to Write a Synthesis Paper: Key Strategies and Examples

    A synthesis paper is a written discussion that incorporates support from multiple sources to examine a variety of viewpoints related to a thesis. It is commonly used in various types of assignments such as analysis papers, research papers, argument papers, and business reports. To write an effective synthesis essay, it is crucial to establish a clear purpose, carefully select and evaluate ...

  15. 5.3: Make Connections When Synthesizing in Your Writing

    Primarily, your synthesis will indicate agreement or disagreement with your sources, but it may also recognize patterns of thinking, errors in logic, or the omission of important points—whatever it is you are adding to the conversation. Synthesis that adds to the conversation in other ways: While most of the experts on topic X see overfishing ...

  16. Synthesis Essay

    Examples of synthesis writing are: An explanatory synthesis essay, in which the writer presents factual information to help the reader understand a subject. In an expository synthesis essay, the ...

  17. Synthesis: the strength and means of creative writing

    Synthesis is the combining of diverse elements to form something coherent, connected and complete. We find attempts over time to discuss this in the teaching and research of creative writing, when numerous commentators explore 'creative and critical thinking' or describe elements of creative writing in terms of 'criticism' or 'theory ...

  18. Synthesizing Sources

    This is a tool that you can use when researching and writing your paper, not a part of the final text. In a synthesis matrix, each column represents one source, and each row represents a common theme or idea among the sources. In the relevant rows, fill in a short summary of how the source treats each theme or topic.

  19. 9 Tips for Writing a Synthesis Essay (+ 10 Topic Ideas)

    Rewriting & Paraphrasing: Transform Your Draft into Excellence. Editing & Proofreading: Perfecting Your Paper's Grammar, Style, and Format (APA, MLA, etc.). Elevate Your Essay. Synthesis essays can seem intimidating. Here are 9 tips for writing a synthesis essay along with 10 topic ideas to get you started.

  20. 90 Delightful Synthesize Quotes (synthesis, how to synthesize two, how

    Short Synthesize Quotes. Dreams and reality are opposites. Action synthesizes them. — Assata Shakur. For me, the guitar synthesizer is a great writing instrument. — Andy Summers. More recently, I used guitar synthesizer extensively on the two albums I did with Robert Fripp. — Andy Summers.

  21. Make a slogan expressing the importance of synthesis in writing

    The slogan is " understanding literature through synthesis".Check more about the importance of writing below.. What is the importance of synthesis in writing? Synthesis is known to be the one that uses both information that has been paraphrased and also the one where the writer uses other information obtained from a lot of sources.. Note that Synthesis depicts more about scholarship as well as ...

  22. module. Directions: Make a slogan expressing the importance of

    module. Directions: Make a slogan expressing the importance of synthesis in writing. Write this on a separate sheet of paper. A rubric is given as your guide. Rubric: Criterion 5- Point Scale 5- The slogan is exceptionally attractive in terms with the chosen words.

  23. Slogan about expressing the importance of Synthesis in writing

    Answer. 50 people found it helpful. xxAesthetixx. report flag outlined. Answer: Synthesis is an important element of academic writing, demonstrating comprehension, analysis, evaluation and original creation. With synthesis, you extract content from different sources to create an original text.1. Explanation:

  24. Trump Reposts Crude Sexual Remark About Harris on Truth Social

    The slogan remained popular throughout Mr. Trump's third presidential bid, and T-shirts bearing the phrase were frequently seen at Mr. Trump's rallies up until Mr. Biden suspended his ...

  25. Writing and Communication Program Enhances First-Year Curriculum

    ENGL 1101 — the first of the required two-course composition sequence for new Georgia Tech students — will now feature more research, idea synthesis, and revised writing than in previous years after a revamp by Writing and Communication Program in the School of Literature Media and Communication.

  26. These Republicans denounced Trump and endorsed Harris at the DNC. Here

    Several Republicans took to the stage at the DNC and urged their fellow Republicans and independents to back Vice President Kamala Harris in November.