Students learn to write the synthesis essay — a cornerstone of college and AP writing — building an original argument by weaving together evidence from multiple sources, all in their own analytical voice and with proper citation.
Students will be able to…
College writing rarely asks “what does one source say?” It asks you to enter a conversation among many. How do you weave sources into an argument that’s truly your own?
Project this and tap each element of a synthesis essay. Have students see how to weave sources into an original argument.
Tap any phase to open the teacher moves and student actions.
College writing asks you to join a conversation of many sources — how?
Teacher models.
Class uses the Synthesis Explorer.
Students draft.
Students share a paragraph.
Aligned to the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts (Grades 11–12).
Conduct research projects, synthesizing multiple sources.
Gather and integrate information from multiple sources, avoiding plagiarism.
Write arguments using valid reasoning and relevant evidence.
Draw evidence from texts to support analysis and research.
Preview the three formative checks. Tap “Sample answer” to see what mastery looks like — hide them before you print for students.
Have students find a source that challenges their thesis, then address and rebut it in their synthesis — strengthening the whole argument. A printable synthesis sheet is in the ELA library.
Tap a card to flip it, then rate whether you knew it. Built from this lesson’s vocabulary.
A quick self-check with instant feedback, drawn from this lesson’s key terms.
A print-and-go review sheet with a built-in answer key. Tap “Show answer key” to reveal answers, or print the clean version for students.