Synthesis Essay Intro

When students are writing an essay, the introduction sets the tone for the entire paper. Readers will not want to continue if the hook does not draw them in. This is the case for class papers to the big essays on the AP® Lang exam. However, it is incredibly stressful to develop a strong introduction when time goes so quickly. Luckily, this blog post provides provides an overview of how to write a synthesis essay intro paragraph quickly! 

 

More than a Thesis 

 

When it comes to a timed essay, worst case scenario, write a defensible thesis and move on. However, writing a thesis-only introduction can be a bit jarring for your reader. So, if possible, try to write a couple sentences to lead into your synthesis essay thesis.

 

Definition Sentence

 

One way to develop your synthesis essay introduction paragraph is to set parameters. This helps narrow down and specify your argument. You can do this in your introduction by actually defining your topic. For instance, if the topic is wind farms, you can define what this means. This is a great way to ensure the reader fully understands the terms within your synthesis essay intro. 

 

Ex: Wind farms, an isolated area containing wind turbines used to generate clean, renewable energy, have become a point of discussion as a means of providing efficient energy without dependence on foreign countries. 

 

Essentially, you start with the topic. In this case, it is wind farms. Then, you put a comma, the definition, and another comma before finishing your sentence. This is a great way to improve your syntax as well! 

 

 

Provide Context in Your Synthesis Essay Intro

 

Another example how to start your synthesis essay introduction involves providing a bit of context. For example, ask yourself: 

• Why are we really talking about this issue in the first place? 
• Why is this issue relevant? 
• Why is it a point of conversation in society today?

 

Even if it is a topic you are unfamiliar with, you can still gather that information from the prompt and sources. Then, add some information to help the reader understand your topic. 

 

Explain Both Sides 

 

Another tip to crafting a quick synthesis essay intro paragraph is to explain both sides of the issue. Now, you can’t end there. You need a defensible thesis. If you do not actually assert a position, you’ve just equivocated, which means you did not take a stance. If you are going to explain both sides, be sure you include a transition word such as “therefore” and establish the position you will argue in your synthesis essay.

 

The Most Important Part of the Synthesis Essay Intro: The Thesis 

 

After deciding how to start the synthesis essay intro, it is time to move on to the thesis. For most students, this will be the introduction’s last sentence. You will assert a position that you will later prove in your body paragraphs. 

 

Many times, it helps to start your thesis with a dependent clause. This could be words like although, when, and while. This helps make a complex sentence, which tends to read better.

 

Additionally, students can also use a counter-argument thesis. This shows the other side of the argument but ultimately goes back to your stance. 

 

Here’s an example of a sentence frame you can use: While it may be true that…, one would be remiss not to consider that…. 

 

For more introduction tips, watch How to Write an Introductory Paragraph for a Synthesis Essay. It provides excellent insight into crafting the perfect introduction. Then, check out this blog post: How to Outline a Synthesis Essay for AP® Lang. This will help ensure your body paragraphs have good evidence and strong commentary! Since there are so many components to the synthesis essay, check out how to write a synthesis essay conclusion. This will help ensure there is a solid ending to your paper. 

 

Synthesis Essay Intro Example

Want to see the aforementioned tips in action?

 

Here is a synthesis essay introduction example.

 

In recent years, the United States’ test scores have declined. In response to this, there has been a push to transform kindergarten into a more academic environment. Skills that were once commonly taught in first grade are now being taught in kindergarten. But at what cost? Increasing the academic rigor in kindergarten has not led to an increase in test scores. If anything, increasing the academic focus has drastically reduced the amount of time for free play. While it is true that students need to learn some fundamental academic skills in kindergarten, the overall focus should be students social and emotional development.

 

The synthesis essay intro example above provides context for the issue (the focus on test scores) and a defensible thesis to argue that kindergarten should not be transformed into an academic environment.

 

Here’s another synthesis intro example:

 

Locavorism, the concept of eating food grown within 100 miles of one’s home, has gained popularity in recent years. Supporting local business is great, and yes, the food is likely to be fresher. However, one cannot ignore that locavorism is, at times, inconvenient and impractical. Therefore, when considering whether to join the locavore movement, one must consider two key factors: location and environmental impact.

 

The example above combines a couple techniques mentioned earlier in this blog post. First, there is a definition. Remember that you don’t need to define every topic, but in some cases, it can help if done effectively. It also includes a concession and refutation to demonstrate the contrasting views on the topic. Finally, it ends with a defensible thesis.