Outlining Your Synthesis Essay: A Guide to the Synthesis, APA, and MLA Outlines

A synthesis essay is a type of writing in which you combine information from multiple sources to create a cohesive and well-supported argument. The first step in writing a synthesis essay is to create an outline that will guide the structure of your essay. In this article, we will discuss three different types of outlines that can be used to organize a synthesis essay: the synthesis essay outline, the APA outline, and the MLA outline.

The Synthesis Essay Outline

The synthesis essay outline is a specific type of outline that is used to organize the information from multiple sources in a logical and coherent manner. This outline typically includes the following sections:

1. Introduction: The introduction should provide background information on the topic and clearly state the thesis, or main argument, of the essay.
2. Body Paragraphs: The body paragraphs should present the information from each of the sources in a logical and cohesive manner. Each body paragraph should focus on a different source, and each paragraph should include an analysis of the information from that source as well as an explanation of how it supports the thesis of the essay.
3. Counterarguments: The counterarguments section should address any opposing viewpoints that might challenge the thesis of the essay. The counterarguments section should include information from sources that present opposing viewpoints as well as an analysis of why the opposing viewpoint is flawed or incomplete.
4. Conclusion: The conclusion should summarize the main points of the essay and reiterate the thesis. The conclusion should also include a call to action or a suggestion for further research.

The APA Outline

The APA (American Psychological Association) outline is a specific type of outline that is used to organize research papers in the social sciences. This outline typically includes the following sections:

1. Title: The title should be a brief and descriptive summary of the main topic of the paper.
2. Introduction: The introduction should provide an overview of the topic and clearly state the purpose of the paper.
3. Method: The method section should describe the research design, sample, and procedures used in the study.
4. Results: The results section should present the findings of the study.
5. Discussion: The discussion section should interpret the results, explain the implications of the findings, and suggest areas for future research.
6. Conclusion: The conclusion should summarize the main points of the paper and reiterate the purpose of the study.

The MLA Outline

The MLA (Modern Language Association) outline is a specific type of outline that is used to organize research papers in the humanities, such as literature and language. This outline typically includes the following sections:

1. Introduction: The introduction should provide background information on the topic and clearly state the thesis, or main argument, of the essay.
2. Body Paragraphs: The body paragraphs should present the information from the sources in a logical and cohesive manner. Each body paragraph should focus on a different source and should include an analysis of the information from that source as well as an explanation of how it supports the thesis of the essay.
3. Conclusion: The conclusion should summarize the main points of the essay and reiterate the thesis. The conclusion should also include a call to action or a suggestion for further research.

In conclusion, organizing an essay with an outline will be very helpful in creating a clear, cohesive and well-supported argument. Each type of outline discussed here has their own unique features and structure, depending on the requirement of the essay and subject matter the outline is being used. It is essential to use the appropriate outline format for your essay to ensure that the information is presented in a logical and coherent manner.

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