85 Synthesis Essay Topics for College Students

synthesis essay topics

Synthesis essays are a key component of AP Language and Composition courses, providing students with an opportunity to delve into various sources, combine ideas, and present a cohesive argument. These essays require students to evaluate information, identify relationships between different sources, and construct a well-supported thesis. This article will provide an in-depth exploration of synthesis essay topics, including examples and tips for selecting good synthesis essay topics, and cover how to write an AP Lang synthesis essay. By the end, you'll be equipped with a wide array of synthesis topics and understand how to approach your next essay with confidence.

Understanding Synthesis Essays

Before diving into topics, it’s crucial to understand what a synthesis essay entails. A synthesis essay involves combining information from multiple sources to support a central argument or thesis. This type of essay requires you to:

• Analyze various sources: Evaluate the credibility and relevance of each source.
• Identify common themes: Look for overarching themes or ideas that connect the sources.
• Formulate a thesis: Develop a clear and concise thesis statement that reflects your synthesized understanding.
• Support your argument: Use evidence from the sources to back up your thesis, while also considering counterarguments.

Tips for Choosing a Good Synthesis Essay Topic

Selecting a good synthesis essay topic is essential for a successful essay. Here are some tips to help you choose a topic:

• Interest and Relevance: Choose a topic that interests you and is relevant to your course or current events.
• Availability of Sources: Ensure there are enough credible sources available on the topic.
• Debatability: Select a topic with multiple perspectives to facilitate a well-rounded argument.
• Scope: Avoid topics that are too broad or too narrow. Aim for a balanced scope that allows for thorough exploration without overwhelming you with information.

75 Good Synthesis Essay Topics

Here are some synthesis essay topics across various subjects:

Social Issues

1. The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health: Analyze how social media platforms influence mental well-being.
2. Abolishment of Capital Punishment
3. Income Inequality and Its Effects on Society: Discuss the causes and consequences of income inequality.
4. The Role of Education in Reducing Poverty: Explore how education can be a tool for poverty alleviation.
5. The Influence of Pop Culture on Youth Identity: Examine how pop culture shapes the identities of young people.
6. The Effectiveness of Gun Control Laws: Debate the effectiveness of existing gun control measures in reducing violence.
7. The Relation of Black Lives Matter to "Nineteen Eighty-four" by George Orwell
8. The Impact of Refugees on The Countries in Which They Settle
9. How Political Correctness is an Attack on The 1st Amendment
10. Discussion on Whether America Should Repeal The 2nd Amendment

Arts & Culture

1. The Reasons Graffiti Should Be Legalized
2. Is It Possible to Make a Neutral Question
3. Influence of British Colonialism on Indian Culture in The 19th Century
4. Creativity is not enough in the Modern World
5. Analysis of The Evolution of Vampires Approaching The Twenty-first Century

Environmental Issues

1. Climate Change and Its Global Impact: Assess the various ways climate change affects the planet.
2. Sustainable Agriculture Practices: Investigate the benefits and challenges of sustainable farming.
3. The Role of Renewable Energy in Reducing Carbon Footprint: Discuss the potential of renewable energy sources in combating climate change.
4. Deforestation and Its Consequences: Analyze the causes and effects of deforestation on ecosystems.
5. Daylight Saving Time: Benefits, Drawbacks, and Controversies
6. The Impact of Plastic Pollution on Marine Life: Examine how plastic waste affects ocean ecosystems.
7. The Evolution of Wind Farms
8. The Unintended Consequences of The Plastic Straw Ban
9. Earthquake and Its Devastating Effects
10. Global Warming: Impact of Melting Snow
11. Discussion on Whether It is Right to Treat Water as a Commodity

Technology and Innovation

1. The Future of Artificial Intelligence: Explore the potential benefits and risks of AI advancements.
2. The Ethical Implications of Genetic Engineering: Debate the ethical considerations surrounding genetic modification.
3. The Role of Technology in Education: Assess how technology is transforming the educational landscape.
4. Cybersecurity Threats in the Digital Age: Analyze the evolving nature of cybersecurity threats and how to mitigate them.
5. The Impact of Automation on Employment: Discuss how automation and robotics are changing the job market.
6. The Impact of Technology on Communication
7. The Negative Effects of Smartphones on an Individual's Cognitive Abilities
8. Smartphones as Huge Educational Tools

Education

1. The Importance of Honor Codes in Higher Education
2. STEM Education: Benefits, Challenges, Strategies, and Future
3. Why Free College Tuition is Rather a Financial Burden, not a Breakthrough
4. The Possibilities of Offering Fine Arts in Rural Schools
5. The Need for Repeating Policy in Educational Institutions
6. The Importance of Sex Education in Schools
7. The Impact of College Tuition Payment on Graduation Rates
8. Online Vs Traditional Classes: is One More Effective than The Other
9. Evaluation of The Advantages and Disadvantages of Fiber Optic Transmission
10. Discussion on Whether College Should Be Tuition-free

Health and Medicine

1. The Opioid Crisis in America: Examine the causes and potential solutions to the opioid epidemic.
2. Vaccination and Public Health: Debate the importance of vaccination in preventing disease outbreaks.
3. The Benefits and Risks of Medical Marijuana: Analyze the medical uses and potential downsides of marijuana legalization.
4. The Issue of Legalization of Cannabis in Canada
5. Approving Drugs as a Solution to the War on Drugs
6. Mental Health Stigma in Society: Discuss the impact of stigma on mental health treatment and support.
7. The Future of Telemedicine: Explore the potential of telemedicine in improving healthcare access.
8. The Debate Over Free Healthcare and Universal Healthcare in America
9. The Effectiveness of Narrative Medicine in Health Care Practice
10. The Effect of Mental Illnesses on Art Throughout Different Time Periods
11. Effects of Stress on The Body: How It Affects Physical and Psychological Health
12. Analysis of Marijuana's Benefits and Dangers from Medical and Social Points

Economics

1. The Ever-Evolving American Dream
2. The Pros and Cons of Eminent Domain
3. The Relationship Between Economic Growth and Income Inequality
4. The Political Consequences of Rising Economic Inequality
5. Negative Impact of Coal Mining on The Environment

Politics and Governance

1. The Effectiveness of Democracy in the Modern World: Assess the strengths and weaknesses of democratic systems.
2. The Role of International Organizations in Global Governance: Analyze the influence of organizations like the UN and WHO.
3. The Impact of Political Polarization on Governance: Discuss how political divides affect governmental effectiveness.
4. Discussion on Whether Governments Should Subsidize The Arts
5. The Influence of Lobbying on Legislation: Examine the impact of lobbying on the legislative process.
6. Immigration Policies and Their Socioeconomic Effects: Debate the benefits and drawbacks of various immigration policies.
7. Analysis of The Causes of The ISIS Epidemic Spreading Across The Globe

Law, Crime & Punishment

1. Is Domestic Violence a Widespread Problem
2. The Second Amendment – Support Or Abolish
3. The Link Between The Cruelty of Animals and Humans
4. Racial Discrimination in The US Criminal Justice
5. Positive Psychology and Restorative Justice to Reduce Recidivism in Youth Offenders
6. How The Criminalization of Prostitution Impacts Essential Human Rights
7. Drug Policy in America: The Issue of Marijuana Legalization

AP Lang Synthesis Essay Example

To better understand how to write a synthesis essay, let’s look at an example prompt and outline the approach.

Example Prompt:

"Evaluate the impact of social media on interpersonal relationships. Use at least three sources to support your argument."

Step-by-Step Approach:

• Analyze the Prompt: Understand the key elements of the prompt. Here, the focus is on the impact of social media on relationships.
• Gather Sources: Collect at least three credible sources that discuss social media and interpersonal relationships.
• Identify Common Themes: Look for recurring themes in the sources, such as communication patterns, emotional effects, and social dynamics.
• Formulate a Thesis: Develop a thesis statement that reflects your synthesized understanding. For example: "While social media can enhance communication, it often leads to superficial interactions and decreased face-to-face engagement, ultimately affecting the quality of interpersonal relationships."
• Create an Outline.

Argumentative Synthesis Essay Topics

Argumentative synthesis essays require you to take a stance on an issue and support it with evidence from multiple sources. Here are some topics to consider:

1. Should College Education be Free for All?
2. Is the Death Penalty an Effective Deterrent to Crime?
3. Should Governments Regulate Social Media Platforms?
4. Is Universal Basic Income a Viable Solution to Poverty?
5. Should Animal Testing be Banned in Scientific Research?
6. Is Climate Change Primarily Driven by Human Activity?
7. Should Healthcare be Considered a Human Right?
8. Is Censorship Justifiable in the Age of Information?
9. Should Voting be Mandatory in Democratic Societies?
10. Are GMO Foods Safe for Human Consumption?

Final Thoughts

Crafting a synthesis essay involves not only selecting a compelling topic but also synthesizing information from various sources to support a coherent argument. By understanding the components of a synthesis essay and exploring the wide array of synthesis essay topics provided, you can develop a strong foundation for your next essay. Whether you’re tackling social issues, environmental concerns, technological advancements, health matters, or political debates, the key is to stay organized, critically evaluate your sources, and present a balanced argument.

By leveraging these topic ideas provided, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of synthesis essays and achieving academic success.