Research writing isn’t just about gathering information. It’s about making sense of that information by comparing, connecting, and analyzing it to build something new. That’s where synthesis comes in. Once you know what you want to say, you need to support your ideas clearly and ethically using in-text citations. This article breaks down how to synthesize sources and shows you how to use MLA and APA styles properly, with examples and practice tips.
Part 1: What Is Synthesis?
Synthesis is the process of combining ideas from multiple sources to form a new understanding, argument, or insight. It’s not a summary. It’s not a list of what different authors said. It’s about using multiple voices to support or complicate your own point.
Weak vs. Strong Synthesis
- Weak synthesis (patchwork):
“Author A says this. Author B says that. Author C disagrees.”
→ This reads like a summary with no real connection or direction. - Strong synthesis:
“While Author A emphasizes the environmental benefits of solar power, Author B and C both point out its cost limitations, suggesting that widespread adoption may hinge more on economic policy than on technology alone.”
→ This shows how the sources interact to support a deeper point.
Steps to Synthesize
- Group sources by theme or argument, not by author.
- Identify points of agreement, contradiction, or complexity.
- Decide how the sources help you build your argument.
- Blend those ideas into your writing, using citations to show where each idea comes from.
Part 2: Signal Phrases and Citation Integration
Whether you’re using MLA or APA, source integration follows the same core principle: make it clear who said what, when, and why it matters.
Use Signal Phrases
A signal phrase introduces a source with context. For example:
- According to environmental scientist Mark Jacobson…
- A 2020 study published in the Journal of Climate Change found that…
Signal phrases help:
- Attribute information clearly.
- Add credibility.
- Make writing smoother and more natural.
Part 3: MLA In-Text Citation Basics
Format
MLA uses the author’s last name and page number in parentheses. No comma. No year.
Example:
Solar energy has the potential to power entire cities, but its efficiency is still location-dependent (Jacobson 42).
If the author is mentioned in the sentence:
Jacobson argues that solar energy’s effectiveness varies widely by region (42).
If there’s no page number, just use the author’s name:
Solar efficiency can drop significantly in colder climates (Jacobson).
Synthesis in MLA with Multiple Sources
Example:
While Jacobson stresses solar’s long-term economic benefits (42), Lee points out that initial installation costs still deter lower-income households (88). Together, these insights reveal a gap between solar potential and accessibility.
Note how two sources are used together to make a point – not separately.
Part 4: APA In-Text Citation Basics
Format
APA uses the author’s last name and year of publication. If quoting, include the page number.
Example (paraphrase):
Solar energy is highly dependent on regional climate and infrastructure (Jacobson, 2019).
Example (narrative):
Jacobson (2019) notes that solar energy’s effectiveness is largely shaped by geography.
Quoting in APA:
“Solar infrastructure remains unevenly distributed across the U.S.” (Jacobson, 2019, p. 42).
If there are two authors, include both:
(Smith & Lee, 2020)
Three or more authors:
(Chen et al., 2021)
What to Do If There’s No Page Number in APA
Not all sources have page numbers — especially web pages, online articles, or PDFs without consistent pagination. But APA still expects you to help readers locate the information if you’re quoting directly.
If you’re paraphrasing:
You don’t need a page number. Just include the author’s name and year.
Example:
Online learning platforms have rapidly expanded in the last five years (Turner, 2022).
If you’re quoting directly and there’s no page number:
Use an alternative locator to guide the reader:
- Paragraph number: Use para. “Online learning increased by 300% during the pandemic” (Turner, 2022, para. 4).
- Section heading + paragraph number: “Learner engagement remained steady throughout” (Turner, 2022, Discussion section, para. 2).
- Time stamp (for audio/video sources): “Student flexibility is the main benefit” (Lee, 2023, 1:32).
Don’t guess or make up a page number.
If it’s not there, use one of the formats above or leave it out for paraphrasing. The key is clarity and traceability: readers should be able to find what you’re citing.
Synthesis in APA with Multiple Sources
Example:
Although Jacobson (2019) highlights solar energy’s economic appeal, Lee and Simmons (2021) argue that policy change is the more immediate barrier to adoption. This suggests that technological readiness alone is insufficient for widespread change.
Part 5: Side-by-Side MLA and APA Models
| Purpose | MLA Example | APA Example |
|---|---|---|
| Paraphrasing with author in text | Jacobson argues that solar power isn’t equally efficient in all regions (42). | Jacobson (2019) argues that solar power isn’t equally efficient in all regions. |
| Paraphrasing without author in text | Solar power isn’t equally efficient in all regions (Jacobson 42). | Solar power isn’t equally efficient in all regions (Jacobson, 2019). |
| Quoting | “Solar energy output varies by climate” (Jacobson 42). | “Solar energy output varies by climate” (Jacobson, 2019, p. 42). |
| Multiple sources synthesized | Jacobson sees cost-efficiency in solar (42), while Lee counters that policy limits are the greater issue (88). | Jacobson (2019) sees cost-efficiency in solar, while Lee and Simmons (2021) counter that policy limits are the greater issue. |
Part 6: Practice Paragraph with MLA Integration
Prompt: Write a paragraph on barriers to renewable energy using at least two sources.
Response:
Renewable energy may be environmentally sound, but its accessibility remains uneven. Jacobson notes that while solar panels can reduce long-term energy costs, upfront installation remains a major hurdle for many households (42). Meanwhile, Lee points to a lack of government incentives as a systemic issue that prevents low-income communities from adopting renewable solutions (88). Both authors highlight that despite the technology’s promise, economic and policy barriers continue to delay widespread adoption.
Part 7: Practice Paragraph with APA Integration
Prompt: Same topic, APA style.
Response:
Although renewable energy sources are often promoted as universally beneficial, they are not equally accessible. Jacobson (2019) emphasizes that while solar panels offer long-term savings, their installation costs remain out of reach for many families. In addition, Lee and Simmons (2021) argue that insufficient government support prevents equitable distribution of renewable infrastructure. These perspectives suggest that overcoming financial and legislative barriers is as important as advancing technology.
Part 8: Quick Practice Prompts for Students
Try writing a short paragraph for each of the following:
- MLA: Compare two sources that discuss social media’s impact on teen mental health.
- APA: Synthesize three studies about online learning outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- MLA: Argue whether electric vehicles are a realistic solution for climate change using two articles.
- APA: Present differing viewpoints on remote work’s productivity using recent research.
For each:
- Introduce the sources with signal phrases.
- Cite correctly.
- Show how the ideas connect or contrast.
Final Tips
- Don’t drop quotes: Always introduce them with context.
- Balance your voice and sources: Use sources to support your argument, not replace it.
- Double-check style guides: Use Purdue OWL or your institution’s guide for formatting help.
- Edit for flow: Read your paragraph aloud. If the citations feel clunky, rework them.
Conclusion
Synthesizing sources and using in-text citations well is the difference between an average research paper and a strong, credible argument. Whether you’re using MLA or APA, the goal is the same: integrate evidence smoothly, ethically, and purposefully. The more you practice, the more natural it becomes.
Sample References / Works Cited
APA Format
Becker, S., Frew, B. A., Andresen, G. B., Jacobson, M. Z., Schramm, S., & Greiner, M. (2014). Renewable build‑up pathways for the U.S.: Generation costs are not system costs. arXiv.
Khan, S. A. R., et al. (2021). Re‑investigating the nexuses of renewable energy, natural resources, and sustainable development. PMC.
Wolsink, M. (2020). Framing in renewable energy policies: A glossary. Energies, 13(11), 2871. MDPI.
Plehwe, D. (2025). Challenging energy transition and green jobs. Journal of Environmental Policy.
“100% renewable energy for all worldwide is possible: Q&A with Mark Z. Jacobson.” (n.d.). WorldGBC.
MLA Format
Becker, Sarah, et al. Renewable Build‑Up Pathways for the U.S.: Generation Costs Are Not System Costs. arXiv, 2014.
Khan, S. A. R., et al. “Re‑investigating the Nexuses of Renewable Energy, Natural Resources, and Sustainable Development.” PMC, 2021.
Wolsink, M. “Framing in Renewable Energy Policies: A Glossary.” Energies, vol. 13, no. 11, 2020, p. 2871. MDPI.
Plehwe, D. “Challenging Energy Transition and Green Jobs.” Journal of Environmental Policy, 2025.
“100% Renewable Energy for All Worldwide Is Possible: Q&A with Mark Z. Jacobson.” WorldGBC, n.d.
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