Best Examples of Synthesis Essay Topics for High School Students

Strong, Current Examples of Synthesis Essay Topics for High School Students

Instead of starting with theory, let’s jump straight into examples of synthesis essay topics for high school students that teachers are assigning right now. As you read, notice how each topic:

• Connects to real life
• Can be researched using multiple sources
• Has more than one reasonable side

You can borrow these topics exactly as written or tweak them to fit your interests and your teacher’s guidelines.

Social Media and Technology: Popular Examples of Synthesis Essay Topics

Social media and tech are some of the best examples of synthesis essay topics for high school students because there’s tons of data, expert opinion, and personal experience to work with.

1. Should Schools Limit Smartphone Use During the Day?

This is a classic example of a synthesis essay topic that almost every high school student has an opinion about.

You might pull sources like:

• A study on how phone use affects attention and grades
• A news article about a district that banned phones in class
• A student-opinion piece arguing phones help with safety and communication

Your task is to synthesize: Are phone restrictions helping students focus, or are they unrealistic in a digital world?

2. Is Social Media Helping or Hurting Teen Mental Health?

This might be the most assigned example of a synthesis essay topic in recent years. There’s a lot of conflicting information, which makes it perfect for synthesis.

You could use:

• Research from the National Institutes of Health on social media and anxiety or depression
• Articles from mental health organizations about online support communities
• Statistics on cyberbullying and screen time

Then you’d build an argument: On balance, is social media more beneficial or more harmful for teens’ mental health, and what should be done about it?

3. Should AI Tools Like ChatGPT Be Allowed in School Assignments?

This is a very 2024–2025 example of a synthesis essay topic for high school students.

Possible sources include:

• School district policies on AI use
• Articles from universities on academic integrity
• Opinion pieces from teachers and students

You could argue for clear guidelines that allow AI for brainstorming and editing but not for writing entire essays—or you might argue for stricter bans to protect learning.

Education and School Policy: Real Examples Students Care About

When teachers ask for examples of synthesis essay topics for high school students, school policies are often at the top of the list, because you live with these rules every day.

4. Should High Schools Start Later in the Morning?

This topic lets you combine science, policy, and student experience.

Look for sources like:

• CDC information on teen sleep needs
• Research on how later start times affect grades and attendance
• Articles about districts that shifted start times and what happened afterward

Your synthesis might weigh improved sleep and mental health against transportation costs, sports schedules, and after-school jobs.

5. Is Homework Still Necessary in High School?

This is another example of a synthesis essay topic where there’s evidence on both sides.

You might gather:

• Studies on homework and academic achievement
• Expert opinions on stress and burnout in teens
• Articles about schools that reduced or rethought homework

Your essay could argue for smarter, more meaningful homework—or for replacing it with other forms of practice and review.

6. Should Standardized Tests Play a Big Role in College Admissions?

Since the pandemic, many colleges have gone test-optional or test-blind. That shift gives you fresh, up-to-date material.

Potential sources:

• University policy pages explaining test-optional choices
• Articles on SAT/ACT score gaps among different income or racial groups
• Research on whether test scores actually predict college success

You’d synthesize these to argue whether standardized tests should stay, change, or disappear from admissions.

Health, Wellness, and Safety: Thoughtful Examples to Explore

If you like science, psychology, or public health, these examples of synthesis essay topics for high school students might fit you better.

7. Should Schools Provide Free Menstrual Products in Bathrooms?

This is a growing policy conversation in many states.

Sources might include:

• State or district policies about menstrual equity
• Articles on how lack of products affects attendance
• Opinions from students and parents

Your synthesis could explore cost, equity, stigma, and student health.

8. How Should Schools Respond to the Teen Mental Health Crisis?

The CDC has reported rising levels of sadness, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts among teens in recent years. That gives you serious, credible material to work with.

You might look at:

• CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey data
• Mental health organization recommendations
• Articles about adding school counselors, wellness days, or mindfulness programs

Your essay could compare different solutions and argue which combination schools should prioritize.

9. Should Schools Offer Only Healthy Food and Drink Options?

This topic blends health research with student choice.

Possible sources:

• USDA guidelines for school meals
• Research on sugar, energy drinks, and teen health
• Articles about schools that banned soda or vending machines

You’d synthesize whether stricter nutrition rules support learning and health—or whether they go too far in controlling student choices.

Environment and Climate: Timely Examples of Synthesis Essay Topics

Climate change and sustainability are everywhere in the news, which makes them excellent examples of synthesis essay topics for high school students who care about the future.

10. Should Local Governments Ban Single-Use Plastics?

Think plastic bags, straws, and utensils.

You could use:

• Environmental group reports on plastic pollution
• City or state websites explaining plastic bans
• Articles about how bans affect businesses and consumers

Your synthesis might balance environmental benefits against costs, convenience, and enforcement challenges.

11. Are Electric Cars the Best Solution for Reducing Emissions?

This topic lets you compare different climate solutions.

Possible sources:

• EPA information on electric vehicles
• Articles about charging infrastructure and battery production
• Research on public transit, biking, or walkable cities

You can argue whether electric cars should be the main focus—or whether other transportation changes deserve more attention.

12. Should Schools Be Required to Teach Climate Change in All Science Classes?

This is a strong example of a synthesis essay topic that connects policy, science, and education.

Look for:

• State science standards
• Articles on climate education and misinformation
• Surveys on what students know (or don’t know) about climate change

Your essay might weigh academic freedom, political controversy, and the need for scientific literacy.

Culture, Identity, and Media: Creative Examples Students Enjoy

If you’re into books, movies, or social issues, these examples of synthesis essay topics for high school students might feel more natural.

13. Should Schools Require More Diverse Books in English Classes?

This topic lets you talk about race, culture, and representation.

You could gather:

• Reading lists from different schools
• Articles on the benefits of diverse literature
• Opinions from students and teachers about required reading

Your synthesis might argue for expanding the canon, balancing classics with modern voices, or giving students more choice.

14. Does Social Media Activism Actually Create Real-World Change?

Think hashtags, viral posts, and online campaigns.

Sources might include:

• Case studies of movements like #BlackLivesMatter or climate strikes
• Research on online vs. offline activism
• Opinion pieces arguing that “clicktivism” is shallow vs. powerful

You’d weigh symbolic support against measurable outcomes and decide how meaningful online activism really is.

15. How Do Streaming Services Affect the Way Teens Watch and Talk About Media?

This is a fun example of a synthesis essay topic that still allows serious analysis.

You might use:

• Articles on binge-watching and attention span
• Research on media consumption among teens
• Pieces about how streaming affects movie theaters and TV networks

Your synthesis could explore convenience, cost, shared culture, and the impact on storytelling.

How to Turn These Ideas into Your Own Synthesis Essay Topic

Seeing examples of synthesis essay topics for high school students is helpful, but you still need to shape them into a focused question your teacher will approve.

Here’s a simple way to do it:

1. Start broad, then narrow.
Maybe you like “social media and mental health.” Narrow it to something like:

“Should high schools educate students about healthy social media use as part of health class?”

2. Make it a question with more than one reasonable answer.
Avoid questions that are too obvious, like “Is bullying bad?” Instead, ask something like:

“What is the most effective way for schools to reduce cyberbullying among students?”

3. Check that you can find multiple types of sources.
For a strong synthesis, you want:

• At least one research-based or data-heavy source
• At least one news or magazine article
• At least one opinion or personal perspective

If you can’t find at least three solid sources from different angles, adjust your topic.

4. Make sure it fits your assignment.
Some teachers want an argument (you take a side), while others want more of an explanatory synthesis (you explain different views). Read the prompt carefully and shape your topic to match.

Quick Checklist: Is Your Synthesis Essay Topic Strong Enough?

As you look at these examples of synthesis essay topics for high school students, test your own idea with this quick checklist:

• Can I find at least three reliable sources with different viewpoints?
• Does the topic connect to something happening now (or at least still relevant in 2024–2025)?
• Is there a real debate, not just a yes/no answer everyone agrees on?
• Do I care enough about this to read and write about it for several days?

If you can say yes to all four, you’re in good shape.

FAQ About Synthesis Essays and Topic Examples

What is an example of a strong synthesis essay topic for beginners?

A good beginner-friendly example is: “Should high schools start later in the morning to match teen sleep patterns?” It’s specific, there’s real research on sleep and school start times, and you probably have personal experience to connect with the sources.

Where can I find reliable sources for my synthesis essay topics?

Start with your school library databases if you have access. For free online options, look at:

• Government sites like CDC.gov or NIH.gov
• University pages (anything ending in .edu)
• Reputable organizations like the American Psychological Association

These are much stronger than random blogs or social media posts.

How many sources should I use for these examples of synthesis essay topics for high school students?

Most high school assignments ask for at least three sources, but many teachers prefer four to six. Check your rubric. Using a mix of studies, news articles, and opinion pieces will give you more to synthesize.

Can I use personal experience along with research in a synthesis essay?

Yes, as long as personal experience doesn’t replace research. You can absolutely connect your own life to the topic—especially with examples of synthesis essay topics for high school students like homework, phones, or mental health—but your main support should still come from credible sources.

How do I avoid just summarizing sources instead of synthesizing them?

Instead of writing “Source A says this, Source B says that,” try to:

• Group sources that agree and explain their shared point
• Point out where sources disagree and why
• Show patterns, causes, or consequences that appear across multiple sources

Your voice should be the one organizing and interpreting the information, not just repeating it.

If you use these examples of synthesis essay topics for high school students as a starting point—and then shape them into focused questions you actually care about—you’ll find the writing process a lot less painful. Pick a topic that matters to you, gather a mix of solid sources, and let your essay be your chance to join a real conversation, not just complete an assignment.