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Natural gas is a valuable resource that plays a significant role in our daily lives. From heating our homes to powering our vehicles, natural gas is used in a variety of ways. If you are tasked with writing an essay on natural gas, it can be helpful to have some topic ideas to get you started. Here are 112 natural gas essay topic ideas and examples to inspire your writing:

• The benefits of natural gas as a clean energy source
• The environmental impact of natural gas extraction
• The role of natural gas in reducing greenhouse gas emissions
• The economic benefits of natural gas production
• The challenges of transporting natural gas
• The history of natural gas usage
• The future of natural gas as an energy source
• The impact of natural gas on global energy markets
• The potential for renewable natural gas production
• The advantages of natural gas over other fossil fuels
• The impact of natural gas fracking on local communities
• The health effects of natural gas production
• The role of natural gas in electricity generation
• The impact of natural gas on air quality
• The potential for natural gas to replace coal in power generation
• The impact of natural gas on water resources
• The benefits of natural gas as a backup power source
• The challenges of storing natural gas
• The impact of natural gas on wildlife
• The potential for natural gas to reduce dependence on foreign oil
• The impact of natural gas on climate change
• The benefits of natural gas vehicles
• The challenges of integrating natural gas into the transportation sector
• The impact of natural gas on energy prices
• The potential for natural gas to be used in hydrogen production
• The impact of natural gas on rural communities
• The benefits of natural gas as a heating fuel
• The challenges of natural gas flaring
• The impact of natural gas on soil quality
• The potential for natural gas to be used in agriculture
• The benefits of natural gas as a cooking fuel
• The challenges of natural gas pipeline construction
• The impact of natural gas on water quality
• The potential for natural gas to be used in manufacturing
• The benefits of natural gas as a chemical feedstock
• The challenges of natural gas storage
• The impact of natural gas on wildlife habitats
• The potential for natural gas to be used in space heating
• The benefits of natural gas as a power plant fuel
• The challenges of natural gas distribution
• The impact of natural gas on marine ecosystems
• The potential for natural gas to be used in transportation
• The benefits of natural gas as a fuel for buses
• The challenges of natural gas vehicle infrastructure
• The impact of natural gas on urban air quality
• The potential for natural gas to be used in aviation
• The benefits of natural gas as a fuel for ships
• The challenges of natural gas refueling stations
• The impact of natural gas on public health
• The potential for natural gas to be used in rail transportation
• The benefits of natural gas as a fuel for trains
• The challenges of natural gas train infrastructure
• The impact of natural gas on wildlife conservation
• The benefits of natural gas as a fertilizer
• The challenges of natural gas fertilizer production
• The impact of natural gas on soil health
• The potential for natural gas to be used in aquaculture
• The benefits of natural gas as a feedstock for aquaculture
• The challenges of natural gas aquaculture production
• The impact of natural gas on water quality in aquaculture
• The potential for natural gas to be used in forestry
• The benefits of natural gas as a fuel for forestry machinery
• The challenges of natural gas forestry equipment
• The impact of natural gas on forest ecosystems
• The potential for natural gas to be used in mining
• The benefits of natural gas as a fuel for mining operations
• The challenges of natural gas mining equipment
• The impact of natural gas on water quality in mining
• The potential for natural gas to be used in construction
• The benefits of natural gas as a fuel for construction machinery
• The challenges of natural gas construction equipment
• The impact of natural gas on air quality in construction
• The potential for natural gas to be used in waste management
• The benefits of natural gas as a fuel for waste management vehicles
• The challenges of natural gas waste management infrastructure
• The impact of natural gas on air quality in waste management
• The potential for natural gas to be used in recycling
• The benefits of natural gas as a fuel for recycling operations
• The challenges of natural gas recycling equipment
• The impact of natural gas on water quality in recycling
• The potential for natural gas to be used in renewable energy
• The benefits of natural gas as a backup fuel for renewable energy
• The challenges of natural gas renewable energy integration
• The impact of natural gas on air quality in renewable energy
• The potential for natural gas to be used in energy storage
• The benefits of natural gas as a fuel for energy storage
• The challenges of natural gas energy storage infrastructure
• The impact of natural gas on water quality in energy storage
• The potential for natural gas to be used in energy efficiency
• The benefits of natural gas as a fuel for energy-efficient appliances
• The challenges of natural gas energy efficiency programs
• The impact of natural gas on air quality in energy efficiency
• The potential for natural gas to be used in sustainable development
• The benefits of natural gas as a fuel for sustainable development projects
• The challenges of natural gas sustainable development initiatives
• The impact of natural gas on water quality in sustainable development
• The potential for natural gas to be used in climate change mitigation
• The benefits of natural gas as a fuel for climate change mitigation efforts
• The challenges of natural gas climate change mitigation strategies
• The impact of natural gas on air quality in climate change mitigation
• The potential for natural gas to be used in disaster response
• The benefits of natural gas as a fuel for disaster response vehicles
• The challenges of natural gas disaster response infrastructure
• The impact of natural gas on water quality in disaster response
• The potential for natural gas to be used in emergency preparedness
• The benefits of natural gas as a fuel for emergency preparedness efforts
• The challenges of natural gas emergency preparedness programs
• The impact of natural gas on air quality in emergency preparedness
• The potential for natural gas to be used in public safety
• The benefits of natural gas as a fuel for public safety vehicles
• The challenges of natural gas public safety infrastructure

These are just a few ideas to get you started on your natural gas essay. Whether you are exploring the environmental impact of natural gas extraction or the potential for renewable natural gas production, there are plenty of interesting topics to choose from. Happy writing!

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What is natural gas?

Natural gas is a fossil fuel energy source. Natural gas contains many different compounds. The largest component of natural gas is methane, a compound with one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms (CH 4 ). Natural gas also contains smaller amounts of natural gas liquids (NGLs, which are also hydrocarbon gas liquids ), and nonhydrocarbon gases, such as carbon dioxide and water vapor. We use natural gas as a fuel and to make materials and chemicals.

How did natural gas form?

Millions to hundreds of millions of years ago, the remains of plants and animals (such as diatoms) built up in thick layers on the earth’s surface and ocean floors, sometimes mixed with sand, silt, and calcium carbonate. Over time, these layers were buried under sand, silt, and rock. Pressure and heat changed some of this carbon and hydrogen-rich material into coal, some into oil (petroleum), and some into natural gas.

Where is natural gas found?

In some places, natural gas moved into large cracks and spaces between layers of overlying rock. The natural gas found in these types of formations is sometimes called conventional natural gas . In other places, natural gas occurs in the tiny pores (spaces) within some formations of shale, sandstone, and other types of sedimentary rock. This natural gas is referred to as shale gas or tight gas , and it is sometimes called unconventional natural gas . Natural gas also occurs with deposits of crude oil, and this natural gas is called associated natural gas . Natural gas deposits are found on land, and some are offshore and deep under the ocean floor. Natural gas found in coal deposits is called coalbed methane .

Source: Adapted from United States Geological Survey factsheet 0113-01 (public domain)

Click to enlarge

Operators preparing a hole for the explosive charges used in seismic exploration

Source: Stock photography (copyrighted)

How do we find natural gas?

The search for natural gas begins with geologists who study the structure and processes of the earth. They locate the types of geologic formations that are likely to contain natural gas deposits.

Geologists often use seismic surveys on land and in the ocean to find the right places to drill natural gas and oil wells. Seismic surveys create and measure seismic waves in the earth to get information on the geology of rock formations. Seismic surveys on land may use a thumper truck , which has a vibrating pad that pounds the ground to create seismic waves in the underlying rock. Sometimes, small amounts of explosives are used. Seismic surveys conducted in the ocean use blasts of sound that create sonic waves to explore the geology beneath the ocean floor.

If the results of seismic surveys indicate that a site has potential for producing natural gas, an exploratory well is drilled and tested. The results of the test provide information on the quality and quantity of natural gas available in the resource.

What happens when natural gas is found?

If the results from a test well show that a geologic formation has enough natural gas to make a profit, one or more production (or development ) wells are drilled. Natural gas wells can be drilled vertically and horizontally into natural gas-bearing formations. In conventional natural gas deposits, the natural gas generally flows easily up through wells to the surface.

In the United States and in a few other countries, natural gas is produced from shale and other types of sedimentary rock formations by forcing water, chemicals, and sand down a well under high pressure. This process, called hydraulic fracturing or fracking (sometimes referred to as unconventional production ), breaks up the formation, releases the natural gas from the rock, and allows the natural gas to flow to and up wells to the surface. At the top of the well, natural gas is collected in gathering pipelines and sent to natural gas processing plants.

did you know

Because natural gas is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, natural gas companies add mercaptan to natural gas to give it a distinct and unpleasant odor, which helps people detect leaks in natural gas pipelines. Mercaptan is a harmless chemical that smells like rotten eggs.

Natural gas is processed for sale and consumption

Natural gas withdrawn from natural gas or crude oil wells is called wet natural gas because, along with methane, it usually contains NGLs—ethane, propane, butanes, and pentanes—and water vapor. Wellhead natural gas may also contain nonhydrocarbons such as sulfur, helium, nitrogen, hydrogen sulfide, and carbon dioxide, most of which must be removed from natural gas before it is sold to consumers.

From the wellhead, natural gas is sent to processing plants where water vapor and nonhydrocarbon compounds are removed and NGLs are separated from the wet gas and sold separately. Some ethane is often left in the processed natural gas. The separated NGLs are called natural gas plant liquids (NGPLs), and the processed natural gas is called dry , consumer-grade , or pipeline-quality natural gas. Some wellhead natural gas is sufficiently dry and satisfies pipeline transportation standards without processing. Chemicals called odorants are added to natural gas so that leaks in natural gas pipelines can be detected. Dry natural gas is sent through pipelines to underground storage fields or to distribution companies and then to consumers.

In places where natural gas pipelines are not available to take away the associated natural gas produced from oil wells, the natural gas may be reinjected into the oil-bearing formation, or it may be vented or burned (flared). Reinjecting unmarketable natural gas can help to maintain pressure in oil wells to improve oil production.

Coalbed methane can be extracted from coal deposits before or during coal mining, and it can be added to natural gas pipelines without any special treatment.

Most of the natural gas consumed in the United States is produced in the United States. Some natural gas is imported from Canada and Mexico in pipelines. A small amount of natural gas is also imported as liquefied natural gas .

Last updated: December 27, 2022

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Essay on natural gas.

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Read this essay to learn about Natural Gas. After reading this essay you will learn about: 1. Importance and Uses of Natural Gas 2. Reserves and Consumption of Natural Gas 3. Regions Producing.

Essay # Importance and Uses of Natural Gas :

During the late 1990s, among the different fossil fuels, natural gas has registered fastest growth in consumption. It now (2,000) contributes 23% of global commercial energy. Since 1975, production of natural gas has experienced a massive growth of 70%.

The major uses of natural gas are:

(a) It is widely used as fuel in industries and domestic cooking purposes.

(b) Petrochemical industry uses natural gas as fuel and raw material.

(c) Different industries, mostly chemical — artificial rubber, plastics, fertilizer, ink, car­bon—use natural gas as raw material.

(d) Natural gas is sometimes used for artificial lighting.

Essay # Reserves and Consumption of Natural Gas :

Proven natural gas reserves has increased significantly in the 1990s: Russian Federation possesses one-third of the proven gas reserves of the world (48,160 billion cubic meters in 1993), followed by Iran (20,659 billion cubic metres), U.A.E. (5,794 billion cubic metres), Saudi Arabia (5,620 billion cubic metres), U.S.A. (4,593 billion cubic metres) etc.

As far as consumption of natural gas is concerned, U.S.A.is well ahead of other coun­tries—consuming one-third of the world total. So, it is a deficient-producing country where bulk of the consumption is generally imported from Middle East countries. The other notable consumers of natural gas are Russia (20%), Germany, France, U.K. etc.

Essay # Regions Producing Natural Gas :

The natural gas producing nations are distributed in five geographical regions:

(a) American region:

U.S.A., Canada, Mexico, Venezuela etc.

(b) European region:

Russian Federation, U.K., France, Romania etc.

(c) Middle-East Asia:

Leading producers are Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar etc.

(d) Far Eastern region:

Important producers are Bangladesh, Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, India etc.

(e) African region:

Libya, Algeria, Egypt, Nigeria etc.

Secures second position in natural gas production, next only to Russia. In 2004, it produced 536,000 million m 3 natural gas. As far as reserves are concerned, U.S.A. secures fifth place, having 4,599 billion cubic metres of gas reserve. Much of the gas fields in U.S.A. are associated with crude oil fields within Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico and California states.

A significant producer of natural gas, securing third place in the world. In 1995, it produced 6,137 pet joules of energy from natural gas. Canada has more than 2,500 billion cubic metres of gas reserve. The major gas-fields are situated at Alberta and British Columbia states.

More than 2,000 billion cubic metres of gas reserve. Most of its gas-fields are located within the Tampico and Tuxpum region.

(b) European region :

1. Russian Federation:

Russia is the undisputed world leader of natural gas production. In 2004, it produced 632,000 million m 3 natural gas.

Russia contains the largest reserves of natural gas—48,160 billion cubic metres, or one- third of the world.

Major gas-producing regions are:

(i) Black Sea region—Maikop, Berezanskoe, old gas fields, still produce huge amount.

(ii) Volga basin—Buguruslan, Verkhnie etc. produce both oil and gas.

(iii) Sakhalin islands—Tungor in Sakhalin is one of the greatest gas producing regions on the earth.

Besides these regions, Pechora Valley and Taz River Valley are other important gas-producing regions.

2. United Kingdom:

Of late, U.K. has emerged as a leading gas-producing country in Europe. Exploration of new oil and gas fields in the off-shore regions of North Sea enabled it to export sizable portions of its product.

(c) Middle-East Asia :

1. Saudi Arabia:

Saudi Arabia holds 5,620 billion cubic metres of gas reserve—the fourth largest in the world. In 2004, it produced more than 64,000 million m 3 natural gas. Most of the natural gas here comes from oil-wells.

Iran possesses the second largest gas reserve in the world (20,659 billion cubic metres). In 2004, it produced 85,500 million m 3 gaseous fuel. Oil-fields in Iran produce the natural gas.

United Arab Emirates has the third largest gas reserve in the world (5,794 billion cubic  metre). In 2004, it produced 45,800 million m 3 natural gas. Bu-Musa, A1 Bandus are the major gas-fields in U.A.E.

4. Other producers:

Qatar and Iraq are the other noted gas-producing countries in the world.

(d) African region :

In the African continent, Libya and Nigeria are two important gas-producing countries. It has been estimated that Algeria possesses more than 3,500 billion cubic metres of gas, mostly concentrated in and around Hassi Massaud area.

(e) Far Eastern Asia :

Bangladesh — in far East, is a leading gas-producing country. Here, huge natural gas re­serves have been earmarked in the eastern hilly tracts.

Indonesia— is another leading gas-producing country where estimated reserve is around 2,000 billion cubic metres.

Pakistan — is a surplus gas-producing country. In near future, natural gas production may experience a big boost here.

India— possesses some amount of natural gas, mostly concentrated in Bombay High, Tripura, Gujarat and Assam oil-field areas.

Related Articles:

• Production and Distribution of Natural Gas around the World
• Natural Gas of the World and their Uses (with statistical information)

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Natural Gas, Speech Example

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Words: 1263

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The United States is in the midst of the horrendous problem. Of all crude oil and petroleum products, which the U.S. annually consumes, about 70% are being imported from other countries of the Western hemisphere and the Gulf region (EIA). The U.S. is the largest petroleum consumer in the world, and its dependency on the foreign oil generates serious complexities in other political, economic, and social domains. Oil dependency threatens American foreign policies and security. It does not leave any chance for the U.S. to promote and protect its national and international interests. Today, the U.S. dependency on the foreign oil is a disaster in the works, and there is only one way the country can choose to relieve the burden of oil dependency policies. Natural gas is the only means for the United States to solve the oil dependency problem.

That oil dependency is a serious policy issues for the U.S. is difficult to deny. The United States consumes more than 19 million barrels of crude oil per day (EIA). Of these, only 4-5 million barrels come directly from the U.S. (EIA). As a result, to support its economy and consumption, the country must import no less than 12-13 million barrels per day of refined petroleum products and crude oil (EIA). Of all crude oil and refined petroleum products, 50% come from the Western hemisphere, including Central America and the Caribbean, and about 20% come from the Persian Gulf countries (EIA). Canada and Saudi Arabia remain the largest sources of crude oil and petroleum products for America (EIA). Needless to say, such dependency on the foreign oil produces a multitude of negative effects on the state of the U.S. foreign policy and security and has far-reaching political implications.

With almost 70% of the U.S. crude oil and petroleum products imported from other countries, including the Gulf region, the United States digs itself even deeper into its own grave (Dye). First, the U.S. oil dependency provides the exporting countries with the necessary degree of flexibility to adopt policies that go against U.S. values and strategic interests (Deutch, Schlesinger & Victor 26). Second, “oil dependence causes political realignments that constrain the ability of the United States to form partnerships to achieve common objectives” (Deutch, Schlesinger & Victor 26). Third, oil dependency makes America increasingly vulnerable to the international market fluctuations, which reflect in higher prices and scarce supplies (Deutch, Schlesinger & Victor 27). Any significant interruption in oil supply will produce irreversibly negative social and political effects on the United States and other importing countries (Deutch, Schlesinger & Victor 27). More serious are the effects, which oil dependency produces to the national defense budget – having oil dependency reduced, the U.S. will no longer be interested in maintaining stability in the Middle East and thus, significant reductions in the U.S. military posture will follow (Deutch, Schlesinger & Victor 28). Today, oil dependency draws importing countries into increased military and political involvement with the Middle East, and the U.S. military presence in the Persian Gulf region constantly increases (Cochran, Mayer & Carr 125). To a large extent, military and defense expenses and policies can be fairly regarded as the by-products and the hidden costs of the U.S. dependency on foreign oil.

Natural gas is the best solution to the U.S. dependency problems. First, natural gas is the only domestic resource available today that can substitute for imported oil (Teague & Pickens). This solution is equally clean and plentiful: the continental territory of the United States hides natural gas in abundance (Teague & Pickens). The United States has 2,000 trillion cubic feet in natural gas reserves, which are enough for 118 years (Teague & Pickens). In other words, what America has in its natural gas reserves is even more than what Saudi Arabia has in its total oil reserves (Teague & Pickens). Second, the only way the U.S. can reduce its oil dependence is through reduced oil consumption (Feldstein, Oil Dependence and National Security ), and natural gas provides virtually limitless opportunities for America to replace petroleum with compressed natural gas. Today, there are more than 100,000 CNG vehicles in the U.S., and all three major automobile companies sell cars that use CNG (Feldstein, Reducing America’s Dependence on Foreign Oil Supply 4). As a result, the United States has all conditions in place needed to make natural gas the basic source of its energy. Third, the availability of the newest technologies, including hydraulic fracturing and deepwater operation position natural gas as a cost-effective and the most reliable approach to oil dependency complexities (API).

Certainly, 100,000 CNG cars are less than 1 percent of the 181 million of vehicles, buses and trucks officially registered in the U.S. (Keane). Compared with 200,000 gas stations, the United States has only 1500 natural gas station in operation (CBS News). The cost of transforming any car into a natural gas vehicle will cost approximately $4000, and the estimated costs of the natural gas development are yet unknown (CBS News). All these, however, will reflect in long-term savings and will ultimately reduce the U.S. dependency on foreign oil. It is high time that the United States recognized the value of its domestic resources and used them to replace oil and, as a result, to reduce oil dependency. The use of natural gas will open new energy frontiers for the American nation. If used wisely, natural gas will become the source of the U.S. strategic advantage for years ahead.

The U.S. dependence on foreign oil is a disaster at works: of 19 million barrels per day of crude oil, the United States imports almost 70%. Such dependency on foreign oil gives other countries strategic policy advantages, constrains the U.S. in its ability to form effective partnerships, and makes the U.S. extremely vulnerable to international market fluctuations. Any interruption of oil supply will become a disaster for the U.S. Oil dependency readily reflects in higher military expenses and draws America into increased presence in the Middle East region. Natural gas is the best and, for now, the only solution to the U.S. oil dependency problem. The United States has these resources in abundance and can successfully replace petroleum with compressed gas. With all necessary technologies in place, the U.S. can readily turn natural gas into the source of its strategic advantage for years ahead.

Works Cited

API. “Natural Gas Is America’s New Energy Frontier”, Api.org. American Petroleum Institute, 15 January 2007. Web. 07 April 2010.

CBS News. “Editorial: Natural Gas Would Lessen US Oil Dependency”, CBS News. CBS News, 14 November 2008. Web. 07 April 2010.

Cochran, C.E., Mayer, L.C. & Carr, T.R. American Public Policy: An Introduction. Cengage Learning, 2008.

Deutch, J., Schlesinger, J.R. & Victor, D.G. “National Security Consequences of U.S. Oil Dependency”, Council on Foreign Relations. Council of Foreign Relations, 2007. Web. 07 April 2010.

Dye, L. “US: Foreign Oil Dependency: Stuck Between a Rock and Hard Place”, Energy  Bulletin.net. Energy Bulletin, 27 July 2004. Web. 07 April 2010.

EIA. “How Dependent Are We on Foreign Oil?”, U.S. Energy Information Administration.  U.S. Energy Information Administration, 10 December 2009. Web. 07 April 2010.

Feldstein, M. “Reducing America’s Dependence on Foreign Oil Supplies”, NBER.org. The National Bureau of Economic Research, 3 December, 2003. Web. 07 April 2010.

Feldstein, M. “Oil Dependence and National Security: A Market-Based System for Reducing U.S. Vulnerability”, NBER.org. National Bureau of Economic Research, October 2001. Web. 07 April 2010.

Keane, E. “Why Natural Gas Vehicles Won’t Decrease Oil Dependence”, First Enercast  Financial. First Enercast Financial, n.d. Web. 07 April 2010.

Teague, H. & Pickens, T.B. “Op-Ed: Natural Gas Could Cut Oil Dependence”, Congressman  Harry Teague. Congressman Harry Teague, 20 September 2009. Web. 07 April 2010.

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Short Essay: Natural Resources

A couple of short essay examples about natural resources.

Table of Contents

Natural Resources Essay Example 1

Natural resources are an essential part of our world. They are materials or substances that occur in nature and can be used for economic gain. Natural resources are vital for the development of any economy, and they play a significant role in environmental conservation. In this essay, we will discuss the importance of natural resources and how they are managed sustainably. We will examine examples of natural resources, including minerals, fossil fuels, forests, water, and wildlife.

Minerals are one of the most crucial natural resources. They are found in rocks, soil, and other geological formations. The extraction of minerals is critical for the production of a wide range of goods, including electronics, construction materials, and vehicles. Minerals such as iron, copper, and gold are in high demand, and their value has been increasing over the years. However, the extraction of minerals can have significant environmental impacts. Mining activities can lead to soil erosion, water pollution, and habitat destruction. Therefore, it is essential to manage mineral resources sustainably.

Fossil fuels are also significant natural resources. They include coal, oil, and natural gas. Fossil fuels are used to generate electricity, power transportation, and heat buildings. However, the combustion of fossil fuels leads to the emission of greenhouse gases, which contribute to climate change. Therefore, there is a need to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and transition to renewable energy sources. Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, are sustainable and have a lower environmental impact.

Forests, water, and wildlife are also essential natural resources. Forests are vital for biodiversity, carbon storage, and climate regulation. They also provide timber, fuelwood, and non-timber forest products. However, deforestation and forest degradation are major environmental issues. Sustainable forest management practices are necessary to ensure the long-term viability of forests. Water is another critical natural resource. It is essential for human survival, agriculture, and industrial activities. However, water scarcity is a global issue, and it is essential to manage water resources sustainably. Finally, wildlife is essential for biodiversity, tourism, and cultural values. However, habitat loss, poaching, and climate change are major threats to wildlife. Sustainable management practices, such as protected areas and wildlife conservation programs, are crucial for preserving wildlife.

In conclusion, natural resources are crucial for economic development and environmental conservation. Minerals, fossil fuels, forests, water, and wildlife are some of the essential natural resources. However, the sustainable management of natural resources is necessary to ensure their long-term viability. It is essential to balance economic development with environmental conservation, and sustainable management practices are crucial for achieving this balance. We must take urgent action to manage natural resources sustainably and ensure a better future for generations to come.

Natural Resources Essay Example 2

Natural resources are a vital aspect of human existence, providing the foundation for our survival and the basis for our economic and social development. These resources refer to materials or substances that occur naturally in the environment and are used by humans for production or consumption. They can be found in various forms, from minerals and water to air and timber. This essay will explore the concept of natural resources, their types, and their significance to human life.

One of the fundamental aspects of natural resources is their definition as materials or substances that occur naturally in the environment. These resources can be used for various purposes, ranging from production to consumption, and provide the basis for human survival. For example, water is essential for human life and is used for drinking, irrigation, and sanitation, among other things. Similarly, minerals such as iron, copper, and gold are used in the production of various commodities, from electronics to construction materials. In addition, soil is used for agriculture, while timber is used for construction and furniture making.

Natural resources can be classified into two main categories: renewable and non-renewable resources. Renewable resources are those that can be replenished or regenerated over time, such as solar energy, wind energy, and timber. These resources are considered sustainable as they can be used without depleting them entirely. On the other hand, non-renewable resources are those that cannot be replenished or regenerated, such as fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas) and some minerals (gold, silver, and diamonds). These resources are finite and will eventually become depleted, making them unsustainable.

The significance of natural resources to human life cannot be overstated, as they provide the foundation for our economic and social development. For example, the extraction and use of natural resources have contributed significantly to economic growth and development in many countries. The use of timber, minerals, and oil has led to the creation of industries and jobs, while the use of water and soil has facilitated agriculture and food production. However, the exploitation of natural resources also has negative consequences, including environmental degradation, pollution, and climate change. Therefore, the sustainable management of natural resources is essential to ensure their preservation and the well-being of future generations.

In conclusion, natural resources are materials or substances that occur naturally in the environment and are used by humans for production or consumption. These resources are essential to human life and provide the foundation for our economic and social development. Natural resources can be renewable or non-renewable, and their exploitation has both positive and negative consequences. Therefore, the sustainable management of natural resources is crucial to ensure their preservation and the well-being of future generations.

Natural Resources Essay Example 3

Natural resources are the foundation of our planet’s environment and the backbone of human society. They are materials that exist in the natural world, including water, air, minerals, forests, and wildlife. These resources are crucial to our survival and economic prosperity. However, overuse and pollution of these resources can have negative environmental and social impacts. In this essay, I will delve into the importance of natural resources, their impact on our lives, and the consequences of their depletion.

Natural resources are the basis of our existence, and they are essential for human survival. One of the most important natural resources is water, without which life on earth would not be possible. Water is used for a wide range of activities, such as drinking, agriculture, and industrial processes. The air we breathe is another crucial resource that we often take for granted. The air we breathe contains oxygen, which is essential for our survival. The earth’s minerals, such as iron, copper, and gold, are also essential resources used in various industries. Forests and wildlife are also vital resources that provide food, shelter, and other necessities to human beings.

Natural resources are essential for economic development, and they are used to create products and services that improve our quality of life. For example, minerals are used in the construction of buildings, roads, and other infrastructure. Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and gas, are used to generate electricity, power vehicles, and heat homes. These resources have played a significant role in the growth of the global economy. However, the overuse and exploitation of these resources have led to environmental degradation and social inequality.

The overuse and pollution of natural resources can have negative environmental and social impacts. For example, water pollution from industrial and agricultural activities can lead to health problems and the destruction of aquatic ecosystems. Overfishing and deforestation can lead to the extinction of species and the loss of biodiversity. Climate change caused by the burning of fossil fuels is a significant threat to the environment and human society. The depletion of natural resources can also lead to social inequality, as marginalized communities are often the most affected by environmental degradation.

In conclusion, natural resources are essential for our survival and economic development. However, their overuse and depletion can have negative environmental and social impacts. It is crucial that we use these resources sustainably and reduce our reliance on non-renewable resources such as fossil fuels. By protecting and conserving natural resources, we can ensure a healthy planet and a better future for ourselves and future generations.

About Mr. Greg

Mr. Greg is an English teacher from Edinburgh, Scotland, currently based in Hong Kong. He has over 5 years teaching experience and recently completed his PGCE at the University of Essex Online. In 2013, he graduated from Edinburgh Napier University with a BEng(Hons) in Computing, with a focus on social media.

Mr. Greg’s English Cloud was created in 2020 during the pandemic, aiming to provide students and parents with resources to help facilitate their learning at home.

Whatsapp: +85259609792

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✍️Essay on Natural Resources: Samples in 100, 150 and 200 Words 

• Updated on  
• Nov 2, 2023

Wondering about how the resources provided by our planet Earth are depleting? Well, that’s true. We have come to the stage where we should start working towards saving our planet. We humans have used our resources in a humongous quantity. Therefore, it’s time we start working towards saving our planet for our future generations. Today we will provide you with a few samples of essay on natural resources which will help you write on this topic easily. 

Table of Contents

• 1 What are Natural Resources?
• 2 Types of Natural Resources
• 3 Essay on Natural Resources in 100 Words
• 4 Essay on Natural Resources in 150 Words
• 5 Essay on Natural Resources in 200 Words

What are Natural Resources?

Natural Resources are resources which are present in nature independent of human actions. 

These are the resources that are created naturally by the environment, without any help from humans. Soil, stone, sunlight, air, plants, animals, fossil fuels, etc. are all natural resources.

In simple language, natural resources are naturally occurring materials which are useful to humankind. They can also be useful in a variety of ways such as in technological, economic or social contexts. These resources include building, clothing materials, food, water, fertilisers and geothermal energy. Natural resources were traditionally within the purview of the natural sciences.

Also Read: Essay on Save Environment: Samples in 100, 200, 300 Words

Types of Natural Resources

Speaking of the type of natural resources, there are mainly two types of natural resources. These include Renewable and Non-renewable resources. 

Renewable Resources: These are those resources which are endlessly available to humans for several uses. These resources are trees, wind, and water.

Non-Renewable Resources: These resources are available to humans in infinite quantities as they are not renewable and their supply may eventually run out. Minerals and fossil fuels are a few examples.

Also Read: Essay on the Importance of the English Language for Students

Essay on Natural Resources in 100 Words

Natural resources are parts of the natural world that are useful to humans. Renewable resources are those that can be swiftly replenished, these include soil, water, and air., Non-renewable resources are those that need time to recover, such as minerals, oil, natural gas, etc. 

One should note that the survival of all life on Earth depends on natural resources. However, the usage of natural resources in excess use can cause ecosystem disruption. Many nations are taking action these days to protect their natural resources. Natural resources shouldn’t be used for purposes outside our needs. In order to preserve non-renewable resources, we should utilise renewable resources more frequently than non-renewable ones.

Essay on Natural Resources in 150 Words

The organic aspects of nature that contribute to our way of life are known as natural resources. For survival, we rely on natural resources. Natural resources include things like air, water, soil, minerals, crops, etc. Resources like minerals, oil, and other resources are found in non-living organisms and take eons to regenerate. 

The distribution of natural resources is not even. Resources like these are also the primary driver of international trade relations for many nations. However, with time, these natural resources have now been overused by the human mankind beyond their limits. 

However, the unrestricted exploitation of natural resources is a challenge for all nations these days. To control this, a lot of nations are emphasising garbage recycling and employing more renewable resources than non-renewable ones. 

Sustainable development is the use of natural resources for current requirements without wasting them while keeping an eye on the future. It refers to the wise use of natural resources without sacrificing what coming generations will need.

Also Read: Essay on Unity in Diversity in 100 to 200 Words

Essay on Natural Resources in 200 Words

Natural resources are materials found in the environment that humans use to survive.  From the very start, humans have been dependent on these resources. While some of these resources can be restored more rapidly than others, some require more time. Resources like sunlight, water, air, and other renewable resources are readily available and have higher recovery rates than consumption rates.

On the other hand, the formation and processing of non-renewable resources, such as minerals, oil, and natural gas, take a long time. Even the usage rate of these non-renewable resources is higher as compared to the renewable resources. While some natural resources are used immediately, others must first undergo processing.

Even while renewable resources are available in huge quantities, they should also be used responsibly. Both renewable and non-renewable resources require time to be created and processed. Therefore, it is very important for humans to use these resources in a limited quantity and leave some for future generations.

With time, humans are using these resources excessively. With the ever-increasing population, humans have already created a huge impact on the environment. To begin, humans are continuously polluting the air, water and noise. Buildings are being constructed on more land. The land is becoming less valuable in this way. Humans are soon becoming the biggest reason behind depleting natural resources, such as land, water, and air. 

Therefore, we mustn’t undervalue these resources. The moment has come for us to recognise the importance of using these resources sustainably.

Related Articles

Natural Resources are substances which are naturally obtained from nature. Here are the 5 natural resources: Coal, Oil, Natural Gas, Sand, Gems, and Metals.

Renewable resources are natural resources that can be replenished or regenerated at a rate comparable to the rate at which they are consumed or harvested. For example: Solar energy, Wind energy, Biomass, Geothermal energy, etc.

Conserving and saving natural resources is essential for sustainable development and the preservation of the environment. Here are some easy tips to save natural resources: Implementing the 3Rs in daily life; Adopting energy-efficient practices such as using energy-saving appliances; Reducing water wastage by fixing leaks, using water-efficient appliances, and practising mindful water usage in daily activities, etc.

For more information on such interesting topics, visit our essay-writing page and follow Leverage Edu ! 

Malvika Chawla

Malvika is a content writer cum news freak who comes with a strong background in Journalism and has worked with renowned news websites such as News 9 and The Financial Express to name a few. When not writing, she can be found bringing life to the canvasses by painting on them.

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Natural Resources Essay

Natural Resources Essay In English - 1900 in words

Natural resources are generally a gift given by nature. Sunlight, water, soil and air are some of the examples of natural resources that are produced naturally without the intervention of humans. They are found in abundance in nature. However, there are many other natural resources which are not easily available such as minerals and fossil fuels.

Short and Long Essay on Natural Resources in English

Essay – 1 (300 words).

Natural resources are those resources which are provided by nature. Some examples of natural resources such as water, air, sunlight, wood, minerals and natural gas, etc., which do not require humans to work to obtain them, while there are also many such natural resources which are abundant in nature. are available, which people use to make different essentials. But people take a lot of time to prepare them completely and they are not available freely.

types of natural resources

Although the characteristics and uses of each natural resource are different from each other, they are classified into two broad categories, which are called renewable and non-renewable natural resources. Let's look at them in detail here:

Renewable Natural Resources : Renewable natural resources, as the name suggests, are naturally renewable and can be used over and over again, such as water, solar energy, wood, biomass, air and Soil etc. comes under this category. Although many of these resources such as water, air and sunlight are easily renewable, some natural resources such as wood and soil take time to renew. Renewable resources are further classified into biotic and abiotic.

When renewable resources are derived from animals and plants, they are called biotic renewable resources, whereas when renewable resources are obtained from non-living things, they are called non-living renewable resources.

Non- renewable Natural Resources :- These are those resources which cannot be renewed or recycled or because they take a very long time to be created. Coal, oil, minerals and natural gas are examples of non-renewable natural resources. Naturally without any human intervention, non-renewable natural resources like minerals take thousands of years to form. These are also divided into two categories – biotic and abiotic.

Non-renewable natural resources, derived from animals, are called organic natural resources. An example of this could be fossil fuels.

Non-renewable natural resources when produced from non-living things are called non-living natural resources such as wind, minerals, land and soil.

We should use natural resources, especially non-renewable resources wisely so that they do not get exhausted.

Essay - 2 (400 words)

Natural resources are those resources which have been present in nature since the beginning of time. These resources make life possible and easy on earth, it is impossible for us to live on earth without natural resources like sunlight, air and water. Other natural resources are also an important part of our life which have become essential for us.

various uses of natural resources

However, natural resources are a basis to meet the basic needs of man and other living beings on earth and to obtain various things. These things make the life of man easy and comfortable. Today, man cannot even imagine his life without most of these. Let us see the different ways of using natural resources:

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• Sunlight :- It is used to generate solar energy which helps in the use of various equipments. Sunlight also enables the process of photosynthesis.
• Air : Air is used to generate wind energy. It is used for various purposes such as grinding grain and pumping water.
• Water : Water is used to generate hydroelectric energy and for many purposes such as cleaning and cooking.
• Minerals :- Minerals are used to produce many items such as wires, aluminum cans and parts of automobiles, which are various types of minerals that we use in our daily life and minerals like gold and silver. Substances used for making jewellery.
• Natural Gases :- These are used to generate electricity. As well as used for heating in the kitchen.
• Coal :- It is a natural resource which is used for the purpose of generating electricity.
• Plants : Plants provide many natural resources like wood, fruits and vegetables. While fruits and vegetables are essential for survival of living beings, wood is used to make furniture, paper and other products.
• Animals : Animals also provide many natural resources such as milk, which is used to produce yogurt, cheese, butter and many other dairy products. Animal fur and their skin are used in the manufacture of various clothing {items} and other things of necessity. Woolen sweaters and hats, leather belts and bags, silk saris and bed linen are made from natural resources obtained from animals.

Natural resources are not only useful in the form of their raw material, but they are also beneficial in producing other things, humans have definitely started using these resources in the best way to improve life.

Essay – 3 (500 words)

Natural resources are a priceless gift from nature to us. These are consumed directly and indirectly by humans. Direct use of natural resources means to consume it in its pure form, the best examples of which are sunlight and oxygen. Indirect consumption of natural resources means using them, modifying them or producing other goods and services with their help. Example: Minerals, wood and many other natural resources are prepared in various ways before they are put to use.

use of various natural resources

We use natural resources in many ways. Without which, life on earth would not have been possible. According to a survey it has been found that, developed countries are using more and more natural resources than less developed countries.

Here's how they are used for different purposes:

Natural resources produced by animals are such resources which are in high demand because they provide us with food which helps in maintaining our existence. Animals are bred by them to provide organic natural resources. Milk and other dairy products that provide essential nutrients to animals are those nutrients obtained from animals. Fossil fuels generated from animal waste are also employed for various purposes such as heating, vehicles and generating electricity. Clothing, bags, shoes, belts and some other items for which animal fur and their skin are used.

Plants provide us with fruits and vegetables which are very essential for our life. Medicines are also produced to cure different types of diseases by using these natural resources. Plants provide us with oxygen by absorbing harmful and toxic gases like carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. It works naturally without human intervention. In addition, plant waste also contributes to the production of fossil fuels which are used in various ways.

Apart from this, trees provide us with wood which we use for various purposes and needs like building houses, making furniture, paper and various small and big things.

• minerals and metals

Metals and minerals are used for different purposes. All of them have unique properties which are very useful. Uses of minerals and metals include making batteries, manufacturing medical devices, making automobile parts, making jewellery, making buildings and utensils, etc. These resources are limited and come under the category of non-renewable natural resources.

• sunlight , air and water

Everyone knows the importance and use of these natural resources. These are abundantly available in the atmosphere and are directly used in immiscible form by living beings. These are modified and used to run different processes. Incidentally, these are renewable natural resources that can be reused.

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We intentionally or unintentionally consume natural resources on a daily basis. However, some of these are available in abundance in the atmosphere and some are rapidly depleting. We should use natural resources wisely so as to prevent wastage of resources in any way and ensure that they are available for our future generations. The government of every country should check the consumption of these resources and reduce its consumption.

Essay - 4 (600 words)

Natural resources are essential for mankind as well as other organisms. These are an essential part of our life. In fact, our life on earth is not possible without most of these natural resources.

distribution of natural resources

Natural resources are randomly distributed on the earth. Different parts of the earth are rich in different types of natural resources. In some places abundant amount of sunlight is received, while there are some places where people are mostly deprived of sunlight, similarly, in some places water bodies are many, while some areas are full of minerals. Has happened. There are many factors that affect the unequal distribution of natural resources. Climate and land are one of the main factors.

Some countries that have rich reserves of natural resources include China, Iraq, Venezuela, Russia, Saudi Arabia, the United States of America, Canada and Brazil. Let us know about the countries which are rich in natural resources:-

• Russia : Russia ranks number one in natural resources, this country is rich in timber, oil, natural gas, coal and gold. The main reason for its economic development is the export of valuable natural resources.
• China : China is rich in coal, wood and various metals. This country supplies these resources to different parts of the world.
• Iraq : Iraq is considered to be the country with 9% of the world's oil reserves. Apart from oil, this country is also rich in phosphate rock.
• Venezuela : This country is rich in natural resources such as natural gas, iron and oil. When it comes to oil reserves, it ranks sixth worldwide. It exports oil to many countries around the world.
• Saudi Arabia : It is considered to be the fifth largest natural gas reserve country in the world. Wood is found in abundance in Saudi Arabia.
• United States of America : When it comes to the availability of natural resources, the United States comes second. It is known for its coal, natural gas, oil reserves, gold and copper.
• Canada : Canada ranks number four when it comes to the availability of natural resources. It is known for its oil reserves. It supplies oil to various countries around the world. The country is also known for its uranium, phosphate and natural gas reserves and timber production.
• Brazil : Brazil is the second largest iron producer in the world. It provides a good supply of timber to various countries across the world. Apart from this, the country is also known for its reserves of Brill uranium and gold.

Different types of fruits and vegetables are grown in different regions and they are exported to other places. These countries also produce raw materials in this way and exchange them with other countries.

Effect of uneven distribution of natural resources

This unequal distribution of natural resources provides avenues for international trade, which encourages businesses and claims economic development for various countries around the world, which are rich in oil, natural gases, minerals and other natural resources. Unlike them, those who lack these resources start playing power with them. Because of these reasons, the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer.

Natural resources are very important for us, without the existence of these resources, our life on earth is not possible and humans are also using them without control, they do not realize the fact that most of these resources are non-renewable and can be renewable. It takes thousands of years to do. We should use natural resources wisely and avoid wasting them in any way so that our future generations can also enjoy them.

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CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) Essay For Students

admin June 14, 2018 Essays in English 4,550 Views

Supreme Court issued orders to convert all the DTC buses into CNG by 31 st March 2001. Also 80 CNG stations were to be established within the given time.

The Government did not pay needful attention to these orders. Only 68 CNG stations were built and out of 12000 buses only 300 were converted into CNG buses.

On 1 st April 2001 these were no vehicles except CNG vehicles. Near about 25 lakh people were standing like fools on the bus stop and celebrating Fool’s days.They were only a few buses on roads and these were fully packed. Passengers were sitting on the roofs of the buses.

Considering all these problems Supreme Court extended the date to 30 th September,2001. CNG vehicles bear some problems also like the CNG kit is very expansive. And due to lack of CNG stations there are long queues for filling CNG. Inspite of all these problems to keep Delhi pollution free this is the best solution.

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What is the ap lang synthesis essay, how will ap scores affect my college chances.

AP English Language and Composition, commonly known as AP Lang, is one of the most engaging and popular AP classes offered at most high schools, with over 535,000 students taking the class . AP Lang tests your ability to analyze written pieces, synthesize information, write rhetorical essays, and create cohesive and concrete arguments. However, the class is rather challenging as only 62% of students were able to score a three or higher on the exam. 

The AP Lang exam has two sections. The first consists of 45 multiple choice questions which need to be completed in an hour. This portion counts for around 45% of your total score. These questions ask students to analyze written pieces and answer questions related to each respective passage.  All possible answer choices can be found within the text, and no prior knowledge of literature is needed to understand the passages.

The second section contains three free-response questions to be finished in under two hours and 15 minutes. This section counts for 55% of your score and includes the synthesis essay, the rhetorical essay, and the argumentative essay.

• The synthesis essay requires you to read 6-7 sources and create an argument using at least three sources.
• The rhetorical analysis essay requires you to describe how a piece of writing evokes specific meanings and symbolism.
• The argumentative essay requires you to pick a perspective of a debate and create an argument based on the evidence provided.

In this post, we will take a look at the AP Lang synthesis essay and discuss tips and tricks to master this part of the exam. We will also provide an example of a well-written essay for review.  

The AP Lang synthesis essay is the first of three essays included in the Free Response section of the AP Lang exam. The exam presents 6-7 sources that are organized around a specific topic, with two of those sources purely visual, including a single quantitative source (like a graph or pie chart). The remaining 4-5 sources are text-based, containing around 500 words each. It’s recommended that students spend an hour on this essay—15 minute reading period, 40 minutes writing, and 5 minutes of spare time to check over work.

Each synthesis essay has a topic that all the sources will relate to. A prompt will explaining the topic and provide some background, although the topics are usually broad so you will probably know something related to the issue. It will also present a claim that students will respond to in an essay format using information from at least three of the provided sources. You will need to take a stance, either agreeing or disagreeing with the position provided in the claim. 

According to the CollegeBoard, they are looking for essays that “combine different perspectives from sources to form a support of a coherent position.” This means that you must state your claim on the topic and highlight relationships between several sources that support your specific position on the topic. Additionally, you’ll need to cite clear evidence from your sources to prove your point.

The synthesis essay counts for six points on the AP Lang exam. Students can receive 0-1 points for writing a thesis statement, 0-4 based on the incorporation of evidence and commentary, and 0-1 points based on the sophistication of thought and demonstration of complex understanding.

While this essay seems extremely overwhelming, considering there are a total of three free-response essays to complete, with proper time management and practiced skills, this essay is manageable and straightforward. In order to enhance the time management aspect of the test to the best of your ability, it is essential to divide the essay up into five key steps.

Step 1: Analyze the Prompt

As soon as the clock starts, carefully read and analyze what the prompt asks from you. It might be helpful to markup the text to identify the most critical details. You should only spend around 2 minutes reading the prompt so you have enough time to read all the sources and figure out your argument. Don’t feel like you need to immediately pick your stance on the claim right after reading the prompt. You should read the sources before you commit to your argument.

Step 2: Read the Sources Carefully

Although you are only required to use 3 of the 6-7 sources provides, make sure you read ALL of the sources. This will allow you to better understand the topic and make the most educated decision of which sources to use in your essay. Since there are a lot of sources to get through, you will need to read quickly and carefully.

Annotating will be your best friend during the reading period. Highlight and mark important concepts or lines from each passage that would be helpful in your essay. Your argument will probably begin forming in your head as you go through the passages, so you will save yourself a lot of time later on if you take a few seconds to write down notes in the margins. After you’ve finished reading a source, reflect on whether the source defends, challenges, or qualifies your argument.

You will have around 13 minutes to read through all the sources, but it’s very possible you will finish earlier if you are a fast reader. Take the leftover time to start developing your thesis and organizing your thoughts into an outline so you have more time to write. 

Step 3: Write a Strong Thesis Statement 

In order to write a good thesis statement, all you have to do is decide your stance on the claim provided in the prompt and give an overview of your evidence. You essentially have three choices on how to frame your thesis statement: You can defend, challenge or qualify a claim that’s been provided by the prompt. 

• If you are defending the claim, your job will be to prove that the claim is correct .
• If you are challenging the claim, your job will be to prove that the claim is incorrect .
• If you choose to qualify the claim, your job will be to agree to a part of the claim and disagree with another part of the claim. 

A strong thesis statement will clearly state your stance without summarizing the issue or regurgitating the claim. The CollegeBoard is looking for a thesis statement that “states a defensible position and establishes a line of reasoning on the issue provided in the prompt.”

Step 4: Create a Minimal Essay Outline

Developing an outline might seem like a waste of time when you are up against the clock, but believe us, taking 5-10 minutes to outline your essay will be much more useful in the long run than jumping right into the essay.

Your outline should include your thesis statement and three main pieces of evidence that will constitute each body paragraph. Under each piece of evidence should be 2-3 details from the sources that you will use to back up your claim and some commentary on how that evidence proves your thesis.

Step 5: Write your Essay

Use the remaining 30-35 minutes to write your essay. This should be relatively easy if you took the time to mark up the sources and have a detailed outline.  Remember to add special consideration and emphasis to the commentary sections of the supporting arguments outlined in your thesis. These sentences are critical to the overall flow of the essay and where you will be explaining how the evidence supports or undermines the claim in the prompt.

Also, when referencing your sources, write the in-text citations as follows: “Source 1,” “Source 2,” “Source 3,” etc. Make sure to pay attention to which source is which in order to not incorrectly cite your sources. In-text citations will impact your score on the essay and are an integral part of the process.

After you finish writing, read through your essay for any grammatical errors or mistakes before you move onto the next essay.

Here are six must-have tips and tricks to get a good score on the synthesis essay:

• Cite at least four sources , even though the minimum requirement is three. Remember not to plagiarize and cite everything you use in your arguments.
• Make sure to develop a solid and clear thesis . Develop a stable stance for the claim and stick with it throughout the entire paper.
• Don’t summarize the sources. The summary of the sources does not count as an argument. 
• You don’t necessarily have to agree with the sources in order to cite them. Using a source to support a counterargument is still a good use of a source.
• Cite the sources that you understand entirely . If you don’t, it could come back to bite you in the end. 
• Use small quotes , do not quote entire paragraphs. Make sure the quote does not disrupt the flow or grammar of the sentence you write. 

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Here is an example prompt and essay from 2019 that received 5 of the 6 total points available:

In response to our society’s increasing demand for energy, large-scale wind power has drawn attention from governments and consumers as a potential alternative to traditional materials that fuel our power grids, such as coal, oil, natural gas, water, or even newer sources such as nuclear or solar power. Yet the establishment of large-scale, commercial-grade wind farms is often the subject of controversy for a variety of reasons.

Carefully read the six sources, found on the AP English Language and Composition 2019 Exam (Question 1), including the introductory information for each source. Write an essay that synthesizes material from at least three of the sources and develops your position on the most important factors that an individual or agency should consider when deciding whether to establish a wind farm.

Source A (photo)

Source B (Layton)

Source C (Seltenrich)

Source D (Brown)

Source E (Rule)

Source F (Molla)

In your response you should do the following:

• Respond to the prompt with a thesis presents a defensible position.
• Select and use evidence from at least 3 of the provided sources to support your line of reasoning. Indicate clearly the sources used through direct quotation, paraphrase, or summary. Sources may be cited as Source A, Source B, etc., or by using the description in parentheses.
• Explain how the evidence supports your line of reasoning.
• Use appropriate grammar and punctuation in communicating your argument.

[1] The situation has been known for years, and still very little is being done: alternative power is the only way to reliably power the changing world. The draw of power coming from industry and private life is overwhelming current sources of non-renewable power, and with dwindling supplies of fossil fuels, it is merely a matter of time before coal and gas fuel plants are no longer in operation. So one viable alternative is wind power. But as with all things, there are pros and cons. The main factors for power companies to consider when building wind farms are environmental boon, aesthetic, and economic factors.

[2] The environmental benefits of using wind power are well-known and proven. Wind power is, as qualified by Source B, undeniably clean and renewable. From their production requiring very little in the way of dangerous materials to their lack of fuel, besides that which occurs naturally, wind power is by far one of the least environmentally impactful sources of power available. In addition, wind power by way of gearbox and advanced blade materials, has the highest percentage of energy retention. According to Source F, wind power retains 1,164% of the energy put into the system – meaning that it increases the energy converted from fuel (wind) to electricity 10 times! No other method of electricity production is even half that efficient. The efficiency and clean nature of wind power are important to consider, especially because they contribute back to power companies economically.

[3] Economically, wind power is both a boon and a bone to electric companies and other users. For consumers, wind power is very cheap, leading to lower bills than from any other source. Consumers also get an indirect reimbursement by way of taxes (Source D). In one Texan town, McCamey, tax revenue increased 30% from a wind farm being erected in the town. This helps to finance improvements to the town. But, there is no doubt that wind power is also hurting the power companies. Although, as renewable power goes, wind is incredibly cheap, it is still significantly more expensive than fossil fuels. So, while it is helping to cut down on emissions, it costs electric companies more than traditional fossil fuel plants. While the general economic trend is positive, there are some setbacks which must be overcome before wind power can take over as truly more effective than fossil fuels.

[4] Aesthetics may be the greatest setback for power companies. Although there may be significant economic and environmental benefit to wind power, people will always fight to preserve pure, unspoiled land. Unfortunately, not much can be done to improve the visual aesthetics of the turbines. White paint is the most common choice because it “[is] associated with cleanliness.” (Source E). But, this can make it stand out like a sore thumb, and make the gargantuan machines seem more out of place. The site can also not be altered because it affects generating capacity. Sound is almost worse of a concern because it interrupts personal productivity by interrupting people’s sleep patterns. One thing for power companies to consider is working with turbine manufacturing to make the machines less aesthetically impactful, so as to garner greater public support.

[5] As with most things, wind power has no easy answer. It is the responsibility of the companies building them to weigh the benefits and the consequences. But, by balancing economics, efficiency, and aesthetics, power companies can create a solution which balances human impact with environmental preservation.

More examples can be found here at College Board.

While AP Scores help to boost your weighted GPA, or give you the option to get college credit, AP Scores don’t have a strong effect on your admissions chances . However, colleges can still see your self-reported scores, so you might not want to automatically send scores to colleges if they are lower than a 3. That being said, admissions officers care far more about your grade in an AP class than your score on the exam.

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Advanced Placement (AP)

If you're planning to take the AP Language (or AP Lang) exam , you might already know that 55% of your overall exam score will be based on three essays. The first of the three essays you'll have to write on the AP Language exam is called the "synthesis essay." If you want to earn full points on this portion of the AP Lang Exam, you need to know what a synthesis essay is and what skills are assessed by the AP Lang synthesis essay.

In this article, we'll explain the different aspects of the AP Lang synthesis essay, including what skills you need to demonstrate in your synthesis essay response in order to achieve a good score. We'll also give you a full breakdown of a real AP Lang Synthesis Essay prompt, provide an analysis of an AP Lang synthesis essay example, and give you four tips for how to write a synthesis essay.

Let's get started by taking a closer look at how the AP Lang synthesis essay works!

Synthesis Essay AP Lang: What It Is and How It Works

The AP Lang synthesis essay is the first of three essays included in the Free Response section of the AP Lang exam.

The AP Lang synthesis essay portion of the Free Response section lasts for one hour total . This hour consists of a recommended 15 minute reading period and a 40 minute writing period. Keep in mind that these time allotments are merely recommendations, and that exam takers can parse out the allotted 60 minutes to complete the synthesis essay however they choose.

Now, here's what the structure of the AP Lang synthesis essay looks like. The exam presents six to seven sources that are organized around a specific topic (like alternative energy or eminent domain, which are both past synthesis exam topics).

Of these six to seven sources, at least two are visual , including at least one quantitative source (like a graph or pie chart, for example). The remaining four to five sources are print text-based, and each one contains approximately 500 words.

In addition to six to seven sources, the AP Lang exam provides a written prompt that consists of three paragraphs. The prompt will briefly explain the essay topic, then present a claim that students will respond to in an essay that synthesizes material from at least three of the sources provided.

Here's an example prompt provided by the College Board:

Directions : The following prompt is based on the accompanying six sources.

This question requires you to integrate a variety of sources into a coherent, well-written essay. Refer to the sources to support your position; avoid mere paraphrase or summary. Your argument should be central; the sources should support this argument .

Remember to attribute both direct and indirect citations.

Introduction

Television has been influential in United States presidential elections since the 1960's. But just what is this influence, and how has it affected who is elected? Has it made elections fairer and more accessible, or has it moved candidates from pursuing issues to pursuing image?

Read the following sources (including any introductory information) carefully. Then, in an essay that synthesizes at least three of the sources for support, take a position that defends, challenges, or qualifies the claim that television has had a positive impact on presidential elections.

Refer to the sources as Source A, Source B, etc.; titles are included for your convenience.

Source A (Campbell) Source B (Hart and Triece) Source C (Menand) Source D (Chart) Source E (Ranney) Source F (Koppel)

Like we mentioned earlier, this prompt gives you a topic — which it briefly explains — then asks you to take a position. In this case, you'll have to choose a stance on whether television has positively or negatively affected U.S. elections. You're also given six sources to evaluate and use in your response. Now that you have everything you need, now your job is to write an amazing synthesis essay.

But what does "synthesize" mean, exactly? According to the CollegeBoard, when an essay prompt asks you to synthesize, it means that you should "combine different perspectives from sources to form a support of a coherent position" in writing. In other words, a synthesis essay asks you to state your claim on a topic, then highlight the relationships between several sources that support your claim on that topic. Additionally, you'll need to cite specific evidence from your sources to prove your point.

The synthesis essay counts for six of the total points on the AP Lang exam . Students can receive 0-1 points for writing a thesis statement in the essay, 0-4 based on incorporation of evidence and commentary, and 0-1 points based on sophistication of thought and demonstrated complex understanding of the topic.

You'll be evaluated based on how effectively you do the following in your AP Lang synthesis essay:

Write a thesis that responds to the exam prompt with a defensible position

Provide specific evidence that to support all claims in your line of reasoning from at least three of the sources provided, and clearly and consistently explain how the evidence you include supports your line of reasoning

Demonstrate sophistication of thought by either crafting a thoughtful argument, situating the argument in a broader context, explaining the limitations of an argument

Make rhetorical choices that strengthen your argument and/or employ a vivid and persuasive style throughout your essay.

If your synthesis essay meets the criteria above, then there's a good chance you'll score well on this portion of the AP Lang exam!

If you're looking for even more information on scoring, the College Board has posted the AP Lang Free Response grading rubric on its website. ( You can find it here. ) We recommend taking a close look at it since it includes additional details about the synthesis essay scoring.

Don't be intimidated...we're going to teach you how to break down even the hardest AP synthesis essay prompt.

Full Breakdown of a Real AP Lang Synthesis Essay Prompt

In this section, we'll teach you how to analyze and respond to a synthesis essay prompt in five easy steps, including suggested time frames for each step of the process.

Step 1: Analyze the Prompt

The very first thing to do when the clock starts running is read and analyze the prompt. To demonstrate how to do this, we'll look at the sample AP Lang synthesis essay prompt below. This prompt comes straight from the 2018 AP Lang exam:

Eminent domain is the power governments have to acquire property from private owners for public use. The rationale behind eminent domain is that governments have greater legal authority over lands within their dominion than do private owners. Eminent domain has been instituted in one way or another throughout the world for hundreds of years.

Carefully read the following six sources, including the introductory information for each source. Then synthesize material from at least three of the sources and incorporate it into a coherent, well-developed essay that defends, challenges, or qualifies the notion that eminent domain is productive and beneficial.

Your argument should be the focus of your essay. Use the sources to develop your argument and explain the reasoning for it. Avoid merely summarizing the sources. Indicate clearly which sources you are drawing from, whether through direct quotation, paraphrase, or summary. You may cite the sources as Source A, Source B, etc., or by using the descriptions in parentheses.

On first read, you might be nervous about how to answer this prompt...especially if you don't know what eminent domain is! But if you break the prompt down into chunks, you'll be able to figure out what the prompt is asking you to do in no time flat.

To get a full understanding of what this prompt wants you to do, you need to identify the most important details in this prompt, paragraph by paragraph. Here's what each paragraph is asking you to do:

• Paragraph 1: The prompt presents and briefly explains the topic that you'll be writing your synthesis essay about. That topic is the concept of eminent domain.
• Paragraph 2: The prompt presents a specific claim about the concept of eminent domain in this paragraph: Eminent domain is productive and beneficial. This paragraph instructs you to decide whether you want to defend, challenge, or qualify that claim in your synthesis essay , and use material from at least three of the sources provided in order to do so.
• Paragraph 3: In the last paragraph of the prompt, the exam gives you clear instructions about how to approach writing your synthesis essay . First, make your argument the focus of the essay. Second, use material from at least three of the sources to develop and explain your argument. Third, provide commentary on the material you include, and provide proper citations when you incorporate quotations, paraphrases, or summaries from the sources provided.

So basically, you'll have to agree with, disagree with, or qualify the claim stated in the prompt, then use at least three sources substantiate your answer. Since you probably don't know much about eminent domain, you'll probably decide on your position after you read the provided sources.

To make good use of your time on the exam, you should spend around 2 minutes reading the prompt and making note of what it's asking you to do. That will leave you plenty of time to read the sources provided, which is the next step to writing a synthesis essay.

Step 2: Read the Sources Carefully

After you closely read the prompt and make note of the most important details, you need to read all of the sources provided. It's tempting to skip one or two sources to save time--but we recommend you don't do this. That's because you'll need a thorough understanding of the topic before you can accurately address the prompt!

For the sample exam prompt included above, there are six sources provided. We're not going to include all of the sources in this article, but you can view the six sources from this question on the 2018 AP Lang exam here . The sources include five print-text sources and one visual source, which is a cartoon.

As you read the sources, it's important to read quickly and carefully. Don't rush! Keep your pencil in hand to quickly mark important passages that you might want to use as evidence in your synthesis. While you're reading the sources and marking passages, you want to think about how the information you're reading influences your stance on the issue (in this case, eminent domain).

When you finish reading, take a few seconds to summarize, in a phrase or sentence, whether the source defends, challenges, or qualifies whether eminent domain is beneficial (which is the claim in the prompt) . Though it might not feel like you have time for this, it's important to give yourself these notes about each source so you know how you can use each one as evidence in your essay.

Here's what we mean: say you want to challenge the idea that eminent domain is useful. If you've jotted down notes about each source and what it's saying, it will be easier for you to pull the relevant information into your outline and your essay.

So how much time should you spend reading the provided sources? The AP Lang exam recommends taking 15 minutes to read the sources . If you spend around two of those minutes reading and breaking down the essay prompt, it makes sense to spend the remaining 13 minutes reading and annotating the sources.

If you finish reading and annotating early, you can always move on to drafting your synthesis essay. But make sure you're taking your time and reading carefully! It's better to use a little extra time reading and understanding the sources now so that you don't have to go back and re-read the sources later.

A strong thesis will do a lot of heavy lifting in your essay. (See what we did there?)

Step 3: Write a Strong Thesis Statement

After you've analyzed the prompt and thoroughly read the sources, the next thing you need to do in order to write a good synthesis essay is write a strong thesis statement .

The great news about writing a thesis statement for this synthesis essay is that you have all the tools you need to do it at your fingertips. All you have to do in order to write your thesis statement is decide what your stance is in relationship to the topic provided.

In the example prompt provided earlier, you're essentially given three choices for how to frame your thesis statement: you can either defend, challenge, or qualify a claim that's been provided by the prompt, that eminent domain is productive and beneficial . Here's what that means for each option:

If you choose to defend the claim, your job will be to prove that the claim is correct . In this case, you'll have to show that eminent domain is a good thing.

If you choose to challenge the claim, you'll argue that the claim is incorrect. In other words, you'll argue that eminent domain isn't productive or beneficial.

If you choose to qualify, that means you'll agree with part of the claim, but disagree with another part of the claim. For instance, you may argue that eminent domain can be a productive tool for governments, but it's not beneficial for property owners. Or maybe you argue that eminent domain is useful in certain circumstances, but not in others.

When you decide whether you want your synthesis essay to defend, challenge, or qualify that claim, you need to convey that stance clearly in your thesis statement. You want to avoid simply restating the claim provided in the prompt, summarizing the issue without making a coherent claim, or writing a thesis that doesn't respond to the prompt.

Here's an example of a thesis statement that received full points on the eminent domain synthesis essay:

Although eminent domain can be misused to benefit private interests at the expense of citizens, it is a vital tool of any government that intends to have any influence on the land it governs beyond that of written law.

This thesis statement received full points because it states a defensible position and establishes a line of reasoning on the issue of eminent domain. It states the author's position (that some parts of eminent domain are good, but others are bad), then goes on to explain why the author thinks that (it's good because it allows the government to do its job, but it's bad because the government can misuse its power.)

Because this example thesis statement states a defensible position and establishes a line of reasoning, it can be elaborated upon in the body of the essay through sub-claims, supporting evidence, and commentary. And a solid argument is key to getting a six on your synthesis essay for AP Lang!

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Step 4: Create a Bare-Bones Essay Outline

Once you've got your thesis statement drafted, you have the foundation you need to develop a bare bones outline for your synthesis essay. Developing an outline might seem like it's a waste of your precious time, but if you develop your outline well, it will actually save you time when you start writing your essay.

With that in mind, we recommend spending 5 to 10 minutes outlining your synthesis essay . If you use a bare-bones outline like the one below, labeling each piece of content that you need to include in your essay draft, you should be able to develop out the most important pieces of the synthesis before you even draft the actual essay.

To help you see how this can work on test day, we've created a sample outline for you. You can even memorize this outline to help you out on test day! In the outline below, you'll find places to fill in a thesis statement, body paragraph topic sentences, evidence from the sources provided, and commentary :

• Present the context surrounding the essay topic in a couple of sentences (this is a good place to use what you learned about the major opinions or controversies about the topic from reading your sources).
• Write a straightforward, clear, and concise thesis statement that presents your stance on the topic
• Topic sentence presenting first supporting point or claim
• Evidence #1
• Commentary on Evidence #1
• Evidence #2 (if needed)
• Commentary on Evidence #2 (if needed)
• Topic sentence presenting second supporting point or claim
• Topic sentence presenting three supporting point or claim
• Sums up the main line of reasoning that you developed and defended throughout the essay
• Reiterates the thesis statement

Taking the time to develop these crucial pieces of the synthesis in a bare-bones outline will give you a map for your final essay. Once you have a map, writing the essay will be much easier.

Step 5: Draft Your Essay Response

The great thing about taking a few minutes to develop an outline is that you can develop it out into your essay draft. After you take about 5 to 10 minutes to outline your synthesis essay, you can use the remaining 30 to 35 minutes to draft your essay and review it.

Since you'll outline your essay before you start drafting, writing the essay should be pretty straightforward. You'll already know how many paragraphs you're going to write, what the topic of each paragraph will be, and what quotations, paraphrases, or summaries you're going to include in each paragraph from the sources provided. You'll just have to fill in one of the most important parts of your synthesis—your commentary.

Commentaries are your explanation of why your evidence supports the argument you've outlined in your thesis. Your commentary is where you actually make your argument, which is why it's such a critical part of your synthesis essay.

When thinking about what to say in your commentary, remember one thing the AP Lang synthesis essay prompt specifies: don't just summarize the sources. Instead, as you provide commentary on the evidence you incorporate, you need to explain how that evidence supports or undermines your thesis statement . You should include commentary that offers a thoughtful or novel perspective on the evidence from your sources to develop your argument.

One very important thing to remember as you draft out your essay is to cite your sources. The AP Lang exam synthesis essay prompt indicates that you can use generic labels for the sources provided (e.g. "Source 1," "Source 2," "Source 3," etc.). The exam prompt will indicate which label corresponds with which source, so you'll need to make sure you pay attention and cite sources accurately. You can cite your sources in the sentence where you introduce a quote, summary, or paraphrase, or you can use a parenthetical citation. Citing your sources affects your score on the synthesis essay, so remembering to do this is important.

Keep reading for a real-life example of a great AP synthesis essay response!

Real-Life AP Synthesis Essay Example and Analysis

If you're still wondering how to write a synthesis essay, examples of real essays from past AP Lang exams can make things clearer. These real-life student AP synthesis essay responses can be great for helping you understand how to write a synthesis essay that will knock the graders' socks off .

While there are multiple essay examples online, we've chosen one to take a closer look at. We're going to give you a brief analysis of one of these example student synthesis essays from the 2019 AP Lang Exam below!

Example Synthesis Essay AP Lang Response

To get started, let's look at the official prompt for the 2019 synthesis essay:

In response to our society's increasing demand for energy, large-scale wind power has drawn attention from governments and consumers as a potential alternative to traditional materials that fuel our power grids, such as coal, oil, natural gas, water, or even newer sources such as nuclear or solar power. Yet the establishment of large-scale, commercial-grade wind farms is often the subject of controversy for a variety of reasons.

Carefully read the six sources, found on the AP English Language and Composition 2019 Exam (Question 1), including the introductory information for each source. Write an essay that synthesizes material from at least three of the sources and develops your position on the most important factors that an individual or agency should consider when deciding whether to establish a wind farm.

Source A (photo) Source B (Layton) Source C (Seltenrich) Source D (Brown) Source E (Rule) Source F (Molla)

In your response you should do the following:

• Respond to the prompt with a thesis presents a defensible position.
• Select and use evidence from at least 3 of the provided sources to support your line of reasoning. Indicate clearly the sources used through direct quotation, paraphrase, or summary. Sources may be cited as Source A, Source B, etc., or by using the description in parentheses.
• Explain how the evidence supports your line of reasoning.
• Use appropriate grammar and punctuation in communicating your argument.

Now that you know exactly what the prompt asked students to do on the 2019 AP Lang synthesis essay, here's an AP Lang synthesis essay example, written by a real student on the AP Lang exam in 2019:

[1] The situation has been known for years, and still very little is being done: alternative power is the only way to reliably power the changing world. The draw of power coming from industry and private life is overwhelming current sources of non-renewable power, and with dwindling supplies of fossil fuels, it is merely a matter of time before coal and gas fuel plants are no longer in operation. So one viable alternative is wind power. But as with all things, there are pros and cons. The main factors for power companies to consider when building wind farms are environmental boon, aesthetic, and economic factors.

[2] The environmental benefits of using wind power are well-known and proven. Wind power is, as qualified by Source B, undeniably clean and renewable. From their production requiring very little in the way of dangerous materials to their lack of fuel, besides that which occurs naturally, wind power is by far one of the least environmentally impactful sources of power available. In addition, wind power by way of gearbox and advanced blade materials, has the highest percentage of energy retention. According to Source F, wind power retains 1,164% of the energy put into the system – meaning that it increases the energy converted from fuel (wind) to electricity 10 times! No other method of electricity production is even half that efficient. The efficiency and clean nature of wind power are important to consider, especially because they contribute back to power companies economically.

[3] Economically, wind power is both a boon and a bone to electric companies and other users. For consumers, wind power is very cheap, leading to lower bills than from any other source. Consumers also get an indirect reimbursement by way of taxes (Source D). In one Texan town, McCamey, tax revenue increased 30% from a wind farm being erected in the town. This helps to finance improvements to the town. But, there is no doubt that wind power is also hurting the power companies. Although, as renewable power goes, wind is incredibly cheap, it is still significantly more expensive than fossil fuels. So, while it is helping to cut down on emissions, it costs electric companies more than traditional fossil fuel plants. While the general economic trend is positive, there are some setbacks which must be overcome before wind power can take over as truly more effective than fossil fuels.

[4] Aesthetics may be the greatest setback for power companies. Although there may be significant economic and environmental benefit to wind power, people will always fight to preserve pure, unspoiled land. Unfortunately, not much can be done to improve the visual aesthetics of the turbines. White paint is the most common choice because it "[is] associated with cleanliness." (Source E). But, this can make it stand out like a sore thumb, and make the gargantuan machines seem more out of place. The site can also not be altered because it affects generating capacity. Sound is almost worse of a concern because it interrupts personal productivity by interrupting people's sleep patterns. One thing for power companies to consider is working with turbine manufacturing to make the machines less aesthetically impactful, so as to garner greater public support.

[5] As with most things, wind power has no easy answer. It is the responsibility of the companies building them to weigh the benefits and the consequences. But, by balancing economics, efficiency, and aesthetics, power companies can create a solution which balances human impact with environmental preservation.

And that's an entire AP Lang synthesis essay example, written in response to a real AP Lang exam prompt! It's important to remember AP Lang exam synthesis essay prompts are always similarly structured and worded, and students often respond in around the same number of paragraphs as what you see in the example essay response above.

Next, let's analyze this example essay and talk about what it does effectively, where it could be improved upon, and what score past exam scorers awarded it.

To get started on an analysis of the sample synthesis essay, let's look at the scoring commentary provided by the College Board:

• For development of thesis, the essay received 1 out of 1 possible points
• For evidence and commentary, the essay received 4 out of 4 possible points
• For sophistication of thought, the essay received 0 out of 1 possible points.

This means that the final score for this example essay was a 5 out of 6 possible points . Let's look more closely at the content of the example essay to figure out why it received this score breakdown.

Thesis Development

The thesis statement is one of the three main categories that is taken into consideration when you're awarded points on this portion of the exam. This sample essay received 1 out of 1 total points.

Now, here's why: the thesis statement clearly and concisely conveys a position on the topic presented in the prompt--alternative energy and wind power--and defines the most important factors that power companies should consider when deciding whether to establish a wind farm.

Evidence and Commentary

The second key category taken into consideration when synthesis exams are evaluated is incorporation of evidence and commentary. This sample received 4 out of 4 possible points for this portion of the synthesis essay. At bare minimum, this sample essay meets the requirement mentioned in the prompt that the writer incorporate evidence from at least three of the sources provided.

On top of that, the writer does a good job of connecting the incorporated evidence back to the claim made in the thesis statement through effective commentary. The commentary in this sample essay is effective because it goes beyond just summarizing what the provided sources say. Instead, it explains and analyzes the evidence presented in the selected sources and connects them back to supporting points the writer makes in each body paragraph.

Finally, the writer of the essay also received points for evidence and commentary because the writer developed and supported a consistent line of reasoning throughout the essay . This line of reasoning is summed up in the fourth paragraph in the following sentence: "One thing for power companies to consider is working with turbine manufacturing to make the machines less aesthetically impactful, so as to garner greater public support."

Because the writer did a good job consistently developing their argument and incorporating evidence, they received full marks in this category. So far, so good!

Sophistication of Thought

Now, we know that this essay received a score of 5 out of 6 total points, and the place where the writer lost a point was on the basis of sophistication of thought, for which the writer received 0 out of 1 points. That's because this sample essay makes several generalizations and vague claims where it could have instead made specific claims that support a more balanced argument.

For example, in the following sentence from the 5th paragraph of the sample essay, the writer misses the opportunity to state specific possibilities that power companies should consider for wind energy . Instead, the writer is ambiguous and non-committal, saying, "As with most things, wind power has no easy answer. It is the responsibility of the companies building them to weigh the benefits and consequences."

If the writer of this essay was interested in trying to get that 6th point on the synthesis essay response, they could consider making more specific claims. For instance, they could state the specific benefits and consequences power companies should consider when deciding whether to establish a wind farm. These could include things like environmental impacts, economic impacts, or even population density!

Despite losing one point in the last category, this example synthesis essay is a strong one. It's well-developed, thoughtfully written, and advances an argument on the exam topic using evidence and support throughout.

4 Tips for How to Write a Synthesis Essay

AP Lang is a timed exam, so you have to pick and choose what you want to focus on in the limited time you're given to write the synthesis essay. Keep reading to get our expert advice on what you should focus on during your exam.

Tip 1: Read the Prompt First

It may sound obvious, but when you're pressed for time, it's easy to get flustered. Just remember: when it comes time to write the synthesis essay, read the prompt first !

Why is it so important to read the prompt before you read the sources? Because when you're aware of what kind of question you're trying to answer, you'll be able to read the sources more strategically. The prompt will help give you a sense of what claims, points, facts, or opinions to be looking for as you read the sources.

Reading the sources without having read the prompt first is kind of like trying to drive while wearing a blindfold: you can probably do it, but it's likely not going to end well!

Tip 2: Make Notes While You Read

During the 15-minute reading period at the beginning of the synthesis essay, you'll be reading through the sources as quickly as you can. After all, you're probably anxious to start writing!

While it's definitely important to make good use of your time, it's also important to read closely enough that you understand your sources. Careful reading will allow you to identify parts of the sources that will help you support your thesis statement in your essay, too.

As you read the sources, consider marking helpful passages with a star or check mark in the margins of the exam so you know which parts of the text to quickly re-read as you form your synthesis essay. You might also consider summing up the key points or position of each source in a sentence or a few words when you finish reading each source during the reading period. Doing so will help you know where each source stands on the topic given and help you pick the three (or more!) that will bolster your synthesis argument.

Tip 3: Start With the Thesis Statement

If you don't start your synthesis essay with a strong thesis statement, it's going to be tough to write an effective synthesis essay. As soon as you finish reading and annotating the provided sources, the thing you want to do next is write a strong thesis statement.

According to the CollegeBoard grading guidelines for the AP Lang synthesis essay, a strong thesis statement will respond to the prompt— not restate or rephrase the prompt. A good thesis will take a clear, defensible position on the topic presented in the prompt and the sources.

In other words, to write a solid thesis statement to guide the rest of your synthesis essay, you need to think about your position on the topic at hand and then make a claim about the topic based on your position. This position will either be defending, challenging, or qualifying the claim made in the essay's prompt.

The defensible position that you establish in your thesis statement will guide your argument in the rest of the essay, so it's important to do this first. Once you have a strong thesis statement, you can begin outlining your essay.

Tip 4: Focus on Your Commentary

Writing thoughtful, original commentary that explains your argument and your sources is important. In fact, doing this well will earn you four points (out of a total of six)!

AP Lang provides six to seven sources for you on the exam, and you'll be expected to incorporate quotations, paraphrases, or summaries from at least three of those sources into your synthesis essay and interpret that evidence for the reader.

While incorporating evidence is very important, in order to get the extra point for "sophistication of thought" on the synthesis essay, it's important to spend more time thinking about your commentary on the evidence you choose to incorporate. The commentary is your chance to show original thinking, strong rhetorical skills, and clearly explain how the evidence you've included supports the stance you laid out in your thesis statement.

To earn the 6th possible point on the synthesis essay, make sure your commentary demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the source material, explains this nuanced understanding, and places the evidence incorporated from the sources in conversation with each other. To do this, make sure you're avoiding vague language. Be specific when you can, and always tie your commentary back to your thesis!

What's Next?

There's a lot more to the AP Language exam than just the synthesis essay. Be sure to check out our expert guide to the entire exam , then learn more about the tricky multiple choice section .

Is the AP Lang exam hard...or is it easy? See how it stacks up to other AP tests on our list of the hardest AP exams .

Did you know there are technically two English AP exams? You can learn more about the second English AP test, the AP Literature exam, in this article . And if you're confused about whether you should take the AP Lang or AP Lit test , we can help you make that decision, too.

Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points? We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

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The Oil and Gas Industry Dissertation

Review of available literature, research methodology, research timetable, reference list.

The oil and gas industry is the means for Nigeria’s economy. The upstream oil and gas industry remains the most important sector of the country’s economy.

Statistical Energy Survey by BP 2012 estimated that “Nigeria had oil reserves of 37.2 billion barrels at the end of 2011, equivalent to 41.4 years of current production and 2.25 % of the world’s reserves while the country produced an average of 2457.3 thousand barrels of crude oil per day in 2011, which represented 2.93% of the world” (MBendi, 2013).

According the BP Statistical Energy Survey 2011, Nigeria had 5.29 trillion cubic metres of gas. However, a poor infrastructure has affected the distribution of the gas. It flares 75 percent and re-injects 12 percent of the gas produced. However, the country wanted a zero percent flare by 2010. The government also intended to increase revenues from export of gas by 50 percent.

The country’s downstream oil and gas industry also has important roles in the sector. However, it faces a myriad of challenges, such as fire, poor management, corruption, sabotage, vandalism, and poor maintenance. As a result, such refineries have never “operated above 40 percent capacity” (MBendi, 2013).

Therefore, the country cannot meet the internal demand for oil and gas, and it has turned to imports in order to supplement the shortage. The country has an active petrochemical industry based on its refining abilities and demands.

The current situation of Nigeria is risky for production and proper management of the sector. For instance, Nigeria experiences political unrest, border problems, and inadequate funding from the government coupled with corruption. Such problems have affected the promotion of best practices in the oil and gas industry of Nigeria.

Information technology in the oil and gas industry

Technological developments in the oil and gas industry have transformed the sector in advanced areas like the US (NaturalGas.org, 2011). There are innovations that have changed the oil and gas industry in many OPEC member states. Consequently, the roles of technology in oil and gas industry, particularly in explorations and productions have had deep impacts on the potential of the sector.

The applications of information technology (IT) and other innovations in exploration and production of oil and gas have equipped the sector with the required practices and equipment for continuous efficiency in production of oil and gas to meet the world demands.

The aims of the IT and other innovations are to ensure safe exploration and production and environmental friendly practices. Usages of such technologies in exploration and production aim to mitigate challenges that arise from ‘unconventional’ sources of natural gas like shale rock.

Specifically, agendas of IT in the oil and gas industry have been to provide superior and integrated database with high-end visualisation and communication capabilities for oil and gas information management.

Such innovations are also useful in managing petroleum geological information and improving observation of the sector. The overall aim is to improve production through efficient drilling quality that protects the environment, and reduce costs.

Some major oil and gas firms like Chevron, Shell, Mobil, and BP also work in Nigeria. They have applied information technology in their practices in the sector. The involvement and activities of these firms remain extensive and critical for the success of the country’s oil and gas industry. Therefore, it is fundamental to understand the impact of information technology in the oil and gas industry in Nigeria.

Study problems

The cost of oil and gas exploration in Nigeria is high due to a myriad of challenges in the sector. For instance, there is a slow rate of gathering data that are fundamental for seismic activities, reservoir characteristics, and monitoring.

Moreover, availability and sharing of data are also challenges in the sector. As a result, the cost of drilling has increased. However, IT in the industry should enhance efficiency, protect the environment, eliminate emissions, and improve identification, mapping, and understanding of source rocks.

This study aims to indentify impacts of information technology in the oil and gas industry of Nigeria.

Specifically, the study shall show how adoption of information technology in the oil and gas industry in Nigeria has affected various areas.

• To investigate the effect of information technology on cost of production
• To assess the level of efficiency as a result of adopting information technology in the industry
• To highlight impacts of information technology on risk mitigation and management in the oil and gas industry
• To investigate effectiveness of information technology in production processes
• To assess the environmental impacts of adopting information technology the oil and gas industry of Nigeria

These are the most critical considerations for the use of information technology in the Nigerian oil and gas industry.

Relevance of the research

Limited data exist on the impact of information technology in the oil and gas industry in Nigeria. However, data should be available in the volatile oil and gas industry of Nigeria that faces many challenges. Besides, the increase in demands for oil and gas has created opportunities for advanced practices in the sector.

Studies in information technology can help in developing the oil and gas industry in Nigeria by providing a basis for drafting technology policies and procedures for the industry. Therefore, the research shall provide useful information for oil and gas firms, government agencies, industry stakeholders, and researchers in the oil and gas industry.

Studies about the use and impacts of information technology in the oil and gas industry of Nigeria are rare. Currently, there has been growing attention for alternative energy that can replace fossil fuels. However, the oil and gas industry has changed its practices in order to meet challenges of providing clean and cost-effective energy.

In this regard, the use of information technology has been the most important element in the dynamic oil and gas industry because it has assisted in mitigating the environmental impacts and increasing efficiency in exploration, production, and supply of oil and gas (Edwards, Ishaq and Johnsen, 2010).

At the global level, the oil and gas industry is diverse because of various government policies, uneven distribution, and technological capabilities of workers.

Players in the oil and gas industry have expressed their concerns about external risks, which may disrupt the oil and gas industry. For instance, Thales notes that exploration and drilling activities have become dangerous in many oil fields, including Nigeria (Thales, n.d).

Therefore, the need for advanced physical and data security is paramount. Moreover, field operations also need risk assessment in order to mitigate risks. The process needs recognition of potential risks, the creation of boundaries, evaluation of security consequences, and developing business recovery plan.

The oil and gas industry participants also note that industry characteristics are important for planning. For instance, oil and gas firms require abilities to operate in volatile frontiers, they need new skills and knowledge, understand dynamic government regulations, and the need for hydrocarbon fuels.

Moreover, the changes and competitive industry has favoured national oil companies. As a result, multinational firms face challenges of energy source availability as focus shifts to new oil fields and emerging markets.

A number of changes that affect the oil and gas industry require firms to act now in order to position themselves for future operations.

Solutions to these challenges are in leveraging information technologies in order to enhance development of vibrant oil and gas resources, improve recovery from current fields, eliminate environmental challenges, and find alternative sources of energy. Clear strategies for mitigating such challenges require a focus on information technology.

First, develop performance management in the oil and gas business units, costs, assets, and various processes based on best practices within the field. Second, the information technology should address the enterprise-wide risks by developing governance systems that can continuously recognise and control various risks in the firm and various locations.

Third, information technology should address operational excellence in the industry. This can happen through creating value to the environment, enhancing quality, and enabling cost reduction strategies. Third, the solution should also focus on people management.

The aim is to align the right personnel with the right goals, activities, and processes. Information technology has to enhance decision-making in these processes (Roge, Rydl and Simpson, 2004). Finally, the effective use of information technology should assist the industry to create adaptive business model, which can integrate various value chains, operation units, technologies, and partners.

This section provides the framework of collecting the required data to meet research objectives. Howe and Eisenhardt note that in the final analysis, “methodology must be judged by how well it informs research purposes, more than how well it matches a set of conventions” (Howe & Eisenhardt, 1990).

In this regard, these authors argue that the research methodology must provide data that answer the research questions, has coherent background assumptions, and methods applied work well enough to provide credible results.

Research method

We have various methods of addressing data collection in a study. These methods address both design and measurement challenges in a study. In this research, we shall apply both qualitative and quantitative methods to gather the required data. Qualitative approach shall address non-numerical factors of impacts of information technology in the oil and gas industry in Nigeria.

Thus, it shall provide descriptive and interpretative information. On the other hand, quantitative research shall address numerical information from quantitative research variables. It shall permit the researcher to have high-levels of confidence in making normal inferences (Trochim, 2006).

Target of research

This research targets managers in information technology departments in government agencies, private oil and gas firms, and industry stakeholders in Nigeria. This group has valuable information about the application and impacts of information technology in the oil and gas industry.

Data collection method

The study shall utilise a variety of data collection methods. Survey questionnaires shall provide the researcher with the flexibility of using telephone, mail, Internet, or paper to gather information from various respondents. In addition, there shall also be interviews by telephone where appropriate.

The aim of the interview is to get information in in-depth about impacts of IT in the industry. The researcher may also use Web survey tools like e-mail or online in order to save costs and time.

The researcher shall ensure validity of measurement tools i.e., all research instruments shall measure what they purport to measure. Thus, the study instruments are specific to the study.

The researcher shall use these approaches in order to gather data from sufficient respondents.

This is a mixed research method. However, the method for sampling shall be purposive (non-random) sampling. The sample shall be large enough to allow the researcher to generalise where necessary.

The large sample shall provide opportunities for hermeneutic analysis of gathered data (Bazeley, 2002). According to Bazeley, we can perform such analysis because of computer programmes that can perform data analysis from both qualitative and quantitative sources.

Purposeful sampling will not attempt to gather data from the representatives of the samples. Instead, the researcher shall focus on respondents who can provide rich information on impacts of information technology on the oil and gas industry in Nigeria.

Such data are useful for in-depth analysis of the study issue. Thus, the researcher shall purposefully focus on IT managers in oil firms and government oil agencies in order to gather a great deal of data about the study purpose.

Sample size

The researcher shall rely on samples from ‘information rich’ sources in multinational firms. The sample size shall also include government agencies in charge of the oil and gas in Nigeria.

The researcher is yet to identify the total sample size from the total target organisations.

Data Analysis

The researcher shall clean data after collection. They researcher shall organise the results based on themes of impacts of IT on the oil and gas industry. For qualitative data, the research shall code common themes, whereas quantitative data shall be numerically organised (Miles and Huberman, 1994).

The researcher shall use SPSS data analysis software in order to analyse data from mixed sources (Pallant, 2005). This shall provide opportunities for the researcher to analyse qualitative data after coding. The researcher shall also present descriptive statistics for quantitative data and use analytical framework approaches for qualitative data (Wolcott, 1994).

The researcher shall also ensure credibility of the data collected for analysis. This process requires the researcher to describe any factor that may the outcome of the study (Patton, 2002). This ensures internal validity in quantitative study. Likewise, the researcher shall ensure external validity of the study by ensuring transferability. The researcher shall describe research contexts and assumptions.

The researcher shall then present the study outcome through presentations to the professors, institutions, students, and other related stakeholders.

Ethical issues

The researcher shall observe all principles of ethics in research as Beauchamp and Childress highlight (Beauchamp and Childress, 2001). The researcher shall also present the research to the Institutional Review Board (IRB) for approval before the study. Moreover, the researcher shall gain informed consents of all research participants before the study begins (Pimple, 2006). The research shall not harm any human subject.

The researcher shall ensure:

• Respect for the autonomous choices of persons
• Confidentiality
• Protection of all participants
• Not collection of personal information without the consent of the respondent
• Opportunity to withdraw
• Professional code of ethics of the university

Bazeley, P 2002, Computerized data analysis for mixed methods research, Sage, Thousand Oaks, CA.

Beauchamp, T & Childress, F 2001, Principles of biomedical ethics, Oxford University Press, New York, NY.

Edwards, S, Ishaq, O and Johnsen, Ø 2010, Oil and Gas 2030: Meeting the growing demands for energy in the coming decades, IBM Global Business Services, Somers, NY.

Howe, K & Eisenhardt, M 1990, ‘Standards for qualitative (and quantitative) research: A prolegomenon’, Educational Researcher, vol. 19, no. 4, pp. 2-9.

MBendi 2013, Oil and Gas in Nigeria: An Overview . Web.

Miles, M and Huberman, A. 1994, Qualitative Data Analysis – An Expanded Sourcebook, Sage Publication, London.

NaturalGas.org 2011, Natural Gas and Technology . Web.

Pallant, J 2005, SPSS Survival Manual, Ligare, Sydney.

Patton, Q 2002, Qualitative research and evaluation methods, 3rd edn, Sage, Newbury Park, CA.

Pimple, K 2006, Protection of human subjects in non-biomedical research: A tutorial. Web.

Roge, J, Rydl, L and Simpson, C 2004, ‘Wireless Technology uses in the Oil and Gas Industry’, Issues in Information Systems, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 666-672.

Thales. (n.d). Security Solutions for the Oil & Gas Industry . Web.

Trochim, W 2006, The Research Methods Knowledge Base, 2nd edn, Atomic Dog Publishing, Cincinnati, OH.

Wolcott, H 1994, Transforming qualitative data: Description, analysis, and interpretation, Sage, Thousand Oaks, CA.

• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2023, December 22). The Oil and Gas Industry. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-oil-and-gas-industry/

"The Oil and Gas Industry." IvyPanda , 22 Dec. 2023, ivypanda.com/essays/the-oil-and-gas-industry/.

IvyPanda . (2023) 'The Oil and Gas Industry'. 22 December.

IvyPanda . 2023. "The Oil and Gas Industry." December 22, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-oil-and-gas-industry/.

1. IvyPanda . "The Oil and Gas Industry." December 22, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-oil-and-gas-industry/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "The Oil and Gas Industry." December 22, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-oil-and-gas-industry/.

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