Read the prompt carefully and identify the main issue or question
Gather sources that present different perspectives on the topic
Evaluate each source for credibility, relevance, and bias
Identify common themes, patterns, agreements, and disagreements
Organize ideas into categories or sections
Develop a clear thesis that connects the sources and your main argument
Create an outline with an introduction, body sections, and conclusion
Use evidence from multiple sources in each body paragraph
Explain how the sources relate to each other, not just what each source says
Compare, contrast, and connect ideas across sources
Include your own analysis and interpretation
Cite all sources correctly in the required format
Write a strong introduction with background and thesis
Write body paragraphs with topic sentences and integrated evidence
Use transitions to show relationships between ideas
End with a conclusion that reinforces the synthesis and thesis
Revise for clarity, coherence, and balance among sources
Check grammar, punctuation, and citation accuracy