How can you synthesize literature from multiple sources effectively?

2 Read and analyze your sources

Once you have identified your purpose and scope, you need to read and analyze your sources carefully and critically. You should not only look for the main points, arguments, and evidence of each source, but also for the strengths, weaknesses, gaps, and biases of each author. You should also compare and contrast how different sources relate to each other and to your topic or question. You can use various tools and techniques to help you read and analyze your sources, such as annotation, summary, paraphrase, quotation, evaluation, and synthesis matrices.

3 Organize your synthesis

After you have read and analyzed your sources, you need to organize your synthesis in a logical and coherent way. You should not simply summarize or list your sources one by one, but rather show how they are connected and relevant to your topic or question. You should also develop your own thesis statement or main argument that reflects your synthesis of the sources. There are different ways to organize your synthesis, depending on your purpose and scope, such as thematic, chronological, methodological, or argumentative.

4 Write your synthesis

When you write your synthesis, you need to follow the academic conventions and standards of your discipline and genre. You should use clear and precise language, appropriate transitions and connectors, and accurate citations and references. You should also avoid plagiarism, which is presenting the ideas or words of others as your own. You can avoid plagiarism by using your own words and voice, acknowledging the sources of information, and using quotation marks or

tags for direct quotes.
###### Revise and edit your synthesis
The final step of synthesizing literature is to revise and edit your synthesis. You should not submit or publish your synthesis without checking and improving it. You should review your synthesis for content, structure, style, and mechanics. You should also seek feedback from others, such as peers, instructors, or experts, who can offer you constructive criticism and suggestions. You should revise and edit your synthesis until you are satisfied that it meets your purpose and scope, as well as the expectations of your audience and genre.
######Here’s what else to consider
This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?