a thesis-driven synthesis not only combines information from multiple sources, but also uses that information to support a central claim or argument.

Making a comparison and creating outlines can help clarify your purpose before you begin writing.

Synthesis is related to but not the same as classification, division, or comparison and contrast.  Instead of attending to categories or finding similarities and differences, synthesizing sources is a matter of pulling them together into some kind of harmony. Synthesis searches for links between materials for the purpose of constructing a thesis or theory.

synthesis” commonly refers to writing about printed texts, drawing together particular themes or traits that you observe in those texts, organizing the material from each text according to those themes or traits, and developing your own thesis or theory.