In a synthesis task, which step comes first?

In a synthesis task, which step comes first?

• A. Write the conclusion first.
• B. Draft the bibliography before reading sources.
• C. Skip sourcing and rely on memory.
• D. Identify the research question and gather relevant sources.

Answer: (D)

The key step in a synthesis task is identifying the research question and gathering relevant sources. This sets the direction for everything you’ll do next: the question provides a focus and criteria for selecting sources, and the sources themselves become the material you will compare, contrast, and weave into a new understanding. With a clear question and a solid set of sources, you can map themes, spot relationships, and decide what kinds of evidence you’ll need to support your argument. Without this foundation, conclusions can drift, the scope can widen unnecessarily, and your writing may lack coherence. Writing the conclusion first is premature because you haven’t yet examined the evidence or formed the argument that the conclusion would reflect. Drafting the bibliography before reading sources isn’t practical for the same reason—you can’t accurately cite or evaluate sources you haven’t reviewed. Skipping sourcing and relying on memory undermines credibility and misses the opportunity to ground your synthesis in actual, verifiable material.

The key step in a synthesis task is identifying the research question and gathering relevant sources. This sets the direction for everything you’ll do next: the question provides a focus and criteria for selecting sources, and the sources themselves become the material you will compare, contrast, and weave into a new understanding. With a clear question and a solid set of sources, you can map themes, spot relationships, and decide what kinds of evidence you’ll need to support your argument. Without this foundation, conclusions can drift, the scope can widen unnecessarily, and your writing may lack coherence.

Writing the conclusion first is premature because you haven’t yet examined the evidence or formed the argument that the conclusion would reflect. Drafting the bibliography before reading sources isn’t practical for the same reason—you can’t accurately cite or evaluate sources you haven’t reviewed. Skipping sourcing and relying on memory undermines credibility and misses the opportunity to ground your synthesis in actual, verifiable material.