You can learn a lot by looking for similarities and differences among the sources you read. For example, you might identify a group of authors with a similar approach to a subject, such as favoring increased government support for wind energy. You could then contrast this group with other groups of authors, such as those who believe that market forces should be the primary factor encouraging wind power, or those who believe we should focus on other forms of energy. Similarly, you can take note of information in one source that supports or contradicts information in another. These notes can help you build your own argument or identify information that will allow you (and your readers) to better understand a conversation.

As you read more and more about a subject, you’ll start to notice common themes and shared ideas. Recognizing these connections among groups of authors can help you understand the scope of the conversation. For example, knowing that people involved in your conversation agree on the overall definition of a problem might lead you to focus your efforts on either challenging that definition with an alternative one or suggesting a possible solution. If you find yourself agreeing with one group of authors, you might start to think of yourself as a member of that group — as someone who shares their approach to the subject. If you don’t agree with any of the groups you’ve identified, perhaps you are ready to develop a new approach to the subject.

To make connections among authors, jot down notes in the margins of your sources or in your writer’s notebook. Each time you read a new source, keep in mind what you’ve already read, and make note of similarities and differences among your sources. When you notice similar themes in some of your sources, review the sources you’ve already read to see whether they’ve addressed those themes.

Beyond a collection of notes and annotations, reading to make connections might also result in longer pieces of freewriting. In some cases, you might spend time creating a brief essay that defines each group, identifies which authors belong to each group, and reflects on the strengths, weaknesses, and appropriateness of the approach taken by each group.