3. Step One  Make a Venn Diagram Try to pick two religious systems that you are familiar with so that you can brainstorm – IN DEPTH! Find multiple points that they have in common as well as in contrast Make sure that you can explain why they are different or why they are similar

4. Step Two  Plan out which points you can explain with more facts  Begin to formulate statements that will act as topic sentences for your body paragraphs Example: ○ Both Christianity and Judaism are monotheistic faiths which may be due to the fact that Christianity grew out of Judaism. Facts to include would be to discuss that both faiths have a singular deity referred to as god in Christianity and Yahweh in Judaism Another fact is that the founding personage of Christianity, Jesus Christ, was born to a Jewish family and lived as a Jew.  Decide on an order for the body paragraphs that will make sense and give a flow to your thoughts

5. Step Three  Now to begin the Thesis: ○ This sentence or these sentences should provide a road map for your essay to your reader. ○ You should also try to include a sample of a specific point you will make later in the essay. ○ Example: The religious systems of Judaism and Christianity are more alike than different prior to 600 CE, as they both are monotheistic, share much of the same literature, and core beliefs about holy observance whereas they differ on the divinity of Jesus Christ and the writings found in the Christian New Testament.