Rhetorical Synthesis Questions

Rhetorical Synthesis Questions on the Digital SAT

Unlock the key to tackling these complex questions by zeroing in on the goal outlined in the prompt, bypassing distracting details.

Rhetorical synthesis problems are a type of question in the digital SAT exam that require students to integrate multiple pieces of information in order to craft a coherent response that aligns with a specific objective.

These problems present a scenario or topic, followed by a list of related facts, and then ask the student to formulate an answer that adheres to a particular directive—such as highlighting similarities or differences, summarizing research findings, or exemplifying an idea.

The critical challenge lies not in the complexity of the information provided but in the student's ability to discern the central goal of the question and to filter through the details to construct a response that is both precise and pertinent to that goal.

Example Question:

While preparing a presentation, a student has gathered the following information:

Dr. Sylvia Earle is a renowned marine biologist and oceanographer.

She has led over 100 expeditions worldwide, including the first team of women aquanauts.

Earle has spent more than 7,000 hours underwater.

Her 1979 "Jim Suit" dive set a record for solo diving at a depth of 381 meters (1,250 feet).

Her 1985 "JASON Project" allowed real-time online interaction with scientists at sea for students.

The student wants to emphasize the innovative nature shared by two of Earle's projects.

Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

A) The 1979 "Jim Suit" dive set a depth record, while the 1985 "JASON Project" ventured into online educational realms.

B) Both the "Jim Suit" dive and the "JASON Project" showcased Earle's innovation: the former set new depth records, and the latter revolutionized educational outreach.

C) Earle’s contributions to marine biology and oceanography extend globally, reflected in her numerous expeditions and hours spent underwater.

D) Earle achieved the "Jim Suit" dive in 1979 and initiated the "JASON Project" in 1985.

Show Correct Answer and Explanations

Correct Answer: Choice B is the best answer. The sentence uses “Both” to start the comparison and directly refers to the “Jim Suit” dive and the “JASON Project,” emphasizing the innovative aspects of each. This choice highlights the similarity in the pioneering spirit behind both projects, even though they are distinct in nature.

Distractor Explanations:

Choice A is incorrect because it merely juxtaposes two of Earle’s projects without highlighting their shared innovative quality. The use of “while” suggests a contrast rather than a similarity.

 

Choice C is incorrect because it generalizes Earle's achievements and does not specifically address the innovative aspects of the two projects.

 

Choice D is incorrect because it only states when Earle undertook each project, providing no information on the innovative nature or any logical link between them.

How to Solve Rhetorical Synthesis Questions

1. Analyze the Question First

Before even reading the bullet point information, figure out what is being asked first. By reading the question first, you know what to look for when reading the bullet point information.

Mini Question

What is the main task this question requires you to perform?

A) Compare and contrast two projects

B) Highlight the innovative aspect of two projects

C) Summarize Dr. Earle's career

Option B is correct. The question specifically asks you to emphasize the shared innovative nature of two of Earle's projects, not to draw contrasts or summarize her entire career.

2. Review the Notes/Information

Go through the bullet point information one by one. Recognize what each project entails and stands for. Here, understand that the "Jim Suit" dive and the "JASON Project" were milestones in different areas – one in exploration, the other in educational outreach.

Mini Question

What accomplishment(s) showcased Dr. Earle's innovation?

A) Her global expeditions

B) The "Jim Suit" dive and the "JASON Project"

C) Her time spent underwater

Option B is correct. These two specific projects demonstrated innovation in exploration and education, respectively.

3. Understand the Objective

Now that you've read both the question and identified the relevant information, you need to focus on how to synthesize an argument using the information as directed by the question.

This step is important because sometimes answer choices involve the same information from the bullet points but contain different perspectives, so you need to choose the answer that best suits the question.

Mini Question

What similarity between the two projects should be emphasized?

A) They both occurred underwater

B) They both showcased innovation

C) They were both conducted in 1985

Option B is correct. The question directs you to emphasize the innovative nature of both projects. This means your statement has to draw a parallel between the two achievements, highlighting how each one is pioneering or groundbreaking in its own right.

4. Evaluate the Options

Go through each of the provided choices and evaluate them against your objective. Do they draw a similarity? Do they mention the specific projects? Do they highlight the pioneering aspect?

Only choice B mentions the two projects ("Jim Suit" dive and "JASON Project") AND highlight the innovations brought forth by each project, so it is likely the correct answer here.

5. Choose the Most Comprehensive Option

The right choice will tick all the boxes: drawing a similarity, referring specifically to the projects, and emphasizing their innovative natures. It shouldn’t merely state facts but should present them in a way that argues your point.

In this case, re-read choice B and ensure it meets all the criteria set by the question and your analysis. Confirm that it does indeed draw a similarity and highlights innovation, ensuring it’s not doing the opposite – suggesting a contrast or just stating information.

Mini Question

What makes an option comprehensive for this example question?

A) It provides a lot of detail about one specific project

B) It gives a general overview of Earle’s achievements

C) It draws logical connections based on the information provided

Option C is correct. A comprehensive option effectively synthesizes the available details to highlight the innovative aspects, without straying into unrelated territory or general statements.

This systematic approach ensures that you are not just randomly selecting an answer or going by what "sounds right." Instead, you're logically deducing the correct answer by understanding the context, the objective, and analyzing each option in relation to these. Each step is about narrowing down your options until you're left with the one that best fits all criteria.

Tips and Tricks

Focus on the Question's Directive

Pay close attention to what the question is asking you to do — whether it's drawing comparisons, emphasizing similarities, or highlighting specific aspects.

Don’t Overlook Details

Small keywords in the options can significantly change the meaning. Be vigilant about every word in the choice you select.

Cross-Check with Information Provided

Always refer back to the original notes or information provided to ensure your choice is consistent with the facts.

Logical Linking is Crucial

Your answer choice should make logical sense in drawing comparisons or emphasizing points. It shouldn’t feel forced or unrelated.

Beware of Red Herrings

Some options might seem correct because they sound fancy or contain additional scientific information. Stay focused on the criteria the question sets.

Use Process of Elimination

Unsure of the right answer? Start eliminating the ones you’re confident don’t meet the question’s needs. This strategy often makes the correct option clearer.