California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) English Practice Exam

What does it mean to "Synthesize" information?

1. To combine ideas from different sources to form a new whole

2. To evaluate evidence to support a conclusion

3. To summarize the main arguments in a discussion

4. To compare and contrast differing perspectives

The correct answer is: To combine ideas from different sources to form a new whole

To "synthesize" information means to combine ideas from different sources to create a new understanding or perspective. This process involves taking various pieces of information, analyses, or viewpoints and integrating them into a cohesive whole. Synthesis is essential in research and writing as it allows individuals to create a nuanced understanding that reflects a broader range of knowledge. For example, in writing a research paper, a student might gather findings from multiple studies related to a specific topic. By synthesizing this information, the student can present a comprehensive overview that highlights relationships, themes, or patterns among the studies, rather than simply reiterating each individual source. This approach not only deepens comprehension but also facilitates critical thinking by demonstrating how different ideas interact or support each other. The other options describe related but distinct processes. Evaluating evidence involves forming a judgment about the validity and relevance of information, summarizing focuses on condensing information to its essential points, and comparing and contrasting emphasizes understanding differences and similarities between concepts. Each of these processes plays a role in critical thinking and analysis, but they do not encapsulate the essence of synthesis.