PSAT 10 Reading & Writing — Expression of Ideas (Synthesis and Cohesion)

Rhetorical Synthesis

Combining pieces of information to achieve a specific writing goal.

Writing Goal

The specific purpose the writer is trying to achieve.

Relevant Facts

Details that support the writing goal without straying off-topic.

Audience Awareness

Understanding who the writing is intended for to tailor the content.

Evidence Selection

Choosing the appropriate facts to support a claim effectively.

Rhetorical Decisions

Choices made in writing that impact clarity and effectiveness based on the goal.

Synthesis Questions

Exams that test the ability to combine information purposefully.

Off-Goal

Using information that does not align with the specified writing objective.

Describing a Project

Providing a broad overview of a topic without getting into unnecessary specifics.

Highlighting a Feature

Focusing on a characteristic that adds value to the audience.

Emphasizing Benefits

Pointing out what the audience gains from the information presented.

Addressing Concerns

Acknowledging potential issues while providing solutions or reassurance.

Logical Cohesion

The flow of writing ensuring the reader understands the relationship between ideas.

Sentence-level Transition

Connections between individual sentences within a paragraph.

Paragraph-level Transition

Connections that guide the reader between different sections or ideas.

Addition Transition

Words that signal additional related information, like 'furthermore' or 'moreover'.

Contrast Transition

Words that indicate a shift or opposing point, such as 'however' or 'on the other hand'.

Cause and Effect Transition

Words that illustrate a causal relationship, like 'therefore' or 'as a result'.

Example Transition

Words that introduce a specific instance related to a general claim, like 'for example'.

Clarity Transition

Words that clarify a previous idea or statement, such as 'in other words'.

Punctuation of Transitions

Correctly placing punctuation around transition words in formal writing.

Avoiding Adverse Inference

Staying close to the notes without introducing assumptions beyond the stated facts.

Common Mistakes in Synthesis

Challenging situations students face such as selecting irrelevant or exaggerated details.

Connecting Ideas

Using transitions to show logical relationships in writing.

Transitions Role

They act as signs guiding the reader through the logical flow of ideas.

Transition Choices

Selecting the best transition based on the relationship between sentences.

Overall Clarity

Ensuring that connections between ideas are clear and logical for the reader.