Expression of Ideas • 20% of test
Rhetorical Synthesis
Select your difficulty level to start practicing. We recommend mastering each level before moving to the next.
Beginner16 Sets
Beginner Practice
Start here to build your foundation. Clear texts and straightforward questions.
Target Score
400-550
Intermediate16 Sets
Intermediate Practice
Level up with more complex passages and nuanced answer choices.
Target Score
550-700
Advanced15 Sets
Advanced Practice
Master the hardest concepts. Dense academic prose and abstract topics.
Target Score
700-800
What is Rhetorical Synthesis?
Rhetorical Synthesis questions present notes or bullet points and ask you to combine them into a sentence achieving a specific goal (emphasizing a point, introducing a topic, etc.).
Step-by-Step Strategy
- 1Read ALL the notes carefully—understand the information available
- 2Read the specific goal stated in the question
- 3Identify which notes are relevant to that specific goal
- 4Choose the answer that fulfills the stated purpose most directly
- 5Verify the answer uses information accurately from the notes
⚠️ Common Traps to Avoid
- ✗Using information not in the notes
- ✗Choosing an answer that includes notes but doesn't achieve the stated goal
- ✗Missing the specific emphasis requested
- ✗Including irrelevant details that don't serve the purpose
Frequently Asked Questions
What goals are commonly tested?
Emphasize a specific idea, introduce a topic, summarize findings, compare two things, highlight a cause/effect.
Do I need to use all the notes?
No! Use only the notes relevant to the stated purpose. Correct answers are selective and purposeful.
How do I identify the 'best' answer?
It must achieve the stated goal AND use information accurately from the notes. Both criteria matter.
What if answers seem similar?
Focus on which one BEST achieves the specific goal. Small differences in emphasis matter.
Are these questions common?
Yes, expect 3-5 per test. They test your ability to <a href='/reading-writing'>synthesize information</a> for a specific goal.
Is this like summarizing?
Similar, but with a specific PURPOSE. You're not just summarizing—you're synthesizing for a goal.
How do I practice these?
Practice writing sentences for specific goals. Use our <a href='/reading-writing/rhetorical-synthesis/beginner'>Beginner Rhetorical Synthesis sets</a> to start.
What makes an answer 'effective'?
It clearly achieves the stated goal, uses accurate information, and is well-constructed grammatically.
Can wrong answers include accurate information?
Yes! An answer can use correct notes but fail to achieve the stated goal. Both matter.
Should I read the notes or goal first?
Read the goal first so you know what you're looking for. Then read notes with that purpose in mind.
What if I don't understand the topic?
You don't need topic expertise. Focus on matching notes to the stated goal logically.
Are these questions hard?
They require careful reading but are predictable with practice. The challenge is staying focused on the specific goal.
What if the goal is to 'Contrast' two findings?
Look for notes with opposing results and choose the sentence that uses a contrast transition (like 'while' or 'whereas') to link them.
How do I 'Summarize' effectively from notes?
A summary should capture all major bullet points without getting bogged down in specific numbers unless they are the focus.
What does 'Introduce the Study' mean as a goal?
Focus on the WHO, WHAT, and WHY. Use notes about the researcher, the topic, and the objective of the research.
How do I 'Highlight a Method'?
Ignore findings and biography. Focus only on the 'How'—the techniques, tools, or procedures listed in the notes.
Can I change the order of information?
Yes, as long as the information remains accurate and the resulting sentence achieves the stated rhetorical goal logically.
What if the notes contain 'Quotes'?
Only use the quote if the goal asks to 'emphasize a perspective' or 'provide an example' where that specific quote is relevant.