Synthesize

Read the passages. What do they have in common?

Source 1: The Loch Ness monster must exist. More than 10,000 people claim to have sighted the serpent-like monster. Can 10,000 people all just be imagining things? Sonar studies and expeditions have not been able to prove them wrong!

Source 2: With today's underwater cameras and sonar, it's impossible to believe that the Loch Ness monster exists. We would have found her by now! When scientists with the latest technology cannot find a trace of the monster, we have to conclude that it's all a myth.

• a topic

• a main idea

• an overall message

• a purpose

Reread these two passages. What statement can you make after synthesizing the information?

Source 1: The Loch Ness monster must exist. More than 10,000 people claim to have sighted the serpent-like monster. Can 10,000 people all just be imagining things? Sonar studies and expeditions have not been able to prove them wrong!

Source 2: With today's underwater cameras and sonar, it's impossible to believe that the Loch Ness monster exists. We would have found her by now! When scientists with the latest technology cannot find a trace of the monster, we have to conclude that it's all a myth.

• The Loch Ness monster is absolutely real.

• The existence of the Loch Ness monster is still debated.

• More than 10,000 people have sighted the Loch Ness monster.

• The Loch Ness monster is a myth.

Which of the following is NOT a part of the process of synthesizing?

• comparing and contrasting texts

• finding main ideas

• writing an essay

• determining the audience

What is one similarity between these two passages?

Passage 1: If you want to become an astronaut, NASA requires that you have a college degree in biology, physical science, engineering, or math. You then must have at least three years of working experience to show that you are responsible. It is helpful to have an advanced degree, too. Teaching experience is valued, so teachers are encouraged to apply to become astronauts.

Passage 2: Mae Jemison was the first African-American woman to travel into space. She went to college at Stanford, where she earned a degree in chemical engineering and African-American Studies. While in medical school, and after becoming a doctor, she traveled around the world helping people. After working as a doctor with the Peace Corps, she applied to become a NASA astronaut. In 1987, she was accepted as one of fifteen astronauts—out of 2,000 applicants!

• Both tell how to apply to become an astronaut.

• Both tell you about the lives of astronauts.

• Both tell you something about becoming an astronaut.

• Both tell you about NASA's space program.

Which statement below best synthesizes the information from the two passages?

Passage 1: If you want to become an astronaut, NASA requires that you have a college degree in biology, physical science, engineering, or math. You then must have at least three years of working experience to show that you are responsible. It is helpful to have an advanced degree, too. Teaching experience is valued, so teachers are encouraged to apply to become astronauts.

Passage 2: Mae Jemison was the first African American woman to travel into space. She went to college at Stanford, where she earned a degree in chemical engineering and African American Studies. While in medical school, and after becoming a doctor, she traveled around the world helping people. After working as a doctor with the Peace Corps, she applied to become a NASA astronaut. In 1987, she was accepted as one of fifteen astronauts—out of 2,000 applicants!

• Jemison did become an astronaut.

• Becoming an astronaut is difficult.

• Astronauts must have a degree in math.

• NASA often hires women.