Writing: Extended Response Synthesis Flashcards
7 cards from real CAEL practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Writing: Extended Response Synthesis flashcards as text
When revising a CAEL extended response for 'lexical resource,' what should the writer focus on?
Answer: Using a range of precise, topic-appropriate vocabulary rather than repeating the same basic words
Lexical resource refers to vocabulary range, precision, and appropriateness — not simply using rare or long words.
A student's extended response uses only simple sentences throughout. How does this affect the CAEL writing score?
Answer: It limits the grammatical range score, since varied sentence structures demonstrate greater proficiency
CAEL assesses grammatical range; using only simple sentences suggests limited command of complex structures regardless of accuracy.
What does it mean to 'develop' an idea in a CAEL extended response body paragraph?
Answer: Provide evidence from the sources, explain how it relates to the point, and analyze its significance
Development means moving from claim → evidence → explanation → analysis, not simply restating the same idea multiple times.
In synthesizing sources, what is the difference between a 'reporting verb' and analytical framing?
Answer: Reporting verbs like 'states' or 'argues' simply attribute ideas; analytical framing adds the writer's evaluation of that information
Reporting verbs attribute information to sources, while analytical framing ('this suggests,' 'this reveals') adds the writer's interpretive layer.
A CAEL writing prompt includes two passages with different tones — one formal academic, one journalistic. How should this affect the extended response?
Answer: The student should maintain a consistent academic tone in their own writing regardless of the sources' styles
The writer's own voice must remain appropriately academic throughout, even when drawing on sources with varied styles.
Which approach BEST demonstrates critical thinking when synthesizing two passages in CAEL?
Answer: Evaluating the strength of each source's argument and explaining how they together illuminate the issue
Critical thinking involves evaluating, comparing, and analyzing sources rather than passively accepting all information as equal.
What is the most effective way to conclude a CAEL extended response that synthesizes two passages?
Answer: Restate the thesis in different words and summarize how the source material supports the overall position
A strong conclusion restates the thesis and briefly synthesizes how the evidence collectively proved the argument, without introducing new claims.