CAEL Writing: Extended Response Synthesis 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does it mean to paraphrase a source rather than quote it directly in a CAEL extended response?
- Copy the original sentence but change one or two words
- Restate the source's idea entirely in your own words and sentence structure (Correct answer)
- Place the original sentence in quotation marks with a citation
- Omit the idea because using someone else's words is plagiarism
Correct answer: Restate the source's idea entirely in your own words and sentence structure
A true paraphrase fully restates the idea in the writer's own language and structure, demonstrating comprehension.
Question 2: In a CAEL extended response, how much of the response should consist of direct quotes from the source passages?
- As many quotes as possible to show you read the sources thoroughly
- Minimal — quotes should be short and used selectively, with most ideas paraphrased (Correct answer)
- Exactly 50% quotes and 50% original writing
- No quotes at all — all information must be paraphrased
Correct answer: Minimal — quotes should be short and used selectively, with most ideas paraphrased
CAEL rewards demonstrating comprehension through paraphrase and analysis; over-quoting suggests the student is not processing the material.
Question 3: A student writes a paragraph that only restates information from the sources with no original analysis. What is the main weakness?
- The paragraph is too short
- It lacks the writer's own critical engagement with the material (Correct answer)
- The sources are not cited correctly
- There are too many transition words
Correct answer: It lacks the writer's own critical engagement with the material
Extended responses require the writer to analyze and evaluate source information, not merely report it.
Question 4: Which transition phrase is MOST appropriate for introducing a synthesis that shows one source extending the argument of another?
- In contrast to this idea,
- Building on this point, Source B further argues that... (Correct answer)
- Source B completely disagrees, stating...
- To summarize what was already said,
Correct answer: Building on this point, Source B further argues that...
'Building on this point' signals that the second source adds depth to, rather than simply repeating or contradicting, the first.
Question 5: What is the recommended minimum word count for a strong CAEL extended response?
- 100 words
- 150 words
- 250 words or more (Correct answer)
- 500 words minimum
Correct answer: 250 words or more
CAEL guidelines suggest responses of at least 250 words to adequately develop arguments and integrate source material.
Question 6: Which of the following BEST describes 'coherence' in the context of a CAEL extended response?
- Using complex vocabulary throughout the essay
- Ideas flow logically and are connected with clear transitions (Correct answer)
- Having an equal number of sentences per paragraph
- Referring to both source passages in every sentence
Correct answer: Ideas flow logically and are connected with clear transitions
Coherence refers to logical flow and clear connections between ideas, achieved through transitions, topic sentences, and consistent focus.
Question 7: When a student introduces source material with 'According to the passage...' repeatedly, what problem does this create?
- It makes the essay too long
- It becomes repetitive and suggests the student lacks varied integration strategies (Correct answer)
- It is grammatically incorrect in academic writing
- It proves the student did not understand the sources
Correct answer: It becomes repetitive and suggests the student lacks varied integration strategies
Relying on a single attribution phrase repeatedly makes writing monotonous; strong writers vary how they introduce and integrate sources.
CAEL Writing: Extended Response Synthesis 3
What does it mean to paraphrase a source rather than quote it directly in a CAEL extended response?