CAEL Writing: Short Response Synthesis 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When synthesizing two sources in a CAEL short response, how should you handle contradictory information between them?
- Ignore the source that contradicts your argument
- Acknowledge both perspectives and explain the discrepancy (Correct answer)
- Only cite the source that supports the majority view
- Summarize each source separately without connecting them
Correct answer: Acknowledge both perspectives and explain the discrepancy
Effective synthesis acknowledges contradictions and explains why sources may differ, demonstrating critical thinking.
Question 2: Which sentence structure best demonstrates synthesis rather than mere summary in a short response?
- Source A states X. Source B states Y.
- While Source A argues X, Source B extends this idea by emphasizing Y. (Correct answer)
- The first article is about X. The second article is about Y.
- X is mentioned in Source A. Y is mentioned in Source B.
Correct answer: While Source A argues X, Source B extends this idea by emphasizing Y.
Using connective language like 'while' and 'extends' shows the relationship between sources, which is the hallmark of synthesis.
Question 3: In the CAEL Writing task, what is the primary purpose of the short response synthesis section?
- To demonstrate your personal opinion on a topic
- To show you can integrate ideas from provided reading and listening passages (Correct answer)
- To test your ability to memorize facts from the sources
- To evaluate whether you can write a five-paragraph essay
Correct answer: To show you can integrate ideas from provided reading and listening passages
The CAEL short response synthesis task assesses your ability to integrate information from multiple provided sources into a coherent response.
Question 4: A student writes: 'Both sources agree that urban green spaces reduce stress.' What additional step would most strengthen this synthesis statement?
- Add a personal anecdote about visiting a park
- Include specific evidence or details from each source to support the claim (Correct answer)
- Restate the claim in different words for emphasis
- Begin the sentence with 'In conclusion'
Correct answer: Include specific evidence or details from each source to support the claim
Citing specific evidence from each source substantiates the synthesis claim and demonstrates close engagement with the texts.
Question 5: Which transition phrase is most appropriate for introducing a point that one source makes but the other does not address?
- On the contrary
- Notably, Source A alone highlights that (Correct answer)
- Both sources agree that
- In summary
Correct answer: Notably, Source A alone highlights that
'Notably, Source A alone highlights' signals that only one source addresses this point, which is an honest synthesis observation.
Question 6: How long should a well-structured CAEL short response synthesis typically be?
- One sentence summarizing each source
- A single detailed paragraph or two short paragraphs covering key integrated points (Correct answer)
- A full five-paragraph essay with introduction and conclusion
- A bulleted list of facts from both sources
Correct answer: A single detailed paragraph or two short paragraphs covering key integrated points
The CAEL short response is designed to be concise yet complete — typically one to two paragraphs that integrate key ideas.
Question 7: A student paraphrases a source but uses the exact phrase 'cognitive load reduction' from the original without quotation marks. What writing problem does this illustrate?
- Incorrect citation format
- Unintentional plagiarism through failure to quote or paraphrase borrowed phrasing (Correct answer)
- Overuse of technical vocabulary
- Inappropriate register for an academic response
Correct answer: Unintentional plagiarism through failure to quote or paraphrase borrowed phrasing
Retaining exact phrasing from a source without quotation marks constitutes unintentional plagiarism, even when other parts are paraphrased.
CAEL Writing: Short Response Synthesis 2
When synthesizing two sources in a CAEL short response, how should you handle contradictory information between them?