EAP Synthesizing Multiple Sources 3

Question 1

Which transition phrase is most appropriate for showing that a second source extends the argument made by a first?

Accepted Answer

Building on this, ...

Answer

'Building on this' signals that the second source adds to or deepens the first source's point.

Question 2

A researcher finds that Source A uses a qualitative method and Source B uses a quantitative method to study the same phenomenon. The best synthesis move is to:

Accepted Answer

Explain how the two methods complement each other to provide a fuller picture

Answer

Triangulating across methods strengthens an argument by showing convergent evidence from different research traditions.

Question 3

In the context of literature reviews, 'gap identification' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Locating what existing research has not yet addressed

Answer

Gap identification synthesizes what is known across sources to reveal what remains unstudied or unresolved.

Question 4

Which sentence demonstrates synthesis rather than mere summary?

Accepted Answer

Research consistently links heavy social media use to reduced attention spans, though the magnitude of this effect varies by age group (Smith, 2019; Garcia, 2021; Park, 2022).

Answer

The second option integrates multiple sources around a central claim while noting nuance, which is the defining feature of synthesis.

Question 5

When paraphrasing multiple sources within a single sentence, a writer must:

Accepted Answer

Cite each source that contributed to the paraphrase

Answer

Each source whose idea appears in the paraphrase must be acknowledged to avoid plagiarism.

EAP - English For Academic Purposes Practice Test

EAP - English For Academic Purposes Practice Test

EAP Synthesizing Multiple Sources 3