Best DSAT Lessons - "Rhetorical Synthesis"

Introduction & Overview

Relevance in the Digital SAT

Falls under the "Expression of Ideas" content domain in the Digital SAT Writing section.
Appears as the last testing skill in a Reading and Writing module.
In a single module, you'll encounter 3–5 "Rhetorical Synthesis" questions.
Across the full test, 5-10 questions are expected, ~11% of the whole Reading and Writing section.

What This Skill Tests

"Rhetorical Synthesis" questions assess your ability to:

Combine multiple pieces of information logically
Synthesize the text and ensure it flows smoothly and fulfills a specific rhetorical goal
Adjust formality, word choice, and sentence structure to fit the intended audience and purpose.

What are "Rhetorical Synthesis" Questions?

💡 Key Insight

Rhetorical Synthesis questions on the SAT test your ability to strategically select and combine information to achieve a specific communicative goal-not just recall facts. The correct answer won't merely repeat notes; it will prioritize relevance, exclude extraneous details, and sometimes reframe information to suit the task. This skill mirrors real-world writing, where clarity and purpose dictate what details to highlight.

📝 Structure of a "Rhetorical Synthesis" Question

Each "Rhetorical Synthesis" question consists of:

1. An introduction reads as: "While researching a topic, a students has taken the following notes:"

2. A series of bulleted facts (usually 3-6 points by different difficulty levels), like:

[Fact 1]
[Fact 2]
[Fact 3]
[Fact 4]
...

3. A question prompt reads as: "A [goal] + 'Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish the goal?'

This [goal] specifies the purpose you need to achieve by processing the given information. In the SAT, you may be asked to:

Identify similarities/common points
Identify differences
Compare information
Provide a summary/generalization
Explain/emphasize/define/illustrate/describe certain information.

💡 Note that the SAT sometimes phrases questions flexibly-for example, it may specify that you need to present the information to an audience unfamiliar with the topic or describe it to an audience already familiar with the topic.

4. Four options

🔍 A Sample "Rhetorical Synthesis" Question

Text:
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP) is a massive collection of floating debris, primarily plastics, in the North Pacific Ocean.
Marine organisms often mistake microplastics for food, leading to ingestion and potential toxins entering the food chain.
Unlike organic waste, plastics in the GPGP can persist for centuries, breaking down into smaller fragments but never fully biodegrading.
Cleanup efforts face challenges due to the patch's vast size (estimated at 1.6 million square kilometers) and the difficulty of filtering microplastics.

Question: The student wants to emphasize the unique environmental threat posed by the GPGP's plastic waste compared to other types of pollution. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

Choices:
A). The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a large area of floating debris, and cleanup efforts are complicated by its size.
B). Unlike organic waste, plastics in the GPGP do not biodegrade, persisting for centuries and harming marine life that ingests them.
C). Microplastics are difficult to filter out of the ocean, making the GPGP a challenging environmental problem.
D). The GPGP spans 1.6 million square kilometers, and its plastics break down into smaller pieces over time.

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Step-by-Step Solutions to "Rhetorical Synthesis" Questions

Step 1: Read the Question Prompt First

➢ Key Tip: Do NOT start by reading the bullet points!

Start with the question prompt to clearly understand what is being asked of you. The question prompt specifies the goal your answer must accomplish. Use a highlighter or underline key phrases in the prompt that define the objective. Examples of these goals include:

"to emphasize the difference between..."
"to explain the reason for..."
to summarize the relationship between..."
...

By isolating these keywords, you set the direction for evaluating the information provided later in the bullet points.

Step 2: Review the Bullet Points and Identify Relevant Information

Now, focus on the bullet points, one at a time. As you read, ask yourself:

"Which pieces of information are most relevant to the goal defined in Step 1?"
"Are there bullet points that directly support or clarify this goal?"

Relevant information may be concentrated in a single bullet point or spread across multiple points. Pay close attention to connections or repeated ideas that relate to the question's purpose.

➢ Pro Tip: If any detail in the bullet points does not help achieve the goal, mentally set it aside-it is likely included as a distractor.

Step 3: Evaluate the Choices

Once you've reviewed the bullet points, examine the answer choices carefully. For each option, ask two critical questions:

"Does this answer accomplish the goal stated in the question prompt?"
"Does this option accurately reflect the information in the bullet points?"

If the answer to either question is no, eliminate the choice. This step narrows down your options and prevents you from falling into the trap of selecting a choice that may sound correct but doesn't meet the goal or misrepresents the evidence.

Step 4: Select the Best Choice

By this point, only one option should clearly satisfy the question's requirements. Double-check that your selected answer:

Directly aligns with the goal stated in the question prompt.
Utilizes only relevant information from the bullet points.

If it passes these tests, select it confidently as your final answer!

➢ Final Reminder: Avoid second-guessing yourself unnecessarily-your systematic process will lead you to the right answer.

Common Traps in "Rhetorical Synthesis" Questions

SAT Rhetorical Synthesis questions test not just your comprehension, but also your ability to discern misleading choices designed to trip you up. Below are the most common traps—along with explanations and examples—to help you avoid costly mistakes.

Trap 1: Correct Information, Wrong Goal

It looks like:
A choice accurately summarizes or reflects details from the bullet points but does not address the specific goal stated in the question prompt.

📌 Example:

Prompt Goal: "To emphasize the benefits of electric cars over gasoline cars."
Bullet Points:
- Electric cars produce zero emissions.
- Gasoline cars are cheaper upfront.
- Electric cars have lower long-term maintenance costs.
Wrong Choice: "Gasoline cars are initially more affordable than electric cars."
- ✅ Factually correct (matches bullet points).
- ❌ Fails the goal (doesn't emphasize benefits of electric cars).

🔹 How to Avoid: Always check if the choice directly supports the goal—not just the facts.

Trap 2: Achieves the Goal, But Misuses Information

It looks like:
A choice seems to align with the goal but distorts, exaggerates, or misrepresents the bullet-point information.

📌 Example:

Prompt Goal: "To explain why remote work has become more popular."
Bullet Points:
- Many employees report higher productivity at home.
- Companies save money on office space.
- Hybrid schedules are now common.
Wrong Choice: "Remote work is universally preferred because it guarantees higher productivity."
- ✅ Matches the goal (explains popularity).
- ❌ Misrepresents facts ("universally preferred" and "guarantees" are extreme and unsupported).

🔹 How to Avoid: Watch for absolute language (e.g., "all," "always," "never") and unsupported claims.

Trap 3: Achieves the Goal, But Uses Outside Knowledge

It looks like:
A choice seems correct and aligns with the goal, but it introduces facts not found in the bullet points.

📌 Example:

Prompt Goal: "To highlight the challenges of space exploration."
Bullet Points:
- Long-duration spaceflight affects muscle mass.
- Communication delays exist due to distance.
Wrong Choice: "Space exploration is dangerous because astronauts face radiation exposure."
- ✅ Relevant to the goal (discusses challenges).
- ❌ Not in the bullet points (radiation isn't mentioned).

🔹 How to Avoid: Treat the bullet points as your only source—ignore outside facts, even if they seem true.

Trap 4: Logical Fallacy Distortion

It looks like:
The choice appears to satisfy the goal and draws from the bullet points, but it misrepresents relationships between ideas, such as:

Reversing cause and effect
Assuming correlation equals causation
Overgeneralizing from a single example

📌 Example:

Prompt Goal: "To explain how social media affects teen mental health."
Bullet Points:
- Teens who spend 5+ hours daily on social media report higher anxiety.
- Cyberbullying incidents have risen alongside social media use.
Wrong Choice: "Because anxiety has increased among teens, they now spend more time on social media."
- ✅ Uses info from bullet points (mentions anxiety and social media).
- ❌ Reverses causation (the bullet points suggest social media leads to anxiety, not the other way around).

🔹 How to Avoid:

Ask: "Does this choice maintain the correct logical relationship from the bullet points?"
Pay close attention to directionality (e.g., "A causes B" vs. "B causes A").
Be wary of assumptions like "X happened at the same time as Y, so X caused Y."

Quick Summary: Avoiding "Rhetorical Synthesis" Traps

Trap	What Happens	Defense Strategy
Correct Info, Wrong Goal	Facts are accurate but irrelevant to the goal.	"Does this match the prompt’s specific task?"
Misused Information	Twists or exaggerates evidence.	"Is this claim fully supported* (not just hinted at)?"*
Outside Knowledge	Brings in unstated facts.	"Is this mentioned anywhere* in the bullet points?"*
Logical Fallacy	Flawed cause/effect or reasoning.	"Does the logic hold, or is it reversed/assumed?"

💡 Always remember:
If an answer almost works but feels "off," check for hidden logical slips-especially with cause/effect, comparisons, or generalizations. The right answer will always use the given info correctly and coherently.

By mastering these traps, you'll boost both your speed and accuracy!🚀

Worksheet: Tackle the Bullet Points

Example 1

Notes:

The Civil War (1861-1865) was fought between the Union (North) and the Confederacy (South), primarily over slavery and states' rights.
Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, declaring enslaved people in Confederate states free.
Clara Barton, a nurse during the war, later founded the American Red Cross and revolutionized battlefield medical care.
The Battle of Gettysburg (1863) was the war's bloodiest conflict and a turning point for the Union.
The war ended with General Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House in 1865.

Task 1:
Using relevant information from the notes, write a brief summary of the US Civil War for an audience who is not familiar with this historical event.

Task 2:
Using relevant information from the notes, highlight Clara Barton's unique accomplishments during the Civil War.

Example 2

Notes:

"Game of Thrones" concluded its eighth and final season in 2019, and it averaged over 30 million viewers per episode in its final season.
It was praised for its production scale and won multiple Emmy Awards for Outstanding Drama Series.
"Breaking Bad" aired its series finale in 2013 after five seasons.
It grew from 1.4 million viewers for its premiere to 10.3 million for its finale.
It was acclaimed for its writing and acting.
It once won multiple Emmy Awards for Outstanding Drama Series.

Task 1:
Using relevant information from the notes, identify one key difference between "Game of Thrones" and "Breaking Bad."

Task 2:
Using relevant information from the notes, describe the change in "Breaking Bad's" viewership rating.

Example 3

Notes:

Researchers discovered that certain soil bacteria can break down plastic waste significantly faster than previously observed under controlled conditions.
The study revealed that these microorganisms produce specialized enzymes that target chemical bonds in polyethylene, a common plastic pollutant.
Laboratory experiments showed that bacterial colonies could degrade up to 50% of plastic samples within six weeks when maintained at optimal temperatures.
Scientists found that genetic modifications could enhance the bacteria's plastic-degrading efficiency by nearly 30%.
The study suggests that these bacteria could be cultivated in bioreactors to process plastic waste on an industrial scale.
Further research is needed to assess potential ecological risks before large-scale implementation, such as unintended effects on soil ecosystems.

Task 1:
Using relevant information from the notes, describe how the study advanced scientific understanding of plastic degradation by microorganisms.

Task 2:
Using relevant information from the notes, explain the potential benefits of using these bacteria for plastic waste processing.

Example 4

Notes:

The Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan will feature the theme "Designing Future Society for Our Lives."
Over 150 countries and regions are expected to participate in the Expo.
Significant infrastructure improvements, including new public transportation lines, are underway to facilitate visitor access.
The construction of the central theme pavilion is progressing, aiming to embody futuristic design and technological concepts.
Organizers are emphasizing sustainability, aiming for carbon neutrality through various ecological initiatives.
They are designing some feasible strategies to manage the large-scale influx of visitors while maintaining a safe and enjoyable experience.

Task 1:
Using relevant information from the notes, make a generalization about the primary focus of the preparations for the World Expo 2025 in Japan.

Task 2:
Using relevant information from the notes, emphasize a challenge facing the organizers of the World Expo 2025 in Japan.

Example 5

Notes:

Imposing tariffs on imported goods generally increases their domestic prices.
While importers initially pay the tariff, the cost impact is often distributed.
Consumers may mistakenly believe that importers fully absorb the cost of tariffs, without any effect on their own expenses.
In fact, the price increase seen by consumers is dependent on the elasticity of demand and supply.
Tariffs can alter the competitiveness of domestic industries, potentially leading to higher prices.
Arbitrary tariff adjustments, detached from real market conditions, are more likely to disrupt international trade and risk economic instability.

Task 1:
Using relevant information from the notes, clarify a common misunderstanding consumers may have about tariffs.

Task 2:
Using relevant information from the notes, emphasize the consequences of the blind adjustment of tariffs.

Example Answers

#1.

The brief summary: The US Civil War (1861-1865) was a conflict between the Union and Confederacy over slavery and states' rights. Key events included Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, the pivotal Battle of Gettysburg, and Lee's surrender at Appomattox, marking the war's end.
Clara Barton's unique accomplishments: Clara Barton distinguished herself as a wartime nurse and later founded the American Red Cross, transforming battlefield medicine and establishing a lasting humanitarian legacy.

#2.

One key difference: "Game of Thrones" was known for its large-scale production, while "Breaking Bad" was especially praised for its writing and acting performances.
The change in "Breaking Bad's" viewership rating: "Breaking Bad" grew from 1.4 million viewers for its premiere to 10.3 million for its series finale.

#3.

How the study advanced scientific understanding of plastic degradation by microorganisms: The study demonstrated that certain soil bacteria produce enzymes capable of breaking down polyethylene efficiently, with genetic modifications further enhancing their degradation rates, offering new insights into biological plastic waste management.
The potential benefits: These bacteria could be cultivated in bioreactors to degrade plastic waste on an industrial scale, providing a sustainable and potentially cost-effective solution to pollution.

#4.

A generalization: Preparations for the World Expo 2025 in Japan are focused on creating a sustainable, technologically advanced event that highlights future societal innovations for a global audience.
A challenge: Managing the large-scale influx of visitors and maintaining a safe, enjoyable experience while ensuring sustainability presents a significant logistical challenge.

#5.

The misunderstanding consumers may have about tariffs: Tariffs only affect importers and have no impact on them.
The consequences of the blind adjustment of tariffs: More likely to disrupt international trade and risk economic instability.

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Solve SAT "Rhetorical Synthesis" in Seconds! ⚡ Tricks Anyone Can Learn

Proven Tricks to Answer Faster and More Accurately
Practice these tricks to cut your answer time by 50% or more! 🚀

The Rhetorical Synthesis section doesn't have to be time-consuming. By recognizing question patterns and applying strategic elimination, you can often answer correctly before fully reading all the bullet points. Here's how:

Trick 1: Differences/Similarities Questions → Filter with Keywords

When the prompt asks about:
✔ Differences (e.g., "contrast," "differentce," "distinguish")
✔ Similarities (e.g., "common features," "similarity," "shared")

Strategies:
1️⃣ Must Mention Both (two) Subjects

✅ Correct: "While X does A, Y does B."
🚨 Eliminate Instantly: Any option discussing only one subject or introducing a new unrelated subject.

2️⃣ Transition Clues
(learn more on "Transitions" lesson page)

If goal = similarities:
- ✅ Look for: "Similarly," "like," "also," "both," "too," "as well," etc.
- ❌ Eliminate: "However," "but," "unlike, (implies contrast)," "on the contrary," etc.
If goal = differences:
- ✅ Look for: "unlike," "whereas," "while," "however," "but," etc.
- ❌ Eliminate: "Similarly," "in the same way," "both.. and..," "also," "too," etc.

Example (Similarity Goal):

Prompt Goal: "To identify a shared trait between Renaissance and Baroque art."
Wrong Option: "Renaissance art emphasized symmetry."
- 🚨 Eliminate: Only discusses one subject.
Correct Option: "Both Renaissance and Baroque art used religious themes."

💡 Saves time by skipping options that structurally can't be right.

Trick 2: Specific Keyword Lock (Time/Place/Person)

When the goal targets:
✔ A specific detail (e.g., "to introduce which city...," "to explain when...," "to illustrate whose contribution..").

Strategies:
1️⃣ Scan Options for the Keyword

The correct answer must include the prompt's key term (e.g., "..in New York..(a city name), "1920s(a specific time)," "Marie Curie(a person's name)").
🚨 Eliminate any option missing it.

2️⃣ Target Bullet Points

Now, only read bullet points referencing that keyword to verify the answer.

Example:

Prompt Goal: "To describe when technology began to undergo tremendous changes"
Option A: "Computers became smaller over time."
- 🚨 Eliminate: No mention of a time word/phrase.
Option B: "Since 1980s, personal computers entered households...."
- ✅ Check Notes: If the bullet points mention 1980s + PCs → Correct!

💡 Avoids wasting time on unrelated details.

Trick 3: Summaries/Introductions → Demand Breadth

When the goal asks to:
✔ Summarize or introduce (e.g., "Provide a summary," "Provide an overview," "Explain to someone unfamiliar..").

Strategies:
1️⃣ Eliminate Narrow Options

Incorrect choices often focus on one minor point.
✅ Correct answers cover multiple bullet points.

2️⃣ Verify with Notes

For remaining broad options, cross-check if they incorporate multiple ideas from the notes.

Example (Summary Goal):

Bullet Points:
- Method A saves time.
- Method A reduces errors.
- Method B costs less than Method A.
Wrong Option: "Method A is efficient."
- 🚨 Eliminate: Only covers one method.
Correct Option: "Method A can improve efficiency and accuracy, but it costs more than Method B."

💡 Summaries must be inclusive, not selective.

Real SAT Hack: Many questions can be answered without deep reading if you:

✔ Match the goal's structure (e.g., two subjects for comparisons).
✔ Lock keywords (e.g., time/place/person).
✔ Reject narrow answers (for summaries).

💡 Pro Tip: On harder questions, use the eliminated wrong choices to reverse-engineer the right one. If three options fail Tricks 1-3, the last must be correct!

Quick Practice: Test Your Skills!

Question 1

While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:

The Scarab of Amenhotep III is a carved amulet from the 14th century BCE, inscribed with hieroglyphs.
Scarabs symbolized rebirth in ancient Egypt, often placed in mummy wrappings to ensure safe passage to the afterlife.
This particular scarab was discovered in Thebes and is made of glazed steatite (a soft stone).
Unlike decorative scarabs, it served a religious purpose, bearing the pharaoh's name to invoke divine protection.
Modern archaeologists consider it a key artifact for understanding New Kingdom burial practices.

The student wants to explain the cultural significance of the Scarab of Amenhotep III to an audience unfamiliar with ancient Egyptian relics. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

A). The Scarab of Amenhotep III, found in Thebes, is made of glazed steatite and dates to the 14th century BCE, proving ancient Egyptians used soft stones for carving.

B). As a religious amulet inscribed with hieroglyphs, the scarab symbolized rebirth and was placed in mummy wrappings to guide the deceased, reflecting Egyptians' beliefs about the afterlife.

C). Archaeologists highly value this scarab because it bears Amenhotep III's name, unlike other scarabs that were merely decorative.

D). Thebes was a major city in ancient Egypt, and artifacts like this scarab help us understand its historical importance.

Correct Answer: B
Explanation:

Option B directly addresses the cultural significance (the goal) by synthesizing key details: the scarab's religious purpose, symbolism of rebirth, and role in burial customs-all explained clearly for an unfamiliar audience.
Option A focuses on material and origin but omits cultural/religious context.
Option C highlights archaeological value but fails to explain broader cultural meaning.
Option D shifts focus to Thebes' importance, straying from the scarab's significance.

Question 2

While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:

Ebony is a dense, jet-black hardwood, prized for fine furniture and musical instruments due to its durability and smooth finish.
Balsa is one of the lightest woods, with a pale color and porous structure, often used for model-building and insulation.
They are tropical hardwoods, but ebony grows much more slowly, making it rarer and more expensive.
Unlike ebony, balsa is highly buoyant and is frequently used in life-saving equipment like life rafts.

The student wants to compare the properties and typical uses of ebony and balsa wood. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish the goal?

A). Ebony is darker and heavier than balsa, making it better for luxury goods, while balsa's lightness and buoyancy suit practical applications like rafts and models.

B). Balsa wood is inexpensive and grows quickly, whereas ebony is rare and takes years to mature, increasing its market value.

C). Both ebony and balsa are hardwoods, but ebony is much older than balsa when harvested for commercial use.

D). Ebony is often carved into musical instruments, but balsa is never used in construction due to its porous structure.

Correct Answer: A
Explanation:

Option A directly compares the woods' properties (density, color) and uses (luxury vs. practical), fulfilling the goal.
Option B focuses on growth and cost but omits key uses (no mention of furniture, rafts, or models).
Option C is misleading: both are hardwoods, but age is not discussed in the notes.
Option D has incorrect information: balsa's uses are noted (models, rafts), and it's not about construction.

Question 3

While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:

Miguel de Cervantes (1547-1616) is best known for Don Quixote, a novel considered the first modern European novel.
He struggled financially for much of his life, working as a tax collector and even spending time in prison.
Don Quixote humorously critiques romantic chivalry while exploring themes of reality vs. illusion.
Cervantes also wrote poetry and plays, though they were less successful than Don Quixote.
Despite initial mixed reviews, Don Quixote later became a foundational work in Western literature.

The student wants to introduce Miguel de Cervantes to an audience unfamiliar with Spanish literature. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish the goal?

A). Cervantes, imprisoned at one point, wrote Don Quixote, which mocks old-fashioned knightly tales.

B). Though he faced poverty, Cervantes authored Don Quixote, a groundbreaking novel blending comedy and deep themes about perception and idealism.

C). Don Quixote was at first controversial, but it eventually gained recognition as a classic.

D). Cervantes tried writing poetry and drama, but only Don Quixote achieved lasting fame.

Correct Answer: B
Explanation:

Option B introduces Cervantes' struggles, his major work (Don Quixote), and its significance, which is comprehensive for a general audience.
Option A is too narrow (focuses only on imprisonment and satire).
Option C only discusses reception, omitting Cervantes' life and the novel's themes.
Option D downplays his other works without explaining Don Quixote's importance.

Question 4

While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:

The vaquita, a small porpoise found in the Gulf of California, has fewer than 10 individuals remaining due to bycatch in illegal fishing nets.
It decline has been rapid, with populations dropping 98% since 2011.
Hawksbill sea turtles are critically endangered because of poaching for their shells and habitat loss from coastal development.
They help maintain healthy coral reefs by feeding on sponges that compete with corals.
Both species are protected under international treaties (CITES), but enforcement remains weak.
Vaquitas have slow reproduction rates, and hawksbills take decades to mature.

The student wants to describe the key similarity between the vaquita and hawksbill sea turtle that highlights their conservation challenges. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish the goal?

A). Illegal fishing harms vaquitas, while hawksbills are threatened by shell poaching—showing how human activity endangers both.

B). Vaquitas live only in Mexico, whereas hawksbills inhabit tropical oceans worldwide.

C). Both species are endangered, but the vaquita's population decline has been faster.

D). A critical similarity is their slow recovery potential: vaquitas reproduce slowly, and hawksbills need years to reach adulthood.

Correct Answer: D
Explanation:

Option D directly compares their shared challenge (slow recovery) using evidence from the notes.
Option A focuses on different threats (fishing vs. poaching), not a similarity.
Option B highlights a difference (geographic range), contrary to the goal.
Option C notes a comparison but emphasizes divergence (speed of decline).

Question 5

While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes about the axolotl:

The axolotl is a critically endangered salamander.
It's native only to the freshwater lakes of Xochimilco near Mexico City.
It remains aquatic its entire life, retaining juvenile features like gills.
Urbanization has drained 90% of Xochimilco's lakes, leaving fragmented canals polluted by runoff.
It has regenerative abilities: can regrow limbs, spinal cords, and even parts of its heart.
Conservation efforts include creating protected canals and promoting "axolotl-friendly" farming to reduce pesticide use.

The student wants to figure out the axolotl's natural habitat and the primary threat it faces. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish the goal?

A). Axolotls, which never develop lungs, fascinate scientists due to their healing abilities, including regenerating organs.

B). Found exclusively in Xochimilco's shrinking lakes, axolotls face habitat loss from Mexico City's urban expansion and water pollution.

C). Farmers in Xochimilco now avoid pesticides to protect axolotls, which are more resilient than other salamanders.

D). The axolotl's regenerative traits make it valuable for research, but its survival depends on captive breeding programs.

Correct Answer: B
Explanation:

Option B pinpoints the habitat (Xochimilco's lakes) and the primary threat (urbanization/pollution), matching the goal.
Option A focuses on biology, not habitat and threats.
Option C discusses a solution (farming) but omits original habitat details.
Option D shifts focus to research and breeding, ignoring location and threat.

Your Turn! Realistic "Rhetorical Synthesis" Questions for DSAT Success

Question 1

Difficulty level: Easy

While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:

Epazoyucan is a municipality in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico.
Municipalities are governmental regions responsible for providing many public services to their residents.
One service they provide is traffic control.
Epazoyucan covers an area of roughly 140 km².
Hidalgo is divided into 84 municipalities.

The student wants to emphasize the size of Epazoyucan. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

A). The municipality of Epazoyucan in Hidalgo, Mexico, covers an area of roughly 140 km².

B). Epazoyucan-a governmental region in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico-provides many public services to its residents.

C). Epazoyucan is one of 84 governmental regions, known as municipalities, across Hidalgo.

D). Providing traffic control is just one example of the public services that municipalities provide.

Question 2

Difficulty level: Medium

While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:

The United States has designated more than 500 areas National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs).
Some NWRs were established specifically to protect endangered species.
The Crocodile Lake NWR is a 6,686-acre area in Florida.
It was established to protect the endangered American crocodile.
The Pearl Harbor NWR is a 61-acre area in Hawaii.
It was established to protect the endangered Hawaiian stilt.

The student wants to emphasize a similarity between the two NWRs. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

A). Both the Crocodile Lake NWR and the Pearl Harbor NWR were established to protect endangered species.

B). Some NWRs, such as Hawaii's Pearl Harbor, were established specifically to protect endangered species.

C). While the Crocodile Lake NWR extends across a 6,686-acre area, the Pearl Harbor NWR encompasses only 61 acres.

D). The US has designated more than 500 areas NWRs, including the Crocodile Lake NWR in Florida.

Question 3

Difficulty level: Hard

While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:

Felipe Posada (pseudonym The Invisible Realm) is a New York City-based artist who specializes in the form of art known as surrealist collage.
Manifestation of the unconscious mind is a central aspect of surrealist collage.
Irrational juxtaposition of disparate elements is a central aspect of surrealist collage.
Posada's Synchronicity irrationally juxtaposes images of a well-dressed man, a clouded mountain range, and a doorway to the stars.
Posada: "My art is a journey through the invisible realm-a space where intuition, memories, visions, and dreams are free to take visual form."

The student wants to provide a specific example of irrational juxtaposition in surrealist collage. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

A). Images of a well-dressed man, a clouded mountain range, and a doorway to the stars are juxtaposed irrationally in the surrealist collage piece Synchronicity by artist Felipe Posada.

B). The irrational juxtaposition of disparate elements in Felipe Posada's art invokes "a space where intuition, memories, visions, and dreams are free to take visual form."

C). Synchronicity by artist Felipe Posada is an example of surrealist collage, a form in which irrational juxtaposition is a central aspect.

D). Surrealist collage, such as Felipe Posada's Synchronicity, manifests the unconscious mind and irrationally juxtaposes disparate elements.

"Rhetorical Synthesis" Learning Checklist

🔘 Be familiar with what a SAT "Rhetorical Synthesis" looks like and understand your task should focus on a specific rhetorical goal stated in the question prompt.
🔘 Master step-by-Step approach to "rhetorical synthesis" Questions:
- Understand the Goal by starting with reading the question prompt.
- Find Relevant Details in the bullet points.
- Test the Options and eliminate choices that don't fulfill the goal or misrepresent the data.
- Choose the Answer Confidently which best meets the goal using accurate information.
🔘 Be able to recognize 4 types of common traps in wrong options.
- Correct Information but can not achieve the goal
- Can achieve the goal but the information used contradicts the provided notes
- Can achieve the goal but the information used is unmentioned in the provided notes
- Seem to meet the goal and draw on the provided notes but it contians logical flaws
🔘 Master tricks, strategic elimination, that can help you answer faster, even without deep reading all the bullet points.
🔘 Keep practicing and apply these problem-solving skills more and more proficiently.

Essential SAT Prep Tools

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Personalized Study Planner

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Expert-Curated Question Bank

Access 2000+ handpicked SAT questions with detailed explanations, organized by topic and difficulty level.

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Smart Flashcards

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Score Calculator

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SAT Skills Lessons

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Full-Length Practice Tests

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Pro Tip

Start your SAT prep journey by creating a personalized study plan 3-4 months before your test date. Use our time management tools to master pacing, combine mini-tests for targeted practice, and gradually progress to full-length practice tests. Regular review with flashcards and consistent practice with our question bank will help you stay on track with your study goals.