GED Reasoning Through Language ArtsReading ComprehensionEasy
A community activist is preparing a presentation on local environmental issues. She finds an article that details the current levels of pollutants in the local river, another article outlining the health impacts of these pollutants on residents, and a third article describing successful community-led cleanup efforts in similar towns. What is the activist's most likely goal in combining information from these three sources?
- ATo highlight the scientific methods used to measure pollution levels.
- BTo create a comprehensive argument for community action against pollution.
- CTo compare the local river's pollution to national averages.
- DTo demonstrate the historical evolution of pollution in the river.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. To create a comprehensive argument for community action against pollution.
By combining information on pollutant levels (problem), health impacts (consequences), and successful cleanup efforts (solution), the activist is building a strong, multi-faceted argument to motivate the community to take action against pollution. This is a clear example of synthesizing information for a persuasive purpose.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The focus is on the issues and solutions, not the scientific methodology itself. (Incorrect)
- C. No mention of national averages is made in the sources described. (Incorrect)
- D. While pollutant levels are mentioned, none of the articles specifically focus on historical evolution. (Incorrect)
Synthesizing Information
Combining information from multiple sources to form a new, comprehensive understanding or argument, rather than just summarizing each source individually.
- Involves identifying connections and relationships.
- Creates a new perspective or argument.
- Goes beyond mere summarization.
Memory trick: Synthesis: See many pieces, then make a new masterpiece.