Synthesising evidence from different texts

AQA

GCSE

Synthesis necessitates the aggregation of explicit and implicit data from two distinct sources to address a specific conceptual focus. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to select precise evidence, interpret nuances, and integrate findings fluently without analyzing literary devices. This skill assesses the capacity to process disparate information streams and reconstruct them into a cohesive summary, a fundamental requirement for higher education and vocational literacy.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Award Level 4 marks for perceptive synthesis that integrates evidence from both texts seamlessly.
Credit responses that demonstrate clear inferential reading, explaining *what* the text suggests rather than just what it says.
Candidates must select judicious quotations that are strictly relevant to the specific focus of the question (e.g., 'the boats', not 'the weather').
Ensure the response remains focused on content and meaning (AO1); do not credit analysis of writers' methods or language features in this question.

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Award Level 4 marks for perceptive synthesis that integrates evidence from both texts seamlessly.
Credit responses that demonstrate clear inferential reading, explaining *what* the text suggests rather than just what it says.
Candidates must select judicious quotations that are strictly relevant to the specific focus of the question (e.g., 'the boats', not 'the weather').
Ensure the response remains focused on content and meaning (AO1); do not credit analysis of writers' methods or language features in this question.

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡Use the SQI method (Statement, Quote, Inference) combined with comparative connectives (e.g., 'whereas', 'conversely') to force synthesis.
💡Limit time strictly to 10-12 minutes; this is an 8-mark question requiring concise, focused writing rather than extended essay structure.
💡Highlight the specific focus in the question stem immediately to prevent irrelevant listing of unrelated facts.
💡Treat the 'summary' command as 'synthesis': combine the raw material of the texts into a cohesive explanation of differences/similarities.

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Analysing language features (e.g., metaphors, similes) which attracts zero marks in Paper 2 Question 2.
Providing two separate lists of points for Source A and Source B without integrating them via connective syntax.
Copying out large chunks of text without offering interpretative comment or inference.
Drifting from the specific focus of the question (e.g., writing about the *drivers* instead of the *vehicles*).

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Likely Command Words

How questions on this topic are typically asked

Write a summary

Synthesise

What are the differences

What are the similarities

Refer to Source A and Source B

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Practice questions tailored to this topic