Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Foundations of Reading Practice Exam

Synthesizing in reading involves which cognitive process?

1. Developing opinions based solely on an author’s argument

2. Connecting and merging ideas from different texts

3. Readability analysis of different materials

4. Separating facts from opinions

The correct answer is: Connecting and merging ideas from different texts

Synthesizing in reading is a cognitive process that requires connecting and merging ideas from different texts. This process goes beyond merely understanding each individual text; it involves analyzing information from multiple sources to create a new understanding or perspective. Synthesizing allows readers to see relationships between ideas, compare different viewpoints, and integrate insights to form a comprehensive view on a topic. For example, when a reader synthesizes information from various articles about climate change, they might draw connections between scientific studies, policy discussions, and personal narratives to develop a deeper understanding of the issue as a whole. This integration of knowledge is essential for higher-order thinking and critical analysis, making it a key skill in reading comprehension. The other options presented suggest various reading-related tasks but do not accurately capture the essence of synthesizing. Developing opinions based solely on an author’s argument does not encompass the broader integration of multiple perspectives necessary for synthesis. Readability analysis focuses on the complexity of a text rather than the cognitive task of merging ideas. Finally, separating facts from opinions is more about critical evaluation than synthesis itself.