Reading strategies: What's the difference between summarizing and synthesizing?

Summarizing and synthesizing are both strategies used in reading and research

. They are important skills, as they help learners make sense of what they reading.

Though they are both used as reading comprehension and research strategies, it is important to recognize that summarizing and synthesizing are different activities. Each has a different purpose, process and end result.

These are the main differences between them:

Summary

A basic reading technique.

Pulls together information in order to highlight the important points.

Re-iterates the information.

Shows what the original authors wrote.

Addresses one set of information (e.g. article, chapter, document) at a time. Each source remains distinct.

Presents a cursory overview.

Demonstrates an understanding of the overall meaning.

Synthesis

An advanced reading technique.

Pulls together information not only to highlight the important points, but also to draw your own conclusions.

Combines and contrasts information from different sources.

Not only reflects your knowledge about what the original authors wrote, but also creates something new out of two or more pieces of writing.

Combines parts and elements from a variety of sources into one unified entity.

Focuses on both main ideas and details.

Achieves new insight.

As you are reading information, be aware of whether you are simply re-iterating what someone else has said, or whether you are assimilating all the information in order to create one cohesive document that demonstrates your understanding of the concepts.

For both activities, it may be helpful to write out the main points, using diagrams or charts to help you.

Here are some helpful resources to help you.

Comprehension Strategy - Synthesis / Summarization / Concluding http://www.readinglady.com/mosaic/tools/Synthesis handout by Deb Smith.pdf

How to Synthesize Multiple Sources http://home.cerrocoso.edu/swiridoff/Resources/Composition/how_to_synthesize_multiple_sourc.htm

What is a Synthesis Question? http://www.passged.com/student_blogs/maria/2008/10/07/ged-reading-what-is-a-synthesis-question/

Want to use this article in your own research?

Here's the citation information: Eaton, Sarah Elaine. (26 September 2010). "Reading strategy: Differences between summarizing and synthesizing information" Retrieved from ArticlesBase.com

Reading strategies: What's the difference between summarizing and synthesizing?

By: Dr. Sarah Elaine Eaton

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