Summary, Paraphrase and Synthesis Across the Passage
Summary and synthesis items ask you to compress the passage while preserving its structure of qualification: what is claimed, on what conditions, and with what limits. Synthesis specifically requires joining two or more parts - often successive paragraphs that pull in different directions.
Fidelity rules for paraphrase
A faithful paraphrase preserves:
- Scope: the same population, period and geography.
- Modality: 'may' does not become 'will'; 'contributes to' does not become 'causes'.
- Direction of causation and of comparison.
- Qualification: if the passage says 'except where ...', the exception must survive. Anything added - a cause, a motive, a recommendation - is a paraphrase error, even when it sounds like a sensible implication.
Summarising a two-part passage
A common structure gives benefits in one paragraph and limits in the next. A summary reporting only the benefits is incomplete; one reporting only the limits is equally incomplete. The correct option usually has the shape 'X does Y, but only insofar as Z', or 'although A, B remains uncertain'.
Worked example
Paragraph 1: 'Digital permits cut processing time from twelve days to three and reduced paper use by two-thirds.' Paragraph 2: 'The gains are uneven: applicants in rural areas often lack reliable connectivity, and the three-day figure applies only to complete applications.'
(A) Digital permits have transformed processing across the region. - Drops the qualification. (B) Digital permits speed up processing and cut paper use, but the gains depend on connectivity and on application quality. - Correct: both parts and the conditionality survive. (C) Rural applicants cannot use digital permits. - Overstates 'often lack reliable connectivity'. (D) Processing time fell because paper use fell. - Invents a causal link.
Synthesis across separated statements
When an item links two parts of the passage, decide whether the second part qualifies the first (most common), contradicts it, or extends it. Naming that relation usually eliminates three options immediately.
Traps
- A summary that is accurate but covers only half the passage.
- Paraphrase that silently strengthens a hedge.
- Options that are true of the passage but are examples, not summaries.
- Losing numerical qualifiers such as 'up to', 'on average', 'in most cases'.
Compression test
Write your own ten-word summary before reading the options. Any option that cannot be reconciled with your version is wrong for a reason you can usually name.