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Difference Between Summarizing and Synthesizing

Summarizing and synthesizing are both important reading strategies but they differ in purpose and process. A summary restates the main ideas of a single text to highlight key points, while a synthesis combines and contrasts information from multiple sources to draw new conclusions. A summary shows what the original author wrote, but a synthesis creates something new by connecting different pieces of writing and achieving insights beyond any individual source.

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199 views1 page

Difference Between Summarizing and Synthesizing

Summarizing and synthesizing are both important reading strategies but they differ in purpose and process. A summary restates the main ideas of a single text to highlight key points, while a synthesis combines and contrasts information from multiple sources to draw new conclusions. A summary shows what the original author wrote, but a synthesis creates something new by connecting different pieces of writing and achieving insights beyond any individual source.

Uploaded by

Donabelle Miano
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
Download as pdf or txt
Download as pdf or txt
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Reading strategies: The Difference between summarizing and synthesizing

by Sarah Elaine Eaton, PhD., University of Calgary

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.

It is important to recognize that summarizing and synthesizing are different activities. Each has a
different purpose, process and end result. This chart highlights some of the main differences between
summarizing and synthesizing information:

Summary Synthesis
Basic reading technique. Advanced reading technique.

Pulls together information in order to highlight Pulls together information not only to
the important points. highlight the important points, but also to draw
your own conclusions.
Re-iterates the information. Combines and contrasts information from
different sources.

Shows what the original authors wrote. Not only reflects your knowledge about what
the original authors wrote, but also creates
something new out of two or more pieces of
writing.
Addresses one set of information (e.g. article, Combines parts and elements from a variety of
chapter, document) at a time. Each source sources into one unified entity.
remains distinct.
Presents a cursory overview. Focuses on both main ideas and details.
Demonstrates an understanding of the overall Achieves new insight.
meaning.

Helpful resources

1. Comprehension Strategy – Synthesis / Summarization / Concluding


http://www.readinglady.com/mosaic/tools/Synthesis%20handout%20by%20Deb%20Smith.pdf
2. How to Synthesize Multiple Sources
http://home.cerrocoso.edu/swiridoff/Resources/Composition/how_to_synthesize_multiple_sourc.htm
3. What is a Synthesis Question?
http://www.passged.com/student_blogs/maria/2008/10/07/ged-reading-what-is-a-synthesis-question/
4. What it means to comprehend
http://www.suite101.com/content/what-it-means-to-comprehend-a72619
5. Reading Strategies http://www.mindtools.com/rdstratg.html

APA Citation: Eaton, S.E. (26 September, 2010). Reading strategy: The difference between
summarizing and synthesizing. Retrieved from: www.drsaraheaton.wordpress.com

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