Synthesise Practice questions Key points to remember This

Synthesise Practice questions Key points to remember: This is bringing information together from more than one source; Make it clear which text you are talking about – Text A/ Text B; Highlight what is asked for in question – question will have a focus; NO comparison needed; Synthesise will always be used is the question; Make sure you have points from both texts; Systematically work through – point (adjective) /evidence (quote); Consider title/ tone/ language choices/ images/ presentational devices and structure from both texts and respond to these ideas in your answer. Time and marks: * 10 marks = 15 minutes reading and answering the question; *8 -10 points = 10 mark question

Q: Using information from Text D and Text E, synthesise the feelings of the writers to the activities they describe. [10 marks] Highlighter at the ready…where can we spot comments that tell us how the writer feels about kite flying?

Q: Using information from Text D and Text E, synthesise the feelings of the writers to the activities they describe. [10 marks] What do these remarks reveal about how he feels about kite flying? ‘thrill of flying a kite’ ‘awesome spectacle’ ‘adorning the skies’ ‘friendly folk’ ‘what joy from a piece of plastic, a couple of sticks, tape and string’ ‘they’ll get tangled up, giving you the perfect excuse to assist and show them how it’s done!’

Q: Using information from Text D and Text E, synthesise the feelings of the writers to the activities they describe. [10 marks] What do these remarks reveal about how he feels about kite flying? ‘thrill of flying a kite’ ‘awesome spectacle’ ‘adorning the skies’ ‘friendly folk’ Adrenaline rush, enjoyment, positivity, adventure? ? Enjoys performance, unexpected view? ? Appreciates the beauty, enjoys the spectacle? ? Belonging, sense of being welcome, approachable people? ? ‘what joy from a piece of plastic, a couple of sticks, tape and string’ Unexpected pleasure from something simple? ? ‘they’ll get tangled up, giving you the perfect excuse to assist and show them how it’s done!’ Chance to be a hero, save the day, feel needed? ?

Highlighter at the ready…where can we spot comments that tell us how the writer feels about climbing? Only look at the first and last paragraphs.

What do these remarks reveal about how he feels about climbing? ‘I came to know and love the mountains’ ‘fascinated by the spires and crests of the beautiful peak’ ‘with wonder and envy…I would stand for hours on end…try to imitate them’ ‘how on earth will I be able to do it…somehow I managed to climb that first difficult pitch’ ‘in spite of this, I wanted to try’ ‘I felt I was at the centre of a delirious dream’ ‘now held by me from above’

What do these remarks reveal about how he feels about climbing? ‘I came to know and love the mountains’ Gradual and deep relationship, almost familial. ‘fascinated by the spires and crests of the beautiful peak’ Admiration, respect, wonder, awe. ‘with wonder and envy…I would stand for hours on end…try to imitate them’ Fascination, determination ‘how on earth will I be able to do it…somehow I managed to climb that first difficult pitch’ Overwhelmed, but determined. Proud. ‘in spite of this, I wanted to try’ Determination ‘I felt I was at the centre of a delirious dream’ Delight, disbelief, elation ‘now held by me from above’ Satisfaction, pride, authority, successful.

Q: Using information from Text D and Text E, synthesise the feelings of the writers to the activities they describe. [10 marks] The writer of Text D feels that kite flying is…. Meanwhile, the feelings of the writer in Text E towards climbing are…

Q: Using information from Text D and Text E, synthesise the feelings of the writers to the activities they describe. [10 marks] Let’s look at two answers from an exam. Which is better? What marks would you give each? Candidate 1 The writer of Text D appears surprised by the ‘joy’ brought to him by kite-flying. He feels that he had been kept hidden from the benefits of it, asking ‘who knew? ' it could bring such joy. Birmingham feels, it’s a ‘spectacle’ and realises that it has kept his children away from ‘flashing swords’. Birmingham also feels disappointed that his kids ‘loved them’ and did not require any ‘help from him’ meaning that he could not show them ‘how it’s done!’. Birmingham feels that the activity is economical, only costing a ‘couple of pounds’ though he feels it is effective, despite being a ‘piece of plastic’. He also finds the activities rewarding and Birmingham is overwhelmed by the benefits – repeating the ‘joy’ it has brought him. Bonatti from Text E had not been so surprised by the rewards he felt at rope-climbing as he had spent much of his childhood watching with ‘wonder and envy’, meaning that he didn’t feel as oblivious. In Text E, Bonatti admits that he was ‘fascinated’ by the mountains and describes how he’d been watching ‘intently’ showing that he was absorbed by the activity. Bonatti spent a great deal of his childhood trying to ‘imitate them’ and his eagerness is so strong that he eventually uses his friend’s ‘mother’s clothes line’ to partake in the activity. When he is on the verge of climbing, he uses his desire to climb to take the place of his struggling friend. Bonatti feels it is a more professional activity, as he prepares himself through wearing a pair of enormous army boots’ and he describes the climber as having ‘the air of an expert’. Mark out of 10? …………. .

Candidate 2 Overall in both texts both writers discuss how they love and enjoy their activities. To begin, in text D Paul Birmingham expresses to us how the ‘spectacle’ of the kites ‘filling the sky’ was so mesmerising to himself and his children. Similarly within text E, Walter Bonatti told us how much he fell in love with the mountains. This is shown in the text as Bonatti says “I only went by the paths, I couldn’t help but be fascinated by the spires. ” Yet, both writers describe to us as readers how their beloved activities can face big downfalls. For example, in text D Paul Birmingham explains how the kites can get tangled-up”. Likewise Bonatti tells us how dangerous rope climbing can appear to be. “My new friend seemed to struggle”, “My soles are slipping!" Mark out of 10? …………. .

Candidate 1 The writer of Text D appears surprised by the ‘joy’ brought to him by kite-flying. He feels that he had been kept hidden from the benefits of it, asking ‘who knew? ' it could bring such joy. Birmingham feels, it’s a ‘spectacle’ and realises that it has kept his children away from ‘flashing swords’. Birmingham also feels disappointed that his kids ‘loved them’ and did not require any ‘help from him’ meaning that he could not show them ‘how it’s done!’. Birmingham feels that the activity is economical, only costing a ‘couple of pounds’ though he feels it is effective, despite being a ‘piece of plastic’. He also finds the activities rewarding and Birmingham is overwhelmed by the benefits – repeating the ‘joy’ it has brought him. Bonatti from Text E had not been so surprised by the rewards he felt at rope-climbing as he had spent much of his childhood watching with ‘wonder and envy’, meaning that he didn’t feel as oblivious. In Text E, Bonatti admits that he was ‘fascinated’ by the mountains and describes how he’d been watching ‘intently’ showing that he was absorbed by the activity. Bonatti spent a great deal of his childhood trying to ‘imitate them’ and his eagerness is so strong that he eventually uses his friend’s ‘mother’s clothes line’ to partake in the activity. When he is on the verge of climbing, he uses his desire to climb to take the place of his struggling friend. Bonatti feels it is a more professional activity, as he prepares himself through wearing a pair of enormous army boots’ and he describes the climber as having ‘the air of an expert’. Candidate 2 10 marks Overall in both texts both writers discuss how they love and enjoy their activities. To begin, in text D Paul Birmingham expresses to us how the ‘spectacle’ of the kites ‘filling the sky’ was so mesmerising to himself and his children. Similarly within text E, Walter Bonatti told us how much he fell in love with the mountains. This is shown in the text as Bonatti says “I only went by the paths, I couldn’t help but be fascinated by the spires. ” Yet, both writers describe to us as readers how their beloved activities can face big downfalls. For example, in text D Paul Birmingham explains how the kites can get tangled-up”. Likewise Bonatti tells us how dangerous rope climbing can appear to be. “My new friend seemed to struggle”, “My soles are slipping!" 3 marks

Q: Using information from both texts, synthesise what you learn about Enzo Calzaghe [10 marks] Highlighter at the ready…where can we spot comments about Enzo Calzaghe?

Q: Using information from both texts, synthesise what you learn about Enzo Calzaghe [10 marks] Did you perhaps find…? Text A: ‘Brought up in Sardinia…culture is very simple’ When his son was 8 he gave him ‘a punchball’, 10 to the gym Believes kids with ‘class’ need to be ‘pushed’ Never feared pushing his son as he sees him as ‘a genius’ Instead of Joe playing with other kids Enzo was ‘trying to make him understand his ability’ He’s two different characters, ‘Dad only to the door of the gym’ and ‘trainer’ inside. Enzo was hurt by comments that he shouldn’t be training Joe, he called them ‘selfish remarks’. He told Joe to go if he wanted to. They ‘rode that storm’ Family is really important ‘the warmth we have as a family’

Q: Using information from both texts, synthesise what you learn about Enzo Calzaghe [10 marks] Highlighter at the ready…where can we spot comments about Enzo Calzaghe?

Q: Using information from both texts, synthesise what you learn about Enzo Calzaghe [10 marks] Did you perhaps find…? Text B: ‘he has been coached since the age of nine by his Dad’ Enzo is ‘a former rock musician who has never thrown a professional punch in his life’ Enzo lives near his son in ‘the Welsh valleys’ The pair have ‘huge bust-ups within days or even hours of big fights’ Enzo is described as ‘a hard taskmaster’ stopping Joe from ‘going out with girls and having a drink like everybody else’ Joe says Enzo ‘knew how far to push me’ The two fight often but ‘don’t hold grudges’ Enzo was ‘gutted’ when the newspapers reported ‘Calzaghe sacks his dad’, it was ‘ripping him up inside’ When the news broke, Enzo said ‘You’re my son. Do what’s best for you. ’

Q: Using information from both texts, synthesise what you learn about Enzo Calzaghe [10 marks] In text A we learn that Enzo Calzaghe was… Meanwhile, in text B we learn that…

Q: Using information from both texts, synthesise what the personal qualities that are important for young people to have or to develop. [10 marks] Highlighter at the ready…where can we spot comments about the qualities young people need?

Q: Using information from both texts, synthesise what the personal qualities that are important for young people to have or to develop. [10 marks] Did you perhaps find…? Text A: ‘Children need risk to thrive’ ‘Children must be exposed to more danger to help them to cope with the daily risk-taking required in the modern business world’ ‘We need to encourage children to push themselves…build a nation of bold and confident people’ ‘We need them to become independent and self reliant’ ‘Encourage qualities like sensible risk-taking, competiveness and determination to succeed’ ‘he had not been afraid to fail and neither should children’

Q: Using information from both texts, synthesise what the personal qualities that are important for young people to have or to develop. [10 marks] Highlighter at the ready…where can we spot comments the qualities young people need?

Q: Using information from both texts, synthesise what the personal qualities that are important for young people to have or to develop. [10 marks] Did you perhaps find…? Text B: ‘inspiring thousands of young people to unlock their potential, raise their selfesteem, and prepare them to face their future with confidence’ ‘practise and refine new skills to help young people take more responsibility for themselves… take control’ ‘increased self-awareness, improved concentration, more enthusiasm to learn, more determination to succeed, and a greater sense of respect and compassion for others and the environment…’ ‘All gain confidence and self-reliance… taking responsibility for their choices, making personal judgements, and working together’

Q: Using information from both texts, synthesise what the personal qualities that are important for young people to have or to develop. [10 marks] In text A we learn that it is important for young people to be… Meanwhile, in text B we learn that…

Q: Using information from both texts, synthesise what you learn about Lewis Hamilton’s family from these texts? [10 marks] Highlighter at the ready…where can we spot comments about Lewis Hamilton’s family?

Q: Using information from both texts, synthesise what you learn about Lewis Hamilton’s family from these texts? [10 marks] Did you perhaps find…? Text A: ‘ordinary background…His father, Anthony, moved to the UK from the West Indies when he was 3 and grew up in Hertfordshire’ ‘Lewis has a brother, Nicholas, who has cerebral palsy’ His father ‘separated from his wife when [Lewis] was two’ ‘Anthony raised the boys alone, indulging in his own interest in motorsport by encouraging Lewis to take an interest. ’

Q: Using information from both texts, synthesise what you learn about Lewis Hamilton’s family from these texts? [10 marks] Highlighter at the ready…where can we spot comments about Lewis Hamilton’s family?

Q: Using information from both texts, synthesise what you learn about Lewis Hamilton’s family from these texts? [10 marks] Did you perhaps find…? Text B: ‘Hamilton’s childhood upbringing by a single parent in a council house in Hertfordshire’ ‘rags-to-riches story’ ‘The former British Rail worker took on three jobs to pay for his son’s rise through the ranks from karting to Formula 1. ’ ‘Mr Hamilton, whose family came to Britain in the 1950 s from the West Indies, separated from his son’s mother Carmen when Lewis was two. ’ ‘Lewis lived with his mother until he was ten but when she married again, he chose to live with his father. ’ ‘Hamilton senior nurtured his son’s talent for racing and would ferry Lewis around the country’ ‘While he remains as close as ever to his father, there have been rumours that his relationship with his mother has been strained. ’ ‘Neighbours say she is known for her fiery temper. ’

Q: Using information from both texts, synthesise what you learn about Lewis Hamilton’s family from these texts? [10 marks] In text A we learn that Hamilton’s father was… Meanwhile, in text B we learn that…

Q: Using information from both texts, synthesise what you learn about e-waste in these texts [10 marks] Highlighter at the ready…where can we spot comments about e-waste?

Q: Using information from both texts, synthesise what you learn about e-waste in these texts [10 marks] Did you perhaps find…? Text A: E-waste is being dumped in Africa, and young people must ‘scavenge for scrap metal’ ‘Health risks are obvious…many workers have died from cancers…the death rate for babies is high here. ‘E-waste comes from ‘all over the world but especially Europe’ Dismantled items are ‘burned to remove traces of plastic, leaving the metal behind. ’

Q: Using information from both texts, synthesise what you learn about e-waste in these texts [10 marks] Highlighter at the ready…where can we spot comments about e-waste?

Q: Using information from both texts, synthesise what you learn about e-waste in these texts [10 marks] Did you perhaps find…? Text B: Lots of e-waste is ‘being dumped illegally in developing countries’ Electronic waste is on the increase and the UN is concerned that it is ‘the fastest growing type of waste. ’ Only ‘ 36% of e-waste is recycled’ ‘Failure to recycle [e-waste] is leading to shortages of rare minerals to make new electronic equipment’ ‘Much of this e-waste is being sent to Africa or Asia illegally’ ‘Working on this waste in these countries usually occurs in huge open rubbish dumps…pollution…deadly materials…unsafe conditions. ’ ‘Suffer frequent bouts of illness…liver damage…increased reports of cancers and lung disease. ’