Written by
Jagmohan Durganandan
7 minutes

Key Takeaways

The Digital SAT has introduced a new question type called Rhetorical Synthesis, designed to test students' ability to analyze and effectively utilize information to achieve a defined purpose. These questions are part of the Reading and Writing section and require strategic thinking, critical reading, and attention to detail.

In this blog, we'll provide a series of practice questions to help you hone your skills for this component of the Digital SAT.

Rhetorical Synthesis Practice Questions on the Digital SAT

Rhetorical synthesis questions typically present a set of fictitious student notes and ask you to craft a response that achieves a specific objective, such as highlighting similarities, identifying differences, or reinforcing a key argument. Let’s look at some practice questions to understand the format better.

Question 1

A student is writing a report about the shared characteristics of two scientific phenomena: photosynthesis in plants and chemosynthesis in deep-sea organisms. The student has compiled the following notes to guide their writing.

  • Photosynthesis occurs in plants and uses sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.
  • Chemosynthesis occurs in deep-sea organisms and uses chemical energy from hydrothermal vents to produce organic compounds.
  • Both processes produce energy-rich organic compounds that serve as food for the organism.
  • Both processes play a critical role in supporting ecosystems by serving as the base of the food chain.

Which response best highlights the similarity between photosynthesis and chemosynthesis as described in the notes?

Answer Choices

  1. Both photosynthesis and chemosynthesis rely on sunlight as the primary energy source.
  2. Both processes produce organic compounds that provide energy to the organism and support ecosystems.
  3. Photosynthesis and chemosynthesis are entirely different processes that occur in separate environments.
  4. Chemosynthesis is more important than photosynthesis because it occurs in extreme environments.

Question 2

A student is preparing a presentation comparing two leadership styles: autocratic and democratic. They have collected the following notes to structure their arguments.

  • Autocratic leaders make decisions unilaterally without input from team members.
  • Democratic leaders encourage participation and collaboration in decision-making.
  • Autocratic leadership is often effective in crises where quick decisions are necessary.
  • Democratic leadership is more effective in fostering creativity and team morale over the long term.

Which response best emphasizes the difference between autocratic and democratic leadership as described in the notes?

Answer Choices

  1. Both autocratic and democratic leadership involve making decisions for a team.
  2. Autocratic leadership focuses on quick decision-making, while democratic leadership emphasizes collaboration and team input.
  3. Autocratic leaders encourage creativity, while democratic leaders prioritize quick, unilateral decisions.
  4. Both leadership styles are equally effective in fostering long-term team morale.

Question 3

A student is writing an essay about the relationship between deforestation and climate change. The student has compiled the following notes to explain how deforestation contributes to changes in the global climate.

  • Forests absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis.
  • Deforestation releases stored carbon into the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect.
  • Increased greenhouse gases trap more heat, leading to rising global temperatures.
  • Deforestation reduces the planet's capacity to absorb carbon dioxide, worsening climate change over time.

Which response best explains the cause-and-effect relationship between deforestation and climate change as described in the notes?

Answer Choices

  1. Deforestation prevents trees from absorbing oxygen, which directly increases global temperatures.
  2. Deforestation releases stored carbon dioxide and reduces the planet's ability to absorb carbon, contributing to climate change.
  3. Forests naturally release carbon dioxide during photosynthesis, and deforestation disrupts this process.
  4. Deforestation is unrelated to climate change because it occurs in localized areas.

Question 4

A student is writing an article about how social media impacts interpersonal communication. They have gathered the following notes to draw a conclusion about its overall effect.

  • Social media enables people to connect instantly across long distances.
  • It can lead to superficial interactions that lack depth and emotional connection.
  • Many users report feeling more isolated despite being more "connected" online.
  • Social media facilitates the sharing of information and ideas on a global scale.

Which response best captures a logical conclusion about the impact of social media on interpersonal communication?

Answer Choices

  1. Social media improves communication by ensuring all interactions are meaningful and emotionally deep.
  2. Social media has a complex impact, fostering global connections while sometimes diminishing the quality of personal relationships.
  3. Social media always leads to isolation and should be avoided in interpersonal communication.
  4. Social media allows users to connect easily but has no influence on the depth or quality of communication.

Question 5

A student is tasked with proposing a solution to address the challenge of urban air pollution. They have reviewed the following notes, which include both textual information and a data chart.

  • Vehicles are the largest contributors to urban air pollution, emitting nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM).
  • Public transportation systems can reduce vehicle emissions significantly if adopted widely.
  • Electric vehicles (EVs) emit no tailpipe pollutants, but their adoption is limited by cost and charging infrastructure.
  • The data chart shows a 30% reduction in urban air pollution levels in cities with high public transportation usage.

Which response best proposes a solution to reduce urban air pollution using the information provided?

Answer Choices

  1. Governments should focus solely on encouraging the use of electric vehicles (EVs) to eliminate tailpipe pollutants.
  2. Expanding and promoting public transportation systems is a practical solution to reducing urban air pollution levels.
  3. Building more highways will improve traffic flow and indirectly reduce vehicle emissions.
  4. Urban air pollution can only be reduced by banning private vehicles entirely.

Question 6

A student is writing a literature review about two classic novels that explore themes of isolation: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley and The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger. The student has compiled the following notes to summarize the key points.

  • In Frankenstein, Victor isolates himself due to his obsession with creating life, leading to tragic consequences.
  • In The Catcher in the Rye, Holden feels disconnected from society and isolates himself emotionally, struggling to find meaningful connections.
  • Both protagonists experience inner turmoil as a result of their isolation.
  • Isolation in both novels is portrayed as a factor that amplifies the characters' struggles and highlights their inability to cope with their challenges.

Which response best summarizes the key points about the theme of isolation in Frankenstein and The Catcher in the Rye?

Answer Choices

  1. Both novels suggest that isolation leads to creative breakthroughs for the protagonists.
  2. The theme of isolation is depicted as a source of inner conflict that exacerbates the protagonists' struggles in both Frankenstein and The Catcher in the Rye.
  3. Isolation in both novels is portrayed as entirely voluntary and has no significant impact on the protagonists.
  4. The theme of isolation is irrelevant to the core conflicts in both Frankenstein and The Catcher in the Rye.

Question 7

A student is preparing a report on the benefits of remote work and wants to prioritize the most important aspects. They have compiled the following notes.

  • Remote work allows employees to save time by avoiding long commutes.
  • It increases productivity for many workers by providing a quieter, more personalized work environment.
  • Companies can save money on office space and utilities by implementing remote work policies.
  • Remote work can lead to feelings of isolation and reduced team cohesion without proper communication strategies.

Which response best prioritizes the most important information for a report emphasizing the benefits of remote work?

Answer Choices

  1. Remote work is beneficial because it reduces feelings of isolation and improves team cohesion.
  2. The main advantages of remote work are saving commute time, improving productivity, and reducing company expenses.
  3. Remote work is effective only when employees are monitored to ensure productivity.
  4. Companies implementing remote work may struggle with higher expenses and reduced productivity.

Question 8

A student is writing an opinion piece about the importance of vaccination programs in public health. They have gathered the following notes to support their argument.

  • Vaccines have eradicated diseases such as smallpox and drastically reduced cases of polio.
  • Vaccination programs create herd immunity, protecting even those who cannot be vaccinated.
  • Studies show that vaccination reduces healthcare costs by preventing outbreaks of infectious diseases.
  • Misconceptions about vaccine safety have led to a decline in vaccination rates in some areas.

Which response best supports the argument that vaccination programs are essential for public health?

Answer Choices

  1. Vaccination programs are controversial because some people refuse to participate.
  2. Vaccines have been successful in eradicating diseases and reducing healthcare costs, making them essential for public health.
  3. Vaccines protect only individuals who receive them and have no broader impact on public health.
  4. Vaccination programs have been ineffective in preventing the spread of diseases.

Question 9

A student is preparing a speech to explain the concept of renewable energy to a general audience. They have compiled the following notes to help clarify the idea.

  • Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, are naturally replenished and do not run out.
  • Unlike fossil fuels, renewable energy does not produce harmful emissions during energy generation.
  • Renewable energy requires an initial investment in infrastructure, such as solar panels or wind turbines.
  • Adoption of renewable energy can reduce long-term energy costs and environmental damage.

Which response best clarifies the concept of renewable energy based on the notes?

Answer Choices

  1. Renewable energy is a source of power that never requires infrastructure investment or maintenance.
  2. Renewable energy sources are unlimited and environmentally friendly alternatives to fossil fuels.
  3. Renewable energy is expensive and impractical due to the need for significant infrastructure.
  4. Renewable energy is the same as fossil fuels but with fewer emissions.

Question 10

A student is writing an essay comparing the societal impact of two historical events: the Industrial Revolution and the Digital Revolution. They have collected the following notes, which include textual information and a data chart.

  • The Industrial Revolution marked the transition from agrarian economies to industrial manufacturing, leading to urbanization and new labor systems.
  • The Digital Revolution introduced widespread access to technology, transforming communication and information sharing globally.
  • Both revolutions significantly impacted economic structures and created new industries.
  • The Industrial Revolution relied on physical infrastructure, while the Digital Revolution depends on digital networks and software.

Which response best highlights the contrast between the Industrial Revolution and the Digital Revolution as described in the notes?

Answer Choices

  1. The Industrial Revolution and the Digital Revolution both created new industries but had little impact on society.
  2. While the Industrial Revolution depended on physical infrastructure, the Digital Revolution relies on digital networks and software.
  3. The Industrial Revolution and the Digital Revolution were identical in their economic impact and technological advances.
  4. The Digital Revolution caused urbanization, while the Industrial Revolution focused on digital communication.

Question 11

A student is writing an essay on the similarities between public health campaigns for smoking cessation and vaccination awareness. They have compiled the following notes to analyze these campaigns.

  • Smoking cessation campaigns use advertisements and educational programs to inform people about the health risks of smoking.
  • Vaccination campaigns use social media, community outreach, and public service announcements to encourage vaccine uptake.
  • Both campaigns aim to improve public health outcomes by changing individual behaviors.
  • Smoking cessation efforts often face resistance due to addiction, while vaccination campaigns face resistance due to misinformation and mistrust.
  • Both types of campaigns rely on government funding and public-private partnerships for their implementation.
  • Success in both cases is measured by reduced smoking rates or increased vaccination coverage.

Which response best highlights the similarities between smoking cessation campaigns and vaccination awareness campaigns as described in the notes?

Answer Choices

  1. Both smoking cessation and vaccination campaigns rely on changing behaviors and face similar forms of resistance.
  2. Smoking cessation campaigns are effective because they target addiction, while vaccination campaigns primarily address mistrust.
  3. Public health campaigns like smoking cessation and vaccination are unrelated because they address entirely different issues.
  4. Both smoking cessation and vaccination campaigns use identical methods to achieve their goals.

Question 12

A student is comparing the experiences of living in a city versus living in a rural area for a class project. They have gathered the following notes to highlight key differences between the two lifestyles.

  • City life offers access to diverse job opportunities, cultural events, and advanced healthcare facilities.
  • Rural areas often provide a slower pace of life, closer connection to nature, and lower living costs.
  • Cities tend to have higher levels of pollution and traffic congestion compared to rural areas.
  • Rural areas may lack certain amenities like public transportation and high-speed internet.
  • Cities are characterized by dense populations, while rural areas are more sparsely populated.

Which response best emphasizes the differences between living in a city and living in a rural area as described in the notes?

Answer Choices

  1. City life and rural life are similar because they both offer a sense of community and access to amenities.
  2. Cities provide more job opportunities and amenities, while rural areas offer a slower pace of life and closer connection to nature.
  3. Both city life and rural life are equally affected by pollution and traffic congestion.
  4. Rural areas are better than cities in every way because they lack the disadvantages of urban living.

Question 13

A student is writing a report about the relationship between workplace stress and employee productivity. They have gathered the following notes to explain how stress levels impact productivity.

  • High levels of workplace stress can lead to burnout, reducing employee engagement and efficiency.
  • Chronic stress is associated with increased absenteeism and higher turnover rates.
  • Providing stress management programs, such as mindfulness training or flexible work hours, can improve employee well-being.
  • Studies show that organizations that address workplace stress see a significant boost in productivity.

Which response best explains the cause-and-effect relationship between workplace stress and employee productivity as described in the notes?

Answer Choices

  1. Workplace stress does not affect productivity if employees are properly trained for their jobs.
  2. High levels of workplace stress reduce employee productivity and engagement, while stress management programs can reverse these effects.
  3. Stress management programs have little impact on productivity, as workplace stress is a natural part of professional life.
  4. Productivity and stress are unrelated, as employees tend to perform the same regardless of stress levels.

Question 14

A student is analyzing the causes and effects of the Great Depression for a history essay. They have compiled the following notes to draw a conclusion about its broader impact on society.

  • The stock market crash of 1929 led to widespread unemployment and economic instability.
  • Many families faced severe poverty, losing their homes and savings during the Great Depression.
  • Governments introduced social safety nets, such as unemployment insurance, to support struggling citizens.
  • The Great Depression brought about significant reforms in banking and financial regulations to prevent future economic collapses.

Which response best draws a conclusion about the broader impact of the Great Depression based on the notes?

Answer Choices

  1. The Great Depression caused widespread unemployment, but its effects were limited to financial markets.
  2. The Great Depression not only caused economic hardship but also led to lasting reforms in social welfare and financial regulations.
  3. The Great Depression was primarily caused by poor government policies and had no positive outcomes.
  4. The Great Depression had little impact on everyday life, focusing mainly on policy reforms.

Question 15

A student is tasked with proposing a solution to address food shortages in a fictional society suffering from unpredictable weather and a growing population. They have gathered the following notes to help create their proposal.

  • The society relies heavily on traditional farming methods, which are vulnerable to unpredictable weather patterns.
  • Advances in vertical farming technology allow crops to be grown indoors, reducing dependence on weather conditions.
  • Vertical farming requires initial investment in infrastructure but uses significantly less water and land.
  • Implementing food waste reduction programs could complement efforts to increase food production.
  • Surveys show strong public support for sustainable farming practices, even with higher costs.

Which response best proposes a solution to the food shortage issue in this fictional society using the information provided?

Answer Choices

  1. The society should continue relying on traditional farming methods and focus on adapting to unpredictable weather patterns.
  2. Investing in vertical farming technology, combined with food waste reduction programs, is an effective way to address food shortages sustainably.
  3. Vertical farming is too costly and impractical for the society; efforts should instead focus on producing more food through existing methods.
  4. Food shortages can only be solved by controlling population growth rather than improving agricultural practices.

Practice and Preparation for the Digital SAT

Mastering rhetorical synthesis questions and other sections of the Digital SAT requires a solid understanding of the test format and strategic preparation. Check out our detailed guide on Digital SAT Practice and Preparation to get started.

Conclusion – Analyze Your Bluebook Practice Test Results with EdisonOS

Mastering rhetorical synthesis questions and other aspects of the Digital SAT requires more than just practice—it requires insightful analysis of your performance. EdisonOS offers Bluebook Insights, a powerful tool to analyze your practice test reports and gain a detailed breakdown of your results.

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Whether you’re a student aiming to ace the SAT or a tutor guiding your students to success, Bluebook Insights provides the clarity you need to take your preparation to the next level.

Analyze Your Bluebook Practice Test Now!

For additional tips and strategies, check out our detailed guide on Digital SAT Practice and Preparation. With the right tools and preparation, you can confidently tackle the challenges of the Digital SAT and achttps://bluebook.edisonos.com/upload-reportshieve your best score.

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