Reading Strategy: Synthesize

When you draw conclusions, you develop judgments, or opinions, about the author’s message. When you synthesize, you put together these conclusions and other ideas to form a new overall understanding.

Reading Strategy Synthesize
    How to Draw Conclusions

  • 1. Look for several facts or details the author provides about the topic.

  • 2. Use logic and what you already know to form a judgment that makes sense.

  • 3. As you continue reading, check to see if additional details cause you to rethink your conclusions.

Strategy in Action

Here’s how one student drew conclusions as she read.

Look Into the Text

Diaz is the founder of an innovative Chicago soup kitchen called First Slice. “This organization gives the first slice to people who rarely get anything special.” A former chef at Chicago’s acclaimed North Pond restaurant, Diaz feeds 400 homeless people each week, preparing delicious meals with fresh, locally grown, mostly organic ingredients.

“A chef at a well-known restaurant makes special dishes.”

“That’s a lot of people in need of food.”

Practice Together

Read the passage and follow the steps in the How-To box. Draw a conclusion of your own, based on what you have read.

Evidence in the TextWhat I Already KnowMy Conclusion
Diaz is a skilled chef who feeds the homeless.It takes money and effort to cook for so many people.Diaz cares about people, not about being famous or rich.