Junior High School

Grade 8

English

ENGLISH LEARNING KIT

Fourth Quarter – MELC 3

Synthesize Essential Information

Found in Various Sources

Development Team of English Learning Kit

Writer: Luna T. Camral

Illustrators: Armand Glenn S. Lapor Mark T. Dasa

Layout Artists: Lilibeth E. Larupay Armand Glenn S. Lapor

Leopoldo P. Quiñon Jr.

Division Quality Assurance Team:

Lilibeth E. Larupay Dr. Eugenio L. Mallorca
Armand Glenn S. Lapor Leopoldo P. Quiñon Jr.
Ana Liza P. Suycano

Management Team: Dr. Roel F. Bermejo Dr. Novelyn M. Vilchez

Dr. Ferdinand S. Sy Dr. Azucena T. Falales
Ruben S. Libutaque Dr. Eugenio L. Mallorca
Lilibeth E. Larupay

Grade 8 – English
English
Competency: Synthesize essential 8 - Learning
information found in various sourcesActivity Sheet No.1
Grade 8 – English 1
Competency: Synthesize essential information found in various sources
 Name of Learner: ____________________________________________________
Grade and Section: ______________________________ Date: ______________

Synthesize Essential Information

I. Learning Competency with Code

Competency: Synthesize essential information found in various sources

II. Background Information for Learner

WHAT IS SYNTHESIZING?

Synthesizing is one of the most challenging reading strategies for students to

master, simply because it requires students to use multiple skills and strategies
together. In fact, the prefix “syn” means together. Synthesizing a text is the process
of pulling together background knowledge, newly learned ideas, connections,
inferences and summaries into a complete and original understanding of the text.
When students synthesize, they are made aware of how their thinking changes and
evolves as they read a text.
The concept of synthesizing can be
likened to the ripples formed by a pebble
dropped in the water. At first when the pebble
drops in the water, there is just a small ripple.
Then, that ripple creates a new, larger ripple.
That larger ripple continues to create an even
larger ripple, and so on. Each ripple grows
from the previous ripple, increasing in size, but
they all stem from the original drop of the
pebble. Just like the growing ripples, our
thinking grows as we read. When we first
begin reading, we have an initial thought about what the book will be about, or
establish first impressions about the characters (similar to the initial drop of the
pebble). However, as we continue reading, our thinking evolves, changes, and grows
as we learn new information. Like the ripples, our understanding becomes greater.
It is important to note however that a synthesis is NOT the same as a summary.
A synthesis can INCLUDE parts of a summary, or a retelling from the text, but it goes
far beyond that summary or retelling.1

1
Reading Comprehension Strategy Series: How to Teach Students to Synthesize While Reading.
Retrieved March 30, 2021. https://www.classroomnook.com/blog/synthesizing-a-text

Grade 8 – English 2
Competency: Synthesize essential information found in various sources
 The chart below highlights some of the main difference between summarizing
and synthesizing information.

Summary and Synthesis – What’s the Difference?

Summary Synthesis
Basic reading technique Advanced reading technique
Pulls together information to highlight the You pull together information not only to
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. Combines parts and elements from a
article, chapter, document) at a time. Each variety of sources into one unified entity.
source remains distinct.

Presents a cursory overview Focuses on both main ideas and details.

Demonstrates an understanding of the Achieves new insight.
overall meaning.

3 Types of Syntheses
When thinking about synthesizing, experts have come to agree that there are
3 types of syntheses that students can make. A synthesis can form:

1. a new understanding, something a reader has not considered before until

reading the text
2. a deeper understanding, becoming more aware or appreciative of an idea
after reading a text
3. a changed understanding, thinking differently as a result of the text2

2
Reading strategies: Differences between summarizing and synthesizing. Retrieved March 30, 2021.
https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/369435975663689116/?d=t&mt=login

Grade 8 – English 3
Competency: Synthesize essential information found in various sources
 Let’s take a look at for an example of a synthesis based on the story of “The Lion and
the mouse” which we are all familiar about.

The Synthesis-
coming up of a
new idea based
on the story
and one’s prior
knowledge.

In fictional texts, readers synthesize to form a new, deepened or changed

understanding about the character and events in the book. In nonfiction, a reader’s
synthesis is often the understanding that we develop when we study a topic through
multiple books, articles, and multi-media resources. We put together everything that
we’ve learned about that topic into a complete synthesis. For example, when we ask
students to complete a research project we are asking them to synthesize the
information that they have learned from multiple sources.

Below are examples of the SUMMARY and SYNTHESIS of the animated movie, Little
Mermaid.3

Summary Synthesis
The Little Mermaid is Jane Doe makes a valid point that the music in the
an animated movie about Little Mermaid heightens the movie’s emotional appeal
a mermaid who is (33). John Smith adds that the songs also offer the
obsessed with human audience a chance to participate by singing along with
culture. She falls in love the characters (127). The fact is, Disney movies are
with a human and must made to be watched again and again by viewers. This
choose between her re-watching may in fact weaken the emotional impact
world and his. (A of the songs as they become clichéd for viewers: worn-
summary does not out, over-played and in the end devoid of meaning.
contain any judgment or (The italics shows the student’s synthesis based on the
opinion.) two reviews written by Jane Doe and John Smith)

Grade 8 – English 4
Competency: Synthesize essential information found in various sources
 Questions to help you in SYNTHESIZING information:

• Did I relate the ideas from 2 or more sources to each other clearly?
• Did I explain how the combination of multiple sources lead me to a whole new
idea/point?
• Will the audience accept my reasoning?
• Is my new idea or point original and insightful?3

III. Accompanying DepEd Textbook and Educational Site

IV. Activity Proper

Check Your Understanding!

A. Read the Aesop Fable below and then accomplish the graphic organizer that
follow. Use the beginning sentences as your guide. Write your answer in your
English notebook.

A Giant Oak stood near a brook in

which grew some slender Reeds. When
the wind blew, the great Oak stood
proudly upright with its hundred arms
uplifted to the sky. But the Reeds
bowed low in the wind and sang a sad
and mournful song.
"You have reason to complain,"
said the Oak. "The slightest breeze that
ruffles the surface of the water makes
you bow your heads, while I, the mighty
Oak, stand upright and firm before the
howling tempest."
"Do not worry about us," replied the Reeds. "The wi nds do not harm
us. We bow before them and so we do not break. You, in all your pride
and strength, have so far resisted their blows. But the end is coming."
As the Reeds spoke a great hurricane rushed out of the north. The
Oak stood proudly and fou ght against the storm, while the yielding Reeds
bowed low. The wind redoubled in fury, and all at once the great tree fell,
torn up by the roots, and lay among the pitying Reeds.

3
S.A.S (summary, analysis, synthesis). Retrieved March 30, 2021.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HN9hJw00hmA

Grade 8 – English 5
Competency: Synthesize essential information found in various sources
 B. Summarize and synthesize the information from the following articles.
1. Today, some dogs are used as pets, others are used to help humans do their work.
They are a popular pet because they are usually playful, friendly, loyal, and listen to
humans. Dogs eat both meat and vegetables, often mixed together and sold in stores
as dog food. Dogs often have jobs, including as police dogs, army dogs, assistance
dogs, fire dogs, messenger dogs, hunting dogs, herding dogs, or rescue dogs.
Summary:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
2. As pets go, cats are relatively low maintenance compared to dogs which need
companionship, walking, training etc. However, like any pet, they do need care, and
some cats need more care than others. Cats can also fit into our busy modern lifestyles
more easily than dogs, as they are pretty independent, can be left alone much more
easily and are more suitable for smaller flats or houses.
Summary:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Synthesis of 1 & 2. (Discuss how the two articles are similar and/or contrasting to
each other. Then add your own opinion/judgment.)
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

Grade 8 – English 6
Competency: Synthesize essential information found in various sources
 C. Read the passage. The questions that follow require you to synthesize information
in order to come up with the correct answer. Write your answer in your English
Notebook.

Tasting Colors
People all over the world make tea. Tea
is made with hot water and plants. The plants
soak in the hot water. The water takes the flavor
of the plants. Some people drink tea right from
the pot. Others refrigerate it first or add ice.
Herbal tea comes from flowers, fruit, and herbs.
Herbs are small plants. They have strong flavors and smells. There are many herbal
teas. Two kinds are apple cinnamon and peppermint.
Traditional tea is another type of tea. There are black tea and green tea.
There also is white tea. All of them come from the same plant. But the leaves are
picked at different times. Then the leaves are treated differently. This makes three
different colors and flavors!7

1. What pieces of information from the passage can you synthesize to understand that
tea can be served hot and cold?
a. Some people drink tea from the pot. Others refrigerate it or add ice.
b. People everywhere make tea. Some drink it from the pot.
c. Herbal tea comes from herbs. Traditional tea is another type.
d. Tea is made with plants. Some people add ice.
2. What new idea can you form about traditional tea?
a. It is easier to make.
b. It tastes the same as herbal tea.
c. People usually serve it hot.
d. There are three different kinds
3. What can you tell about black tea and white tea?
a. They come from different plants.
b. They do not taste the same.
c. They are herbal teas.
d. They look the same as green tea.
4. What is the best summary of the passage?
a. Tea is a delicious drink. Some people drink it right after it is made.
b. Everybody makes tea. They use flowers, fruits, and herbs.
c. There are many kinds of tea. They are all made with plants and hot water.
d. Tea is made from herbs. It comes in different colors.
____________________
7
Synthesize. Retrieved March 30, 2021. https://www.lessonplanet.com/search?keywords=synthesize

Grade 8 – English 7
Competency: Synthesize essential information found in various sources
 V. Reflection

How are you doing so far?

Directions: Accomplish the infographic below by answering the questions based on
your lesson on Synthesis. Write your answers in your English notebook.

What is synthesis? ________________________________

How do we synthesize a single work? Multiple sources?
_______________________________________________
Why is synthesizing an important skill for better reading
comprehension?
_______________________________________________

VI. Answer Key

A. Answer may vary

B. Answer may vary
C. 1. A 2. D 3. B 4. C

Practice Personal Hygiene Protocols at all Time

Grade 8 – English 8
Competency: Synthesize essential information found in various sources