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Synthesis for Comparisons, Contrasts, and Trends

SAT Reading & WritingExpression of IdeasMedium

Build sentences whose grammar makes the requested relationship unmistakable.

What you need to know

  • A comparison needs a shared basis: the same measure, feature, or time period.
  • Contrast markers must reflect a real difference in the notes.
  • Trend descriptions should state direction and relevant values accurately.
  • Parallel sentence structure makes comparisons easier to understand.

The AYLOTI method

  1. Identify the two items.
  2. Name the shared comparison dimension.
  3. Calculate or describe the relationship.
  4. Use while, whereas, similarly, or both only when the notes justify it.

AYLOTI • Sir Hunain Zia • SAT Score 1594/1600 • 154 Total A Grades (Personal), 11 World Records, 7 Distinctions

Worked example

Notes: City A recycled 42% in 2015 and 61% in 2025; City B recycled 58% in both years. Goal: contrast trends.

  1. City A increased by 19 percentage points.
  2. City B stayed constant.
  3. A whereas construction expresses opposite trends.

Answer: Whereas City A’s recycling rate rose from 42% to 61%, City B’s rate remained at 58%.

Common SAT traps

  • Calling percentage-point change a percent change.
  • Comparing values from different years without saying so.
  • Using “similarly” when the directions differ.
Quick check

From 20% to 30% is an increase of how many percentage points?

10 percentage points.

Before you move on

  • Explain the core rule without looking back.
  • Redo the worked example using your own steps.
  • Write the trap you are most likely to fall for.
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