As part of the process of synthesizing information from different sources, a reader

decides what the central ideas are.

represents the ideas in visual ways. color-codes the data to make it easy to locate.

divides the information into numbered sections.

decides what the central ideas are.

Explanation:

You need to have a focus and a common ground when you're synthesizing information from different sources. By having a strong idea of what you're looking for, what theme or topic, you can guide yourself through a sea of information and pick exactly what you need without much trouble.

- "the answers are a and b.  

when cullen speaks of planting while others reap, and standing "abject and mute," he is speaking about the racial injustices present in american society. as these injustices have changed over time, the american identity  has also shifted. those changes are, in turn, reflected in american literature."