While researching a presentation on marine conservation, a student has taken the following notes:
• Dr. Sylvia Earle is a renowned marine biologist and oceanographer • She led the first team of women aquanauts in 1970 • In 1979, she set a world record for deepest untethered dive (1,250 feet) • She founded Mission Blue, a nonprofit dedicated to ocean conservation • She was named Time magazine's first "Hero for the Planet" in 1998
The student wants to emphasize Earle's pioneering achievements in ocean exploration. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
Dr. Sylvia Earle made history by leading the first team of women aquanauts in 1970 and later set a world record with a 1,250-foot untethered dive in 1979.
Time magazine named Dr. Sylvia Earle, a marine biologist who founded Mission Blue, as the first 'Hero for the Planet' in 1998.
Dr. Sylvia Earle, a renowned oceanographer, has dedicated her career to ocean conservation through her nonprofit Mission Blue.
Marine biologist Dr. Sylvia Earle has received numerous honors throughout her distinguished career in oceanography.
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the best answer. The goal is to emphasize pioneering achievements in exploration.
- Context clues: The goal asks for "pioneering achievements in ocean exploration."
- Meaning: First women aquanauts (1970) and record dive (1979) are exploration achievements.
- Verify: Choice A combines both pioneering exploration accomplishments.
💡 Strategy: For rhetorical synthesis, first identify what the goal asks for, then find notes that directly support that specific goal.
Choice B is incorrect because it focuses on awards and conservation work, not exploration achievements. Choice C is incorrect because it emphasizes conservation, not exploration. Choice D is incorrect because it's too general and doesn't specify any exploration achievements.