Set 12: Rhetorical Synthesis (Advanced)
Explanation
PASSAGE
A student is writing about epigenetics. The student wants to challenge the notion that DNA alone determines traits. Notes: - DNA sequence is not the only factor controlling gene expression. - Chemical modifications can turn genes on or off. - Environmental factors like diet can cause epigenetic changes. - Some epigenetic changes can be inherited.
Which choice most effectively uses information from the notes to accomplish the student's goal?
Detailed Answer Explanation
This question asks you to effectively combine information to achieve a goal. The goal is to CHALLENGE DNA-alone determinism. Chemical modifications, environmental influence, and inheritance show factors beyond DNA sequence. The correct synthesis will use relevant details from the notes in a logical, purposeful way. Focus on what the question asks you to accomplish, then choose the answer that best achieves that goal using the provided information. Effective synthesis requires selecting and combining the most relevant information to achieve a specific purpose. Not all provided notes may be equally useful. Focus on what best accomplishes the stated goal while maintaining logical coherence.
Key Evidence:
• "challenge the notion that DNA alone determines traits"
• "not the only factor"
• "Chemical modifications can turn genes on or off"
• "Environmental factors"
Why others are wrong: B (Very general; doesn't specifically challenge DNA determinism.), C (Discusses field growth, not the challenge to DNA determinism.), D (Mentions inheritance but doesn't challenge DNA determinism directly.).
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