Set 12: Rhetorical Synthesis (Advanced)
Explanation
PASSAGE
A student is writing about coral reef ecosystems. The student wants to explain why coral reefs are called 'rainforests of the sea.' Notes: - Coral reefs cover less than 1% of the ocean floor. - They support 25% of all marine species. - Reefs provide food and income for 500 million people. - Coral bleaching threatens reef survival worldwide.
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 explain the 'rainforests of the sea' nickname. Like rainforests, reefs have extraordinary biodiversity relative to their small area. 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:
• "why coral reefs are called 'rainforests of the sea'"
• "less than 1% of the ocean floor"
• "support 25% of all marine species"
Why others are wrong: C (Discusses threats, not the biodiversity that earns the nickname.), D (Discusses economic importance, not biodiversity comparison.), B (Discusses aesthetics, not the rainforest comparison.).
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