Set 14: Rhetorical Synthesis (Advanced)
Explanation
PASSAGE
A student is writing about methane as a greenhouse gas. The student wants to explain why methane is a particular concern despite CO2 being more abundant. Notes: - Methane traps 80 times more heat than CO2 over 20 years. - Methane persists in the atmosphere for about 12 years. - CO2 remains in the atmosphere for centuries. - Natural gas production is a major methane source.
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 why methane concerns despite CO2 abundance. 80× heat trapping shows potency that outweighs lower abundance. 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:
• "particular concern despite CO2 being more abundant"
• "traps 80 times more heat"
• "persists...for about 12 years"
Why others are wrong: B (States duration but doesn't explain why it's a concern.), D (Compares duration but doesn't explain methane's potency concern.), A (Discusses source but not why methane is a concern.).
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