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Set 14: Rhetorical Synthesis (Advanced)

Explanation

Answer: D

PASSAGE

A student is writing about bird intelligence. The student wants to challenge the stereotype that birds are unintelligent. Notes: - Crows can use tools and solve multi-step problems. - Parrots understand concepts like 'same' and 'different.' - Some birds can remember thousands of food-cache locations. - The term 'bird brain' is meant as an insult.

Which choice most effectively uses information from the notes to accomplish the student's goal?

A. The phrase 'bird brain' is commonly used as an insult meaning someone is unintelligent.
B. Crows have demonstrated the ability to use tools and solve multi-step problems.
C. Scientists continue to study cognitive abilities in various bird species.
D. Despite the insulting term 'bird brain,' research reveals remarkable intelligence: crows use tools, parrots grasp abstract concepts, and some birds remember thousands of cache locations.✓ Correct

Detailed Answer Explanation

This question asks you to effectively combine information to achieve a goal. The goal is to CHALLENGE the stereotype. Acknowledging 'bird brain' then presenting tool use, concepts, and memory challenges it. 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 stereotype"

• "'bird brain' is meant as an insult"

• "use tools"

• "understand concepts"

• "remember thousands"

Why others are wrong: C (Not in notes; mentions research, not specific challenges.), A (States the insult but doesn't challenge it.), B (Presents evidence but doesn't frame as challenging stereotype.).

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