Set 14: Rhetorical Synthesis (Advanced)
Explanation
PASSAGE
A student is writing about volcanic eruptions. The student wants to explain how volcanoes can affect global climate. Notes: - Major eruptions release sulfur dioxide into the stratosphere. - Sulfur particles reflect sunlight, cooling the Earth's surface. - The 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption cooled global temperatures by 0.5°C. - Volcanic ash can disrupt air travel for thousands of miles.
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 how volcanoes affect global climate. Sulfur dioxide reflecting sunlight and the Pinatubo cooling example explain this. 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:
• "how volcanoes can affect global climate"
• "sulfur particles reflect sunlight"
• "cooled global temperatures by 0.5°C"
Why others are wrong: D (Discusses air travel disruption, not climate effects.), C (General statement; doesn't explain climate mechanism.), A (States eruption size but doesn't explain climate impact.).
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