Set 7: Rhetorical Synthesis (Advanced)
Explanation
PASSAGE
A student is writing about deep-sea exploration. The student wants to convey how little we know about the ocean depths. Notes: - Only 5% of the ocean floor has been explored in detail. - The deep sea contains possibly millions of undiscovered species. - Extreme pressure makes exploration technologically challenging. - New species are discovered on most deep-sea expeditions.
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 LITTLE we know. 5% explored and millions undiscovered directly convey this limited knowledge. 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:
• "convey how little we know"
• "Only 5% of the ocean floor has been explored"
• "millions of undiscovered species"
Why others are wrong: C (Suggests active discovery but doesn't emphasize vastness of unknown.), A (Explains why exploration is hard, not what we don't know.), D (Not in notes; discusses methods, not lack of knowledge.).
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