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Set 8: Rhetorical Synthesis (Advanced)

Explanation

Answer: C

PASSAGE

A student is writing about biomimicry. The student wants to give examples of technology inspired by nature. Notes: - Velcro was inspired by burrs sticking to dog fur. - Bullet train design mimics kingfisher beaks. - Building ventilation systems copy termite mound airflow. - Biomimicry is the imitation of natural designs.

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

A. Biomimicry is the practice of imitating nature's designs to solve human problems.
B. Engineers increasingly look to nature for design inspiration.
C. Nature has inspired numerous technologies: Velcro from burrs, bullet trains from kingfisher beaks, and building ventilation from termite mounds.✓ Correct
D. Natural designs have evolved over millions of years to become highly efficient.

Detailed Answer Explanation

This question asks you to effectively combine information to achieve a goal. The goal is to GIVE EXAMPLES. Velcro, bullet trains, and ventilation are specific technology examples. 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:

• "give examples of technology inspired by nature"

• "Velcro was inspired by burrs"

• "Bullet train design mimics kingfisher"

• "termite mound airflow"

Why others are wrong: A (Defines biomimicry but gives no specific examples.), B (General statement; no specific examples.), D (Not in notes; discusses evolution, not examples.).

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