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Set 9: Rhetorical Synthesis (Advanced)

Explanation

Answer: B

PASSAGE

A student is writing about the appendix. The student wants to challenge the idea that it is a useless vestigial organ. Notes: - The appendix was long considered a useless evolutionary leftover. - Recent research shows it may harbor beneficial gut bacteria. - It could help repopulate the gut after illness. - The appendix contains immune tissue.

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

A. The appendix was long considered a vestigial organ with no useful function.
B. Contrary to its reputation as useless, the appendix may harbor beneficial bacteria, help repopulate the gut after illness, and contains immune tissue—suggesting it serves important functions.✓ Correct
C. Evolutionary biologists study vestigial organs to understand how species change over time.
D. Appendicitis, or inflammation of the appendix, is a common medical emergency.

Detailed Answer Explanation

This question asks you to effectively combine information to achieve a goal. The goal is to CHALLENGE the 'useless' idea. Presenting bacteria, gut repopulation, and immune functions challenges uselessness. 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 idea that it is a useless vestigial organ"

• "harbor beneficial gut bacteria"

• "repopulate the gut"

• "contains immune tissue"

Why others are wrong: D (Not in notes; discusses disease, not function.), A (States old view but doesn't challenge it.), C (Not in notes; general statement about study.).

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