Set 11: Rhetorical Synthesis
Explanation
PASSAGE
A student is writing about the discovery of Neanderthal DNA in modern humans. The student wants to explain what this reveals about human history. Notes: - Most non-African humans have 1-2% Neanderthal DNA. - This indicates interbreeding occurred between species. - Neanderthals contributed genes affecting skin, hair, and immunity. - Neanderthals went extinct about 40,000 years ago.
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 what this REVEALS about human history. Interbreeding between species and trait inheritance are historical revelations. 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:
• "what this reveals about human history"
• "indicates interbreeding occurred"
• "contributed genes affecting skin, hair, and immunity"
Why others are wrong: B (Not in notes; discusses technique, not revelations.), C (General statement; doesn't explain DNA significance.), D (States extinction date but not what DNA reveals.).
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