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Set 12: Rhetorical Synthesis

Explanation

Answer: B

PASSAGE

A student is writing about the Impressionist art movement. The student wants to explain what made Impressionism different from previous artistic styles. Notes: - Impressionists painted outdoors to capture natural light. - They used visible brushstrokes instead of smooth blending. - Traditional academic painting focused on historical and religious subjects. - Impressionists often depicted everyday scenes and landscapes.

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

A. Impressionist painters were known for their beautiful depictions of the French countryside.
B. Breaking from tradition, Impressionists rejected the smooth blending of academic painting in favor of visible brushstrokes and captured everyday scenes rather than historical subjects.✓ Correct
C. Impressionists preferred to paint outdoors, which allowed them to work in natural light.
D. Many Impressionist paintings can be found in major museums around the world today.

Detailed Answer Explanation

This question asks you to effectively combine information to achieve a goal. The goal is to explain what made Impressionism DIFFERENT. Choice A explicitly contrasts Impressionist techniques with traditional academic painting. 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 made Impressionism different"

• "visible brushstrokes instead of smooth blending"

• "everyday scenes"

Why others are wrong: C (Describes technique but doesn't contrast with tradition.), A (Describes Impressionist subjects but doesn't contrast with previous styles.), D (Not in notes; doesn't address differences.).

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