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Set 12: Rhetorical Synthesis

Explanation

Answer: A

PASSAGE

A student is writing about urbanization trends. The student wants to show how quickly urban populations are growing. Notes: - In 1950, 30% of the world's population lived in cities. - By 2050, 68% of people are projected to live in urban areas. - Tokyo is currently the world's largest city with 37 million residents. - Urbanization often leads to increased economic opportunities.

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

A. Urban populations have grown dramatically, from 30% of the world in 1950 to a projected 68% by 2050.✓ Correct
B. Urbanization creates increased economic opportunities for city residents.
C. Tokyo, with 37 million residents, exemplifies how large modern cities can become.
D. Cities around the world continue to attract new residents seeking better opportunities.

Detailed Answer Explanation

This question asks you to effectively combine information to achieve a goal. The goal is to show growth speed. The 30% to 68% comparison over 100 years directly demonstrates rapid growth. 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:

• "show how quickly urban populations are growing"

• "30% in 1950"

• "68% by 2050"

Why others are wrong: C (Shows city size, not growth rate/speed.), D (General statement; doesn't quantify growth speed.), B (Addresses reasons for urbanization, not growth speed.).

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