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Set 13: Rhetorical Synthesis

Explanation

Answer: D

PASSAGE

A student is writing about artificial photosynthesis. The student wants to explain why scientists are pursuing this technology. Notes: - Artificial photosynthesis could produce clean fuel from sunlight and water. - It would capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. - Natural photosynthesis is only about 1% efficient. - Current solar panels cannot produce fuels directly.

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

A. Natural photosynthesis in plants is only about 1% efficient at converting sunlight to energy.
B. Artificial photosynthesis research is ongoing at laboratories around the world.
C. Plants convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen.
D. Scientists pursue artificial photosynthesis because it could produce clean fuel from sunlight—something solar panels cannot do—while simultaneously capturing atmospheric carbon dioxide.✓ Correct

Detailed Answer Explanation

This question asks you to effectively combine information to achieve a goal. The goal is WHY scientists pursue this. Clean fuel production (+carbon capture) that solar panels can't do explains motivation. 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:

• "why scientists are pursuing"

• "produce clean fuel"

• "solar panels cannot produce fuels"

• "capture carbon dioxide"

Why others are wrong: A (States natural photosynthesis limitations but not why artificial version is pursued.), B (States research exists but not why it's being pursued.), C (Describes natural photosynthesis, not motivation for artificial version.).

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