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Set 13: Rhetorical Synthesis

Explanation

Answer: B

PASSAGE

A student is writing about animal migration. The student wants to explain how birds navigate long distances. Notes: - Many birds use Earth's magnetic field for direction. - Some species navigate using the sun and stars. - Birds may use landmarks and coastlines for reference. - Arctic terns migrate 44,000 miles annually.

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

A. Migration is essential for many bird species' survival.
B. Birds navigate long-distance migrations using multiple methods: sensing Earth's magnetic field, following the sun and stars, and recognizing landmarks and coastlines.✓ Correct
C. Scientists continue to study the mysteries of bird migration.
D. Arctic terns complete an astounding 44,000-mile migration each year.

Detailed Answer Explanation

This question asks you to effectively combine information to achieve a goal. The goal is HOW birds navigate. Magnetic field, sun/stars, and landmarks are navigation methods. 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:

• "explain how birds navigate"

• "magnetic field for direction"

• "sun and stars"

• "landmarks and coastlines"

Why others are wrong: C (Mentions ongoing study but doesn't explain methods.), D (Shows distance traveled but not navigation methods.), A (Discusses migration importance, not navigation.).

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