Set 14: Rhetorical Synthesis
Explanation
PASSAGE
A student is writing about the Silk Road. The student wants to emphasize its role in cultural exchange, not just trade. Notes: - The Silk Road connected China to the Mediterranean. - Goods like silk, spices, and tea were traded. - Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam spread along these routes. - Artistic styles and technologies were shared between civilizations.
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 cultural exchange, NOT just trade. 'Beyond commerce' frames it correctly; religions and art show cultural exchange. 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:
• "role in cultural exchange, not just trade"
• "Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam spread"
• "Artistic styles and technologies were shared"
Why others are wrong: C (Emphasizes trade importance, opposite of the goal.), D (Describes route geography, not cultural exchange.), B (Focuses on trade goods, exactly what the goal says to go beyond.).
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