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Set 6: Rhetorical Synthesis

Explanation

Answer: D

PASSAGE

A student is writing about negative capability in literature. The student wants to explain Keats's concept and why it remains influential. Notes: - Keats described negative capability as remaining in uncertainty without reaching for reason. - It values openness to mystery over premature resolution. - Great writers can dwell in ambiguity without irritable grasping. - The concept has influenced literary criticism and creative writing pedagogy.

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

A. Many writers value ambiguity in their literary works.
B. John Keats was one of the leading Romantic poets.
C. Creative writing programs have proliferated in universities.
D. Keats's negative capability—remaining in uncertainty without irritable grasping after reason—valorizes openness to mystery over premature resolution, influencing both literary criticism and creative writing pedagogy with its vision of great writers dwelling comfortably in ambiguity.✓ Correct

Detailed Answer Explanation

This question asks you to effectively combine information to achieve a goal. The goal requires CONCEPT explanation AND continued influence. Uncertainty without grasping (concept) + criticism and pedagogy influence. 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 Keats's concept and why it remains influential"

• "remaining in uncertainty without reaching for reason"

• "values openness to mystery"

• "influenced literary criticism and creative writing pedagogy"

Why others are wrong: B (Not in notes; biographical, not conceptual.), A (Notes ambiguity value but doesn't explain the concept.), C (Not in notes; discusses programs, not the concept.).

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