Set 6: Rhetorical Synthesis
Explanation
PASSAGE
A student is writing about scientific paradigm shifts. The student wants to explain how revolutionary discoveries challenge established frameworks. Notes: - Anomalies accumulate that the current paradigm cannot explain. - Scientists initially try to fit anomalies into existing theories. - Eventually, a new theory emerges that explains both old and new data. - Resistance to new paradigms comes from established scientists.
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 to EXPLAIN how revolutions CHALLENGE frameworks. Anomaly accumulation → fitting attempts → new theory → resistance traces the process. 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:
• "how revolutionary discoveries challenge established frameworks"
• "Anomalies accumulate"
• "Scientists initially try to fit anomalies"
• "new theory emerges"
• "Resistance...comes from established scientists"
Why others are wrong: B (Not in notes; references theorist, not the process itself.), D (Mentions resistance but doesn't explain the full challenge process.), C (Describes gradual progress, opposite of revolutionary shifts.).
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