Set 8: Rhetorical Synthesis
Explanation
PASSAGE
A student is writing about the Anthropocene. The student wants to argue for recognizing a new geological epoch defined by human impact. Notes: - Human activities have left global geological markers. - Radioactive isotopes from nuclear testing appear in rock layers worldwide. - Plastic and concrete particles are now found in sediments. - The rate of species extinction rivals past mass extinction events.
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 ARGUE for recognition. Radioactive isotopes, plastic/concrete markers, and extinction rates provide argument evidence. 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:
• "argue for recognizing a new geological epoch"
• "left global geological markers"
• "Radioactive isotopes from nuclear testing"
• "Plastic and concrete particles are now found"
• "rate of species extinction rivals past mass extinction"
Why others are wrong: D (General statement; doesn't make argument for epoch recognition.), A (Not in notes; discusses climate change, not geological markers.), C (Not in notes; discusses geology method, not Anthropocene argument.).
🎯 Keep Practicing!
Master all sections for your best SAT score