Set 9: Rhetorical Synthesis
Explanation
PASSAGE
A student is writing about the Gaia hypothesis. The student wants to present the hypothesis while acknowledging scientific skepticism about it. Notes: - Lovelock proposed Earth functions as a self-regulating system. - The biosphere maintains conditions favorable for life. - Critics reject any suggestion of planetary 'purpose' or agency. - Some self-regulating mechanisms have been scientifically validated.
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 requires hypothesis AND skepticism. Self-regulating system (hypothesis) + purpose rejection (skepticism) + partial validation. 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:
• "present the hypothesis while acknowledging scientific skepticism"
• "Earth functions as a self-regulating system"
• "Critics reject any suggestion of planetary 'purpose'"
• "Some self-regulating mechanisms have been scientifically validated"
Why others are wrong: D (States view but not the skepticism.), A (Not in notes; general statement about climate.), C (States origin but not hypothesis or skepticism.).
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