Set 10: Rhetorical Synthesis (Intermediate)
Explanation
PASSAGE
A student is writing about the fall of the Roman Empire. The student wants to show that multiple factors contributed to its decline. Notes: - Economic troubles weakened Rome's ability to maintain its military. - Political instability led to frequent changes in leadership. - Invasions by Germanic tribes pressured Roman borders. - The empire had grown too large to govern effectively.
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 show MULTIPLE factors. Choice A explicitly lists four factors and describes them as interconnected. 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:
• "multiple factors contributed"
• "Economic troubles"
• "Political instability"
• "Invasions"
• "too large to govern"
Why others are wrong: B (Not in notes; discusses aftermath, not causes.), C (Focuses on single factor (invasions) as 'final blow.'), D (Mentions two factors but presents one as causing the other.).
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