Set 12: Rhetorical Synthesis (Intermediate)
Explanation
PASSAGE
A student is writing about the paradox of tolerance. The student wants to explain the philosophical dilemma it presents for liberal democracies. Notes: - Unlimited tolerance may tolerate intolerance itself. - Tolerating intolerant movements can undermine tolerant societies. - This creates a dilemma: should tolerance be extended to the intolerant? - Popper argued tolerance must be limited to preserve tolerance.
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 the DILEMMA for democracies. Tolerance tolerating intolerance → self-undermining → Popper's limited tolerance solution. 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 the philosophical dilemma it presents for liberal democracies"
• "Unlimited tolerance may tolerate intolerance"
• "Tolerating intolerant movements can undermine"
• "Popper argued tolerance must be limited"
Why others are wrong: C (Not in notes; discusses free speech, not the paradox.), D (Not in notes; historical statement, not the dilemma.), B (General statement; doesn't explain specific dilemma.).
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