Set 14: Rhetorical Synthesis (Intermediate)
Explanation
PASSAGE
A student is writing an essay about the benefits of renewable energy. The student wants to emphasize how solar power has become more affordable. Notes: - Solar panel costs have dropped 89% since 2010. - The average home solar installation now costs $15,000. - Government tax credits can reduce costs by 30%. - Solar panels typically last 25-30 years.
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 emphasize affordability. The 89% cost reduction since 2010 most directly shows how solar has become more affordable over time. 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:
• "emphasize how solar power has become more affordable"
• "costs have dropped 89%"
Why others are wrong: A (Presents cost as 'significant expense'—opposite of emphasizing affordability.), B (Mentions cost reduction but doesn't emphasize the overall affordability trend.), C (Focuses on durability, not affordability.).
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