Set 8: Rhetorical Synthesis (Intermediate)
Explanation
PASSAGE
A student is writing about complexity theory in biology. The student wants to explain how emergent properties arise from simple rules. Notes: - Bird flocks exhibit complex patterns from simple individual rules. - Each bird follows only local neighbors, not a leader. - Ant colonies organize without central coordination. - Complexity emerges from many simple interactions, not top-down control.
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 HOW emergent properties arise from simple rules. Bird flock example (simple rules → complex patterns) and ant colony (no central control) explain emergence. 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:
• "how emergent properties arise from simple rules"
• "complex patterns from simple individual rules"
• "follows only local neighbors, not a leader"
• "organize without central coordination"
• "Complexity emerges from many simple interactions"
Why others are wrong: B (Notes complexity exists but doesn't explain how it arises.), C (Presents one example but doesn't explain emergence mechanism.), D (Not in notes; discusses modeling, not emergence mechanism.).
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