5

Set 8: Rhetorical Synthesis (Intermediate)

Explanation

Answer: C

PASSAGE

A student is writing about coral bleaching. The student wants to explain the biological process behind it. Notes: - Coral depends on symbiotic algae for food and color. - Stress causes coral to expel these algae. - Without algae, coral turns white and may starve. - Warming ocean temperatures are the primary stressor.

Which choice most effectively uses information from the notes to accomplish the student's goal?

A. Warming ocean temperatures are the primary cause of coral bleaching events.
B. The Great Barrier Reef has experienced multiple bleaching events in recent years.
C. Coral bleaching occurs when stressed coral expels its symbiotic algae—the source of its food and color—leaving it white and at risk of starvation.✓ Correct
D. Coral reefs support biodiversity and protect coastlines from storms.

Detailed Answer Explanation

This question asks you to effectively combine information to achieve a goal. The goal is the biological PROCESS. Stress → expel algae → lose color/food → starvation risk explains the process. 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:

• "biological process"

• "symbiotic algae for food and color"

• "Stress causes coral to expel"

• "may starve"

Why others are wrong: B (Not in notes; mentions events, not process.), D (Not in notes; discusses reef importance, not bleaching process.), A (States cause (temperature) but not the biological process.).

← PreviousNext →

🎯 Keep Practicing!

Master all sections for your best SAT score

📐Math→📖Vocabulary→