Question 188·Hard·Rhetorical Synthesis
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
• Forest ecologist Suzanne Simard pioneered research into underground mycorrhizal networks linking trees.
• Simard’s experiments suggest that trees use these fungal connections to “communicate,” sharing carbon and chemical signals.
• Simard popularized the phrase “wood wide web.”
• Some scientists caution that describing the networks as a communication system is anthropomorphic.
• University of British Columbia forest biologist Melanie Jones argues that nutrient exchange is driven by “resource gradients” rather than intent.
The student wants to include a sentence that underscores scientific skepticism about Simard’s claim that trees communicate.
Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
For rhetorical synthesis questions like this, first underline the task words in the question stem (e.g., “underscores scientific skepticism about [claim]”). Then scan the notes to identify which bullet(s) match that rhetorical purpose—look specifically for contrast, disagreement, or caution if the task involves skepticism. Finally, eliminate any answer choices that merely repeat or support the original claim, and choose the one that accurately reflects the relevant note and clearly fulfills the stated purpose.
Hints
Underline the key instruction
Underline the phrase “underscores scientific skepticism about Simard’s claim that trees communicate.” Ask yourself: which choice should show doubt or disagreement with Simard’s claim?
Separate Simard’s views from others’ views
Look at the notes and separate the bullets about what Simard believes from the bullets about what other scientists say. Which bullets are pushing back against or questioning her idea?
Look for an alternative explanation
Among the notes, find the one that offers a different explanation for why nutrients move between trees, instead of calling it “communication.” Then choose the option that reflects that idea.
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand the task in the question
Focus on the goal in the question stem: the student wants a sentence that “underscores scientific skepticism about Simard’s claim that trees communicate.”
That means the correct answer must:
- Refer to scientists (or a scientist), and
- Show doubt, disagreement, or an alternative explanation to the idea that trees “communicate.” It should not simply restate or support Simard’s ideas.
Locate the relevant notes
Look back at the notes and ask: which bullets show skepticism or disagreement with Simard’s view?
The notes include:
- Simard’s own ideas (her research, her claim that trees communicate, her phrase “wood wide web”).
- A bullet that says: “Some scientists caution that describing the networks as a communication system is anthropomorphic.” This clearly shows doubt.
- A bullet that says: “University of British Columbia forest biologist Melanie Jones argues that nutrient exchange is driven by ‘resource gradients’ rather than intent.” This presents an alternative explanation that contrasts with “communication.”
Those last two bullets are the skeptical ones; the correct answer must align with one of them.
Check each answer against the goal
Now compare each choice to the goal:
- Some choices just repeat Simard’s research or claims about trees communicating.
- Other choices should present caution, disagreement, or a non-communication explanation from another scientist.
Eliminate any option that:
- Only describes what Simard believes, or
- Only gives evidence that supports her idea of communication, without questioning it.
Select the sentence that shows scientific skepticism
The only option that clearly shows skepticism about Simard’s “communication” claim is the one that describes another scientist, Melanie Jones, who says that nutrient exchange happens because of “resource gradients” and explicitly says it is not due to intentional communication between trees. This directly contrasts with Simard’s claim and therefore best underscores scientific skepticism:
Correct answer: University of British Columbia biologist Melanie Jones argues that nutrient exchange occurs because of “resource gradients,” not intentional communication between trees.