Question 217·Medium·Rhetorical Synthesis
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- In 2022, agronomist Rosa Martinez conducted a study in Costa Rica comparing coffee plants grown in full sun with those grown under 40% shade.
- Shade-grown plants produced an average of 2.8 kilograms of coffee cherries per plant, whereas sun-grown plants produced 2.1 kilograms.
- Plants under shade experienced 30% less pest damage than those in full sun.
- Martinez concluded that moderate shade improves both the yield and health of coffee plants.
The student wants to summarize the study. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
For rhetorical synthesis summary questions, first identify the “must-include” points (what was studied/compared and the main outcomes). Then eliminate choices that (1) only describe the process, (2) mention only one key result, or (3) add details that aren’t supported by the notes. Choose the option that accurately combines the central findings in one clear sentence.
Hints
Focus on the main point
A summary should include what was compared and what the overall results were, not just one statistic.
Watch for missing or added information
Cross out choices that leave out a major finding (yield or pest damage) or that claim something the notes don’t support.
Prefer completeness over detail overload
The best answer will combine the key outcomes in one sentence and stay consistent with the notes.
Step-by-step Explanation
Identify what a summary must include
A strong summary of the study should combine the essentials from the notes: the comparison (full sun vs. 40% shade) and the main outcomes (shade increased yield and reduced pest damage).
Check each choice for accuracy and completeness
Eliminate choices that only describe the setup (what was compared), focus on just one result (only yield), or introduce an unsupported statement that contradicts the notes (for example, claiming the yields were the same).
Select the choice that best summarizes the study
The best option is the one that clearly states the shade vs. sun comparison and includes both key findings (higher yield under shade and 30% less pest damage):
In a 2022 study in Costa Rica, agronomist Rosa Martinez found that coffee plants grown under 40% shade produced more cherries and had 30% less pest damage than plants grown in full sun.