Question 236·Medium·Rhetorical Synthesis
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- The giant squid (Architeuthis dux) is one of the largest invertebrates on Earth.
- More than 680 species of squid have been identified.
- The first photographs of a live giant squid were taken in 2004.
- The first video footage of a live giant squid was recorded in 2012.
- Female giant squids can reach lengths of up to 13 meters.
The student wants to emphasize how recently scientists have been able to directly observe giant squid compared with the long-established diversity of squid species. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
For rhetorical synthesis, restate the goal in your own words, then choose only the notes that directly serve that goal. Eliminate options that use irrelevant details (like size) or include only one side of a required comparison. Prefer choices that clearly signal the relationship (contrast) with words such as "although" or "while."
Hints
Focus on the purpose words
Focus on what the student wants to emphasize: how recently scientists have been able to directly observe giant squid compared with the already known diversity of squid species.
Find the matching notes
Which notes give (1) the number of squid species identified and (2) the dates of the first photo/video of a live giant squid?
Check what each choice includes
The correct choice must include both the diversity fact and the recent observation dates, and it should make the contrast clear.
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand the writing goal
Restate the goal: write a sentence that emphasizes how recent direct observations of giant squid are compared with the long-established fact that many squid species have already been identified.
Identify the relevant notes
Select only the notes that support that contrast:
- Diversity already known: More than 680 species of squid have been identified.
- Recent direct observation: first photographs in 2004 and first video in 2012.
Check each choice for both parts of the contrast
Eliminate choices that mention only size or only the observation dates. The best answer must include (1) the many identified squid species and (2) the recent photo/video dates, and it should clearly signal the comparison (for example, with a word like "although").
Choose the option that makes the intended contrast
Although over 680 squid species have been identified, a live giant squid wasn’t photographed until 2004 or filmed until 2012.