Question 31·Easy·Rhetorical Synthesis
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- The City Bird Count is a community science project that tracks urban bird populations during daylight hours in spring.
- Volunteers record sightings for the City Bird Count and upload them through the WildWatch app.
- The Night Moth Survey documents nocturnal moth species in local parks after sunset in summer.
- Volunteers in the Night Moth Survey submit photos and data using the WildWatch app.
The student wants to emphasize a similarity between the City Bird Count and the Night Moth Survey. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
For rhetorical synthesis questions with notes, first underline the task (e.g., “similarity,” “difference,” “reason,” “effect”). Then scan the notes to find information that applies to both (for similarity) or clearly contrasts (for difference). Before looking at the choices in detail, mentally summarize the shared or contrasting point you found. Finally, eliminate any option that: (1) only describes one item, (2) introduces details not in the notes, or (3) contradicts the task word (for example, showing contrast when the question asks for similarity). This approach keeps you focused and prevents you from choosing an answer that is true but off-target.
Hints
Focus on the task word
The question asks you to emphasize a similarity. Ask yourself: which option talks about something the two projects share, not how they differ?
Use the notes like a checklist
Look at the bullet points and try to find a detail that appears in the notes for both the City Bird Count and the Night Moth Survey.
Pay attention to how data is collected
In the notes, notice how participants in each project record or submit information. Is there a common method or tool mentioned for both projects? Look for the option that captures that shared method.
Step-by-step Explanation
Identify what the question is asking
The question says the student wants to emphasize a similarity between the City Bird Count and the Night Moth Survey. That means the correct sentence must describe something they share, not something that is unique to one or that contrasts them.
Look for shared details in the notes
Scan the bullet points and ask: What is true for both projects?
- City Bird Count: mentions volunteers who record sightings and upload them through the WildWatch app.
- Night Moth Survey: mentions volunteers who submit photos and data using the WildWatch app.
Both projects involve volunteers and use the same app (WildWatch) for submitting observations.
Check which answer choice expresses that shared idea
Now compare the options:
- A talks only about when and what the City Bird Count tracks.
- B talks only about when and what the Night Moth Survey documents.
- D uses "whereas", which highlights a difference (day vs. after sunset), not a similarity.
- Only one option mentions both projects and describes that they both depend on volunteers using the WildWatch app to submit observations.
Therefore, the best choice is: “Both the City Bird Count and the Night Moth Survey rely on volunteers who submit observations through the WildWatch app.”