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Rhetorical Synthesis SAT question

Reading and Writing · Expression of Ideas · Medium · Answer it here, explanation included.

While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:

  • In 2019, Emily Shepard and colleagues in the UK and Germany studied the effect of wind on auks’ success in landing at cliffside nesting sites.
  • They found as wind conditions intensified, the birds needed more attempts in order to make a successful landing.
  • When the wind was still, almost 100% of landing attempts were successful.
  • In a strong breeze, approximately 40% of attempts were successful.
  • In near-gale conditions, only around 20% of attempts were successful.

The student wants to summarize the study. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

ExplanationShow

Choice D is the best answer. The sentence effectively summarizes the study, noting who conducted it, when it was conducted, and what its results showed: that auks’ landing success rate decreased as wind conditions intensified.

Choice A is incorrect. While the sentence presents the methodology of the study—that is, the approach taken by the researchers—it fails to summarize the study as a whole. Choice B is incorrect. While the sentence presents the aim, or goal, of the study, it fails to summarize the study as a whole. Choice C is incorrect. While the sentence indicates what Shepard studied, it fails to mention a key factor: the effect of wind. It thus fails to summarize the study as a whole.

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