Question Bank / Reading and Writing / Rhetorical Synthesis

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:

  • Claude McKay (1889–1948) was a Jamaican American writer.
  • Songs of Jamaica (1912) and Constab Ballads (1912) are two acclaimed poetry collections that McKay published while living in Jamaica.
  • McKay moved to Harlem in New York City in 1914.
  • He is best known as a poet and novelist of the Harlem Renaissance, a literary and cultural movement of the 1920s and 1930s.
  • His most famous works include the poetry collection Harlem Shadows (1922) and the novel Home to Harlem (1928).

The student wants to emphasize Claude McKay’s accomplishments before moving to Harlem. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

ExplanationShow

Choice B is the best answer. This choice contrasts McKay’s fame as a Harlem Renaissance writer with his earlier achievements as a Jamaican poet, and it names the two collections he published before moving to Harlem.

Choice A is incorrect. This choice doesn’t emphasize McKay’s accomplishments before moving to Harlem. It lists some of his works but doesn’t distinguish between those he wrote in Jamaica and those he wrote in Harlem. Choice C is incorrect. This choice doesn’t emphasize McKay’s accomplishments before moving to Harlem. It only mentions the year he moved and what he would become known for afterwards. Choice D is incorrect. This choice doesn’t emphasize McKay’s accomplishments before moving to Harlem. It mentions that he lived in Jamaica, but it doesn’t name any of the works he published there.

Drill this skill on Aceit

Adaptive practice, a daily plan, and score tracking take a free account so we can save your work.

Practice this skill

More Rhetorical Synthesis questions