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:

  • Started in 1925, the Scripps National Spelling Bee is a US-based spelling competition.
  • The words used in the competition have diverse linguistic origins.
  • In 2008, Sameer Mishra won by correctly spelling the word “guerdon.”
  • “Guerdon” derives from the Anglo-French word “guerdun.”
  • In 2009, Kavya Shivashankar won by correctly spelling the word “Laodicean.”
  • “Laodicean” derives from the ancient Greek word “Laodíkeia.

The student wants to emphasize a difference in the origins of the two words. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

ExplanationShow

Choice A is the best answer. Noting that “guerdon” is of Anglo-French origin and “Laodicean” is of ancient Greek origin, the sentence uses “while” to emphasize a difference in the origins of the two words.

Choice B is incorrect. While the sentence emphasizes two words used in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, it doesn’t emphasize (or mention) the words’ linguistic origins. Choice C is incorrect. While the sentence specifies the linguistic origin of one word used in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, it doesn’t mention the other word or emphasize a difference in the two words’ origins. Choice D is incorrect. While the sentence makes a generalization about words used in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, it doesn’t emphasize a difference in the words’ origins.

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