16Hit1600
Expression of IdeasVery hardSynthesis: a river's recovery without a single cause

Expression of Ideas practice question

While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes: - In 2010 a survey found 12 species of fish in the river. - In 2024 a survey found 20 species. - A weir was removed in 2015. - A sewage plant on the river was upgraded in 2018.

The student wants to present the improvement without attributing it to a single cause. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

  1. A. Between 2010 and 2024 the number of fish species rose from 12 to 20, a period in which a weir was removed and a sewage plant was upgraded.Correct
  2. B. Removing the weir in 2015 raised the number of fish species from 12 to 20.
  3. C. The sewage plant upgrade in 2018 explains the rise in fish species.
  4. D. The river had 20 species of fish in 2024.

Answer: A. Between 2010 and 2024 the number of fish species rose from 12 to 20, a period in which a weir was removed and a sewage plant was upgraded.

Both changes named, neither credited.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. Removing the weir in 2015 raised the number of fish species from 12 to 20.
Credits one cause.
C. The sewage plant upgrade in 2018 explains the rise in fish species.
Credits one cause.
D. The river had 20 species of fish in 2024.
No improvement shown.

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