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Expression of IdeasHardSynthesis: arguing for a wetland over a wall

Expression of Ideas practice question

While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes: - A flood wall would cost 8 million and protect against a flood expected once in 50 years. - Restoring the wetland would cost 5 million and protect against a flood expected once in 30 years. - The wetland would also create wildlife habitat and store carbon.

The student wants to argue for the wetland option despite its weaker flood protection. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

  1. A. Although the wetland protects only against a once-in-30-year flood rather than a once-in-50-year one, it costs 3 million less and also provides habitat and stores carbon.Correct
  2. B. The wall protects against a bigger flood than the wetland does.
  3. C. The wetland costs 5 million.
  4. D. The wall costs 8 million.

Answer: A. Although the wetland protects only against a once-in-30-year flood rather than a once-in-50-year one, it costs 3 million less and also provides habitat and stores carbon.

Weaker protection, but cheaper and more.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. The wall protects against a bigger flood than the wetland does.
A point for the wall.
C. The wetland costs 5 million.
Cost alone.
D. The wall costs 8 million.
Cost alone.

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