16Hit1600
Expression of IdeasVery hardSynthesis: a bridge later than tradition holds

Expression of Ideas practice question

While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes: - The bridge is traditionally dated to 1400. - Its stone matches a quarry that opened in 1520. - A document of 1450 mentions a ford at the site. - A document of 1540 mentions the new bridge.

The student wants to argue that the bridge is later than tradition holds. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

  1. A. The bridge is probably not from 1400: its stone comes from a quarry opened in 1520, a document of 1450 still speaks of a ford, and one of 1540 calls the bridge new.Correct
  2. B. The bridge is traditionally dated to 1400.
  3. C. The bridge's stone matches a nearby quarry.
  4. D. A document of 1540 mentions the bridge.

Answer: A. The bridge is probably not from 1400: its stone comes from a quarry opened in 1520, a document of 1450 still speaks of a ford, and one of 1540 calls the bridge new.

Three pieces of evidence, one conclusion.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. The bridge is traditionally dated to 1400.
The tradition, no argument.
C. The bridge's stone matches a nearby quarry.
Without the quarry's date, no argument.
D. A document of 1540 mentions the bridge.
Without the word new, no argument.

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