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Expression of IdeasMediumSynthesis: compost and a window

Expression of Ideas practice question

While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes: - 100 tomato plants were grown in a greenhouse. - Half were given a new compost. - The compost plants produced 25 percent more fruit. - The compost plants were also placed nearer the greenhouse window.

The student wants to present the result while noting why it may not be due to the compost. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

  1. A. Plants given the new compost produced 25 percent more fruit, but they were also placed nearer the window, so extra light rather than the compost may explain the difference.Correct
  2. B. The new compost increases tomato yield by 25 percent.
  3. C. Half of the 100 plants were given a new compost.
  4. D. The compost plants were placed nearer the window.

Answer: A. Plants given the new compost produced 25 percent more fruit, but they were also placed nearer the window, so extra light rather than the compost may explain the difference.

The result and the confound.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. The new compost increases tomato yield by 25 percent.
Claims cause.
C. Half of the 100 plants were given a new compost.
Method only.
D. The compost plants were placed nearer the window.
The confound without the result.

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