16Hit1600
Expression of IdeasEasy–MediumEmphasising a difference in orbital period

Expression of Ideas practice question

While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes: - Mercury is the planet closest to the Sun. - Mercury orbits the Sun once every 88 days. - Neptune is the planet farthest from the Sun. - Neptune takes about 165 years to orbit the Sun once.

The student wants to emphasise the difference between the two planets' orbital periods. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

  1. A. While Mercury circles the Sun in just 88 days, Neptune takes about 165 years to complete a single orbit.Correct
  2. B. Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun, and Neptune is the farthest.
  3. C. Mercury orbits the Sun once every 88 days.
  4. D. Both Mercury and Neptune orbit the Sun.

Answer: A. While Mercury circles the Sun in just 88 days, Neptune takes about 165 years to complete a single orbit.

Only choice A puts the two periods side by side, with 'just' and 'a single' pointing up the gap.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun, and Neptune is the farthest.
This contrasts distance, not orbital period.
C. Mercury orbits the Sun once every 88 days.
One planet's period gives nothing to compare.
D. Both Mercury and Neptune orbit the Sun.
This states a similarity, not a difference.

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