16Hit1600
Expression of IdeasVery hardGeneralisation supported by two cases

Expression of Ideas practice question

While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes: - In 1995 wolves were returned to Yellowstone National Park. - With wolves present, elk moved away from riverbanks, and willows there recovered. - In 2015 beavers were returned to a river in Devon, England. - The beavers' dams reduced flooding downstream.

The student wants to make a generalisation about returning missing species and support it with both examples. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

  1. A. Returning a missing species can reshape a whole landscape: Yellowstone's wolves let its riverbank willows recover, and Devon's beavers reduced flooding downstream.Correct
  2. B. Wolves were returned to Yellowstone in 1995 and beavers to Devon in 2015.
  3. C. With wolves back in Yellowstone, elk left the riverbanks and the willows recovered.
  4. D. Devon's beavers reduced flooding, which proves that returning any species improves any landscape.

Answer: A. Returning a missing species can reshape a whole landscape: Yellowstone's wolves let its riverbank willows recover, and Devon's beavers reduced flooding downstream.

A general claim followed by both cases — choice A alone does both.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. Wolves were returned to Yellowstone in 1995 and beavers to Devon in 2015.
Two dates, no generalisation about effects.
C. With wolves back in Yellowstone, elk left the riverbanks and the willows recovered.
One example, no generalisation.
D. Devon's beavers reduced flooding, which proves that returning any species improves any landscape.
A generalisation from one case, and 'any species, any landscape' goes far beyond the notes.

More Expression of Ideas questions

Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.