16Hit1600
Expression of IdeasHardConcluding with a contrast to the present

Expression of Ideas practice question

While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes: - In 1900 a transatlantic crossing by ship took about six days. - The fastest liners of the 1930s cut this to under four days. - The first passenger jets in 1958 crossed in about seven hours. - Today a typical flight takes about seven hours.

The student wants to conclude by contrasting the earliest and the latest travel times in the notes. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

  1. A. A crossing that took about six days in 1900 now takes about seven hours.Correct
  2. B. The fastest liners of the 1930s crossed in under four days.
  3. C. Passenger jets began crossing the Atlantic in 1958.
  4. D. Crossing times have barely changed since 1958.

Answer: A. A crossing that took about six days in 1900 now takes about seven hours.

Earliest (six days, 1900) against latest (seven hours, today) — choice A.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. The fastest liners of the 1930s crossed in under four days.
A middle figure, not the earliest or latest.
C. Passenger jets began crossing the Atlantic in 1958.
A date with no contrast of times.
D. Crossing times have barely changed since 1958.
True, but it contrasts 1958 with today, not the earliest with the latest.

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