16Hit1600
Expression of IdeasVery hardFraming a claim with appropriate hedging

Expression of Ideas practice question

While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes: - A wreck found off the coast carries timbers dated to about 1690. - A cannon recovered from it bears a maker's mark used until 1700. - A coin found nearby is dated 1712. - Divers note that the coin may have washed in from elsewhere.

The student wants to give the most likely date of the wreck while acknowledging the conflicting coin. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

  1. A. The timbers and the cannon point to a wreck of about 1690 to 1700; the 1712 coin found nearby is the one discordant clue, and divers think it may have washed in from elsewhere.Correct
  2. B. The wreck dates from 1712.
  3. C. The wreck's timbers date to about 1690.
  4. D. A coin dated 1712 was found near the wreck.

Answer: A. The timbers and the cannon point to a wreck of about 1690 to 1700; the 1712 coin found nearby is the one discordant clue, and divers think it may have washed in from elsewhere.

The consistent evidence, the outlier, and the reason to discount it.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. The wreck dates from 1712.
Takes the outlier as the date.
C. The wreck's timbers date to about 1690.
One clue, no acknowledgement of the coin.
D. A coin dated 1712 was found near the wreck.
The outlier alone.

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