16Hit1600
Expression of IdeasVery hardConveying that a conclusion is provisional

Expression of Ideas practice question

While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes: - A shipwreck's timbers have been dated to about 1550 by tree rings. - Pottery from the wreck matches styles made until about 1560. - No coins or documents have been recovered. - Divers have surveyed only a third of the site.

The student wants to state the wreck's likely date while conveying that the evidence is incomplete. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

  1. A. The timbers and pottery point to a wreck of about 1550 to 1560, though with no coins or documents found and two thirds of the site unsurveyed, the date remains provisional.Correct
  2. B. The wreck dates from 1550.
  3. C. Divers have surveyed a third of the site.
  4. D. The wreck's timbers date to about 1550.

Answer: A. The timbers and pottery point to a wreck of about 1550 to 1560, though with no coins or documents found and two thirds of the site unsurveyed, the date remains provisional.

The estimate, and why it might change.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. The wreck dates from 1550.
Presents the date as settled.
C. Divers have surveyed a third of the site.
The gap without the estimate.
D. The wreck's timbers date to about 1550.
One clue, no hedging.

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