16Hit1600
Expression of IdeasHardSynthesis: contrasting two figures

Expression of Ideas practice question

While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes: - The Dunmore Canal opened in 1810 and closed to traffic in 1935. - At its peak in 1860 it carried 400,000 tonnes of goods a year. - By 1930 it carried 8,000 tonnes a year. - Railways took most of its trade from the 1850s. - A trust reopened 12 kilometres of it for leisure boats in 2004.

The student wants to show how sharply the canal's traffic fell. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

  1. A. The canal's traffic collapsed from 400,000 tonnes a year at its 1860 peak to 8,000 tonnes by 1930.Correct
  2. B. The canal opened in 1810 and closed in 1935.
  3. C. Railways took most of its trade.
  4. D. A trust reopened 12 kilometres of it in 2004.

Answer: A. The canal's traffic collapsed from 400,000 tonnes a year at its 1860 peak to 8,000 tonnes by 1930.

Peak against final figure.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. The canal opened in 1810 and closed in 1935.
Dates, not tonnage.
C. Railways took most of its trade.
Cause, not scale.
D. A trust reopened 12 kilometres of it in 2004.
Later history.

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