16Hit1600
Expression of IdeasMediumSynthesis: explaining a motive

Expression of Ideas practice question

While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes: - Mary Anning's father died in 1810, leaving the family in debt. - Anning, her mother, and her brother sold fossils to tourists. - The ichthyosaur she found in 1811–12 was sold for £23. - £23 was about a year's wages for a labourer at the time. - Anning continued to sell fossils throughout her life.

The student wants to explain why Anning sold the fossils she found. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

  1. A. After her father's death in 1810 left the family in debt, Anning sold fossils to support them; her first ichthyosaur alone fetched £23, about a year's wages for a labourer.Correct
  2. B. Anning continued to sell fossils throughout her life.
  3. C. The ichthyosaur was sold for £23.
  4. D. Anning had a brother.

Answer: A. After her father's death in 1810 left the family in debt, Anning sold fossils to support them; her first ichthyosaur alone fetched £23, about a year's wages for a labourer.

Debt after her father's death: the motive, with the scale of the sale.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. Anning continued to sell fossils throughout her life.
That she did, not why.
C. The ichthyosaur was sold for £23.
A price without the reason.
D. Anning had a brother.
Irrelevant.

More Expression of Ideas questions

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