16Hit1600
Expression of IdeasMediumUsing notes to accomplish a rhetorical goal

Expression of Ideas practice question

While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes: - Bats and birds are the only vertebrates capable of powered flight. - A bird's wing is a surface of feathers supported by the bones of the arm. - A bat's wing is a membrane of skin stretched between greatly elongated finger bones. - The two groups evolved flight independently of each other.

The student wants to emphasise a difference between bat wings and bird wings. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

  1. A. Although both fly, birds have wings of feathers supported by arm bones, whereas bats have wings of skin stretched between elongated finger bones.Correct
  2. B. Bats and birds both fly, and both groups evolved flight independently.
  3. C. A bird's wing is a surface of feathers supported by the bones of the arm.
  4. D. Because a bat's wing is skin stretched between its finger bones, bats are able to fly.

Answer: A. Although both fly, birds have wings of feathers supported by arm bones, whereas bats have wings of skin stretched between elongated finger bones.

To emphasise a difference, both wings must be described and set against each other. Choice A does exactly that with 'whereas'.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. Bats and birds both fly, and both groups evolved flight independently.
This stresses what the two groups have in common — the opposite of the goal.
C. A bird's wing is a surface of feathers supported by the bones of the arm.
Only the bird's wing is described, so there is nothing to contrast it with.
D. Because a bat's wing is skin stretched between its finger bones, bats are able to fly.
This describes only the bat and adds a cause-and-effect claim the notes don't make; it draws no contrast.

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