Expression of IdeasVery hardSynthesis: reconciling two facts that seem to conflict
Expression of Ideas practice question
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- The river's water quality has improved every year since 2015.
- The number of fish species recorded fell from 14 in 2015 to 9 in 2024.
- A weir built in 2016 blocks fish moving upstream from the estuary.
- Water quality is measured above the weir.
- Most of the lost species migrate from the sea.
The student wants to explain how fish species could decline while water quality improved. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
- A. Although the water above the weir has grown cleaner every year since 2015, the weir built in 2016 blocks migrating fish from the estuary, and most of the five species lost since then are sea-going.Correct
- B. The number of fish species fell from 14 to 9.
- C. Water quality has improved every year since 2015.
- D. A weir was built in 2016.
Answer: A. Although the water above the weir has grown cleaner every year since 2015, the weir built in 2016 blocks migrating fish from the estuary, and most of the five species lost since then are sea-going.
Cleaner water, blocked migration: both facts held together.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. The number of fish species fell from 14 to 9.
- The decline alone.
- C. Water quality has improved every year since 2015.
- The improvement alone.
- D. A weir was built in 2016.
- The weir without the explanation.
More Expression of Ideas questions
- Very hard
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition? - Very hard
The student wants to present the study's main finding about the effect of native trees on bird diversity. Whic… - Very hard
The student wants to explain how AFGPs keep notothenioid fish from freezing. Which choice most effectively use… - Very hard
The student wants to describe the team's procedure to an audience that is already familiar with muography. Whi… - Very hard
The student wants to explain why the spacecraft's behavior during the sampling maneuver surprised the mission'… - Very hard
The student wants to make a generalization about the two sites in order to challenge a long-standing assumptio…
Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.