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Expression of IdeasVery hardSynthesis: explaining a decision with competing considerations

Expression of Ideas practice question

While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes: - The town's Victorian swimming baths closed in 2019. - Repairing the baths would cost £4 million. - Building a new pool on the edge of town would cost £3 million. - The baths are a listed building and cannot be demolished. - The council chose to repair the baths.

The student wants to explain why the council chose the more expensive option. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

  1. A. Although a new pool would have cost £1 million less, the council chose to repair the listed baths, which could not be demolished and would otherwise have stood empty at the town's expense.Correct
  2. B. The council chose to repair the baths.
  3. C. A new pool would cost £3 million.
  4. D. The baths are a listed building.

Answer: A. Although a new pool would have cost £1 million less, the council chose to repair the listed baths, which could not be demolished and would otherwise have stood empty at the town's expense.

Cheaper option named; the listing explains the choice.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. The council chose to repair the baths.
The decision without the reason.
C. A new pool would cost £3 million.
One cost alone.
D. The baths are a listed building.
The constraint without the decision.

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