16Hit1600
Expression of IdeasVery hardSynthesis: drawing a conclusion from a comparison over time

Expression of Ideas practice question

While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes: - In 1900 the parish had six farms. - In 2000 it had two. - The area of farmed land was the same in both years. - The average farm in 1900 employed eight workers. - The average farm in 2000 employed one worker and used machines.

The student wants to argue that farming in the parish changed in kind, not just in number. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

  1. A. The same land that six farms and some fifty workers farmed in 1900 was farmed in 2000 by two farms and two people with machines: not a shrinking of farming but a different way of doing it.Correct
  2. B. The parish had six farms in 1900 and two in 2000.
  3. C. The area of farmed land was the same in both years.
  4. D. The average farm in 2000 used machines.

Answer: A. The same land that six farms and some fifty workers farmed in 1900 was farmed in 2000 by two farms and two people with machines: not a shrinking of farming but a different way of doing it.

Same land, far fewer people, machines: a change in kind.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. The parish had six farms in 1900 and two in 2000.
A change in number only.
C. The area of farmed land was the same in both years.
The constant alone, without the change.
D. The average farm in 2000 used machines.
One detail.

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