The student wants to explain why the wooden piles beneath Venice have lasted so long. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

Question

While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- Venice was built on 118 small islands in a lagoon.
- Its buildings rest on wooden piles driven into the clay beneath the water.
- Because the piles are submerged, they are cut off from oxygen and do not rot.
- Many of the piles have been in place for more than 500 years.

Accepted Answer

A. Because the submerged piles are cut off from oxygen and therefore do not rot, many have supported Venice's buildings for more than 500 years.. The goal asks for a reason. Choice A gives it — no oxygen, so no rot — and connects it to the 500-year lifespan.

Answer

B. Venice was built on 118 small islands in a lagoon. — This is where Venice sits, not why its piles last.

Answer

C. Many of the piles have been in place for more than 500 years. — This restates the fact to be explained without explaining it.

Answer

D. The buildings rest on piles driven into clay, which is why Venice has 118 islands. — This invents a causal link the notes don't support: the piles didn't create the islands.

Expression of Ideas practice question

Answer: A. Because the submerged piles are cut off from oxygen and therefore do not rot, many have supported Venice's buildings for more than 500 years.

Why the other answers are wrong

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