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Expression of IdeasHardRhetorical synthesis

Expression of Ideas practice question

A student took these notes for an article: • Bioluminescence is the production of light by living organisms. • Many deep-sea creatures use it to attract prey. • Fireflies use it to attract mates. • Some fungi glow to attract insects that spread their spores.

The student wants to emphasize that bioluminescence serves a variety of purposes across different organisms. Which choice best uses the notes to accomplish this goal?

  1. A. Bioluminescence is the production of light by living organisms.
  2. B. Deep-sea creatures, fireflies, and some fungi all produce light, yet they use it for different purposes — luring prey, attracting mates, and spreading spores.Correct
  3. C. Fireflies use bioluminescence to attract mates.
  4. D. Bioluminescence is common among deep-sea creatures.

Answer: B. Deep-sea creatures, fireflies, and some fungi all produce light, yet they use it for different purposes — luring prey, attracting mates, and spreading spores.

The goal is to show variety of purposes across organisms. Only B lists multiple organisms AND their differing purposes. A defines the term, while C and D each mention just one organism.

Why the other answers are wrong

A. Bioluminescence is the production of light by living organisms.
This defines bioluminescence but names no organism and no purpose, so it can't show the variety the question asks for.
C. Fireflies use bioluminescence to attract mates.
This gives one organism and one purpose; variety requires showing that different organisms use light for different ends.
D. Bioluminescence is common among deep-sea creatures.
This names one group of organisms and doesn't mention any purpose at all, let alone a range of them.

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