16Hit1600
Expression of IdeasHardUsing notes to accomplish a rhetorical goal

Expression of Ideas practice question

While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes: - The Rosetta Stone was carved in 196 BCE. - It was rediscovered in 1799 by French soldiers in Egypt. - It passed into British hands in 1801. - Jean-François Champollion deciphered its hieroglyphs in 1822.

The student wants to emphasise the sequence of events in the stone's history. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

  1. A. Carved in 196 BCE, the Rosetta Stone was rediscovered in 1799, passed to the British in 1801, and was finally deciphered by Champollion in 1822.Correct
  2. B. Jean-François Champollion deciphered the Rosetta Stone's hieroglyphs.
  3. C. The stone was carved in 196 BCE, which is why the British acquired it.
  4. D. The Rosetta Stone was rediscovered by French soldiers and later by the British.

Answer: A. Carved in 196 BCE, the Rosetta Stone was rediscovered in 1799, passed to the British in 1801, and was finally deciphered by Champollion in 1822.

A sequence needs the events in order with their dates. Choice A lines up all four in chronological order.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. Jean-François Champollion deciphered the Rosetta Stone's hieroglyphs.
One event, no sequence.
C. The stone was carved in 196 BCE, which is why the British acquired it.
This joins two events with a cause the notes don't support, and skips the others.
D. The Rosetta Stone was rediscovered by French soldiers and later by the British.
'Rediscovered ... later by the British' misreports the notes — the British acquired it, they didn't rediscover it — and no dates are given.

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