16Hit1600
Expression of IdeasVery hardUsing notes to accomplish a rhetorical goal

Expression of Ideas practice question

While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes: - A trial of a new fertiliser increased tomato yields by 18%. - The trial ran for one growing season on a single farm. - The researchers recommend repeating the trial on more farms before drawing firm conclusions.

The student wants to present the trial's result while acknowledging its limitation. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

  1. A. The fertiliser raised tomato yields by 18%, but because the trial covered one season on a single farm, the researchers recommend further trials before drawing conclusions.Correct
  2. B. The fertiliser raises tomato yields by 18%.
  3. C. The trial ran for one growing season on a single farm.
  4. D. The researchers recommend more trials, which shows that the fertiliser does not work.

Answer: A. The fertiliser raised tomato yields by 18%, but because the trial covered one season on a single farm, the researchers recommend further trials before drawing conclusions.

Both halves of the goal appear in choice A: the 18% result, and the limited scope that keeps it provisional.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. The fertiliser raises tomato yields by 18%.
This states the result as a settled fact and drops the limitation entirely.
C. The trial ran for one growing season on a single farm.
This gives the limitation but not the result.
D. The researchers recommend more trials, which shows that the fertiliser does not work.
Recommending more trials doesn't show the fertiliser fails — the notes report an 18% gain.

More Expression of Ideas questions

Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.