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Expression of IdeasMediumExplaining a cause

Expression of Ideas practice question

While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes: - The Leaning Tower of Pisa was begun in 1173. - It stands on soft ground made of clay, sand and shells. - The tower began to tilt while its third storey was being built. - The soft ground compressed unevenly under the tower's weight. - The tilt was reduced slightly by engineering work in the 1990s.

The student wants to explain why the tower leans. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

  1. A. The tower leans because it was built on soft ground of clay, sand and shells, which compressed unevenly under its weight.Correct
  2. B. The Leaning Tower of Pisa was begun in 1173 and began to tilt during construction.
  3. C. Engineering work in the 1990s reduced the tilt slightly.
  4. D. The tower, which stands on ground made of clay, sand and shells, is famous for its tilt.

Answer: A. The tower leans because it was built on soft ground of clay, sand and shells, which compressed unevenly under its weight.

The goal is a cause. Choice A names it: soft ground that compressed unevenly. That is the only choice that explains WHY.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. The Leaning Tower of Pisa was begun in 1173 and began to tilt during construction.
This says WHEN the tilt started, not why.
C. Engineering work in the 1990s reduced the tilt slightly.
This is about fixing the tilt, not what caused it.
D. The tower, which stands on ground made of clay, sand and shells, is famous for its tilt.
This mentions the ground but never connects it to the lean — no cause is stated.

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