Expression of IdeasVery hardMaking a generalisation supported by two cases
Expression of Ideas practice question
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- In 1815 the volcano Tambora erupted in what is now Indonesia.
- Ash from Tambora dimmed sunlight worldwide; 1816 became known as the 'year without a summer'.
- Crops failed in Europe and North America in 1816.
- In 1991 Mount Pinatubo erupted in the Philippines.
- Pinatubo's ash lowered global average temperatures by about 0.5°C for two years.
The student wants to make a generalisation about large volcanic eruptions and support it with both examples. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
- A. Large eruptions can cool the whole planet: Tambora's ash caused the 'year without a summer' in 1816, and Pinatubo's lowered global temperatures by about 0.5°C in the 1990s.Correct
- B. Tambora erupted in 1815 and Pinatubo in 1991, 176 years apart.
- C. After Tambora's eruption, crops failed in Europe and North America in 1816.
- D. Pinatubo's ash lowered global average temperatures by about 0.5°C for two years, which shows that eruptions affect climate.
Answer: A. Large eruptions can cool the whole planet: Tambora's ash caused the 'year without a summer' in 1816, and Pinatubo's lowered global temperatures by about 0.5°C in the 1990s.
A generalisation plus BOTH examples: choice A states the general claim (large eruptions cool the planet) and backs it with Tambora and Pinatubo.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. Tambora erupted in 1815 and Pinatubo in 1991, 176 years apart.
- This gives dates for both eruptions but no generalisation about their effects.
- C. After Tambora's eruption, crops failed in Europe and North America in 1816.
- This is one example with no general claim.
- D. Pinatubo's ash lowered global average temperatures by about 0.5°C for two years, which shows that eruptions affect climate.
- This has a general claim but uses only one of the two examples.
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