16Hit1600
Information and IdeasHardEvidence for a claim about a ship's cargo

Information and Ideas practice question

A maritime historian argues that a wrecked merchant ship was carrying tea, not silk as its manifest states.

Which finding, if true, would most directly support the claim?

  1. A. The wreck's hold contained hundreds of the lead-lined wooden chests used only for tea, and no trace of the bales in which silk was shipped.Correct
  2. B. The ship sailed from a port that exported both tea and silk.
  3. C. The manifest was written in a hurried hand.
  4. D. Tea was more valuable than silk that year.

Answer: A. The wreck's hold contained hundreds of the lead-lined wooden chests used only for tea, and no trace of the bales in which silk was shipped.

Tea chests, no silk bales.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. The ship sailed from a port that exported both tea and silk.
Consistent with either cargo.
C. The manifest was written in a hurried hand.
Haste does not say what the cargo was.
D. Tea was more valuable than silk that year.
Value does not say what was carried.

More Information and Ideas questions

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