Information and IdeasEasyCommand of Evidence (quantitative) — using table data to support a comparison
Information and Ideas practice question
Students in a biology class grew radish seedlings under three different colors of light and measured the average height of the seedlings after four weeks.
Average seedling height after four weeks
Red light: 18.4 cm
White light: 15.7 cm
Blue light: 12.1 cm
After reviewing the results, the students concluded that of the three light colors tested, red light was associated with the greatest seedling growth, since ______
Which choice most effectively uses data from the text to complete the students' statement?
- A. seedlings grown under blue light averaged 12.1 cm, the smallest of the three average heights.
- B. seedlings grown under white light averaged 15.7 cm, which is greater than the 12.1 cm averaged by seedlings grown under blue light.
- C. seedlings grown under red light averaged 18.4 cm, which is greater than the averages for seedlings grown under white light (15.7 cm) and blue light (12.1 cm).Correct
- D. seedlings grown under red light averaged 18.4 cm, while seedlings grown under white light averaged 12.1 cm.
Answer: C. seedlings grown under red light averaged 18.4 cm, which is greater than the averages for seedlings grown under white light (15.7 cm) and blue light (12.1 cm).
The claim is about red light producing the greatest growth, so the support must show red's average exceeding both other averages; (C) does exactly that with accurate figures. (A) reports an accurate figure but describes the smallest value and says nothing about red light, so it cannot establish that red produced the most growth. (B) is accurate but compares only white and blue, leaving red out of the comparison entirely. (D) misreads the data by assigning blue light's value of 12.1 cm to white light, which averaged 15.7 cm.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. seedlings grown under blue light averaged 12.1 cm, the smallest of the three average heights.
- This figure is accurate, but it's about blue light's smallest average and never mentions red — to support a claim that red produced the most growth, you need red's number compared to the others.
- B. seedlings grown under white light averaged 15.7 cm, which is greater than the 12.1 cm averaged by seedlings grown under blue light.
- Both numbers are correct, but this comparison leaves red light out entirely, so it can't show that red was associated with the greatest growth.
- D. seedlings grown under red light averaged 18.4 cm, while seedlings grown under white light averaged 12.1 cm.
- You assigned blue light's 12.1 cm to white light; white light averaged 15.7 cm, and this choice also omits blue light from the comparison.
More Information and Ideas questions
- Easy
Based on the text, what is one benefit the silver ant gains from its hairs? - Easy
Based on the text, what can most reasonably be inferred about the increase in the number of bee species at the… - Easy
Based on the text, which statement about Mira is true? - Easy
According to the text, what did Asawa do after she learned the looping technique used by the artisans in Toluc… - Easy
Based on the text, what can most reasonably be inferred about the males' response to the recorded wingbeats? - Easy
Which choice most effectively uses data from the table to complete the statement?
Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.