SAT Reading and Writing · Rhetorical Synthesis Practice Question

While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes: <ul> <li>The Permian-Triassic extinction occurred about 252 million years ago.</li> <li>It eliminated about 96% of marine species.</li> <li>It eliminated about 70% of terrestrial vertebrate species.</li> <li>It is the most severe mass extinction in Earth's history.</li> <li>Causes likely included massive volcanic eruptions in present-day Siberia.</li> </ul> The student wants to emphasize the severity of the Permian-Triassic extinction. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

Which choice most effectively makes the student's point?

A
$The Permian-Triassic extinction occurred 252 million years ago.$
B
$Causes likely included massive volcanic eruptions in present-day Siberia.$
C
$It eliminated about 96% of marine species.$
D
$The Permian-Triassic extinction, the most severe in Earth's history, eliminated about 96% of marine species and 70% of terrestrial vertebrate species.$
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Explanation

The goal is severity. Choice C names the most-severe ranking and gives both percentages. A and B address other aspects, D gives only one figure.

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