SAT Reading and Writing · Rhetorical Synthesis Practice Question

While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes: <ul> <li>Two paleoclimate proxies for past temperatures use ice cores and tree rings.</li> <li>Ice cores can extend back over 800,000 years in some Antarctic samples.</li> <li>Tree rings rarely extend beyond about 12,000 years.</li> <li>Tree rings provide annual resolution.</li> <li>Ice cores provide lower temporal resolution but longer time spans.</li> </ul> The student wants to contrast the strengths of the two proxies. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

Which choice most effectively makes the student's point?

A
$Both proxies estimate past temperatures.$
B
$Ice cores reach far further back—over 800,000 years—while tree rings cover only 12,000 years but offer annual resolution.$
check_circle
C
$Tree rings extend back about 12,000 years.$
D
$Ice cores can extend back over 800,000 years.$

Explanation

The goal is contrasting strengths. Choice C contrasts duration with resolution. A is similarity, B and D give one proxy.

Related questions