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Difficulty: HardFulfilling Specific Rhetorical and Writing Goals

The following passage is about the Svalbard Global Seed Vault:

The Svalbard Global Seed Vault, located on a remote Norwegian island, houses millions of seed samples to safeguard global food supplies. The facility is buried deep within a mountain, where the surrounding permafrost helps maintain freezing temperatures. [X] This ensures that the seeds remain viable for decades, preserving genetic diversity for future generations.

Given that all choices are grammatically correct when inserted except where noted, the writer wants to insert a sentence at point [X] to emphasize the specific protective features of the vault's physical structure and building materials against external heat and moisture. Which choice most effectively accomplishes this goal?

  1. A
    The facility is situated hundreds of feet above sea level to ensure it remains dry even if the surrounding glaciers melt.
  2. To block out heat and dampness, the vault's concrete structure is lined with thick steel plates and sealed with waterproof membranes.Answer
  3. C
    Because the vault's reinforced concrete and steel walls are designed to prevent moisture from seeping into the rooms.
  4. D
    To keep the interior dry, the structure is sealed with a waterproof membrane; which prevents moisture from entering.

Answer

The correct answer is the option that describes the concrete structure, steel plates, and waterproof membranes used to block out heat and dampness.
The correct choice successfully fulfills the rhetorical goal by specifying concrete, steel plates, and waterproof membranes (physical structure and materials) designed to combat heat and dampness (heat and moisture). Additionally, it is grammatically correct and forms a complete sentence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the prompt to identify the specific rhetorical goals.
The sentence must focus on two criteria: specific protective features of the vault's physical structure and materials, and protection against external heat and moisture.
This establishes the benchmark for evaluating the options.
2
Screen the choices for grammatical errors and eliminate incorrect ones.
The option beginning with 'Because' is a sentence fragment. The option using a semicolon before 'which' is a run-on/punctuation error. Both are eliminated.
ACT English requires all insertions to be grammatically correct.
3
Evaluate the remaining grammatically correct choices against the rhetorical goal.
The option discussing sea level and glaciers focuses on geographical location rather than materials and structure. The option describing the concrete structure, steel plates, and waterproof membranes perfectly fulfills all criteria of the prompt.
This confirms the best rhetorical choice.

Key Concept

Fulfilling Specific Rhetorical and Writing Goals
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Topics

Fulfilling Specific Rhetorical and Writing Goals

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