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Question

Difficulty: EasySupporting Claims with Evidence and Details

Passage:

[1] In 1925, at the age of fifty-five, Ynes Mexia embarked on her first botanical expedition to Mexico, beginning a career in which she would collect nearly 150,000 plant specimens. [2] Throughout her travels, she faced numerous hazards, including narrow paths, earthquakes, and wild animals. [3] Despite these challenges, Mexia was incredibly successful at discovering new plant species. [4] Her dedication to botany was evident in the way she meticulously prepared and documented her findings for research institutions.

The writer wants to revise Sentence 3 (reproduced below) to provide the most specific and concrete evidence of Mexia's success in discovering new plant species.

*Despite these challenges, Mexia was incredibly successful at discovering new plant species.*

Which choice best accomplishes this goal?

  1. During these excursions, she discovered over five hundred new species of plants, including a new genus of the sunflower family named Mexianthus in her honor.Answer
  2. B
    She traveled extensively across Mexico, Alaska, and South America, covering thousands of miles on horseback.
  3. C
    Although she began her botanical career later in life, collecting thousands of specimens.
  4. D
    She discovered many new plants, she sent them to research institutions.

Answer

The option that specifies that during her excursions she discovered over five hundred new species of plants, including a new genus of the sunflower family named Mexianthus in her honor.
The correct option replaces a vague claim about success with specific, concrete details, stating that she discovered over five hundred new species and naming a specific new genus (Mexianthus). This directly supports the claim of her success in discovering new species with verifiable facts.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the target claim that needs to be supported with evidence.
The target claim is that Mexia was "incredibly successful at discovering new plant species."
This establishes the criterion for selecting the correct revision.
2
Evaluate the choices to find which one provides the most specific and concrete details showing new species discoveries.
The option referencing "over five hundred new species" and the genus "Mexianthus" provides numerical data and a specific name.
Specific details and data are stronger evidence than vague generalizations.
3
Check the incorrect options for grammatical errors or lack of relevance to the claim.
One option is a comma splice, another is a sentence fragment, and the third describes her travel distance rather than plant discoveries.
Eliminating options that are grammatically incorrect or fail to address the specific claim confirms the correct choice.

Key Concept

Supporting claims with specific, concrete evidence and details rather than vague statements, while maintaining grammatical correctness.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Supporting Claims with Evidence and Details

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