Synthesis practice questions

Synthesis questions

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1. 1SynthesisStandard

   Notes for an article state that a wetland restoration began in 2019, native plants were added in 2020, and bird surveys recorded 14 more species by 2023. Which sentence most effectively summarizes the notes?Notes for an article state that a wetland restoration began in 2019, native plants were added in 2020, and bird surveys recorded 14 more species by 2023. Which sentence most effectively summarizes the notes?

   • ABird surveys are always more reliable than plant surveys.Bird surveys are always more reliable than plant surveys.
   • BThe wetland had exactly 14 bird species before restoration began.The wetland had exactly 14 bird species before restoration began.
   • CWetlands are difficult to restore because native plants grow slowly.Wetlands are difficult to restore because native plants grow slowly.
   • DA restoration begun in 2019 added native plants the next year and was followed by an increase in recorded bird species by 2023.A restoration begun in 2019 added native plants the next year and was followed by an increase in recorded bird species by 2023.
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   Answer: A restoration begun in 2019 added native plants the next year and was followed by an increase in recorded bird species by 2023.A restoration begun in 2019 added native plants the next year and was followed by an increase in recorded bird species by 2023.

   This choice accurately joins the timing and the reported result without inventing a cause, a comparison of survey methods, or a starting species count.This choice accurately joins the timing and the reported result without inventing a cause, a comparison of survey methods, or a starting species count.

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2. 2SynthesisStandard

   Notes: A neighborhood association planted 60 street trees in 2020, and 54 were alive in 2024. A nearby association planted 45 trees the same year, and 27 were alive in 2024. The first association watered new trees weekly for two summers. The student wants to emphasize the difference in survival between the two groups. Which choice best uses the notes?Notes: A neighborhood association planted 60 street trees in 2020, and 54 were alive in 2024. A nearby association planted 45 trees the same year, and 27 were alive in 2024. The first association watered new trees weekly for two summers. The student wants to emphasize the difference in survival between the two groups. Which choice best uses the notes?

   • AStreet trees planted in 2020 were still standing in 2024.Street trees planted in 2020 were still standing in 2024.
   • BOf the trees planted in 2020, 54 of 60 survived where volunteers watered weekly, compared with 27 of 45 where they did not.Of the trees planted in 2020, 54 of 60 survived where volunteers watered weekly, compared with 27 of 45 where they did not.
   • COne association watered its new trees weekly for two summers.One association watered its new trees weekly for two summers.
   • DTwo neighborhood associations planted street trees in 2020.Two neighborhood associations planted street trees in 2020.
   Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation

   Answer: Of the trees planted in 2020, 54 of 60 survived where volunteers watered weekly, compared with 27 of 45 where they did not.Of the trees planted in 2020, 54 of 60 survived where volunteers watered weekly, compared with 27 of 45 where they did not.

   Only this choice states both survival figures side by side, which is what emphasizing a difference requires. The others report a single fact and invite no comparison.Only this choice states both survival figures side by side, which is what emphasizing a difference requires. The others report a single fact and invite no comparison.

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3. 3SynthesisStandard

   Notes: A repair cafe opened in 2021. Volunteers fixed 410 items in its first year and 980 in 2024. About 70 percent of items brought in are repaired successfully. The student wants to emphasize the growth in the cafe's activity. Which choice best uses the notes?Notes: A repair cafe opened in 2021. Volunteers fixed 410 items in its first year and 980 in 2024. About 70 percent of items brought in are repaired successfully. The student wants to emphasize the growth in the cafe's activity. Which choice best uses the notes?

   • AAbout 70 percent of the items brought to the repair cafe are successfully repaired.About 70 percent of the items brought to the repair cafe are successfully repaired.
   • BVolunteers at the repair cafe fixed 410 items in 2021 and 980 in 2024.Volunteers at the repair cafe fixed 410 items in 2021 and 980 in 2024.
   • CThe repair cafe has been open since 2021.The repair cafe has been open since 2021.
   • DVolunteers at the repair cafe fixed 980 items in 2024.Volunteers at the repair cafe fixed 980 items in 2024.
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   Answer: Volunteers at the repair cafe fixed 410 items in 2021 and 980 in 2024.Volunteers at the repair cafe fixed 410 items in 2021 and 980 in 2024.

   Growth is a change over time, so the choice must carry both figures. The success rate, the opening year, and a single year's total each state one fact and show no change.Growth is a change over time, so the choice must carry both figures. The success rate, the opening year, and a single year's total each state one fact and show no change.

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4. 4SynthesisStandard

   Notes: A footpath was resurfaced in 2022. Before resurfacing, 200 walkers used it weekly. After, 340 used it weekly. The path is 2 kilometers long. The student wants to emphasize the increase in use. Which choice best uses the notes?Notes: A footpath was resurfaced in 2022. Before resurfacing, 200 walkers used it weekly. After, 340 used it weekly. The path is 2 kilometers long. The student wants to emphasize the increase in use. Which choice best uses the notes?

   • AWeekly use of the footpath rose from 200 walkers to 340 after it was resurfaced in 2022.Weekly use of the footpath rose from 200 walkers to 340 after it was resurfaced in 2022.
   • BThe footpath was resurfaced because it was heavily used.The footpath was resurfaced because it was heavily used.
   • CAbout 340 walkers use the footpath each week.About 340 walkers use the footpath each week.
   • DThe footpath, which is 2 kilometers long, was resurfaced in 2022.The footpath, which is 2 kilometers long, was resurfaced in 2022.
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   Answer: Weekly use of the footpath rose from 200 walkers to 340 after it was resurfaced in 2022.Weekly use of the footpath rose from 200 walkers to 340 after it was resurfaced in 2022.

   An increase needs both figures. The others give a length, a single current figure, or a reason the notes do not contain.An increase needs both figures. The others give a length, a single current figure, or a reason the notes do not contain.

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5. 5SynthesisStandard

   Notes: A community choir formed in 2016. It had 18 members then and 74 now. It rehearses weekly. It has performed at 40 events. The student wants to emphasize the choir's growth in membership. Which choice best uses the notes?Notes: A community choir formed in 2016. It had 18 members then and 74 now. It rehearses weekly. It has performed at 40 events. The student wants to emphasize the choir's growth in membership. Which choice best uses the notes?

   • AThe choir currently has 74 members.The choir currently has 74 members.
   • BThe choir, formed in 2016, rehearses every week.The choir, formed in 2016, rehearses every week.
   • CThe choir has grown from 18 members at its founding in 2016 to 74 today.The choir has grown from 18 members at its founding in 2016 to 74 today.
   • DThe choir has performed at 40 events.The choir has performed at 40 events.
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   Answer: The choir has grown from 18 members at its founding in 2016 to 74 today.The choir has grown from 18 members at its founding in 2016 to 74 today.

   Growth is a change, so both membership figures must appear. A single current number shows size, not growth.Growth is a change, so both membership figures must appear. A single current number shows size, not growth.

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6. 6SynthesisStandard

   Notes: A repair shop opened in 2019. It repaired 240 items in its first year and 1,100 in 2024. It employs four people. Around 15 percent of items brought in cannot be repaired. The student wants to emphasize the growth in the shop's workload. Which choice best uses the notes?Notes: A repair shop opened in 2019. It repaired 240 items in its first year and 1,100 in 2024. It employs four people. Around 15 percent of items brought in cannot be repaired. The student wants to emphasize the growth in the shop's workload. Which choice best uses the notes?

   • AThe repair shop opened in 2019.The repair shop opened in 2019.
   • BAbout 15 percent of items brought to the shop cannot be repaired.About 15 percent of items brought to the shop cannot be repaired.
   • CRepairs rose from 240 in the shop's first year to 1,100 in 2024.Repairs rose from 240 in the shop's first year to 1,100 in 2024.
   • DThe shop employs four people.The shop employs four people.
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   Answer: Repairs rose from 240 in the shop's first year to 1,100 in 2024.Repairs rose from 240 in the shop's first year to 1,100 in 2024.

   Growth in workload needs both figures. Staffing, failure rate and opening year are true and describe something else.Growth in workload needs both figures. Staffing, failure rate and opening year are true and describe something else.

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7. 7SynthesisStandard

   While writing about a 1908 photograph of a market square, a student has taken these notes:•The photograph shows 40 stalls.•A council register for 1908 lists 52 licensed traders.•The photograph was taken on a Tuesday.•The market's main day was Saturday.The student wants to explain why the photograph shows fewer stalls than the register would suggest. Which choice best uses the notes to do this?While writing about a 1908 photograph of a market square, a student has taken these notes: - The photograph shows 40 stalls. - A council register for 1908 lists 52 licensed traders. - The photograph was taken on a Tuesday. - The market's main day was Saturday. The student wants to explain why the photograph shows fewer stalls than the register would suggest. Which choice best uses the notes to do this?

   • AThe photograph shows 40 stalls, although 52 traders held licenses that year.The photograph shows 40 stalls, although 52 traders held licenses that year.
   • BTaken on a Tuesday rather than the market's main day of Saturday, the photograph shows only 40 of the 52 licensed traders.Taken on a Tuesday rather than the market's main day of Saturday, the photograph shows only 40 of the 52 licensed traders.
   • CIn 1908 the council licensed 52 traders for the market square.In 1908 the council licensed 52 traders for the market square.
   • DThe photograph, taken on a Tuesday, shows a market square with 40 stalls.The photograph, taken on a Tuesday, shows a market square with 40 stalls.
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   Answer: Taken on a Tuesday rather than the market's main day of Saturday, the photograph shows only 40 of the 52 licensed traders.Taken on a Tuesday rather than the market's main day of Saturday, the photograph shows only 40 of the 52 licensed traders.

   Only one choice puts the day beside the shortfall, which is what turns two facts into an explanation. The first states the discrepancy without accounting for it, and the last two report one side of it.Only one choice puts the day beside the shortfall, which is what turns two facts into an explanation. The first states the discrepancy without accounting for it, and the last two report one side of it.

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8. 8SynthesisStandard

   While researching a lighthouse, a student has taken these notes:•The lighthouse was automated in 1989.•Before automation it was staffed by three keepers.•It now has no keepers.•Its light is still visible 26 miles out to sea.The student wants to make the point that automation changed who worked there without changing what the building does. Which choice best accomplishes this goal?While researching a lighthouse, a student has taken these notes: - The lighthouse was automated in 1989. - Before automation it was staffed by three keepers. - It now has no keepers. - Its light is still visible 26 miles out to sea. The student wants to make the point that automation changed who worked there without changing what the building does. Which choice best accomplishes this goal?

   • AAutomated in 1989, the lighthouse lost its three keepers but still shows a light visible 26 miles out to sea.Automated in 1989, the lighthouse lost its three keepers but still shows a light visible 26 miles out to sea.
   • BThe lighthouse was automated in 1989, having been staffed by three keepers before then.The lighthouse was automated in 1989, having been staffed by three keepers before then.
   • CThe light of the lighthouse is visible 26 miles out to sea.The light of the lighthouse is visible 26 miles out to sea.
   • DSince 1989 the lighthouse has had no keepers.Since 1989 the lighthouse has had no keepers.
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   Answer: Automated in 1989, the lighthouse lost its three keepers but still shows a light visible 26 miles out to sea.Automated in 1989, the lighthouse lost its three keepers but still shows a light visible 26 miles out to sea.

   Making the point requires both halves in one sentence: the staffing that ended and the function that did not. The other choices carry one half each, and a change needs two sides to be visible.Making the point requires both halves in one sentence: the staffing that ended and the function that did not. The other choices carry one half each, and a change needs two sides to be visible.

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9. 9SynthesisStandard

   While researching a village school, a student has taken these notes:•The school opened in 1874.•It had 96 pupils in 1900.•It has 41 pupils now.•It is the only school within nine miles.The student wants to explain why the school stays open despite falling numbers. Which choice best accomplishes this goal?While researching a village school, a student has taken these notes: - The school opened in 1874. - It had 96 pupils in 1900. - It has 41 pupils now. - It is the only school within nine miles. The student wants to explain why the school stays open despite falling numbers. Which choice best accomplishes this goal?

   • AThe school opened in 1874 and had 96 pupils by 1900.The school opened in 1874 and had 96 pupils by 1900.
   • BThough numbers have fallen from 96 to 41, it remains the only school within nine miles.Though numbers have fallen from 96 to 41, it remains the only school within nine miles.
   • CThe school now has 41 pupils on its roll.The school now has 41 pupils on its roll.
   • DThe school has been open for a century and a half.The school has been open for a century and a half.
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   Answer: Though numbers have fallen from 96 to 41, it remains the only school within nine miles.Though numbers have fallen from 96 to 41, it remains the only school within nine miles.

   The explanation lies in the note the other choices leave out: distance. Falling numbers alone would be a reason to close, and it is the absence of an alternative that answers the question asked.The explanation lies in the note the other choices leave out: distance. Falling numbers alone would be a reason to close, and it is the absence of an alternative that answers the question asked.

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10. 10SynthesisStandard

    While writing about a closed footbridge, a student has taken these notes:•The bridge closed for repair in March.•The detour adds 1.2 km to the journey.•Around 400 people crossed daily before the closure.•Repairs are due to finish in October.The student wants to convey the cumulative cost of the closure to the people affected. Which choice best accomplishes this goal?While writing about a closed footbridge, a student has taken these notes: - The bridge closed for repair in March. - The detour adds 1.2 km to the journey. - Around 400 people crossed daily before the closure. - Repairs are due to finish in October. The student wants to convey the cumulative cost of the closure to the people affected. Which choice best accomplishes this goal?

    • AThe bridge closed in March and is due to reopen in October.The bridge closed in March and is due to reopen in October.
    • BFor seven months, 400 crossings a day have each become 1.2 km longer.For seven months, 400 crossings a day have each become 1.2 km longer.
    • CThe detour adds 1.2 km to the journey.The detour adds 1.2 km to the journey.
    • DAround 400 people used the bridge each day.Around 400 people used the bridge each day.
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    Answer: For seven months, 400 crossings a day have each become 1.2 km longer.For seven months, 400 crossings a day have each become 1.2 km longer.

    A cumulative cost needs the three quantities multiplied together in the reader's head: how long, how many people, how much further. Each other choice supplies one of the three and leaves the total invisible.A cumulative cost needs the three quantities multiplied together in the reader's head: how long, how many people, how much further. Each other choice supplies one of the three and leaves the total invisible.

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11. 11SynthesisStandard

    While writing about a rescued cinema, a student has taken these notes:•The cinema opened in 1929 and closed in 1997.•It was bought by a community trust in 2011.•Restoration cost 2.1 million pounds.•1,400 people hold shares in the trust.The student wants to emphasize that the rescue was collective rather than the work of one buyer. Which choice best accomplishes this goal?While writing about a rescued cinema, a student has taken these notes: - The cinema opened in 1929 and closed in 1997. - It was bought by a community trust in 2011. - Restoration cost 2.1 million pounds. - 1,400 people hold shares in the trust. The student wants to emphasize that the rescue was collective rather than the work of one buyer. Which choice best accomplishes this goal?

    • AThe cinema opened in 1929 and closed in 1997.The cinema opened in 1929 and closed in 1997.
    • BA community trust bought the cinema in 2011.A community trust bought the cinema in 2011.
    • CThe 2.1 million pound restoration was funded by a trust with 1,400 shareholders.The 2.1 million pound restoration was funded by a trust with 1,400 shareholders.
    • DRestoration of the cinema cost 2.1 million pounds.Restoration of the cinema cost 2.1 million pounds.
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    Answer: The 2.1 million pound restoration was funded by a trust with 1,400 shareholders.The 2.1 million pound restoration was funded by a trust with 1,400 shareholders.

    Collective effort shows in the number of people set against the size of the sum. Naming the trust alone leaves it indistinguishable from a single institutional buyer.Collective effort shows in the number of people set against the size of the sum. Naming the trust alone leaves it indistinguishable from a single institutional buyer.

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12. 12SynthesisStandard

    While writing about a restored steam pump, a student has taken these notes:•The pump drained 1,200 acres of fen from 1831.•It was replaced by a diesel engine in 1941.•Volunteers restored it between 1998 and 2016.•It is now run four times a year.The student wants to convey that the pump has been preserved as a demonstration rather than returned to service. Which choice best accomplishes this goal?While writing about a restored steam pump, a student has taken these notes: - The pump drained 1,200 acres of fen from 1831. - It was replaced by a diesel engine in 1941. - Volunteers restored it between 1998 and 2016. - It is now run four times a year. The student wants to convey that the pump has been preserved as a demonstration rather than returned to service. Which choice best accomplishes this goal?

    • AThe pump drained 1,200 acres of fen from 1831 until 1941.The pump drained 1,200 acres of fen from 1831 until 1941.
    • BVolunteers restored the pump between 1998 and 2016.Volunteers restored the pump between 1998 and 2016.
    • CRestored over eighteen years, the pump that once drained 1,200 acres now runs four times a year.Restored over eighteen years, the pump that once drained 1,200 acres now runs four times a year.
    • DThe pump was replaced by a diesel engine in 1941.The pump was replaced by a diesel engine in 1941.
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    Answer: Restored over eighteen years, the pump that once drained 1,200 acres now runs four times a year.Restored over eighteen years, the pump that once drained 1,200 acres now runs four times a year.

    The contrast between what it used to do and how seldom it now runs is what marks it as a demonstration. Any single note leaves that contrast unmade.The contrast between what it used to do and how seldom it now runs is what marks it as a demonstration. Any single note leaves that contrast unmade.

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13. 13SynthesisStandard

    While writing about a bird hide, a student has taken these notes:•The hide was built by volunteers in 1997.•It overlooks a lagoon created by gravel extraction.•63 species have been recorded from it.•The lagoon was a working quarry until 1989.The student wants to convey that the site's value is recent and accidental. Which choice best accomplishes this goal?While writing about a bird hide, a student has taken these notes: - The hide was built by volunteers in 1997. - It overlooks a lagoon created by gravel extraction. - 63 species have been recorded from it. - The lagoon was a working quarry until 1989. The student wants to convey that the site's value is recent and accidental. Which choice best accomplishes this goal?

    • AVolunteers built the hide in 1997.Volunteers built the hide in 1997.
    • BSixty-three species have been recorded from the hide.Sixty-three species have been recorded from the hide.
    • CA gravel quarry worked until 1989 is now a lagoon from which 63 species have been recorded.A gravel quarry worked until 1989 is now a lagoon from which 63 species have been recorded.
    • DThe hide overlooks a lagoon created by gravel extraction.The hide overlooks a lagoon created by gravel extraction.
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    Answer: A gravel quarry worked until 1989 is now a lagoon from which 63 species have been recorded.A gravel quarry worked until 1989 is now a lagoon from which 63 species have been recorded.

    "Recent and accidental" needs the industrial past and the wildlife present in one sentence: nobody dug the quarry to make a lagoon. Any single note gives one half and leaves the point unmade."Recent and accidental" needs the industrial past and the wildlife present in one sentence: nobody dug the quarry to make a lagoon. Any single note gives one half and leaves the point unmade.

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14. 14SynthesisChallenge

    While researching a canal restoration, a student has taken these notes:•The canal closed to traffic in 1944.•Restoration began in 1998.•11 of the canal's 17 locks have been rebuilt.•Volunteers have given about 90,000 hours.The student wants to convey that the work is substantial but unfinished. Which choice best accomplishes this goal?While researching a canal restoration, a student has taken these notes: - The canal closed to traffic in 1944. - Restoration began in 1998. - 11 of the canal's 17 locks have been rebuilt. - Volunteers have given about 90,000 hours. The student wants to convey that the work is substantial but unfinished. Which choice best accomplishes this goal?

    • ASome 90,000 volunteer hours since 1998 have rebuilt 11 of the canal's 17 locks.Some 90,000 volunteer hours since 1998 have rebuilt 11 of the canal's 17 locks.
    • BThe canal closed to traffic in 1944, and restoration began in 1998.The canal closed to traffic in 1944, and restoration began in 1998.
    • CVolunteers have given about 90,000 hours to the canal.Volunteers have given about 90,000 hours to the canal.
    • DEleven of the canal's seventeen locks have been rebuilt.Eleven of the canal's seventeen locks have been rebuilt.
    Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation

    Answer: Some 90,000 volunteer hours since 1998 have rebuilt 11 of the canal's 17 locks.Some 90,000 volunteer hours since 1998 have rebuilt 11 of the canal's 17 locks.

    "Substantial but unfinished" needs the effort and the fraction in the same sentence: 90,000 hours is the scale and 11 of 17 is the shortfall. The last choice carries the shortfall alone and the third the scale alone."Substantial but unfinished" needs the effort and the fraction in the same sentence: 90,000 hours is the scale and 11 of 17 is the shortfall. The last choice carries the shortfall alone and the third the scale alone.

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15. 15SynthesisChallenge

    While researching a peat bog, a student has taken these notes:•Drainage ditches were cut across the bog in the 1960s.•Blocking those ditches began in 2015.•The water table has risen by 22 cm since.•Sphagnum moss now covers 40 percent of the site, up from 5 percent.The student wants to show that one intervention produced two connected effects. Which choice best accomplishes this goal?While researching a peat bog, a student has taken these notes: - Drainage ditches were cut across the bog in the 1960s. - Blocking those ditches began in 2015. - The water table has risen by 22 cm since. - Sphagnum moss now covers 40 percent of the site, up from 5 percent. The student wants to show that one intervention produced two connected effects. Which choice best accomplishes this goal?

    • ADitches cut in the 1960s were blocked from 2015 onwards.Ditches cut in the 1960s were blocked from 2015 onwards.
    • BBlocking the 1960s ditches has lifted the water table by 22 cm, and moss cover has gone from 5 to 40 percent.Blocking the 1960s ditches has lifted the water table by 22 cm, and moss cover has gone from 5 to 40 percent.
    • CSphagnum moss now covers 40 percent of the site.Sphagnum moss now covers 40 percent of the site.
    • DThe water table has risen by 22 cm since 2015.The water table has risen by 22 cm since 2015.
    Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation

    Answer: Blocking the 1960s ditches has lifted the water table by 22 cm, and moss cover has gone from 5 to 40 percent.Blocking the 1960s ditches has lifted the water table by 22 cm, and moss cover has gone from 5 to 40 percent.

    Two connected effects need the cause and both effects in one sentence, which only one choice manages. The others give the cause alone or one effect alone, and neither shape can show a connection.Two connected effects need the cause and both effects in one sentence, which only one choice manages. The others give the cause alone or one effect alone, and neither shape can show a connection.

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