SAT OwlQuestion bank / Rhetorical Synthesis
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
• Haiku and tanka are both forms of Japanese poetry.
• A haiku has three lines with a 5-7-5 syllable pattern, for 17 syllables total.
• A tanka has five lines with a 5-7-5-7-7 syllable pattern, for 31 syllables total.
• Tanka is the older form, dating back at least to the 8th century.
The student wants to emphasize a difference in the length of the two forms. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
A haiku has three lines and 17 syllables, whereas a tanka has five lines and 31 syllables.
Haiku and tanka are both forms of Japanese poetry.
Tanka, which dates back at least to the 8th century, is older than haiku.
Both haiku and tanka begin with lines of five, seven, and five syllables.
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A
The goal asks for a difference in length. Choice A compares the number of lines and syllables in each form. Choice C gives a difference in age, not length, and choices B and D point out similarities.
Choice C does contrast the two forms, but by age, not by length.
Got it wrong? On SAT Owl, Owl looks at the answer you chose and explains the exact mistake, then gives you similar questions until it sticks. Get your predicted SAT score free.