Question

read the following passage, which is modeled after an encyclopedia entry about tortillas. the purpose of the article is to inform general readers about this topic. keep this purpose and audience in mind as you decide which words and phrases would be the most appropriate.
a tortilla is a round flatbread that appears in most mexican dishes, including tacos, enchiladas, and tostadas. tortillas are made with cornmeal or sometimes wheat flour. traditionally, the corn or wheat grains are ground on a stone. next, the meal from these grains is formed into small pieces of dough and dropdown menu with options: molded into deliciously thin circles, patted into thin circles, formed into meager little rings by hand. finally, the tortilla is baked on a griddle.
today, torticut off flattened into shape, and passed on a conveyor belt to cook over acut off

Explanation:

The text targets general readers to inform them about tortillas, so language should be clear, accurate, and match traditional tortilla preparation. "patted into thin circles" describes the manual, traditional method of shaping tortilla dough simply and appropriately for the audience, unlike the overly elaborate "molded into deliciously thin circles" or the incorrect "formed into meager little rings".

Answer:

patted into thin circles