Lesson: Author's use of evidence 01072026

Open Ended

Read this sentence from paragraph 1: "little kids, especially, are attracted by colorful packaging and plastic toys"

How does the author use this fact to support their argument about marketing to children?

Multiple Choice

Which sentence from paragraph 1 best supports the argument that corporations try to persuade children to request unhealthy foods?

• "I also used to think that all of our food came from these happy, little farms where pigs rolled in mud and cows grazed on grass all day."

• "It seems to me like corporations are always trying to get kids, like me, to get their parents to buy stuff that really isn't good for us or the planet."

•  "Little kids, especially, are attracted by colorful packaging and plastic toys."

• "I would like to say that I'm really amazed at how easily kids are led to believe all the marketing and advertising on TV."

Open Ended

How does the author use the fact about genetically engineered corn and rats to strengthen the argument about genetically engineered foods?

Multiple Choice

Which idea from paragraphs 2–3 does the author use to argue that industrial food practices harm health or the environment?

• "When it rains, these chemicals seep into the ground, or run off into our waterways, poisoning our water too."

• "Conventional farmers use chemical fertilizers made from fossil fuels that they mix with the dirt to make plants grow."

• "The food they produce has been proven to cause cancer and other problems in lab animals."

• "These include kidney inflammation and lesions and increased kidney weight in rats."

Open Ended

How does the author use facts and examples in paragraphs 4 and 5 to respond to the argument that organic or local food is more expensive?

Multiple Choice

Which sentence from paragraphs 4–5 best supports the argument that individuals can choose alternatives to industrial food?

• "I want you to know that we can all make a difference by making different choices."

• "There are farms out there — like Bill Keener in Sequatchie Cove Farm in Tennessee — whose cows do eat grass."

• "This man, Joel Salatin, they call him a lunatic farmer because he grows against the system."

• "I decided that I'd rather be an organic farmer instead."

Open Ended

How does the author use the anecdote about the cousin and cereal to support the claim that education can change food habits?

Multiple Choice

Which sentence from paragraphs 6–7 best supports the argument that children can change food choices when taught?

• "There are farmers’ markets in every community popping up."

• "My little cousin told his dad that he would rather have the organic Toasted O's cereal because Birke said he shouldn’t eat sparkly cereal."

• "So next time you’re at the grocery store, think local, choose organic, know your farmer and know your food."

• "I want you to know that me, my brother and sister actually like eating baked kale chips."