Telling Plastic to 'Bag It'

The Seattle activist’s use of the phrase “gut-wrenching” in line 4 suggests that learning about the plastic bags in the whale’s belly was

• physically demanding
• emotionally painful
• very informative
• extremely tense

Why does the author include the information about plastic bottles in lines 41 through 45?

• to show where the idea for the plastic-bag ban originated
• to illustrate the conflict between environmentalists and businesses
• to show how the government is concerned with litter in public places
• to illustrate a widespread concern with plastic waste in the environment

In lines 52 through 58 of the article, the author explains events surrounding a citywide vote. Based on this information, readers can infer that

• Seattle voters were familiar with high fees
• economic concerns overrode concern for the environment
• Seattle city officials knew what the people really wanted
• leaders in the plastics industry were helpful in explaining a complex issue

Which evidence from the article suggests that plastic-bag bans are effective?

• A city in Texas has eliminated thousands of bags per day
• Officials in Seattle have passed a ban on bags.
• Many cities now ban the use of plastic bags.
• Many people reuse their plastic bags.

The author of the article balances different points of view on the issue of banning plastic bags by including

• information about plastic-bag bans in Europe and Asia
• arguments from environmentalists and businesses on plastic-bag bans
• data from scientists concerned with plastic bags in the environment
• quotes from people living in American cities where plastic bags are banned

Which statement is supported by sufficient evidence from the article?

• The petroleum industry is fighting plastic-bottle bans
• A statewide ban on plastic bags is unlikely to happen.
• Paying a fee on plastic bags is unappealing to some people.
• Many Americans prefer paper or reusable bags to plastic bags.

The author most likely includes “Plastic Bags: By the Numbers” at the end of the article to

• introduce new facts about plastic bags into the argument
• compare figures about plastic-bag use across the country
• emphasize the figures about plastic bags mentioned in the article
• show that plastic-bag bans can cause factory closures and large-scale job loss

Fred's usual sunny disposition had gone the way of the dodos. He had a black cloud hanging over his head. Throughout the week, he had encountered one problem after another. He wasn't looking forward to the next challenge that life would present him. 
What does the word challenge suggest in the paragraph above?

• claim
• dare
• dispute 
• obstacle

 The election had been two days ago, and after the results were announced, Marina smiled weakly at her opponent and gave him a reluctant civil handshake. Her classmates could tell that she was upset though. Marina was somewhat cold to those in the room who she was sure voted against her. She was astrong-willed girl and did not show sadness about her defeat, but everybody knew that the results killed Marina.   
What does the word civil suggest in the paragraph above?

• eagerness
  
• poor citizenship
• forced politeness
• over-excitement
  

The election had been two days ago, and after the results were announced, Marina smiled weakly at her opponent and gave him a reluctant civil handshake. Her classmates could tell that she was upset though. Marina was somewhat cold to those in the room who she was sure voted against her. She was astrong-willed girl and did not show sadness about her defeat, but everybody knew that the results killed Marina.

What does the word strong-willed connote or suggest about Marina?

• Marina is flexible.
• Marina is enjoyable.
• Marina is muscular.
• Marina is stubborn.