"Telling Plastic to Bag It" Reading Comprehension Questions

The author's purpose is to

• persuade the reader not to use plastic bags
• inform to reader about the environmental impact of plastic bags
• entertain the reader with stories of environmental destruction

The Seattle activist's use of the phrase "gut-wrenching" in line 4 suggests that learning about 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 41-45?

• 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 52-58 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 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.
• any 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.