Ban the Ban! and Soda's a Problem but ... Quiz

1. Why is Michael Bloomberg mentioned in both “Ban the Ban!” and “Soda’s a Problem but ...”?

• He was a three-term mayor of New York City.

• He appointed the members of the New York Board of Health.

• He implemented a law banning smoking in public places in New York City.

• He tried to implement a law banning large sodas.

2. Which of the following ideas are suggested in both “Ban the Ban!” and “Soda’s a Problem but ...”? Choose two options.

• The government should be more eager to get involved in people’s choices.

• Obesity, along with soda’s contribution to it, needs to be addressed by legal action.

• Taking away the option of purchasing a certain size soda is not right or legal.

• People have no control when given the option to consume sugar, especially sugary drinks.

• Placing a ban on smoking in public places is understandable because it poses a danger.

3. Which of the following most clearly presents a reason for someone to intervene? Base your answer on the meaning of intervene.

• to stop kids from fighting over a toy

• to show interest in a new hobby or activity

• to ask an adult for permission to do something

• to question whether a person is telling the truth

4. The following question has two parts. Answer Part A first, and then Part B.

Part A Which best describes how the author of “Soda’s a Problem but ...” feels about the soda ban?

• She believes it is full of inconsistencies.

• She finds the politician supporting it admirable.

• She does not think it will be very helpful.

• She thinks it is a worthy goal of government.

4. Part B Which of these quotations from the text most clearly supports her perspective?

• [I]t’s wrong for one man, even an elected official and even a well-meaning one at that, to dictate to people how big a cup of sugary soda allowed. they’re

• [A]fter years of sacrificing their students’ health to their desire to raise more money, most [schools] have stopped allowing vending machines stocked with sodas.

• Convenience stores such as 7-Eleven are overseen by the state and would be exempt, but a Burger King across the street would be restricted.

• Bloomberg is playing nanny in the worst sort of way by interfering in a basic, private transaction involving a perfectly legal substance.

5. The following question has two parts. Answer Part A first, and then Part B.

Part A The author of “Soda’s a Problem but ...” comments on the argument that“people are helpless in the face of sugar.” Which best describes her perspective of this argument?

• She sees soda as an addictive substance, so agrees that people struggle when given too many options.

• She believes people are not helpless and will change their behavior as they learn more about the risks of soda.

• She believes that people are so helpless they need government intervention to make good decisions.

• She considers the argument an overstatement but agrees that sugar is difficult to resist.

5. Part B Which of these quotations from the text is the most relevant evidence in support of her perspective?

• Let’s not forget that scientists and even governments have at times pushed people ... into eating high levels of refined carbohydrates and sugars... .

• It’s bad for you, especially in large quantities.

• [A]fter years of sacrificing their students’ health to their desire to raise more money, most [schools] have stopped allowing vending machines stocked with sodas.

• Soda consumption is already slipping nationwide.

6. According to “Soda’s a Problem but...,” which is a main reason the ban on large sodas failed to be approved?

• Mayor Bloomberg wanted to implement the law statewide.

• Fruit juice, especially apple juice, has as many calories as soda.

• The number of contradictions within the law made it impossible to enact.

• People who really wanted more soda could simply buy two smaller drinks.

7. The following question has two parts. Answer Part A first, and then answer Part B.

Part A: What is the main claim that the author of “Ban the Ban!” makes about the mayor’s soda ban?

• The ban is inappropriate because government regulations are wrong.

• The ban is inappropriate because it restricts freedom of choice.

• The ban is inappropriate because soda is not a big part of unhealthy diets.

• The ban is inappropriate because it fails to address the problem of obesity.

7. Part B: Which quotation from the text best supports the correct claim in Part A?

• When he insisted on calorie counts being posted, I think many of us cringed but, again, it made sense.

• When you take away the option to order a soda over a certain size, you have now removed my options.

• ... obesity is an issue that needs to be addressed ... with education, compassion and support, not government mandates

• People might think it is not important because it is just soda...