Standard Review (RI 7.8)

In the passage below, how does the author help the reader understand the lack of places to dump trash on public beaches?

People often complain about the amount of trash on our ocean beaches, but I rarely hear anyone offering a solution. Let's face it-most of us are pretty lazy and do not want to have to walk very far to dispose of trash.

Those who run our state parks and recreation areas should recognize that. Installing more trash cans along our public beaches is the way to keep trash from being dumped on the sand. The last time I went to a beach, I only saw one garbage can, and it was way up by the parking lot! Trash cans should be spaced frequently along the beach.

I know some will say that trash cans will spoil the natural beauty of the beach. However, this could easily be solved. The trash can could be in small wooden "huts" that blend with the beach and woods. If there were places to easily dump trash, then people would lack excuses to not use them.

• by suggesting that wooden "huts" be built

• by providing some expert opinion

• by indicating that everyone believes this

• by speaking from personal experience

Which of the following is a claim the author supports in the passage below?

“The best things in life are free,” they say, which is true for things like libraries. However, it is not true for many museums. The Philadelphia Museum of Art, for example, costs $20 to get in. Traveling exhibits, such as the work of a certain artist that is touring the country, almost always cost even more. People must pay to get into the museum and also pay for the special showing. That means people who don’t have much money cannot enjoy the art.

• People with little money cannot enjoy museums.

• Museums should not charge extra fees.

• Traveling exhibits should always be free.

• Museums need more traveling shows.

Which piece of evidence could be used to BEST support this claim that high school students should be required to wear uniforms.

• When adding everything up, a school uniform could end up costing more than $200.

• A student reported, "Allowing us to wear our own clothes gives us a chance to show our unique style and independence."

• At one school that recently required students to wear uniforms, attendence rates went up, and behavior incidents went down.

• School uniforms can be ordered online .

In the passage below, which of the following is evidence for the claim that video games expose young people to violence?

“It’s important to limit your video game playing. First, playing video games isn’t good for your mind. It exposes young people to violence. Violent video games have been linked to aggression in kids. Also, it isn’t good for your health. The more video games you play, the less physical activity you are getting. Obesity and levels of video game playing are linked in research. Finally, playing video games limits the important social interactions you have in real life with friends and family. We miss talking with you around here because you’re always playing games!”

• "Violent video games have been linked to aggression in kids."

• "Obesity and levels of video game playing are linked in research."

• "We miss talking with you around here because you’re always playing games!”

• “It’s important to limit your video game playing."

For the passage below, what evidence could the author include to support the claim that wearing a regular backpack on a bicycle is bad for the back?

Are you tired of trying to lug your books to school on your bike? Messenger bags and backpacks were not well-designed for bicycle travel, making it difficult to carry your books.

For example, messenger bags that sling across your shoulder and sit against your bike are always sliding off. Backpacks are better, but they are built to distribute the weight evenly when you walk. When bicycling, your body is in a whole different position. These backpacks can cause strain to the back.

The new Bicycle Book Bag completely solves these problems with a smart design. This backpack will hold all your books and let you carry them comfortably while you ride.

The comfort comes from the special straps that fasten across your chest and across your waist. This makes sure that weight is evenly carried across your whole back. Best of all, the bag and its contents are firmly held in place and will not slide around.

Just in time for school, the Bicycle Book Bag is available at an outdoor store near you.

• Data that show how many kids carry backpacks

• Evidence from a doctor who treats back problems

• A poll that asks what book bags kids use on their bike

• Examples of book bags that attach to the bike itself