STAAR REVISING PRACTICE: VOTE!

Damian has not effectively stated the position he is taking in this paper. Which of the following could best replace sentence 7 and provide a stronger position statement for Damian’s paper?

Original introduction: (1) According to the United Nations, the right to vote is a fundamental human right. (2) It’s the most direct way for people to influence the decisions of their government. (3) This right is not guaranteed in all nations of the world, but it is part of the U.S. Constitution. (4) Surprisingly, however, many Americans fail to exercise this right. (5) In fact, in 2008 only 64 percent of eligible Americans voted in the presidential election. (6) And in local elections the percentages were even smaller. (7) This isn’t a wise move for you or the country.

• Can you believe this outrageous statistic?

• This low voter turnout is appalling, and all Americans should exercise their right to vote

• I plan to vote in both national and local elections.

• There are groups that review human rights violations in this country as well as in other countries around the world.

What is the most effective way to combine sentences 10 and 11?

Original: (10) This idea of taxation without representation is part of the reason our forefathers were determined. (11) They wanted to separate from Great Britain and form their own nation.

• This idea of taxation without representation is part of the reason our forefathers were determined, who wanted to separate from Great Britain and form their own nation.

• This idea of taxation without representation is part of the reason our forefathers were determined to separate from Great Britain and form their own nation.

• This idea of taxation without representation is part of the reason our forefathers were determined because they separated from Great Britain and formed their own nation.

• This idea of taxation without representation is part of the reason our forefathers were determined separating from Great Britain and forming their own nation.

Damian would like to use a more appropriate transition in sentence 14. Which of the following is the best replacement for Therefore?

Original: (13) Even today the right to vote is very limited in some countries around the world. (14) Therefore, in Saudi Arabia the government operates under an absolute monarchy, and people have no opportunity to vote in national elections.

• Furthermore (Ademas)

• Meanwhile (Mientras)

• However (Pero)

• For example (Por ejemplo)

What is the most effective way to revise sentence 21?

Original: (21) It’s astounding to me that one of the lowest voter turnout rates in the United States is what Texas has.

• Because it’s astounding to me, Texas has one of the lowest voter turnout rates in the United States.

• It’s astounding to me what Texas has being one of the lowest voter turnout rates in the United States.

• It’s astounding to me that Texas has one of the lowest voter turnout rates in the United States.

• As astounding as it is, it’s also shocking that Texas has one of the lowest voter turnout rates in the United States.

The meaning of sentence 23 is unclear. What is the most effective way to clarify the meaning of this sentence?

Original: (23) And in local elections sometimes less than 10 percent of the voting population chooses who will make them.

• Change sometimes to there are times when

• Change population to citizenry

• Change chooses to selects

• Change them to those important decisions

Damian needs a stronger closing for his paper. Which sentences should he add after sentence 28 to bring his paper to a more effective conclusion?

Original conclusion: (27) So when you turn 18, take the time to become a registered voter. (28) Then pay attention to election candidates and issues.

• You must be the one who changes this. It isn’t fair to make others think they have all the rights.

• Don’t be lazy. Get off the couch and do something that matters.

• When Election Day comes, go to the polls and cast your vote. It’s not only your right but also your responsibility.

• You’ll feel better if you persuade people to vote. You can help make your community more vibrant.