Ban the Ban

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 tried to implement a law banning large sodas.

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

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

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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.

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

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

• 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.

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According to “Soda’s a Problem but . . .,” how does the proposed law regulating soda size differ from the smoking ban that was implemented? Choose two options.

• Public smoking poses a danger to others, whereas drinking soda does not.

• The smoking ban had full public support, but the soda regulations were opposed.

• The city’s Board of Health unanimously approved the smoking ban but voted against the soda limits.

• People are able to control their urge to smoke but are compelled to drink large-sized sugary drinks.

• The smoking ban addresses the dangers smoking poses to others, but it does not limit how many cigarettes can be purchased at one time.

If a plan is implemented, which of the following must be true?

• The plan is carried out.

• The plan is a good idea.

• People voted on the plan.

• People will question the plan.

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Which word means the same as intentions in this sentence?

Paul has good intentions, but in spite of being well-meaning, he rarely completes a project.

• friends

• beliefs

• goals

• tools

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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

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

• 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.

• She believes it is full of inconsistencies.

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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 they’re allowed.

• [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.

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

• 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.

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 on this argument?

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

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

• 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.

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

• 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.

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

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