IA Review

The Seattle activist’s use of the phrase “gut-wrenching” in paragraph 2 suggests that learning about the 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 paragraph 15?

• 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 paragraphs 18 and 19 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 city 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.

• Many 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.

The author most likely includes “Plastic Bags: By the Numbers” at the end of the article to

• introduce new facts about plastic bags into the argument

• compare figures about plastic-bag use across the country

• emphasize the figures about plastic bags mentioned in the article

• show that plastic-bag bans can cause factory closures and large-scale job