M4U2L4: Compare Text Evidence

Read this sentence from “Five Weird Materials That Could Replace Plastic”: 

“Okay, enough doom and gloom. Here’s the good news: Scientists know this is a problem, and are working hard to find a solution.” 

How does this sentence help develop the author’s point of view?

• by showing a transition from a negative to a positive outlook

• by explaining why the author remains doubtful about new solutions

• by giving an example of how the author’s personal experience influenced her opinion

• by providing a chance for a different expert to express their opinion

Read this sentence from “Five Things You Can Do to End Plastic Pollution”: 

“Here are five things YOU can do—starting TODAY—to end plastic pollution.”

How does capitalizing the words you and today help develop the author’s point of view?

• by emphasizing how the author is losing hope about how people can help reduce plastic pollution

• by showing the author’s worry about reducing plastic pollution

• by showing the author’s anger about reducing plastic pollution

• by emphasizing how the author believes individuals can help reduce plastic pollution

Read this sentence from Trash Vortex: 

“Of the 9 billion tons . . . of plastic produced since 1950, just 2 billion tons . . . are still in use, a 2017 study found. That means the rest of the trash litters Earth as trash.”

How does the phrase “litters Earth as trash” develop the author’s point of view?

• by establishing a happy, appreciative tone

• by establishing a neutral, calm tone

• by establishing a frustrated, saddened tone

• by establishing a frightened, confused tone

In the following table, match each publication to the type of evidence it focuses on. Write either Trash Vortex, “Five Weird Materials That Could Replace Plastic,” or “Five Things You Can Do to End Plastic Pollution.”​ ​ ​ (a)   ​ ​ (b)   ​ (c)  

• “Five Weird Materials That Could Replace Plastic”

• EVIDENCE: offers examples of materials that will help with the problem of plastic pollution

• Trash Vortex

• EVIDENCE: proposes solutions to the problem of plastic pollution

• “Five Things You Can Do to End Plastic Pollution”

• EVIDENCE: discusses ways to clean up plastic pollution

Match each publication to how they interpret facts. Write either Trash Vortex, “Five Weird Materials That Could Replace Plastic,” or “Five Things You Can Do to End Plastic Pollution.”

• Trash Vortex

• interprets facts to suggest that people have the power to make improvements

• “Five Things You Can Do to End Plastic Pollution”

• Interprets facts to suggest that new inventions will be useful

• “Five Weird Materials That Could Replace Plastic”

• Interprets facts to express doubt about cleaning up the ocean