"Composting" Quiz

1. Paragraphs 5, 6, and 8 help support the author's argument by--

• F. explaining that community members will help make composting a success
• G. indicating that the school does not have the funds to pay for supplies
• H. suggesting that the school will benefit financially from composting
• J. showing that fertilizer is needed on school grounds in order for plants to grow

2. What is the meaning of distinct in paragraph 2?

• A. Able to improve
• B. Rare and harmful
• C. Likely to change
• D. Strong and definite

3. In paragraph 4, Katie includes specific information from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality in order to--

• F. add credibility to her argument that the amount of trash in landfills is a problem
• G. show support for the activities sponsored by an environmental agency
• H. evaluate the effectiveness of groups that want to reduce the amount of trash in landfills
• J. give an example of how a government agency can help the environment

4. Which of the author's arguments is based on faulty reasoning?

• A. Composting has a surprising variety of benefits for the soil.
• B. If tended to regularly, a compost pile can transform food scraps and other organic materials into wonderfully fresh, nutrient-filled dirt.
• C. If our school implements our composting idea, we could send less trash to the landfills.
• D. If students see us composting at school, they will want to start a compost pile at home as well, further reducing the waste in landfills.

5. Based on the author's comments in her letter, the reader can conclude that the Beautification Club has --

• F. taught its members' parents how to make a compost pile
• G. attempted to raise money for other school improvement projects
• H. suggested other ways that the school could be more eco-friendly
• J. worked with members of the community on various projects in the past

6. Which words rom paragraph 6 help explain the meaning of economical?

• A. other resources
• B. savings generated
• C. consider that
• D. could be spent

7. Which sentence from the letter shows that Katie has considered an opposing viewpoint?

• F. As I'm sure you know, composting turns kitchen and yard waste into something usable once it is added to soil.
• G. A chemical reaction happens when things like grass clippings, orange peels, and newspapers are layered in a certain way.
• H. As president of the Truman Middle School Beautification Club, I am very concerned about the environment.
• J. And yes, if not properly maintained, a compost pile can smell bad and attracts pests.

8. What does the author's inclusion of the sample signs after paragraph 7 reveal about her?

• A. She realizes that the cafeteria manager will need instructions on what to serve.
• B. She wants visitors to the school to know that the Beautification Club sponsors the composting.
• C. She does not think students at her school will want to participate in composting.
• D. She understands that guidance will be necessary in order to make composting a success at her school.