AP Lang | U3 -1.1 Connecting and Explaining Claims and Evidence

CLOSE READING: Professional Text

Reference the introduction from Fast Food Nation starting on page 113 in the textbook to answer the following question:

In context, which of the following evidence from the text best supports the claim that the "fast food industry has helped to transform not only the American diet, but also our economy"?

• 1. "The whole experience of buying fast food has become so routine ... that it is now taken for granted, like brushing your teeth or stopping for a red light." (paragraph 2, sentence 2)  

• "The basic thinking behind fast food has become the operating system of today's retail economy, wiping out small business, obliterating regional differences, and spreading identical stores throughout the country like a self-replicating code." (paragraph 6, sentence 7) 

• 1. "America's main streets and malls now boast the same Pizza Huts and Taco Bells, Gaps and Banana Republics, Starbucks and Jiffy-Lubes, Foot Lockers, Snip N' Clips, Sunglass Huts, and Hobbytown USAs." (paragraph 7, sentence 1)  

• 1. "The key to a successful franchise . . can be expressed in one word: 'uniformity.' " (paragraph 8, sentence 1 )  

• "In the fast food restaurants of Colorado Springs, behind the counters, amid the plastic seats, in the changing landscape outside the window, you can see all the virtues and destructiveness of our fast food nation." (paragraph 12, sentence 1)

 In paragraph 13, much of Schlosser's evidence is used to

• 1. accuse the fast food industry of immoral business practices  

• 1. refute the belief that the fast food industry's growth was unavoidable

• illustrate declining political and economic influence of the American West

• 1. defend the position that government interference in business is always harmful  

• create a tone of despair regarding the decline of the food service industry

What evidence does Schlosser provide for his claim that McDonald's has come to symbolize America's service economy?

• He tells us that, after 1973, the hourly wage of the average U.S. worker steadily declined for 25 years.

• He tells us that half the money used to buy food is spent at restaurants.

• He tells us that an estimated one out of eight U.S. workers has at some point been employed by McDonald's. 

• He tells us that McDonald's is the largest owner of retail property in the world.

• He tells us that only Santa Claus is more recognizable by American schoolchildren than Ronald McDonald.

How does Schlosser argue that the fast food industry has influenced American culture beyond just eating habits?

• By detailing how fast food logos have become iconic symbols recognized globally.

• By explaining the industry's role in the globalization of American pop culture.

• By showing how fast food has led to the homogenization of urban landscapes.

• By discussing the nutritional impact of fast food on American health.

• By illustrating the industry's influence on American agricultural practices.

What does Schlosser identify as a major consequence of the fast food industry's growth on the American workforce?

• The creation of numerous high-paying jobs in the food service sector.

• A significant increase in the number of part-time, low-wage jobs with few benefits.

• An overall improvement in job satisfaction among fast food employees.

• The development of new career paths within the culinary arts.

• A decrease in the unemployment rate due to the expansion of fast food chains.

According to Schlosser, how has the fast food industry impacted American agriculture?

• By promoting organic farming practices to supply healthier menu options.

• By leading to the consolidation of farms into fewer, larger operations focused on monoculture.

• By increasing the diversity of crops grown to meet the varied demands of fast food menus.

• By encouraging sustainable farming practices to reduce environmental impact.

• By decreasing the overall demand for meat, leading to a reduction in livestock farming.

UNDERSTANDING RHETORIC: Fast Food Nation

How does the author use rhetorical strategies to persuade the reader that fast food negatively affects American culture?

• By presenting statistical data on the rise of fast food consumption.

• By comparing American culture before and after the rise of fast food.

• By using emotional appeals related to health and family values.

• By interviewing experts in nutrition and public health.

• By highlighting the benefits of fast food to contrast with its drawbacks.

EVALUATING WRITING: Student Draft

Fast Food

Read the student draft on page 120 in the textbook in order to answer the following questions.

What is the claim in this text?

• Fast food companies have a duty to provide only healthy options

• Consumers have no control over their fast food choices

• 1. Fast food companies are not responsible for consumer choices

• The government should regulate fast food consumption

• Healthier options have shown up in the industry to help consumers make healthier choices.

EVALUATING WRITING: Student Draft

Fast Food

Read the student draft on page 120 in the textbook in order to answer the following questions.

The writer wants to add specific evidence to support the claim that fast food consumers have choices. Which detail would best support this claim if included after sentence 6?

• Subway and Panera have changed their marketing and their menus to include healthier fast food options.

• My friends and I usually end up at McDonald's because that is where everyone is used to going.

• 1. Usually, the healthier options are more expensive, which makes it harder to make the right choice.

• Panera's advertisements focus on the ripest and best produce for their customers.

• Burger King, for example, has introduced "Satisfries," a healthier version of French fries.

ANALYZING ARGUMENTS: Fast Food and Society

Considering the arguments presented in the text, how does the author suggest fast food has influenced family dining traditions?

• By encouraging families to cook and eat at home more often.

• By replacing home-cooked meals with quick, less nutritious options.

• By promoting the importance of family gatherings at restaurants.

• By having no significant impact on family dining traditions.

• By increasing the variety of food options families consider for meals.