Analyzing Informational Texts: Mastery Test

But how much do we really know about tea? Tea is produced from a plant known as the Camellia sinensis. There are actually thousands of different kinds of tea. The variations occur as a result of the region where the plant is grown, the time at which the tea leaves are harvested, and the processing method. Each variety of tea has its individual characteristics, including different tastes and health benefits. What is the author’s thesis?

• Tea is produced from a plant known as the Camellia sinensis.

• Tea is harvested and processed during one specific time of year.

• Tea is a common beverage consumed by people all over the world.

• There is a lot to learn about tea because there are so many different varieties.

excerpt from Tea

Tea is one of those beverages that people all over the world consume, regardless of culture, time, or age. But how much do we really know about tea? Tea is produced from a plant known as the Camellia sinensis. There are actually thousands of different kinds of tea. The variations occur as a result of the region where the plant is grown, the time at which the tea leaves are harvested, and the processing method. Each variety of tea has its individual characteristics, including different tastes and health benefits.

How does the author introduce her thesis?

• with an introductory idea followed by examples

• with a concluding idea followed by a thesis statement

• with a direct statement followed by supporting evidence

• with a question followed by the thesis statement

Over the past few years there has been a steady erosion of available funds for arts programs within public schools. Music in particular has been hit hard. Perhaps parents and school officials feel music programs are more of an accessory than anything else. However, these programs provide valuable resources for students. Which sentence from the introductory paragraph states the author’s thesis?

• sentence 1

• sentence 4

• sentence 2

• sentence 3

Some places simply warrant more attention. One of the most illustrious sites in the world is known by very few except regular adventure-goers. Travelers are awed by Palo Duro Canyon as its deep, red landscape appears seemingly out of nowhere. The canyon, similar in length to the Grand Canyon in Arizona, has scenic views just as glorious as those of the more famous canyon. At night, coyotes can be heard in the distance as the high winds gust through the valley, echoing the howls off the steep canyon walls. During the day, the hateful sun heats up every visible crevice, providing a contrast to the cool, breezy nights. The favorable aspect of the day is its gift of sight, of the stunning erosion that has taken place over millions of years, or of the rocks impossibly balanced on one another and their relentless determination to remain unmoved. This place and its striking diversity deserve recognition for doing exactly what nature does best: providing wonder to all. Which sentence states the author’s thesis?

• This place and its striking diversity deserve recognition for doing exactly what nature does best: providing wonder to all.

• One of the most illustrious sites in the world is known by very few except regular adventure-goers.

• Travelers are awed by Palo Duro Canyon as its deep, red landscape appears seemingly out of nowhere.

• During the day, the hateful sun heats up every visible crevice, providing a contrast to the cool, breezy nights.

The wonders of the Grand Canyon cannot be adequately represented in symbols of speech, nor by speech itself. The resources of the visual arts are taxed beyond their powers in attempting to portray its phenomenal beauty. Language and illustration combined must fail. The elements that unite to make the Grand Canyon the most sublime spectacle in nature are many and exceedingly diverse. The giant forms, which result from the sculpture of tempests through ages too long for man to compute, are wrought into endless details. To describe these forms would be a task equal in magnitude to that of describing the stars in the sky or the abundant beauties of the forest with its traceries of foliage presented by oak and pine and poplar, by beech and linden and hawthorn, by tulip and lily and rose, by fern and moss and lichen. Besides the elements of form, there are elements of color. The rainbow is not more replete with hues. But form and color do not exhaust all the divine qualities of the Grand Canyon. It is the land of music. The river thunders in perpetual roar, swelling in floods of music when the storm rains play upon the rocks, and fading away in soft and low murmurs when the infinite blue of the sky is unveiled. With the melody of the great tide rising and falling, swelling and vanishing forever, other melodies are heard in the gorges of the lateral canyons, while the waters plunge in the rapids among the rocks or leap in great cataracts. Thus, the Grand Canyon is a land of song. Mountains of music swell in the rivers, hills of music billow in the creeks, and meadows of music murmur in the rills that ripple over the rocks. Altogether it is a symphony of diverse melodies. All this is the music of waters. The adamant foundations of the earth have been wrought into a sublime harp, upon which the clouds of the skies play with mighty tempests or with gentle showers. Which sentence best states how the author develops his thesis?

• The author answers an introductory question.

• The author provides evidence from experts.

• The author provides examples and evidence.

• The author gives examples and restates the thesis.