Composting STAAR

Paragraphs 5, 6, and 8 help support the author’s argument by —

• explaining that community members will help make composting a success

• indicating that the school does not have the funds to pay for supplies

• suggesting that the school will benefit financially from composting

• showing that fertilizer is needed on school grounds in order for plants to grow

What is the meaning of distinct in paragraph 2?

• Able to improve

• Rare and harmful

• Likely to change

• Strong and definite

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

• add credibility to her argument that the amount of trash in landfills is a problem

• show support for the activities sponsored by an environmental agency

• evaluate the effectiveness of groups that want to reduce the amount of trash in landfills

• give an example of how a government agency can help the environment

Which of the author’s arguments is based on faulty reasoning?

• Composting has a surprising variety of benefits for the soil.

• If tended to regularly, a compost pile can transform food scraps and other organic materials into wonderfully fresh, nutrient-filled dirt.

• If our school implements our composting idea, we could send less trash to the landfills.

• 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.

Based on the author’s comments in her letter, the reader can conclude that the Beautification Club has —

• taught its members’ parents how to make a compost pile

• attempted to raise money for other school improvement projects

• suggested other ways that the school could be more eco-friendly

• worked with members of the community on various projects in the past

Which words from paragraph 6 help explain the meaning of economical?

• other resources 

• savings generated

• consider that

• could be spent

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

• As I’m sure you know, composting turns kitchen and yard waste into something usable once it is added to soil.

• A chemical reaction happens when things like grass clippings, orange peels, and newspapers are layered in a certain way.

• As president of the Truman Middle School Beautification Club, I am very concerned about the environment.

• And yes, if not properly maintained, a compost pile can smell bad and attract pests.

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

• She realizes that the cafeteria manager will need instructions on what to serve.

• She wants visitors to the school to know that the Beautification Club sponsors the composting.

• She does not think students at her school will want to participate in composting.

• She understands that guidance will be necessary in order to make composting a success at her school.