6th Grade Unit 7 Retest: Argument

Community Garden Proposal

Dear Principal Martinez,

1 As the president of the Green Thumb Club at Oakwood Middle School, I am committed to helping our school become more sustainable. In the past, I have suggested ideas like adding solar panels to the school roof. While that plan was ambitious, I have a new proposal that is practical, cost-effective, and beneficial to everyone: creating a community garden.

2 Some people might think maintaining a garden requires too much work. It’s true that a garden needs attention, but with a solid plan and student volunteers, it can thrive. Gardens provide fresh vegetables and flowers while also helping the environment by reducing carbon dioxide levels and improving air quality.

3 A school garden can also reduce food waste. According to the National Resources Defense Council, Americans throw away nearly 40% of their food each year. Our school can use compost from cafeteria leftovers to enrich the soil, reducing waste and making the garden healthier.

4 Financially, the garden would be an asset. Instead of purchasing produce for the cafeteria, the school could grow its own fruits and vegetables. The money saved could be reinvested into other school projects or used to expand the garden in the future.

5 Finally, the community aspect of the garden is important. Students, teachers, and local families could work together, strengthening relationships and promoting a culture of teamwork. Gardening also provides hands-on learning experiences related to science and nutrition.

6 We appreciate your consideration. The Green Thumb Club is ready to begin planning and would love to meet with you to discuss the next steps.

Sincerely,

Mia Thompson

What is the main purpose of the community garden proposal?

• To add solar panels to the school roof

• To create a practical and cost-effective community garden

• To reduce the number of student volunteers

• To improve the school's cafeteria menu

Community Garden Proposal

Dear Principal Martinez,

1 As the president of the Green Thumb Club at Oakwood Middle School, I am committed to helping our school become more sustainable. In the past, I have suggested ideas like adding solar panels to the school roof. While that plan was ambitious, I have a new proposal that is practical, cost-effective, and beneficial to everyone: creating a community garden.

2 Some people might think maintaining a garden requires too much work. It’s true that a garden needs attention, but with a solid plan and student volunteers, it can thrive. Gardens provide fresh vegetables and flowers while also helping the environment by reducing carbon dioxide levels and improving air quality.

3 A school garden can also reduce food waste. According to the National Resources Defense Council, Americans throw away nearly 40% of their food each year. Our school can use compost from cafeteria leftovers to enrich the soil, reducing waste and making the garden healthier.

4 Financially, the garden would be an asset. Instead of purchasing produce for the cafeteria, the school could grow its own fruits and vegetables. The money saved could be reinvested into other school projects or used to expand the garden in the future.

5 Finally, the community aspect of the garden is important. Students, teachers, and local families could work together, strengthening relationships and promoting a culture of teamwork. Gardening also provides hands-on learning experiences related to science and nutrition.

6 We appreciate your consideration. The Green Thumb Club is ready to begin planning and would love to meet with you to discuss the next steps.

Sincerely,

Mia Thompson

According to the proposal, what is one environmental benefit of the garden?

• It will increase the school's energy consumption

• It will reduce carbon dioxide levels and improve air quality

• It will require more water usage

• It will increase the amount of cafeteria waste

Community Garden Proposal

Dear Principal Martinez,

1 As the president of the Green Thumb Club at Oakwood Middle School, I am committed to helping our school become more sustainable. In the past, I have suggested ideas like adding solar panels to the school roof. While that plan was ambitious, I have a new proposal that is practical, cost-effective, and beneficial to everyone: creating a community garden.

2 Some people might think maintaining a garden requires too much work. It’s true that a garden needs attention, but with a solid plan and student volunteers, it can thrive. Gardens provide fresh vegetables and flowers while also helping the environment by reducing carbon dioxide levels and improving air quality.

3 A school garden can also reduce food waste. According to the National Resources Defense Council, Americans throw away nearly 40% of their food each year. Our school can use compost from cafeteria leftovers to enrich the soil, reducing waste and making the garden healthier.

4 Financially, the garden would be an asset. Instead of purchasing produce for the cafeteria, the school could grow its own fruits and vegetables. The money saved could be reinvested into other school projects or used to expand the garden in the future.

5 Finally, the community aspect of the garden is important. Students, teachers, and local families could work together, strengthening relationships and promoting a culture of teamwork. Gardening also provides hands-on learning experiences related to science and nutrition.

6 We appreciate your consideration. The Green Thumb Club is ready to begin planning and would love to meet with you to discuss the next steps.

Sincerely,

Mia Thompson

How can the school garden help financially?

• By purchasing more produce for the cafeteria

• By growing its own fruits and vegetables

• By hiring more staff to maintain the garden

• By selling the produce to local markets

What is the main claim made by Mia Thompson in her letter to Principal Martinez?

• Growing a garden is too much work for students.

• The school should install solar panels.

• A school garden would provide environmental, financial, and educational benefits.

• Reducing food waste is not an important issue.

Community Garden Proposal

Dear Principal Martinez,

1 As the president of the Green Thumb Club at Oakwood Middle School, I am committed to helping our school become more sustainable. In the past, I have suggested ideas like adding solar panels to the school roof. While that plan was ambitious, I have a new proposal that is practical, cost-effective, and beneficial to everyone: creating a community garden.

2 Some people might think maintaining a garden requires too much work. It’s true that a garden needs attention, but with a solid plan and student volunteers, it can thrive. Gardens provide fresh vegetables and flowers while also helping the environment by reducing carbon dioxide levels and improving air quality.

3 A school garden can also reduce food waste. According to the National Resources Defense Council, Americans throw away nearly 40% of their food each year. Our school can use compost from cafeteria leftovers to enrich the soil, reducing waste and making the garden healthier.

4 Financially, the garden would be an asset. Instead of purchasing produce for the cafeteria, the school could grow its own fruits and vegetables. The money saved could be reinvested into other school projects or used to expand the garden in the future.

5 Finally, the community aspect of the garden is important. Students, teachers, and local families could work together, strengthening relationships and promoting a culture of teamwork. Gardening also provides hands-on learning experiences related to science and nutrition.

6 We appreciate your consideration. The Green Thumb Club is ready to begin planning and would love to meet with you to discuss the next steps.

Sincerely,

Mia Thompson

The details in paragraph 3 support the key idea that—

• a school garden can help reduce food waste.

• gardens do not require much maintenance.

• composting is unnecessary in gardening.

• food waste is not a major issue.

Community Garden Proposal

Dear Principal Martinez,

1 As the president of the Green Thumb Club at Oakwood Middle School, I am committed to helping our school become more sustainable. In the past, I have suggested ideas like adding solar panels to the school roof. While that plan was ambitious, I have a new proposal that is practical, cost-effective, and beneficial to everyone: creating a community garden.

2 Some people might think maintaining a garden requires too much work. It’s true that a garden needs attention, but with a solid plan and student volunteers, it can thrive. Gardens provide fresh vegetables and flowers while also helping the environment by reducing carbon dioxide levels and improving air quality.

3 A school garden can also reduce food waste. According to the National Resources Defense Council, Americans throw away nearly 40% of their food each year. Our school can use compost from cafeteria leftovers to enrich the soil, reducing waste and making the garden healthier.

4 Financially, the garden would be an asset. Instead of purchasing produce for the cafeteria, the school could grow its own fruits and vegetables. The money saved could be reinvested into other school projects or used to expand the garden in the future.

5 Finally, the community aspect of the garden is important. Students, teachers, and local families could work together, strengthening relationships and promoting a culture of teamwork. Gardening also provides hands-on learning experiences related to science and nutrition.

6 We appreciate your consideration. The Green Thumb Club is ready to begin planning and would love to meet with you to discuss the next steps.

Sincerely,

Mia Thompson

Which sentence from the letter acknowledges a possible opposing viewpoint about the garden?

• Some people might think maintaining a garden requires too much work.

• A school garden can also reduce food waste.

• Financially, the garden would be an asset.

• The Green Thumb Club is ready to begin planning.

Community Garden Proposal

4 Financially, the garden would be an asset. Instead of purchasing produce for the cafeteria, the school could grow its own fruits and vegetables. The money saved could be reinvested into other school projects or used to expand the garden in the future.

Which words from paragraph 4 help explain the meaning of "financially beneficial"?

• fresh vegetables

• money saved

• school projects

• teamwork

Community Garden Proposal

Dear Principal Martinez,

1 As the president of the Green Thumb Club at Oakwood Middle School, I am committed to helping our school become more sustainable. In the past, I have suggested ideas like adding solar panels to the school roof. While that plan was ambitious, I have a new proposal that is practical, cost-effective, and beneficial to everyone: creating a community garden.

2 Some people might think maintaining a garden requires too much work. It’s true that a garden needs attention, but with a solid plan and student volunteers, it can thrive. Gardens provide fresh vegetables and flowers while also helping the environment by reducing carbon dioxide levels and improving air quality.

3 A school garden can also reduce food waste. According to the National Resources Defense Council, Americans throw away nearly 40% of their food each year. Our school can use compost from cafeteria leftovers to enrich the soil, reducing waste and making the garden healthier.

4 Financially, the garden would be an asset. Instead of purchasing produce for the cafeteria, the school could grow its own fruits and vegetables. The money saved could be reinvested into other school projects or used to expand the garden in the future.

5 Finally, the community aspect of the garden is important. Students, teachers, and local families could work together, strengthening relationships and promoting a culture of teamwork. Gardening also provides hands-on learning experiences related to science and nutrition.

6 We appreciate your consideration. The Green Thumb Club is ready to begin planning and would love to meet with you to discuss the next steps.

Sincerely,

Mia Thompson

Based on the author’s comments, the reader can conclude that the Green Thumb Club—

• has already planted a garden at the school.

• is looking for community involvement in the project.

• does not have a solid plan for the garden.

• believes gardening is only for science students.

Community Garden Proposal

Dear Principal Martinez,

1 As the president of the Green Thumb Club at Oakwood Middle School, I am committed to helping our school become more sustainable. In the past, I have suggested ideas like adding solar panels to the school roof. While that plan was ambitious, I have a new proposal that is practical, cost-effective, and beneficial to everyone: creating a community garden.

2 Some people might think maintaining a garden requires too much work. It’s true that a garden needs attention, but with a solid plan and student volunteers, it can thrive. Gardens provide fresh vegetables and flowers while also helping the environment by reducing carbon dioxide levels and improving air quality.

3 A school garden can also reduce food waste. According to the National Resources Defense Council, Americans throw away nearly 40% of their food each year. Our school can use compost from cafeteria leftovers to enrich the soil, reducing waste and making the garden healthier.

4 Financially, the garden would be an asset. Instead of purchasing produce for the cafeteria, the school could grow its own fruits and vegetables. The money saved could be reinvested into other school projects or used to expand the garden in the future.

5 Finally, the community aspect of the garden is important. Students, teachers, and local families could work together, strengthening relationships and promoting a culture of teamwork. Gardening also provides hands-on learning experiences related to science and nutrition.

6 We appreciate your consideration. The Green Thumb Club is ready to begin planning and would love to meet with you to discuss the next steps.

Sincerely,

Mia Thompson

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

• A. A school garden can provide fresh vegetables.

• B. Students who work in a garden will automatically eat healthier at home.

• C. Using compost helps reduce food waste.

• D. Gardening provides a learning experience.

Community Garden Proposal

Dear Principal Martinez,

1 As the president of the Green Thumb Club at Oakwood Middle School, I am committed to helping our school become more sustainable. In the past, I have suggested ideas like adding solar panels to the school roof. While that plan was ambitious, I have a new proposal that is practical, cost-effective, and beneficial to everyone: creating a community garden.

2 Some people might think maintaining a garden requires too much work. It’s true that a garden needs attention, but with a solid plan and student volunteers, it can thrive. Gardens provide fresh vegetables and flowers while also helping the environment by reducing carbon dioxide levels and improving air quality.

3 A school garden can also reduce food waste. According to the National Resources Defense Council, Americans throw away nearly 40% of their food each year. Our school can use compost from cafeteria leftovers to enrich the soil, reducing waste and making the garden healthier.

4 Financially, the garden would be an asset. Instead of purchasing produce for the cafeteria, the school could grow its own fruits and vegetables. The money saved could be reinvested into other school projects or used to expand the garden in the future.

5 Finally, the community aspect of the garden is important. Students, teachers, and local families could work together, strengthening relationships and promoting a culture of teamwork. Gardening also provides hands-on learning experiences related to science and nutrition.

6 We appreciate your consideration. The Green Thumb Club is ready to begin planning and would love to meet with you to discuss the next steps.

Sincerely,

Mia Thompson

In paragraph 3, the author includes a statistic from the National Resources Defense Council to—

• add credibility to her argument.

• criticize environmental groups.

• argue that gardening is difficult.

• show that students do not waste food.