Author Viewpoint

The discovery of a wild coyote in late 1997 in the Henry M. Jackson Federal Building in downtown Seattle should come as a wake-up call. The United States has a serious coyote problem! From their traditional enclaves in the western desert, these opportunistic canines have now invaded the entire continental United States. They have taken over parks, farms, vacant lots, and now perhaps the downtown areas of major cities. Homeowners report losing cats and dogs to the beasts, and young children are under attack. Enough is enough. Since humans are the only natural enemy of coyotes, we demand that state and federal agencies institute coyote trapping programs. That is the only way to decrease the number of coyotes to a manageable level.

Which two sentences from the passage tell us that the author had a negative viewpoint?

• The discovery of a wild coyote in late 1997 in the Henry M. Jackson Federal Building in downtown Seattle should come as a wake-up call.

• The United States has a serious coyote problem!

• Enough is enough.

• Since humans are the only natural enemy of coyotes, we demand that state and federal agencies institute coyote trapping programs.

Every creature on Earth deserves a chance at life. Unfortunately, many animals do not have a loving, caring place to call home. Although their original owners may not want them, a new home will make all the difference in the world. A snuggly, warm kitten or a friendly, active dog could be just the touch to make your house a home. These wonderful animals make great companions and ask little in return. You should open your heart and your home to these beautiful little rays of sunshine. You will not regret it.

Which words reveal the writer's positive bias?

• "wonderful," "snuggly," and "beautiful"

• "chance," "original," and "difference"

• "home," "rays," and "Unfortunately"

• "creature," "Earth," and "companions"

Cruise ships might be a fun way to take a vacation, but they do far too much damage to the environment. The ships are harmful to marine life. Research suggests that cruise ships produce more than three times the amount of CO2 that airplanes do. Furthermore, cruise-ship passengers do not spend enough time at a given destination to learn about its culture. Thus, the passengers do not promote local culture. The next time you want to take a vacation, try taking a train or plane to your destination instead.

The author's viewpoint is

• negative

• positive

• neutral

How do the authors' attitudes toward skateboarding differ?

• The author of passage 1 approves of skateboarding. The author of passage 2 disapproves of skateboarding.

• The author of passage 1 likes skateboarding. The author of passage 2 does not have an opinion about skateboarding.

• The author of passage 1 does not like skateboarding. The author of passage 2 likes skateboarding.

• The author of passage 1 is angry about skateboarding. The author of passage 2 is amused by skateboarding.

Landfills are overflowing with garbage created by people who are too lazy to recycle single use plastic water bottles. Those individuals should purchase refillable bottles or recycle the plastic bottles. It is easy to recycle and it is the responsible thing to do.

What is the author's viewpoint?

• The author has a positive feeling about the topic.

• The author has a negative feeling about the topic.

• The author has a neutral feeling; he/she feels neither positive nor negative.

People are concerned that irradiated food will lead to an increase in cancer. But what about the benefits of reduced toxins, food decontamination, and a longer shelf life? Have x-rays cause people to become radioactive? Irradiation eliminates poisonous toxins and microorganisms. Scientists have found more of a chemical reaction in frozen and canned food than in food that has been irradiated. Sixty-seven percent of consumers would be willing to pay more for chicken that has significantly fewer toxins, according to a recent survey. What is the author's purpose in writing this selection?

• To convince people that x-rays are unsafe.

• To convince people that x-rays are safe.

• To convince people supermarkets raise their prices.

• To convince people that irradiated food is safe.

What is the author’s viewpoint on people’s relationship with dolphins?

• People hurt dolphins.

• People help dolphins.

• People don't care about dolphins.

• The passage isn't about dolphins.

The discovery of a wild coyote in late 1997 in the Henry M. Jackson Federal Building in downtown Seattle should come as a wake-up call. The United States has a serious coyote problem! From their traditional enclaves in the western desert, these opportunistic canines have now invaded the entire continental United States. They have taken over parks, farms, vacant lots, and now perhaps the downtown areas of major cities. Homeowners report losing cats and dogs to the beasts, and young children are under attack. Enough is enough. Since humans are the only natural enemy of coyotes, we demand that state and federal agencies institute coyote trapping programs. That is the only way to decrease the number of coyotes to a manageable level.

What is the author's viewpoint?

• The author loves coyotes and thinks everyone should adopt one.

• The author feels that humans are the problem.

• The author feels coyotes are dangerous.

• The author is neutral

Every creature on Earth deserves a chance at life. Unfortunately, many animals do not have a loving, caring place to call home. Although their original owners may not want them, a new home will make all the difference in the world. A snuggly, warm kitten or a friendly, active dog could be just the touch to make your house a home. These wonderful animals make great companions and ask little in return. You should open your heart and your home to these beautiful little rays of sunshine. You will not regret it.

This description of pets currently up for adoption was written by the shelter's owner.

Which words reveal the writer's positive bias?

• "wonderful," "snuggly," and "beautiful"

• "chance," "original," and "difference"

• "home," "rays," and "Unfortunately"

• "creature," "Earth," and "companions"

Read the last sentence of the paragraph. It is clear that the author wants readers to

• find an alternative to cruise ships when taking a vacation.

• learn about the impact of CO2 on cruise-ship passengers.

• compare the speeds of different modes of transportation.

• think about the ways in which airplanes harm the environment.