STAAR Bootcamp: Argumentative

What counterargument does the author recognize in the article "Challenging the Status Quo"?

• Congresswoman Chisholm was the first African American female to run for president.

• Reading a physical book as opposed to an e-reader may lead to better comprehension.

• Smartphones are just one example of the many technological advances that have been made.

• Amendments to the U.S. Constitution allow for changes that reflect a dynamic world.

What is the best summary of "Challenging the Status Quo?"

• Over time, people have developed familiar ways of thinking and doing things that work for society. But change is something that happens no matter what. Preserving these old ways is important as society evolves and grows.

• The Latin phrase "status quo" means "existing state". People are usually more comfortable living in the status quo. Society tends to function in this state, moving forward in a predictable and safe way.

• Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm and Justice Thurgood Marshall were great supported of change. Their courageous acts helped shape society. Without them, people would be stuck in the way things have always been done.

• The status quo is how things are, and people tend to get comfortable with what is familiar. But change happens regardless. Even though some old ways of doing things are good, challenging the status quo opens up endless possibilities.

Answer explanation

Option D is correct This summary includes all the major points and ideas from the article. The summary includes the meaning of status quo as “how things are” and explains the key idea that old ways may be more comfortable but that challenging the status quo leads to new possibilities.

Option A is incorrect Although this summary includes some of the author’s main points, the notion that preserving old ways is a priority does not appear in the article.

Option B is incorrect The idea that challenging the status quo is important is not included in this summary; therefore, the summary is incomplete.

Option C is incorrect This summary is incomplete because it includes information only about two well-known change makers. The author’s discussion of the status quo and inclusion of a counterargument are missing from this summary.

Read this sentence from the article "Challenging the Status Quo."

People find comfort in routine and familiarity. (paragraph 1)

Which of these is the most likely reason why the author uses a sweeping generalization?

• To argue that change happens regardless for all people

• To hint that the process of change is customary for most people

• To help introduce the idea change can be hard for people

• To help suggest that change is something that puts people at ease.

What is the most likely reason the author wrote the article "Challenging the Status Quo"?

• To educate the reader on why certain routines prevent real change.

• To urge the reader to make more meaningful changes in their lives

• To encourage the reader to embrace change so society can progress

• To explain to the reader how technological changes have improved everyday life.

Read the dictionary entry.

substantial adj

1. 1. real; not imaginary 2. strong or firm 3. considerable in quantity 4. important, essential

Which definition of substantial best matches the way the word is used in paragraph 8?

• Definition 1

• Definition 2

• Definition 3

• Definition 4

In what way does the information in paragraphs 3 and 4 best support the author's argument for VR field trips?

• By showing that some schools have been willing to provide the equipment necessary for VR field trips

• By illustrating how VR field trips are better used for some subjects than others

• By suggesting that VR technology helps lessen the amount of time students spend watching videos

• By demonstrating that VR technology allows students to overcome barriers of time and distance

What can the reader infer about student learning based on the quotation by Corrine Hoisington in Paragraph 5?

• It is important for teachers to provide enjoyable reading material for students

• Being fully involved in an activity helps students retain information

• Students need to discuss their VR field trips in order to benefit from them

• Students value VR field trips more than other educational experiences

What is a counter argument that the author recognizes in the selection?

• Initial expenses of VR technology may be difficult to afford

• Students may have trouble using VR technology on their smartphones

• Parents may not want their children to use VR technology

• VR technology may be challenging for students and teachers to understand.

What is most likely the author's purpose for writing this selection?

• To highlight a method of improving student learning through the use of technology

• To investigate the effectiveness of traditional school field trips in modern times

• To highlight the kids of topics that can be studied using VR

• To explain why VR field trips are uncommon in schools today

Which audience is the author most likely addressing in the selection?

• Taxpayers who provide money for schools

• Parents concerned about their child's education

• Teachers responsible for designing lessons

• School leaders who plan campus budgets