Should National Parks Be Free? (Scholastic Article)

What is the main idea of the article?

• National parks are dangerous and should be avoided.

• National parks are expensive to maintain and should be closed.

• National parks are beautiful but not accessible to everyone due to entrance fees.

• National parks should only be open to international tourists.

According to the article, why were national parks first created?

• To attract tourists and make money for the government.

• To give Native peoples new land after they were forced to relocate.

• To save natural areas from being developed during westward expansion.

• To increase the number of hotels in scenic areas.

What does the word *conservationists* most likely suggest about the people it describes in the article?

• They are government officials responsible for managing land.

• They are concerned with preserving natural environments for future generations.

• They are settlers who moved west to claim land and resources.

• They are scientists who study rare animals in national parks.

What is one reason some people believe national parks should be free?

• Most national parks are empty and need more visitors.

• Americans already pay taxes that help fund the parks.

• International tourists should cover all costs.

• The government wants fewer people in nature.

Which detail from the article best supports the idea that national parks are popular?

• Many national parks have geysers and mountains.

• President Theodore Roosevelt doubled the number of parks.

• In 2023, there were over 325 million visits to national parks.

What is the author's likely purpose for including the example of the Florida panther?

• To explain why Florida is the most visited state.

• To show how national parks protect rare animals.

• To argue for closing the Everglades National Park.

• To show that panthers are dangerous and common.

Which sentence best shows a counterargument to making parks free?

• Some people say making all parks free would only be fair.

• Fees can be up to $35 per car to enter a park.

• "Retaining entrance fees is absolutely essential," said one park superintendent.

• Americans are already paying through their taxes.

How does the article suggest solving the debate over park entrance fees?

• By closing parks to all but wealthy tourists

• By making hotels more expensive

• By finding a compromise, like "pay what you can" models or free passes for first-time visitors

Why is it important for people to experience national parks in person, according to the article?

• So they can get exercise and take photos

• So they can vote on future park laws

• So they are inspired to protect these places

• So they can become park rangers

What is the tone of the article?

• Angry and critical

• Informative and balanced

• Humorous and silly

• Sad and hopeless