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  5. The Ocean's Plastic Problem: Understanding The Great Pacific Garbage Patch Author's Purpose Informational Texts (gra
The Ocean's Plastic Problem: Understanding the Great Pacific Garbage Patch - Author's Purpose - Informational Texts (Gra

The Ocean's Plastic Problem: Understanding the Great Pacific Garbage Patch - Author's Purpose - Informational Texts (Gra

Assessment

Passage

•

English

•

6th Grade

•

Practice Problem

•

Hard

Created by

Angela Lock

FREE Resource

10 questions

Show all answers

1.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What is the author's main purpose for writing this passage?

To entertain readers with an adventure story about the ocean.

To provide a simple list of different types of ocean animals.

To inform readers about the garbage patch and persuade them to take action.

To argue that the garbage patch is not a serious problem.

Answer explanation

The author first informs the reader with facts and explanations about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (its size, how it forms) and then uses this information to persuade the reader that action is needed, as stated in the final section: 'It is crucial that we act now...'

2.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

Based on the final section, what is the author's point of view about the role of ordinary people in solving the plastic problem?

Ordinary people are powerless and should wait for organizations to fix the problem.

The problem is only caused by fishing companies, so only they can solve it.

The author believes individual actions are a vital part of the solution.

The author thinks the problem will solve itself over time.

Answer explanation

The final section explicitly states that the solution depends on 'both large-scale innovation and our individual choices' and gives examples like 'using reusable bags, water bottles, and containers.' This shows the author's belief in the power of individual action.

3.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

According to the passage, what is a gyre?

A large system of rotating ocean currents.

A type of plastic that does not biodegrade.

A technology used by The Ocean Cleanup.

A kind of abandoned fishing net.

Answer explanation

The second paragraph explicitly defines a gyre: 'The North Pacific Subtropical Gyre is a large system of rotating ocean currents.' This is a direct recall question.

4.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

Why does the author include statistics like '1.8 trillion pieces of plastic' and '80,000 metric tons'?

To suggest that the problem is too big to solve.

To make the passage more difficult to read.

To emphasize the enormous scale of the problem and show its seriousness.

To provide exact numbers for a math problem.

Answer explanation

The author uses these large numbers to create a powerful impression on the reader. The purpose is to demonstrate that the garbage patch is a massive and serious issue, which supports the persuasive goal of the text.

5.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

How does the phrase 'a toxic soup of swirling plastic' contribute to the author's purpose?

It explains the scientific composition of microplastics.

It creates a disgusting and dangerous image to show the harm of plastic.

It suggests that the plastic could be a food source for some animals.

It provides a neutral, factual description of the ocean water.

Answer explanation

The author's purpose here is to describe the negative effects of the patch. The words 'toxic soup' are chosen to evoke feelings of disgust and danger, reinforcing the idea that the patch is a harmful environment, not just a collection of trash.

6.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What is the most likely reason the author included information about 'ghost nets' trapping seals and turtles?

To provide instructions on how to fish.

To list all the different animals in the Pacific Ocean.

To show that plastic is not the main issue.

To create sympathy for the animals and strengthen the argument for action.

Answer explanation

By describing how 'seals, dolphins, and sea turtles become entangled,' the author appeals to the reader's emotions. This makes the problem feel more personal and urgent, which helps persuade the reader that action is necessary.

7.

MATCH QUESTION

1 min • 1 pt

Match each section of the text to the primary purpose it serves.

Persuading to act

Suggesting reader actions

Informing about a solution

Detailing a cleanup project

Explaining a cause

Describing harm to turtles

Describing an effect

Explaining the gyre

Answer explanation

The section on gyres explains the cause of the patch. The description of the sea turtle describes a harmful effect. The mention of The Ocean Cleanup informs readers about a potential solution. The list of actions for readers is intended to persuade them to change their behavior.

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