Purpose & Pov
Some cities have introduced electric scooters as a way to reduce traffic congestion. While supporters praise the convenience, critics warn that the scooters clutter sidewalks and endanger pedestrians.
Question:
What is the author’s point of view toward electric scooters?
A. Strongly supportive
B. Strongly opposed
C. Neutral and informational
D. Balanced, presenting multiple perspectives
D. Balanced, presenting multiple perspectives
Find the Claim
Many schools have replaced printed textbooks with digital versions. Supporters argue that digital textbooks are more cost-effective and easier to update.
Question:
Which sentence best states the author’s main claim?
A. Printed textbooks are becoming outdated.
B. Digital textbooks are easier to update than printed ones.
C. Schools are replacing printed textbooks with digital versions.
D. Digital textbooks provide benefits that make them a better choice for schools.
D. Digital textbooks provide benefits that make them a better choice for schools.
Many neighborhoods lack access to fresh food. As a result, residents often rely on convenience stores that sell mostly processed items. Community gardens offer a possible solution by providing locally grown produce.
Question:
What type of paragraph structure does the author use?
A. Compare/contrast
B. Cause and effect
C. Problem–solution
D. Descriptive
C. Problem–solution
Many cities are investing in public transportation to reduce traffic congestion. In cities that expanded bus routes, commute times decreased by an average of 15 percent.
Question:
Which sentence best supports the idea that public transportation reduces traffic congestion?
A. “Many cities are investing in public transportation.”
B. “Public transportation systems require long-term funding.”
C. “In cities that expanded bus routes, commute times decreased by an average of 15 percent.”
D. “Traffic congestion affects many commuters.”
C. “In cities that expanded bus routes, commute times decreased by an average of 15 percent.”
Many cities promote biking as an environmentally friendly alternative to driving. However, without safe bike lanes, accidents involving cyclists continue to rise.
Question:
Which choice best explains how the author’s evidence supports their purpose?
A. The author uses statistics to show biking is safer than driving.
B. The author acknowledges benefits of biking but argues safety concerns must be addressed.
C. The author explains why biking is unpopular in many cities.
D. The author presents solutions to reduce traffic congestion.
B. The author acknowledges benefits of biking but argues safety concerns must be addressed.
Passage Excerpt:
Advocates of year-round schooling argue that shorter breaks prevent learning loss. However, many families report increased stress and fewer opportunities for summer employment.
Question:
Why does the author include information about families’ concerns?
A. To disprove the benefits of year-round schooling
B. To provide background information about schools
C. To acknowledge an opposing viewpoint
D. To explain how summer jobs affect education
C. To acknowledge an opposing viewpoint
Digital textbooks save schools money over time.
Question:
Which piece of evidence is most relevant to support this claim?
A. Students report enjoying using tablets in class.
B. Schools spend less on reprinting updated editions each year.
C. Teachers say digital textbooks are easier to search.
D. Tablets can store hundreds of books at once.
B. Schools spend less on reprinting updated editions each year.
Plastic waste has become a global issue. Each year, millions of tons of plastic enter the oceans, harming marine life and ecosystems.
Question:
How does the second sentence contribute to the paragraph?
A. It introduces a new topic unrelated to plastic waste
B. It provides an example that supports the main idea
C. It offers a solution to the problem described
D. It presents a counterargument to the main idea
B. It provides an example that supports the main idea
School uniforms can improve focus by reducing distractions related to clothing choices.
Question:
Which piece of evidence best supports this claim?
A. Students have mixed opinions about wearing uniforms.
B. A study showing fewer disciplinary incidents related to dress code violations after uniforms were introduced.
C. Uniforms are common in many countries.
D. Some students feel more comfortable wearing their own clothes.
B. A study showing fewer disciplinary incidents related to dress code violations after uniforms were introduced.
A paragraph begins by describing the convenience of food delivery apps. It ends by discussing increased costs and reduced access for low-income families.
Question:
How does the structure of the paragraph help convey the author’s point of view?
A. It emphasizes only the positive effects of food delivery apps.
B. It presents information in chronological order.
C. It contrasts benefits with drawbacks to express a cautious perspective.
D. It uses examples to show food delivery apps are unnecessary.
C. It contrasts benefits with drawbacks to express a cautious perspective.
Proponents of artificial intelligence in classrooms emphasize efficiency and personalization. Yet the growing reliance on algorithms raises unanswered questions about data privacy and the role of human judgment.
Question:
Which statement best describes the author’s attitude toward the use of artificial intelligence in education?
A.Cautiously skeptical
B. Dismissive and critical
C. Enthusiastic and fully supportive
D. Unaware of potential consequences
A.Cautiously skeptical
Using digital textbooks improves students’ academic performance.
Question:
Which piece of evidence would be irrelevant to this claim?
A. A study showing test score increases after schools adopted digital textbooks
B. Teacher observations of improved student engagement
C. A report on the environmental impact of reducing paper use
D. Data comparing student performance before and after implementation
C. A report on the environmental impact of reducing paper use
Online learning offers flexibility for many students. However, limited access to reliable internet continues to create challenges for others.
Question:
Why does the author include the second sentence?
A. To contradict the idea that online learning is useful
B. To acknowledge a limitation of online learning
C. To shift the focus to technology access
D. To introduce a new central idea
B. To acknowledge a limitation of online learning
Later school start times improve students’ academic performance.
Question:
Which piece of evidence does NOT support this claim?
A. Test scores increased after schools shifted to later start times.
B. Students reported feeling more alert during morning classes.
C. Parents appreciated having more time with their children in the evenings.
D. Attendance rates improved following the schedule change.
C. Parents appreciated having more time with their children in the evenings.
Limiting screen time can improve students’ focus in school.
Question:
Which piece of evidence would most strongly support this claim?
A. Many students enjoy using digital devices.
B. A study showing improved attention spans after screen time limits were introduced.
C. Teachers use technology regularly in classrooms.
D. Schools have different policies regarding device use.
B. A study showing improved attention spans after screen time limits were introduced.
The company claims that remote work increases productivity. Following this claim, the author presents studies showing mixed results and interviews workers who report burnout.
Question:
What is the author’s purpose in presenting research and personal accounts after the company’s claim?
A. To support the company’s argument
B. To refute the company’s claim entirely
C. To complicate the issue by questioning the claim
D. To shift the topic away from productivity
C. To complicate the issue by questioning the claim
Because students enjoy using technology, digital textbooks must be more effective than printed ones.
Question:
Why is the reasoning in this sentence unsound?
A. It relies on outdated information
B. It assumes enjoyment guarantees effectiveness
C. It lacks a clear claim
D. It includes irrelevant background information
B. It assumes enjoyment guarantees effectiveness
An article first explains the benefits of renewable energy. The next paragraph describes the high upfront costs of solar panels.
Question:
Why does the author most likely place the paragraph about costs after describing the benefits?
A. To weaken the argument for renewable energy
B. To organize the article by importance
C. To acknowledge challenges while still supporting the overall argument
D. To change the article’s topic entirely
C. To acknowledge challenges while still supporting the overall argument
Online classes allow students to learn at their own pace, which can benefit students who need extra time to understand material.
Question Part A:
Which claim is supported by the passage?
A. Online classes are easier than in-person classes.
B. Online classes benefit all students equally.
C. Online classes can support different learning speeds.
D. Online classes require less effort from students.
Which sentence from the passage best supports your answer to Part A?
A. “Online classes allow students to learn at their own pace.”
B. “Some students prefer learning online.”
C. “In-person classes follow a fixed schedule.”
D. “Students can watch videos at home.”
C. Online classes can support different learning speeds.
A. “Online classes allow students to learn at their own pace.”
The author argues that community gardens help improve neighborhood health.
Question:
Which piece of evidence would be irrelevant to the author’s purpose?
A. Data showing increased fruit and vegetable consumption among residents
B. Interviews with residents who enjoy gardening
C. Statistics about property values near community gardens
D. Reports linking access to fresh produce with improved health outcomes
C. Statistics about property values near community gardens
An article discusses the rise of facial recognition technology. The author explains its usefulness in identifying missing persons but repeatedly raises concerns about misuse, lack of regulation, and unequal impacts on certain communities.
Question:
What is the author’s overall point of view on facial recognition technology?
Support your answer with one inferred detail from the summary.
The author believes facial recognition technology has potential benefits but should be approached with caution. This point of view is shown by the author’s repeated emphasis on the lack of regulation and concerns about misuse, even while acknowledging positive applications.
An author argues that schools should adopt later start times. To support this claim, the author includes one survey of students who report feeling less tired and one anecdote from a parent.
Question:
Is the evidence sufficient to support the author’s claim? Explain your reasoning.
The evidence is not sufficient because it relies mostly on personal opinions rather than multiple research studies. While the survey and anecdote suggest benefits, additional scientific or academic data would strengthen the claim.
An article opens with a real-life story about a student struggling with school lunches. Later paragraphs provide statistics about food insecurity and describe proposed policy changes.
Question:
How does the structure of the article help develop the author’s overall purpose? (what structures did the author use in the article and why?)
The author begins with a narrative to engage the reader emotionally and then uses an expository structure by including statistics and policy information to support the argument logically. This structure strengthens the author’s purpose by making the issue relatable and well-supported; it presents a problem and then solutions
An article argues that reducing food waste can help address hunger. The author explains that large amounts of edible food are discarded by restaurants and grocery stores and cites programs that redistribute unused food to shelters.
Question:
Select one piece of evidence from the summary that best supports the author’s claim and explain why it is effective.
The evidence showing that restaurants and grocery stores discard large amounts of edible food best supports the claim because it demonstrates that reducing waste could make more food available to people in need.
An article discusses remote work. The author explains its flexibility and reduced commuting time but also presents research on employee isolation and decreased collaboration. The article ends by suggesting companies adopt hybrid models.
Question:
How does the author use structure and evidence to develop their overall point of view?
Support your answer with one inferred example from the summary.
The author presents both benefits and challenges of remote work to show a balanced point of view. By first highlighting flexibility and then introducing research on isolation, the author uses structure and evidence to support the idea that a hybrid model is the most effective solution.