Text Structures
"While both electric cars and gasoline-powered vehicles have the same primary function—to transport people from place to place—there are some distinct differences between the two. Electric cars rely on battery power, making them much more environmentally friendly, as they produce zero emissions. In contrast, gasoline cars use combustion engines, which contribute to air pollution and dependence on fossil fuels. However, gasoline cars currently have a longer range and can be refueled quickly, while electric cars still face challenges with charging infrastructure and battery life."
Compare and Contrast
"Horror films have a long, eerie history dating back to the early 20th century, starting with silent classics like Nosferatu and The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. Over the decades, horror evolved through various subgenres, from psychological thrillers to slasher films. The 1970s saw the rise of iconic directors like John Carpenter and Wes Craven, whose works such as Halloween and A Nightmare on Elm Street set new standards for terrifying audiences. As technology advanced, horror films grew increasingly graphic, yet their underlying purpose—to provoke fear and challenge societal norms—remained unchanged."
The history of horror films
"Throughout my life, I’ve found that maintaining a positive outlook can change everything. Even in the face of adversity, a positive mindset allows you to see opportunities instead of obstacles. I have faced challenges—financial struggles, health issues, and personal setbacks—but each time, I chose to focus on the good things in my life. This shift in perspective has not only improved my emotional well-being but has also helped me achieve goals that once seemed impossible. Positive thinking is not about ignoring problems, but about believing in your ability to overcome them."
The author believes in the power of positive thinking
By keeping schools open year-round, with extended breaks during the off-season, students would have more opportunities to retain knowledge and maintain consistent learning. The typical summer break often leads to the 'summer slide,' where students forget what they’ve learned. Alternating breaks throughout the year would give students the chance to refresh and avoid burnout. Such a schedule would also help parents by reducing childcare needs during summer months
Year-round school with alternating breaks is the way to go.
Notre Dame is the best college in the country.
Which piece of evidence most strongly supports this claim?
A) Notre Dame has produced numerous successful athletes in sports such as football and basketball.
B) Notre Dame is located in a small town, which many students find charming.
C) The university consistently ranks high in national university rankings and has prestigious academic programs.
D) Notre Dame has a beautiful campus with classic architecture.
C) The university consistently ranks high in national university rankings and has prestigious academic programs.
"One of the most pressing issues facing modern cities is the rising problem of air pollution. As industries grow and vehicle numbers increase, the air quality in urban areas deteriorates, leading to respiratory problems and environmental damage. However, cities around the world are beginning to adopt solutions like increasing green spaces, investing in renewable energy, and encouraging the use of public transport. These efforts aim to reduce carbon emissions and improve the overall health of residents."
Problem and Solution
"Marie Curie’s groundbreaking work in radioactivity earned her two Nobel Prizes, making her one of the most influential scientists of the 20th century. Another pioneer, Rosalind Franklin, made key contributions to the discovery of DNA’s double helix structure, though her work went largely unrecognized at the time. Ada Lovelace, known for her work on the first algorithm, is now considered the first computer programmer. These women, among many others, have reshaped the scientific community with their discoveries, often overcoming significant barriers to succeed in their fields."
The accomplishments of women in science.
Professional gamers dedicate hours upon hours to mastering their craft, just like athletes in any other sport. The precision and strategy required to succeed in competitive gaming are astounding. These players are not just reacting to fast-moving images on a screen; they are using quick decision-making skills, critical thinking, and the ability to work as a team under pressure. The amount of mental and physical endurance needed to remain at the top of their game is comparable to any elite sport, and these athletes deserve respect and recognition."
The author believes professional gamers are worthy of respect.
Men’s fashion has long been restricted by outdated standards, especially when it comes to professional attire. The idea that men must wear long pants in all settings, even during hot summer days, is not only impractical but unnecessary. Allowing men to wear shorts in both casual and professional environments would improve comfort and productivity without compromising professionalism. It’s time for a shift in the fashion world to embrace comfort for all genders, year-round."
Snowfall is more dangerous than rainfall.
Which piece of evidence most strongly supports this claim?
A) Snowfall can cause dangerous driving conditions, leading to higher accident rates in many areas during winter.
B) Snowfall can be a fun activity for people who enjoy skiing or snowboarding.
C) Rainfall contributes to the creation of more mudslides than snowfall in mountainous regions.
D) Snowfall can be predicted more easily than rainfall, giving people time to prepare.
A) Snowfall can cause dangerous driving conditions, leading to higher accident rates in many areas during winter.
Hollywood is gearing up for the Academy Awards which honor the best in filmmaking for the year and are more commonly known by this man's name.
The Winter Olympics are a two weeks and 4,000+ air miles away in this country.
Italy (Bonus Points: Milan/Cortina)
What dance am I doing?
The Macarena
All of the remaining possible Super Bowls would be a rematch of a past Super Bowl EXCEPT...
Rams/Broncos
"To write a compelling novel, one must begin with a solid idea. The first step is brainstorming, where writers jot down any ideas that come to mind. Once an idea is chosen, the next step is outlining the story’s plot, creating key scenes and developing characters. After the outline, writers proceed to draft the manuscript, revising and editing as they go. Finally, once the manuscript is complete, the author submits the work to publishers or agents for review, often going through several rounds of edits before the book is published."
Sequence and Order
"To make a video go viral, first, you need an attention-grabbing hook within the first few seconds. Start with an intriguing visual or a question that sparks curiosity. Next, ensure the content is relatable and shareable—something people will want to pass along to friends. Use trending topics, humorous angles, or emotional appeals to increase the chances of engagement. Lastly, timing is everything. Post your video when your target audience is most active on social media, and use the right hashtags to increase its visibility."
How to make a viral video
"While millions of fans gather to watch the NFL every weekend, I can’t help but feel that the sport has become repetitive. The games are long and filled with pauses for commercials, and the actual on-field action can be slow and predictable. The constant focus on commercials, endorsements, and ratings has made the sport feel more like an entertainment product than a genuine competition. In the end, I find myself much more engaged by other sports that offer faster-paced action and fewer interruptions.
The author believes the NFL is boring and overly commercial.
"Soccer has captured the hearts of millions across the globe, and it’s not hard to see why. With its simple rules and fast-paced, non-stop action, it’s a game that transcends cultures and borders. Unlike other sports, soccer’s universal appeal makes it accessible to people from all walks of life. The excitement, the global community, and the skill required make soccer far superior to any other sport, and that’s why it holds the title as the greatest sport in the world."
Soccer is the greatest sport of all time.
Dogs are better pets than cats.
Which piece of evidence most strongly supports this claim?
A) Dogs are known for their loyalty and can be trained to perform various tasks, including assisting people with disabilities.
B) Dogs are more independent than cats and don't require as much attention.
C) Cats can be friendly and do tricks.
D) Dogs are often considered to be quieter pets than cats.
A) Dogs are known for their loyalty and can be trained to perform various tasks, including assisting people with disabilities.
"Deforestation in the Amazon rainforest has a direct effect on global climate patterns. As vast areas of trees are cut down, the ability of the forest to absorb carbon dioxide diminishes, contributing to a rise in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This increase in carbon emissions accelerates climate change, leading to more frequent droughts, rising sea levels, and unpredictable weather patterns worldwide. The destruction of the Amazon is, therefore, not just a local problem, but a global one.
"When Charles Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol in 1843, it was not initially a success. However, after its publication, the novella quickly became a sensation, capturing the hearts of readers with its tale of redemption and generosity. Dickens wrote the story in just a few weeks, motivated by his desire to raise awareness about the plight of the poor in Victorian England. A Christmas Carol has since become one of the most beloved holiday tales, adapted countless times for stage and screen, and continues to inspire audiences worldwide."
The story of the publication of A Christmas Carol
"After years of chasing what others thought I should do with my life, I realized that I was only running from my true desires. I worked long hours in a career I didn’t care for, pretending it fulfilled me, all while neglecting my passion for writing. One evening, I sat down and admitted to myself that I wasn’t happy and that I needed to make a change. It was a hard truth to face, but once I accepted it, I began to make small steps toward my real dreams. That honesty with myself was the turning point I needed."
"Olivia Rodrigo’s ability to blend raw emotion with catchy pop melodies has captured the attention of a new generation of music lovers. Her debut album showed a level of lyrical maturity and vulnerability that rivaled some of the most seasoned artists in the industry. While Taylor Swift’s influence on the music scene is undeniable, Olivia's fresh perspective and unique voice have resonated with listeners in a way that surpasses Taylor Swift’s more polished, mainstream approach.
Olivia Rodrigo is better than Taylor Swift.
New Jersey is the greatest vacation spot in the world.
Which piece of evidence most strongly supports this claim?
A) New Jersey's state flower is widely appreciated for its beauty and symbolism.
B) New Jersey is home to more than 100,000 people, including Mr. Krenek
C) New Jersey boasts several major cities that contribute to a busy, urban environment.
D) New Jersey has a diverse array of beaches, historical landmarks, and world-class entertainment options.
D) New Jersey has a diverse array of beaches, historical landmarks, and world-class entertainment options.