Read the passage.The cost of health care is rising in America. The amount that an average family must pay for insurance is simply unaffordable. I know this because my family is an average American family—and we are worried. The people who make decisions about health care do not seem to think about the effect of the rising costs on hardworking people like my husband and me.
Which statements use the rhetorical device of parallelism? Select two options.“To be or not to be, that is the question.”We came, we saw, we conquered."We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender."“Toto, I have a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore.”This backpack weighs a ton.
What is the best definition of an argumentative text?
Read the two passages.Passage 1Many people think that standardized testing is unnecessary; however, standardized testing is the only way to measure student achievement. Viewing student testing only from a student’s perspective is missing the point. If we think of it in practical terms, we can see that testing students gives us a baseline to assist those students in their areas of greatest need. Without standardized testing, that assistance would not be possible.Passage 2Students experience anxiety during standardized testing. Everyone knows this, and everyone should realize that no child deserves to feel unnecessary stress. Imagine one of your own children suffering through the rigors of a week—or more—of testing. Imagine that anxiety, even though there were clearly alternatives available to avoid it. This is just one of the many reasons to eliminate standardized testing in our schools.
Read the passage from a speech by President George W. Bush.We have other work to do on taxes. Unless Congress acts, most of the tax relief we've delivered over the past 7 years will be taken away. Some in Washington argue that letting tax relief expire is not a tax increase. Try explaining that to 116 million American taxpayers who would see their taxes rise by an average of $1,800. Others have said they would personally be happy to pay higher taxes. I welcome their enthusiasm. I'm pleased to report that the IRS accepts both checks and money orders.
Read the two passages about school uniforms.Passage 1School uniforms could alter students’ attitudes toward their education. If students wear the same clothing each day, they will not have to think about what to wear on a daily basis. In addition, having a uniform could boost students’ confidence and reduce envy or embarrassment. Conforming to one uniform might also help students fit in more easily.Passage 2School uniforms have no place in education, especially since we are trying to instill the principles of individuality and diversity in our children. School uniforms destroy students’ abilities to be themselves. I have seen schools where uniforms are required; the students’ faces tell the whole story. By enforcing uniforms in school, we are clearly not giving students a choice in what they wear. But when we take away choice, more than just choice is lost.
Read the claim.The overuse of social media has led to a decline in the academic performance of this country’s high school students.Which reasons are logically sound and could be used to support the claim? Select two options.High school students are spending more time on social media than they are studying and completing homework.Grades at a specific high school are worse this year than they were 20 years ago, when social media was not a distraction.Social media is causing many problems in society, including a lack of attention and a more negative attitude toward education among students in my neighborhood.You can read several articles about students around the country causing problems at school rather than focusing on academics.Standardized test scores dropped or remained stagnant in many states in 2017, which was the peak year to date for social media use.
Read the passage.(1) Ask young people today if they know of anyone who has had smallpox, and they might ask, "What’s smallpox?” (2) That is because this disease was eradicated from the planet decades ago, thanks to vaccinations. (3) Despite the obvious effectiveness of vaccination, opponents of this procedure argue that humans are better off fighting diseases on their own without adding anything potentially harmful to their bodies. (4) Still, the American Academy of Pediatrics says that vaccines can be 99 percent effective, and the Centers for Disease Control claims that, over a 10-year period, vaccines allowed 322 million children to avoid illnesses. (5) So the next time someone tells you that vaccines are poisoned apples that will lead to a fate like Snow White’s, counter their argument with the facts. (6) The bottom line is that vaccines are safe to use and save lives.
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