Unit Test Answers

Read the scenario.A pilot is being investigated after an air-traffic accident led to many passengers being injured and hospitalized. Reports about a cover-up by the airline are surfacing, and people have accused the pilot of negligence.The editor-in-chief of the local newspaper has just assigned the story to the most experienced investigative reporter in the newsroom. However, the reporter’s uncle is the pilot being investigated. No one in the newsroom knows about this connection.

A

investigate the claims without revealing that the pilot is her uncle; the fact that he is a relative will not affect her reporting

B

tell the editor-in-chief about her relationship to the pilot, and ask that the story be assigned to another reporter

C

convince the editor-in-chief not to run the story, because the reporter knows that her uncle is a skilled pilot and believes that the allegations are false

D

research and write the article, but have a colleague edit it before it is submitted to make sure there are no signs of bias

1

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Read the first paragraph from an article in the local online newspaper.Local businesswoman Inés Garcia-Ruiz is joining the race for the state senate seat that is soon to be vacated by retiring senator Benjamin Hall. A long-time resident of this community, Garcia-Ruiz says that, if she is elected, she will "dive into projects that aid low-income families.” This should be obvious to most constituents because she is well known for her impressive charity work. Time and time again, she has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of those living in poverty in our community.

A

by removing the reference to Garcia-Ruiz being a local businesswoman

B

by removing idioms, such as “dive into” and “time and time again”

C

by eliminating the reference to projects that aid low-income families

D

by eliminating emotional language used to describe the charity work

2

Read the excerpt from a newspaper article.Last night, Fairview police arrested six university students for involvement in an illegal gambling ring. Today, community leaders and university officials are claiming that Professor Shuman, the students’ academic advisor, should also be arrested. Dr. Harris, the department chairperson, reports that Schuman has recently started holding group tutoring sessions in his campus office in the evenings. Video footage from security cameras outside the campus building shows him exiting on several occasions with some of the accused students. Although Shuman denies the gambling ring allegations, he was most likely involved with this illegal activity.

A

by including direct quotations from the professor about his knowledge of the gambling ring

B

by interviewing the department chairman and the professor to get both sides of the story

C

by removing the commentary that the professor is most likely involved in the gambling ring

D

by deleting the department chairman’s and professor’s names from the article

2

Read the two passages.Passage 1Violence in video games is unavoidable. More than half of the top video games contain some element of violence. Does this lead to violence in the real world? Logical people know the answer, and the facts prove it. Between 1994 and 2004, video game sales increased by 204 percent. During that same time period, the arrest rate for juveniles committing violent crimes decreased by 63 percent. These facts make it obvious that video games are not a problem.Passage 2The majority of video games contain violence. Children playing these games leads directly to acts of violence. Several studies, including a 2014 study by the Journal of the American Medical Association, have shown a correlation between persistent video game use and aggressive behavior. While my own children play video games, they do not play games labeled "Mature.” Simply avoiding these games and allowing children to play the thousands of other available games is a logical way to avoid a potential problem.

A

Passage 1 is more effective because passage 2 relies on personal anecdotes as the main evidence.

B

Passage 1 is more effective because it uses overstatement for extra emphasis, and passage 2 does not.

C

Passage 2 is more effective because it contains logical and anecdotal, while passage 1 contains a bandwagon appeal and a false dilemma.

D

Passage 2 is more effective because it presents data as empirical evidence, and passage 1 does not.

3

Read the two passages.Passage 1Violence in video games is unavoidable. More than half of the top video games contain some element of violence. Does this lead to violence in the real world? Logical people know the answer, and the facts prove it. Between 1994 and 2004, video game sales increased by 204 percent. During that same time period, the arrest rate for juveniles committing violent crimes decreased by 63 percent. These facts make it obvious that video games are not a problem.Passage 2The majority of video games contain violence. Children playing these games leads directly to acts of violence. Several studies, including a 2014 study by the Journal of the American Medical Association, have shown a correlation between persistent video game use and aggressive behavior. While my own children play video games, they do not play games labeled "Mature.” Simply avoiding these games and allowing children to play the thousands of other available games is a logical way to avoid a potential problem.

A

Passage 1 is more effective because passage 2 relies on personal anecdotes as the main evidence.

B

Passage 1 is more effective because it uses overstatement for extra emphasis, and passage 2 does not.

C

Passage 2 is more effective because it contains logical and anecdotal, while passage 1 contains a bandwagon appeal and a false dilemma.

D

Passage 2 is more effective because it presents data as empirical evidence, and passage 1 does not.

3

How does the writer best use evidence to support the claim? Select three options.

A

The writer uses empirical evidence by including specific data about student debt and loans.

B

The writer uses empirical evidence by referring to the amount of money that his daughter and her friends owe in student debt.

C

The writer uses logical evidence by claiming that his daughter owes a significant amount of money.

D

The writer uses logical evidence by explaining a reasonable theory about paychecks being less.

E

The writer uses anecdotal evidence by sharing a personal connection to the student debt problem.

F

The writer uses anecdotal evidence by discussing how his daughter’s debt is more than his was.

4

Read the passage from a debate speech.The current trade situation in this nation is unacceptable. We continue to lose money to other nations, while those nations prosper. I have a detailed plan to get our country—and its people—back on the right track. My opponent, who uses her time to spread lies and rumors while eating nice dinners bought by you taxpayers, does not even have a plan. I question her priorities.

A

The speaker uses anecdotal evidence with phrases like “back on the right track.”

B

The speaker uses a bandwagon statement by complaining that other nations prosper.

C

The speaker uses an ad hominem argument by attacking an opponent’s honesty.

D

The speaker uses a false dilemma by claiming to have the ideal plan.

4

Read the scenario.A pilot is being investigated after an air-traffic accident led to many passengers being injured and hospitalized. Reports about a cover-up by the airline are surfacing, and people have accused the pilot of negligence.The editor-in-chief of the local newspaper has just assigned the story to the most experienced investigative reporter in the newsroom. However, the reporter’s uncle is the pilot being investigated. No one in the newsroom knows about this connection.

A

investigate the claims without revealing that the pilot is her uncle; the fact that he is a relative will not affect her reporting

B

tell the editor-in-chief about her relationship to the pilot, and ask that the story be assigned to another reporter

C

convince the editor-in-chief not to run the story, because the reporter knows that her uncle is a skilled pilot and believes that the allegations are false

D

research and write the article, but have a colleague edit it before it is submitted to make sure there are no signs of bias

5

Which source would be most appropriate for researching the question "How does social media affect personal relationships?”

A

a blog post discussing the blogger’s large number of followers

B

a journal article by a psychologist who is studying social media

C

a social media site showing the process of connecting to other users

D

a wiki page discussing appropriate interactions on the internet

5

Read this prompt.Create a presentation to convince school board members that district 16 should add a week-long October break to next year’s school calendar, like other districts in the state.Which reason best supports the claim in this prompt?

A

Schoolchildren need time in the fall to prepare for upcoming holidays.

B

The number of school days required by the board is too many for students.

C

Students need a break to study for their rigorous midterm exams.

D

There are too many fast-approaching events on the school calendar.

6

Which image is the best choice for convincing high school students to plant a tree on Earth Day?

A

A photo of a young boy and an adult planting a tree.

B

An illustration of the planting process for planting an apple tree.

C

A photo of a group of young people gardening.

D

An illustration of a young boy and adult male planting a tree.

6

Which source would be most appropriate for researching the question "How does social media affect personal relationships?”

A

a blog post discussing the blogger’s large number of followers

B

a journal article by a psychologist who is studying social media

C

a social media site showing the process of connecting to other users

D

a wiki page discussing appropriate interactions on the internet

7

Read the first paragraph from an article in the local online newspaper.Local businesswoman Inés Garcia-Ruiz is joining the race for the state senate seat that is soon to be vacated by retiring senator Benjamin Hall. A long-time resident of this community, Garcia-Ruiz says that, if she is elected, she will "dive into projects that aid low-income families.” This should be obvious to most constituents because she is well known for her impressive charity work. Time and time again, she has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of those living in poverty in our community.

A

by removing the reference to Garcia-Ruiz being a local businesswoman

B

by removing idioms, such as “dive into” and “time and time again”

C

by eliminating the reference to projects that aid low-income families

D

by eliminating emotional language used to describe the charity work

7

Which image is the best choice for convincing high school students to plant a tree on Earth Day?

A

A photo of a young boy and an adult planting a tree.

B

An illustration of the planting process for planting an apple tree.

C

A photo of a group of young people gardening.

D

An illustration of a young boy and adult male planting a tree.

8

Read this prompt.Create a presentation to convince school board members that district 16 should add a week-long October break to next year’s school calendar, like other districts in the state.Which reason best supports the claim in this prompt?

A

Schoolchildren need time in the fall to prepare for upcoming holidays.

B

The number of school days required by the board is too many for students.

C

Students need a break to study for their rigorous midterm exams.

D

There are too many fast-approaching events on the school calendar.

8

Read the passage from a debate speech.The current trade situation in this nation is unacceptable. We continue to lose money to other nations, while those nations prosper. I have a detailed plan to get our country—and its people—back on the right track. My opponent, who uses her time to spread lies and rumors while eating nice dinners bought by you taxpayers, does not even have a plan. I question her priorities.

A

The speaker uses anecdotal evidence with phrases like “back on the right track.”

B

The speaker uses a bandwagon statement by complaining that other nations prosper.

C

The speaker uses an ad hominem argument by attacking an opponent’s honesty.

D

The speaker uses a false dilemma by claiming to have the ideal plan.

9

How does the writer best use evidence to support the claim? Select three options.

A

The writer uses empirical evidence by including specific data about student debt and loans.

B

The writer uses empirical evidence by referring to the amount of money that his daughter and her friends owe in student debt.

C

The writer uses logical evidence by claiming that his daughter owes a significant amount of money.

D

The writer uses logical evidence by explaining a reasonable theory about paychecks being less.

E

The writer uses anecdotal evidence by sharing a personal connection to the student debt problem.

F

The writer uses anecdotal evidence by discussing how his daughter’s debt is more than his was.

9

Read the excerpt from a newspaper article.Last night, Fairview police arrested six university students for involvement in an illegal gambling ring. Today, community leaders and university officials are claiming that Professor Shuman, the students’ academic advisor, should also be arrested. Dr. Harris, the department chairperson, reports that Schuman has recently started holding group tutoring sessions in his campus office in the evenings. Video footage from security cameras outside the campus building shows him exiting on several occasions with some of the accused students. Although Shuman denies the gambling ring allegations, he was most likely involved with this illegal activity.

A

by including direct quotations from the professor about his knowledge of the gambling ring

B

by interviewing the department chairman and the professor to get both sides of the story

C

by removing the commentary that the professor is most likely involved in the gambling ring

D

by deleting the department chairman’s and professor’s names from the article

10

Which element would be most appropriate for a multimedia presentation on the causes of animal extinction?

A

a feature-length documentary on an animal that recently became extinct

B

a full podcast on animals that have gone extinct in the past one hundred years

C

the name of a video about animal extinction that the audience can find online

D

a short video clip about a few animals that were recently declared extinct

10

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.

A

Passage 1 uses a logical approach, while passage 2 contains appeals to emotion.

B

Passage 1 uses an emotional appeal, while passage 2 uses mainly understatement.

C

Passage 1 uses empirical evidence, while passage 2 relies on logical evidence.

D

Passage 1 uses an ad hominem attack, while passage 2 has a bandwagon appeal.

10

Which element would be most appropriate for a multimedia presentation on the causes of animal extinction?

A

a feature-length documentary on an animal that recently became extinct

B

a full podcast on animals that have gone extinct in the past one hundred years

C

the name of a video about animal extinction that the audience can find online

D

a short video clip about a few animals that were recently declared extinct

11

Read the passage.(1) Social media is here to stay. (2) No amount of complaining by an older generation who cannot even turn on a computer will change the fact that we live in a social media world. (3) Increasing access to social media for people who are afraid to use it or unwilling to try it should be the first step toward making the playing field a bit more even for everyone.

A

an ad hominem attack

B

an appeal to emotion

C

a false dilemma

D

a bandwagon appeal

11

Which headlines can be considered objective? Select two options.Quarterback Looks Lazy in Final Team PracticeStunning Upset Leaves Penguins ReelingUniversity Athletic Director Resigns amid ControversySoftball League Umpire Admits Error on Final PlayIce Skating Champion’s Fall from Grace Continues

A

Quarterback Looks Lazy in Final Team Practice

B

Stunning Upset Leaves Penguins Reeling

C

University Athletic Director Resigns amid Controversy

D

Softball League Umpire Admits Error on Final Play

E

Ice Skating Champion’s Fall from Grace Continues

11

Read this prompt.Create a multimedia presentation about clothing and waste. Use research and evidence to support your opinion. Use persuasive techniques and a variety of visual aids in your presentation.What is an effective claim for this prompt?

A

People prefer to buy new clothing rather than repurpose old clothing.

B

Purchasing used clothing is an effective way to conserve resources.

C

Upcycling, or remaking old clothing so that it is new again, takes a great deal of creativity and talent.

D

Much of the clothing people give away never makes it to another person and ends up in a landfill or an incinerator.

12

What are the most effective techniques to present text in a multimedia presentation? Select three options.elaborate fontsbulleted textparagraphsheadingsadequate font size

A

elaborate fonts

B

bulleted text

C

paragraphs

D

headings

E

adequate font size

13

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.

A

High school students are spending more time on social media than they are studying and completing homework.

B

Grades at a specific high school are worse this year than they were 20 years ago, when social media was not a distraction.

C

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.

D

You can read several articles about students around the country causing problems at school rather than focusing on academics.

E

Standardized test scores dropped or remained stagnant in many states in 2017, which was the peak year to date for social media use.

13

Read this prompt.Create a multimedia presentation for the claim that it is important to invest in early childhood education. Use research and evidence to support your opinion. Use persuasive techniques and a variety of visual aids in your presentation.Which statement provides the best support for this claim?

A

Researchers are still looking into the economic and academic gains of early childhood education.

B

Early childhood education also benefits working parents who do not have to pay for childcare.

C

Only schools with abundant financial resources are able to support early-education services.

D

Students who had early childhood education perform better academically than students who did not.

13

Jena is doing research for a presentation about pesticides in the fruits and vegetables people eat. Which source provides the most reliable information for research?

A

a university site showing the results of a study on which foods absorb chemicals

B

a personal blog that talks about the superiority of organic fruits and vegetables

C

a wiki that explains how to use pesticides sparingly on vegetable gardens

D

a website that sells products designed for pest control in gardens

14

best

A

Option

B

Option

C

Option

D

Option

14

Which journalistic decisions would violate the code of ethics set by the Society of Professional Journalists? Select two options.A newspaper places an ad on the page opposite an article about foreign policy.A journalist reports on a series of robberies that occurred in his own neighborhood.A reporter writes a story about his wife’s company without revealing their relationship.A magazine runs a series of articles speculating about a celebrity’s medical history.An editor refuses to publish an article about a politician due to questionable sources.

A

A newspaper places an ad on the page opposite an article about foreign policy.

B

A journalist reports on a series of robberies that occurred in his own neighborhood.

C

A reporter writes a story about his wife’s company without revealing their relationship.

D

A magazine runs a series of articles speculating about a celebrity’s medical history.

E

An editor refuses to publish an article about a politician due to questionable sources.

14

What are the most effective ways to format a visual aid? Select two options.using a legible font in a color that is easy to readadding a paragraph under a photo to explain itproviding a clear, concise caption for a photoreducing font size to fit more words onto a slideincluding as many details in the layout as possible

A

using a legible font in a color that is easy to read

B

adding a paragraph under a photo to explain it

C

providing a clear, concise caption for a photo

D

reducing font size to fit more words onto a slide

E

including as many details in the layout as possible

15

Read the headline.Governor Raids Funding for After-School Programs for Preschoolers

A

The headline is objective because there is no indication of bias for or against the governor.

B

The headline is objective because the words are unemotional and have a neutral connotation.

C

The headline is not objective because the word raids adds emotion to the language.

D

The headline is not objective because the word preschoolers adds emotion to the language.

15

What is an example of an effective rhetorical question in a presentation about the importance of investing in clean water?

A

How many countries around the world have access to clean drinking water?

B

What are some ways to attempt to provide clean water in more locations?

C

What would happen to long-term health if everyone had access to clean water?

D

What are the costs and benefits typically associated with water-treatment plants?

15

Which sentence best describes the relationship between a counterclaim and a rebuttal?

A

A counterclaim states both a reason and evidence to support a claim, which a rebuttal rejects to show a second opinion about the claim.

B

A counterclaim states the limitations of the central claim, which a rebuttal acknowledges and clarifies using evidence to support the claim.

C

A counterclaim states another version of the central claim, which a rebuttal compares to the original claim.

D

A counterclaim states an opposing viewpoint to the claim, which a rebuttal fairly and logically addresses.

16

best

a

an interview with a database developer who specializes in privacy issues

a

an online database of a doctor’s list of current patients

a

a video testimonial about a doctor using a patient’s records for improper reasons

a

a video of a patient looking up his or her profile online

16

Khaled has found a reliable chart that reports statistics on the increase of drought conditions in the United States. He plans to use this graphic in his presentation on climate change.

A

its publisher and date of publication

B

Khaled’s full name and grade in school

C

several sentences describing the chart

D

a photo to help illustrate the chart

16

Read this prompt.Create a multimedia presentation for the claim that countries around the world need to increase food production to support a continually growing population. Use research and evidence to support your opinion. Use persuasive techniques and a variety of visual aids in your presentation.

A

Large grocery chains are expanding operations, so farms need to fulfill orders from them.

B

Small farmers are getting pushed out so that food production is limited to large farms.

C

On average, 83 million people are added to the world’s population every year.

D

Most farms produce chemical waste that is harmful to the environment and to people.

17

Which public-speaking behavior would be most distracting for an audience?

A

using formal language

B

repeating phrases for effect

C

anxiously pacing back and forth

D

making gestures to reinforce the message

17

Read the scenario.Joe, a reporter for Main Street News, covered a campaign rally for Jiya Patel, who is running for county commissioner. While at the rally, he interviewed the candidate and some audience members as his research for the article. He then wrote an article describing the rally, the candidate’s platform, and the reasons her supporters believe that she is the best person for this job. When he finished, he turned his article in to his editor. As the editor reviews this story, he sees a public report on campaign donations and learns that Joe has made a sizeable contribution to Patel’s campaign.

A

edit the article that was written to make sure it is objective, then run it in tomorrow’s edition of the newspaper

B

explain to the reporter that the newspaper cannot run the story because of perceived bias based on donations, so the article is being reassigned

C

discuss the article with the reporter to better understand his affiliation with the candidate and his views on the upcoming local elections

D

ask a reporter who supports an opposing candidate to read and help edit the article to ensure there is no bias in the reporting

17

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.

A

The writer uses an appeal to emotion by portraying her family as abandoned by policy makers.

B

The writer uses a bandwagon statement by claiming that her family is an “average American family.”

C

The writer uses an ad hominem argument by attacking those who make healthcare decisions.

D

The writer uses a false dilemma by stating that insurance is both necessary and unaffordable.

18

A high school student has just won a science award from NASA, and the local paper is reporting on this accomplishment. Which headline would best indicate that the priority of the news source is to maintain credibility?

A

Science Whiz Wins Big Time

B

High School Senior’s Determination Pays Off

C

Jones High School Senior Wins NASA Award

D

Smith’s Accomplishments Amaze the Community

18

Kaveh is preparing a presentation about the positive effects of community gardening on neighborhood residents. How can Kaveh most effectively organize and present this topic? Select two options.He can read directly from note cards to follow the exact wording of a script.He can make sure he stands still and motionless to emphasize his main point.He can refer to specific sources he used when conducting his research.He can speak quickly to ensure that he fits in as many statistics as possible.He can ask rhetorical questions to create a dramatic and engaging effect.

A

He can read directly from note cards to follow the exact wording of a script.

B

He can make sure he stands still and motionless to emphasize his main point.

C

He can refer to specific sources he used when conducting his research.

D

He can speak quickly to ensure that he fits in as many statistics as possible.

E

He can ask rhetorical questions to create a dramatic and engaging effect.

18

Read the excerpt from a magazine article.The software magnate has been revolutionizing the gaming industry for a decade, releasing several new and exciting titles each quarter. This past quarter, Mr. Vincent’s company posted an impressive profit, as it has in each of the past 10 quarters. The public has caught on to Vincent’s vision, and the sky continues to be his only limit.

A

The article uses primarily subjective language to describe the company’s financial state.

B

The article uses only objective language to describe the story’s subject and his company.

C

This article uses subjective language that expresses the author’s opinion on the subject.

D

This article uses objective language to impress readers with the subject’s achievements.

19

Which best defines a logical fallacy?

a

an error in reasoning

c

credit given to an author for his or her ideas

a

an opposing argument

e

evidence based on scientific research

19

Where should the writer include a counterclaim in an argumentative essay?

A

as part of the evidence for the claim

B

immediately following the initial claim

C

after the supporting evidence for the claim

D

as part of the conclusion for the argument

19

Read the two passages.Passage 1The need for standardized testing in education is a sensitive topic to some. Many fear that the use of these tests with students of all ages would lead to a decline in both academic growth and innovation; however, if standardized testing continues to be a reliable and objective source of measuring student achievement, we must conclude that the means justify the end. We can simply state the results of a 100-year analysis of testing research for proof: 93 percent of studies on student testing found a favorable outcome for student achievement.Passage 2When the Brookings Institution, a 100-year-old organization made up of experts in education and government, reports that up to 80 percent of standardized test score improvements were temporary and did not lead to improvements in learning, we must realize that student testing is not working. I have visited several schools during testing time, so I can personally vouch for the negative effect that standardized tests have on students’ emotions. Standardized testing is unnecessary and must end.

A

Passage 1 uses anecdotal evidence, while passage 2 uses empirical evidence.

B

Passage 1 uses empirical evidence, while passage 2 uses logical evidence.

C

Passage 1 uses anecdotal evidence, while passage 2 uses logical evidence.

D

Passage 1 uses logical evidence, while passage 2 uses logical and anecdotal evidence.

20

The image shows a glass of dirty water with a straw in it.

A

“Although many people drink water that looks like this, it is still safe to drink.”

B

“If our water supply is not cleaned up, your next glass could look like this.”

C

“Too many people around the world do not have access to clean water.”

D

“A clean water supply ensures that an area’s population remains healthy.”

20

Which fallacies appear in this passage? Select three options.

A

An appeal to emotion is used to make Congress feel guilty if they do not support the legislation.

B

A false dilemma is used to claim that legislation is the only way to protect the environment.

C

An ad hominem is used to attack representatives for being distracted when hearing evidence.

D

A bandwagon appeal is used to suggest that every American wants to help endangered species.

E

A false dilemma is used to introduce the idea that the legislation will save us all.

20

Read the passage.(1) Since prehistoric times, milk has been a vital source of nutrition for human beings. (2) Some doctors and nutritionists believe that consuming milk can be detrimental to our health. (3) Milk is one of the most nutrient-dense beverages we can consume, and it should be an essential part of a healthy diet. (4) Drinking just one 8-ounce glass of milk per day puts you well on your way to meeting recommended daily intakes for important nutrients.

A

Finally

B

Additionally

C

However

D

Specifically

21

What are the most effective techniques to present text in a multimedia presentation? Select three options.elaborate fontsbulleted textparagraphsheadingsadequate font size

A

elaborate fonts

B

bulleted text

C

paragraphs

D

headings

E

adequate font size

21

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.

A

High school students are spending more time on social media than they are studying and completing homework.

B

Grades at a specific high school are worse this year than they were 20 years ago, when social media was not a distraction.

C

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.

D

You can read several articles about students around the country causing problems at school rather than focusing on academics.

E

Standardized test scores dropped or remained stagnant in many states in 2017, which was the peak year to date for social media use.

21

What is an effective claim in an argumentative essay?

A

a true statement that can be proven using facts and cannot be countered

B

a direct statement that gives an opinion and includes at least two types of evidence

C

a brief statement that summarizes the major reasons and evidence in an argument

D

a clear statement that can be argued in favor of or against using reasoning

22

best

A

A counterclaim states both a reason and evidence to support a claim, which a rebuttal rejects to show a second opinion about the claim.

A

A counterclaim states the limitations of the central claim, which a rebuttal acknowledges and clarifies using evidence to support the claim.

A

A counterclaim states another version of the central claim, which a rebuttal compares to the original claim.

A

A counterclaim states an opposing viewpoint to the claim, which a rebuttal fairly and logically addresses.

22

Read the scenario.A journalist researches a possible scheme by a financial services company to steal money from its clients. He has one source, a woman who lost all of the money that she had invested with the company. He also talks to competing firms, who say that the company in question has no ethics. With just this information, the journalist publishes a story accusing the company of stealing clients’ money.

A

keeping news separate from paid advertising

B

seeking the truth and reporting news without bias

C

minimizing harm by showing compassion

D

being accurate and transparent

22

What kind of evidence best supports reasons in an argument?

A

All evidence should be reliable and varied, using personal experiences only when relevant.

B

All evidence should be empirical and scientifically proven in order to be more persuasive.

C

All evidence should be open to multiple interpretations to strongly support counterclaims.

D

All evidence should be created by the writer to avoid the repetition and overuse of evidence.

23

Read the passage from an argumentative essay.Many endangered species are currently threatened by climate change. There are some laws already in place, but are they effective enough? Anyone with a conscience knows that these creatures deserve the chance to survive without outside threats impeding their survival. I suppose this is a tough decision for lawmakers, but I hope they choose wisely.

T

The claim is ineffective because the language used is unclear and the reasoning does not strongly support it.

T

The claim is unsuccessful because most people will not agree with the opinion and reasoning stated in the claim.

T

The claim is logical because it makes sense and the reasoning used to support it is plausible, varied, and effective.

T

The claim is compelling because there is variety in the supporting evidence and the call to action is powerful.

23

Read the passage from a speech by President Barack Obama.Good afternoon. Mr. Secretary General; Your Excellencies, we are here because, right now, in crowded camps and cities around the world, there are families—from Darfur in Chad, Palestinians in Lebanon, Afghans in Pakistan, Colombians in Ecuador—who’ve endured years—in some cases, decades—as refugees, surviving on rations and aid, and who dream of someday, somehow, having a home of their own.We’re here because, right now, there are young girls . . . like my daughters . . . who are just as precious and just as gifted—like the 16-year-old refugee from Myanmar that I met in Malaysia—who’ve suffered unspeakable abuse . . . girls who pray at night that someone might rescue them from their torment.

A

Obama uses empirical evidence, since he uses a verifiable source in the refugee from Myanmar.

B

Obama uses logical evidence, since it is common sense that most young girls are gifted.

C

Obama uses logical evidence, since it is reasonable to state that refugees want homes of their own.

D

Obama uses empirical evidence, since he names the specific countries where refugees live.

24

Read this prompt.Create a multimedia presentation for the claim that countries around the world need to increase food production to support a continually growing population. Use research and evidence to support your opinion. Use persuasive techniques and a variety of visual aids in your presentation.

L

Large grocery chains are expanding operations, so farms need to fulfill orders from them.

S

Small farmers are getting pushed out so that food production is limited to large farms.

O

On average, 83 million people are added to the world’s population every year.

M

Most farms produce chemical waste that is harmful to the environment and to people.

24

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.

A

Passage 1 contains an ad hominem attack, while passage 2 contains a false dilemma.

B

Passage 1 contains a false dilemma, while passage 2 contains a bandwagon appeal.

C

Passage 1 contains a bandwagon appeal, while passage 2 contains ad hominem attack.

D

Passage 1 contains an appeal to emotion, while passage 2 contains an ad hominem attack.

24

The image shows a glass of dirty water with a straw in it.

A

“Although many people drink water that looks like this, it is still safe to drink.”

B

“If our water supply is not cleaned up, your next glass could look like this.”

C

“Too many people around the world do not have access to clean water.”

D

“A clean water supply ensures that an area’s population remains healthy.”

25

Read the passage from a speech by President Barack Obama.Mr. Secretary General; Your Excellencies, we are here because, right now, in crowded camps and cities around the world, there are families . . . who’ve endured years . . . as refugees, surviving on rations and aid, and who dream of someday, somehow, having a home of their own.We’re here because, right now, there are young girls . . . who’ve suffered unspeakable abuse . . . who pray at night that someone might rescue them from their torment. . . .We are here because, right now, there are mothers separated from their children—like the woman in a camp in Greece, who held on to her family photographs . . . and who said "my breath is my children . . . every day I am dying 10, 20, 30 times.”

A

understatement

B

tricolon

C

anaphora

D

allusion

25

Read the two passages.Passage 1Raising the minimum wage for workers will provide a significant boost to the economy. For example, changing the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour would add $22 billion to the economy by increasing people’s purchasing power. Household spending would increase by $48 billion in one year with a similar minimum wage increase. Increased earnings lead to increased spending and a greater demand for products and services. This phenomenon then leads to the need for more workers and, thereby, job growth.Passage 2The current federal minimum wage for workers is $7.25. If the government increased that by $1.75, studies show that household spending would also increase—by $48 billion annually. An economic move like this makes too much sense to ignore. A rise in household spending would mean an expansion in the profits of many businesses, including small businesses. As a small-business owner, I would certainly welcome the extra income. The last time the minimum wage was increased, my profit margin increased substantially. My fellow small-business owners experienced a similar profit growth that year.

A

Passage 1 is more effective because the evidence is logical and does not include fallacies.

B

Passage 1 is more effective because the evidence is logical and cannot be opposed.

C

Passage 2 is more effective because the evidence is emotional and includes two perspectives.

D

Passage 2 is more effective because the evidence is logical and is supported by anecdotes.

25

A high school student has just won a science award from NASA, and the local paper is reporting on this accomplishment. Which headline would best indicate that the priority of the news source is to maintain credibility?

A

Science Whiz Wins Big Time

B

High School Senior’s Determination Pays Off

C

Jones High School Senior Wins NASA Award

D

Smith’s Accomplishments Amaze the Community

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