Use the paragraph to answer the prompt.

1 Today we rely on technology more than we realize. 2 We can use technology for communicating, learning, and even shopping. 3 My family used to drive to stores a lot more, and some of them are far away. 4 Technology has made our lives easier because we don't have to go anywhere to get what we need or to talk to our friends. 5 With technology, you can talk to your friends no matter where they are. 6 If you need to order more detergent, then you can ask your phone to search for options. 7 I wonder who named the technology assistants. 8 Technology has also changed the way we learn at school. 9 Now we have online textbooks, we type all of our assignments, and we rarely use paper. 10 We are saving the world! 11 Not everyone thinks technology is great, but I think it has changed our lives for the better.

This paragraph contains irrelevant information. Which sentences would you remove and why?

I would remove sentences 5, 7, and 10 as they provide irrelevant information and do not contribute to the main point of the paragraph. Sentence 5 discusses the ability to communicate with friends, which is already mentioned in sentence 2. Sentence 7 discusses the naming of technology assistants, which does not connect to the main idea of technology making our lives easier. Sentence 10 makes a broad claim about "saving the world" without providing any relevant context or supporting information.

Write a paragraph of 3-5 sentences that uses transitions to show a comparison and contrast relationship between ideas. (Hint: Your response should include the appropriate transition words.)

On one hand, technology has greatly simplified our lives. For instance, we no longer need to drive long distances to physical stores since we can now shop online. Additionally, technology has revolutionized communication, allowing us to instantly connect with friends and family members regardless of geographical barriers. On the other hand, some argue that technology has also created new challenges, such as increased screen time and potential for disconnecting from real-life interactions. Nonetheless, it is undeniable that technology has brought numerous conveniences and advancements to our daily lives.

11. A student is writing an article for a local newspaper about the positive aspects of virtual schooling. Write an introductory paragraph that addresses the topic. Remember to think about your audience, goal, and tone of the article (to whom are you writing?, what is your purpose?, and is the tone positive, negative, or neutral? - Answering these questions will not be part of your response, but should influence how you respond.).

Dear readers of The Local Gazette,

In the midst of these unprecedented times, virtual schooling has emerged as a transformative solution for students and educators alike. With the advent of technology, students now have unparalleled access to educational resources and opportunities, which were previously limited by physical boundaries. In this article, we will explore the numerous positive aspects of virtual schooling, highlighting the benefits it brings to students, parents, and the community as a whole. By shedding light on these advantages, we hope to foster a sense of optimism and appreciation for this innovative approach to education.

Warm regards,

[Your Name]

In 3–5 sentences, explain how graphics are useful in informational texts and answer the following questions. What graphic would you use to best support an explanatory text about how to prepare a recipe? What graphic would you use to best support a persuasive essay about the negative effects of soda?

Graphics are highly useful in informational texts as they enhance understanding and engagement for readers. In an explanatory text about how to prepare a recipe, a step-by-step visual graphic or a series of images would be the best choice to support the text. This would allow readers to follow along visually and better comprehend each stage of the recipe. Alternatively, for a persuasive essay about the negative effects of soda, a graphic such as a bar chart or infographic showcasing statistics on sugar content, health risks, or comparative data could effectively support the text by providing visual evidence to reinforce the argument against soda consumption.