(1) In recent years, there has been a growing debate surrounding the use of homework in schools. (2) While some people believe that it is an essential part of education, many argue that it is a burden to students and a hindrance to their learning. (3) One of the main arguments against homework is that it takes away from valuable family time. (4) Many parents feel that they are unable to spend quality time with their children due to the amount of homework children have to do. (5) Additionally, children can become overburdened with homework, leading to stress and anxiety. (6) The New York Times reports that more than 50% of today's middle schoolers report having increased anxiety due to school. (7) This can have a negative impact on their mental health and can also lead to a lack of motivation. (8) In conclusion, there are numerous arguments against homework and it is important for schools to consider its impact on students and their families before implementing it.

Which sentence contains the best piece of evidence in this paragraph?

(1 point)
Responses

7
7

6
6

4
4

5
5

6

what else

In addition to sentence 6, sentence 4 also contains evidence to support the argument against homework. It states that many parents feel unable to spend quality time with their children due to the amount of homework they have to do. This indicates that homework is taking away from valuable family time, which supports the argument against its use.

Which of the following has an influence on an author's perspective? Be sure to include all that apply. (3 points)

Responses

politics
politics

experiences
experiences

age
age

background
background

degrees
degrees

favorites

The following factors can influence an author's perspective:

- politics
- experiences
- age
- background
- degrees

ANALYZATION Question: Which of the following responses below BEST helps to complete the R.A.C.E (restate, answer, cite evidence, explain evidence) strategy for responding to the following prompt: In 1-2 sentences, explain why authors might want to use audio as a medium. (2 points)

Responses

Authors might want to use audio as a medium so that the audience can hear their voice and how loud they can get. This is important because some author's might have softer voices than others.
Authors might want to use audio as a medium so that the audience can hear their voice and how loud they can get. This is important because some author's might have softer voices than others.

Authors might want to use audio as a medium so that the audience can see all of the emotions. Emotions are important in a text. You don't know what's going on if you can't hear emotions. Emotions must be used.
Authors might want to use audio as a medium so that the audience can see all of the emotions. Emotions are important in a text. You don't know what's going on if you can't hear emotions. Emotions must be used.

Authors might want to use audio as a medium because it is easier. It is easier for audiences to listen to a book than to actually read it themself. This will help those people who don't like to read very much. They can listen in their car as they drive if they would like to.
Authors might want to use audio as a medium because it is easier. It is easier for audiences to listen to a book than to actually read it themself. This will help those people who don't like to read very much. They can listen in their car as they drive if they would like to.

Authors might want to use audio as a medium so that the audience can hear the speaker's tone of voice. For example, the tone of voice allows certain emotions to come through. This can help authors connect with their audience and best engage them in the text.

The response that best helps to complete the R.A.C.E. strategy for responding to the prompt is:

"Authors might want to use audio as a medium so that the audience can hear the speaker's tone of voice. For example, the tone of voice allows certain emotions to come through. This can help authors connect with their audience and best engage them in the text."

This response restates the prompt by mentioning the use of audio as a medium, answers the prompt by explaining why authors might want to use audio (to convey tone and emotions), cites evidence by mentioning how the tone allows certain emotions to come through, and explains the evidence by stating that this can help authors connect with their audience and engage them in the text.

ANALYZATION Question: Which of the following responses below BEST helps to complete the R.A.C.E (restate, answer, cite evidence, explain evidence) strategy for responding to the following prompt: In 2-3 sentences, describe the text structure of the following paragraph.

The rising cost of gas has had a significant effect on the economy. As prices have increased, consumers have had to cut back on their spending and travel. Businesses have also had to make changes in order to accommodate the higher prices. Many businesses have had to raise their prices in order to cover the increased costs of gas. This has caused a ripple effect throughout the economy, as businesses are forced to pass on the higher costs to consumers. This has led to an overall decrease in consumer spending and an increase in prices for goods and services. This has had a negative effect on the overall economy, as businesses are unable to sell as many of their products and services as they would like.

(2 points)
Responses

The text structure of this paragraph would be classified as problem/solution. The problem is that gas prices are higher, and this costs people a lot of extra money each year. The solution is to just lower gas prices so that people aren't overpaying for their gas.
The text structure of this paragraph would be classified as problem/solution. The problem is that gas prices are higher, and this costs people a lot of extra money each year. The solution is to just lower gas prices so that people aren't overpaying for their gas.

The text structure of this paragraph would be classified as problem/solution. For example, there are many problems in our economy. Businesses are struggling. People are struggling. This leads to a lot of problems for people. What can we do to figure out a solution?
The text structure of this paragraph would be classified as problem/solution. For example, there are many problems in our economy. Businesses are struggling. People are struggling. This leads to a lot of problems for people. What can we do to figure out a solution?

The text structure of this paragraph would be classified as cause and effect. For example, the text states that the rising cost of gas has had a "ripple effect on the economy," forcing businesses to charge customers more. This puts great pressure on all parties involved as businesses are unable to sell as many products and services.
The text structure of this paragraph would be classified as cause and effect. For example, the text states that the rising cost of gas has had a "ripple effect on the economy," forcing businesses to charge customers more. This puts great pressure on all parties involved as businesses are unable to sell as many products and services.

The text structure of this paragraph would be classified as cause and effect. I believe this because the author shows several examples of how the economy has been effected due to the rise in gas causes. This is not a good problem to have.
The text structure of this paragraph would be classified as cause and effect. I believe this because the author shows several examples of how the economy has been effected due to the rise in gas causes. This is not a good problem to have.

The response that best helps to complete the R.A.C.E. strategy for responding to the prompt is:

"The text structure of this paragraph would be classified as cause and effect. For example, the text states that the rising cost of gas has had a 'ripple effect on the economy,' forcing businesses to charge customers more. This puts great pressure on all parties involved as businesses are unable to sell as many products and services."

This response restates the prompt by identifying the text structure as cause and effect, answers the prompt by explaining how the rising cost of gas has had an impact on the economy, cites evidence by mentioning the "ripple effect on the economy" and the need for businesses to raise prices, and explains the evidence by stating that this puts pressure on businesses and leads to a decrease in product and service sales.

In 1-2 sentences, write a CLAIM that you could use in your upcoming Unit 8 argument portfolio. Remember, you will be allowed to choose your own topic, but your teacher will also provide a list of topic ideas to help you. See the example CLAIM below for inspiration.

CLAIM: Playing video games should be incorporated into schools because video games can provide a number of benefits for students. They can help reduce stress levels, and they can improve problem-solving skills.

Argument Topic Ideas

Should students have a greater say in what they learn?

Do schools do enough to prevent bullying?

Do athletes and celebrities deserve to make more money than the average person?

(3 points)