Forests cover about 31% of the land on Earth. Sadly, that number is decreasing at a rapid rate. Deforestation, which is human-driven, and the natural loss of trees, are one of the main causes of this depletion. a natural loss of trees might come from a fire, for example, but deforestation done by humans is more common and involves removing trees to make room for something else. This can include clearing land for farming or using the wood from trees for fuel, construction, or manufacturing. Despite these potential economic benefits, deforestation should be stopped because forests are too important for people, animals, and the environment.
Write 3-5 sentences explaining what the key concept of the paragraph is and how the author develops the key concept.
The key concept of the paragraph is the importance of stopping deforestation due to its negative impact on people, animals, and the environment. The author develops this concept by first mentioning that forests cover about 31% of the land on Earth and is diminishing rapidly. The author then explains the two main causes of this depletion, which are human-driven deforestation and natural loss of trees. The author further elaborates on human-driven deforestation by providing examples of clearing land for farming and using wood for various purposes. Finally, the author concludes by emphasizing the significance of forests for the well-being of people, animals, and the environment.
Vote No on the Highway 85 Extension
by Victoria Vail, Tribune staff writer
Next week, the city council will consider a proposal to extend Highway 85 by 10 miles. A small coalition of real estate develops have hurried this proposal forward, hoping to capitalize on state tax breaks and reassuring the city that their intentions are good. In truth, however, the proposed extension would hurt our community. It would be bad for downtown businesses, bad for families, and bad for the environment.
Bad for Downtown Businesses
Developers claim that the land west of town is ripe to be turned into a combined retail/residential area. They say that the extension of Highway 85 would give shoppers access to a greater variety of stores. In truth, though, we already have a great variety of stores downtown--over 200 of them. Many of these businesses have been hurting for several years due to the neglect of the Exit 10 overpass, which has made driving difficult. Extending Highway 85 would give shoppers a reason to avoid downtown altogether--likely dooming many small businesses and leaving buildings vacant. However, the overpass could be repaired at a fraction of the cost of the highway extension. This small investment in city infrastructure would be good for businesses and shoppers alike.
In 1-2 sentences, identify the author's point of view and the author's purpose.
The author's point of view is against the proposal to extend Highway 85 by 10 miles. The author's purpose is to persuade readers to vote against the extension by highlighting its negative impact on downtown businesses, families, and the environment.
Our town should double its fines for speeding. Studies show that higher fines result in less speeding, so increasing the fees should improve safety. There is no reason not to do this. If people can afford to pay a $50 fine, then surely they should be able to pay a $100 fine as well.
How sound is the reasoning given to support the claim "our town should double its fines for speeding"? Explain your response in 3 to 5 sentences.
The reasoning given to support the claim that "our town should double its fines for speeding" is somewhat sound, but it lacks sufficient evidence and logic. The author states that studies show higher fines result in less speeding, which suggests a correlation between increased fines and improved safety. However, the author fails to provide specific details about these studies, such as the sample size or the variables controlled. Additionally, the assumption that people who can afford a $50 fine can also afford a $100 fine oversimplifies the affordability of fines and overlooks potential financial burdens on certain individuals. Therefore, while the reasoning has some basis, it lacks strong evidence and fails to address potential counterarguments.
When the cold season approaches, many people take precautions to avoid colds and flu. The flu shot i a first line of defense. Doctor's offices and pharmacies dispense shots. Many clinics, community groups, and public health departments offer free shots. Healthy eating, drinking plenty of fluids, and getting enough sleep are also important guards against winter illness.
The most important step of all, in order to stay well during the cold season, is washing your hands frequently, Cold and flu are transmitted through your hands. The most common cold virus is the rhinovirus. You pick up and pass on flu and cold viruses whenever you touch surfaces contaminated by other people. Doorknobs, handles, faucets, food carts, basket handles, elevator buttons, public phones, tables, and trays, to name a few, can all carry viruses and bacteria. Touching your nose or rubbing your eyes after an outing are the quickest way to pick up germs on your hands. So, pay attention and keep washing!
In three to five sentences, identify the main claim of the passage and explain some examples of supports for that claim, Identify a sentence in the second paragraph that contains an irrelevant detail.
The main claim of the passage is that washing hands frequently is the most important step to staying well during the cold season. This claim is supported by explaining how cold and flu viruses are transmitted through hands and how frequently touched surfaces can carry these viruses. Additionally, the passage mentions other preventive measures like getting the flu shot, healthy eating, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep as important guards against winter illness.
An example of a sentence containing an irrelevant detail is: "Many clinics, community groups, and public health departments offer free shots." This sentence is not directly related to the main claim of washing hands frequently and provides information about flu shots being available for free but does not directly support the main claim.