Use the two passages to answer the question.
Have you ever seen a sea turtle, whale, shark, or dolphin? Even if you have only seen pictures online, you can see how cute all of these creatures are. Well, they are in danger. So many of them are killed every year because of plastic waste. From people throwing away single-use water bottles to companies using a ton of plastic to make their products, we can all do better. Scientists are finding creatures like fish and sea birds with their stomachs filled with indigestible plastic. We have to change this, starting today!
Oceans cover 71 percent of Earth’s surface, and they are where most of Earth’s water comes from. Because of this, they are one of our greatest natural resources. Unfortunately, around 8 million metric tons of plastic enters our oceans each year. We all need to do more to save our oceans from this type of pollution. Fortunately, there are groups like the Ocean Conservancy, Oceana, and the Lonely Whale Foundation. They are all dedicated to helping this issue.
A student is researching the impact of plastic waste. Write a paragraph that compares and contrasts the two passages. Explain which passage would be better for the student to use and why.
(4 points)
Short Answer Rubric (4 points)
Points Awarded Criteria
4
The answer is very clear.
The answer is fully supported by details.
There may be a few errors in grammar, usage, or mechanics. Errors do not interfere with meaning.
3
The answer is mostly clear.
The answer is supported by mostly relevant details.
There are a few errors in grammar, usage, or mechanics. Errors do not interfere with meaning.
2
The answer is somewhat clear.
Details are weak or not related.
There are some errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics. Errors interfere with meaning.
1
The answer is not clear.
There are few or no supporting details.
There are many errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics. Errors interfere with meaning.
0 The question is not answered.
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The first passage focuses on the impact of plastic waste on marine animals such as sea turtles, whales, sharks, and dolphins. It discusses how these animals are in danger due to plastic pollution and the importance of taking action to save them. The second passage, on the other hand, emphasizes the importance of oceans as a natural resource and the significant amount of plastic that enters them each year.
The first passage would be better for the student to use in their research on the impact of plastic waste. This is because it provides specific examples of the harm that plastic pollution causes to marine animals and the urgency of the situation. The information in the first passage is more detailed and directly related to the student's research topic, making it more useful for gathering data and forming arguments. Additionally, the first passage addresses the need for immediate action to address the issue, which aligns with the student's research goals.