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 two passages both discuss the issue of plastic waste in the oceans and the impact it has on marine life. The first passage focuses on the specific animals affected by plastic waste, such as sea turtles, whales, sharks, and dolphins. It emphasizes the harm caused by plastic waste and urges readers to take action to change this. The second passage provides more general information about the importance of oceans as a natural resource and the amount of plastic waste entering them each year. It also mentions organizations dedicated to helping the issue.

Overall, the first passage would be better for the student to use because it provides more specific examples and details about the impact of plastic waste on marine life. This would be more helpful for the student's research on the subject. Additionally, the first passage has a more urgent tone and emphasizes the need for immediate action, which could be more engaging for readers.