In 1–2 sentences, explain why the importance of determining a speaker’s intended audience.

Understanding a speaker's intended audience is important because it helps tailor the message and delivery to effectively communicate with and engage the intended group of people. This ensures that the message is relevant, relatable, and resonates with the audience, leading to a more successful communication outcome.

Many experts have recommended discontinuing the use of plastic straws because they hurt the environment. In 3–5 sentences, describe how you would conduct a research project about the effects of plastic on the environment.

To conduct a research project on the effects of plastic on the environment, I would start by conducting a literature review to gather existing information on the topic. I would then design a research methodology that could involve collecting samples from different environments, such as oceans, rivers, and landfills, to analyze the presence and impact of plastic pollution. Data collection methods could include fieldwork, surveys, and interviews with experts in the field. Finally, I would analyze the data collected to draw conclusions about the effects of plastic on the environment and present recommendations for mitigating these impacts.

Claim: People have many voting options if they can’t get to the polls on Election Day.

Evidence: People can cast their ballot early or by mail.

In 1–2 sentences, evaluate the relevance and sufficiency of the evidence in the argument above to determine if the claim is or is not convincing.

The evidence provided is relevant as it supports the claim that individuals have alternative voting options if they cannot physically go to the polls on Election Day. However, the evidence may not be sufficient on its own to fully convince individuals of the claim, as additional information on the availability and accessibility of early voting and mail-in ballots, as well as potential barriers to utilizing these options, would strengthen the argument.