Ban the Ban

Why is Michael Bloomberg mentioned in both “Ban the Ban!” and “Soda’s a Problem but . . .”?

• He was a three-term mayor of New York City.

• He tried to implement a law banning large sodas.

• He appointed the members of the New York Board of Health.

• He implemented a law banning smoking in public places in New York City.

Which of the following ideas are suggested in both “Ban the Ban!” and “Soda’s a Problem but . . .”? Choose two options.

• The government should be more eager to get involved in people’s choices.

• Taking away the option of purchasing a certain size soda is not right or respectful.

• Obesity, along with soda’s contribution to it, needs to be addressed by legal action.

• People have no control when given the option to consume sugar, especially sugary drinks.

• Placing a ban on smoking in public places is understandable because it poses a danger.

According to “Soda’s a Problem but . . .,” how does the proposed law regulating soda size differ from the smoking ban that was implemented? Choose two options.

• Public smoking poses a danger to others, whereas drinking soda does not.

• The smoking ban had full public support, but the soda regulations were opposed.

• The city’s Board of Health unanimously approved the smoking ban but voted against the soda limits.

• People are able to control their urge to smoke but are compelled to drink large-sized sugary drinks.

• The smoking ban addresses the dangers smoking poses to others, but it does not limit how many cigarettes can be purchased at one time.

If a plan is implemented, which of the following must be true?

• The plan is carried out.

• The plan is a good idea.

• People voted on the plan.

• People will question the plan.

Which word means the same as intentions in this sentence?

Paul has good intentions, but in spite of being well-meaning, he rarely completes a project.

• friends

• beliefs

• goals

• tools

Which of the following most clearly presents a reason for someone to intervene? Base your answer on the meaning of intervene.

• to stop kids from fighting over a toy

• to show interest in a new hobby or activity

• to ask an adult for permission to do something

• to question whether a person is telling the truth

Which best describes how the author of “Soda’s a Problem but . . .” feels about the soda ban?

• She finds the politician supporting it admirable.

• She does not think it will be very helpful.

• She thinks it is a worthy goal of government.

• She believes it is full of inconsistencies.

Which of these quotations from the text most clearly supports her perspective?

• [I]t’s wrong for one man, even an elected official and even a well-meaning one at that, to dictate to people how big a cup of sugary soda they’re allowed.

• [A]fter years of sacrificing their students’ health to their desire to raise more money, most [schools] have stopped allowing vending machines stocked with sodas.

• Bloomberg is playing nanny in the worst sort of way by interfering in a basic, private transaction involving a perfectly legal substance.

• Convenience stores such as 7-Eleven are overseen by the state and would be exempt, but a Burger King across the street would be restricted.

The author of “Soda’s a Problem but . . .” comments on the argument that “people are helpless in the face of sugar.” Which best describes her perspective on this argument?

• She believes people are not helpless and will change their behavior as they learn more about the risks of soda.

• She sees soda as an addictive substance, so agrees that people struggle when given too many options.

• She believes that people are so helpless they need government intervention to make good decisions.

• She considers the argument an overstatement but agrees that sugar is difficult to resist.

Which of these quotations from the text is the most relevant evidence in support of her perspective?

• It’s bad for you, especially in large quantities.

• [A]fter years of sacrificing their students’ health to their desire to raise more money, most [schools] have stopped allowing vending machines stocked with sodas.

• Soda consumption is already slipping nationwide.

• Let’s not forget that scientists and even governments have at times pushed people . . . into eating high levels of refined carbohydrates and sugars. . . .