"The Mustang Times" Argumentative Practice

Which sentence from the text stats the author's claim?

• Middle school is an interesting time

• The middle school day has become so competitive that it is nearly impossible to feel relaxed.

• It's good to care about your grades, but some students carry this concern too far.

• Sports, art, music, and drama offer us chances to spice up our lives with new skills.

In paragraph 7, the author includes survey results from the American Psychological Association to--

• acknowledge the need for additional studies in the topic

• show how she will conduct research to verify her thinking

• provide statistical information to confirm her beliefs

• encourage students to stop feeling the effects of stress

Why does the author use an anecdote (short story) in paragraph 3?

• To describe the reality of the situation

• To describe how schools should change

• To reveal her beliefs about grades

• To define what competition means

The author uses loaded language in paragraph 9 to--

• introduce an idea that her audience has not likely considered before

• appeal to the emotions of her audience regarding their ability to change school culture

• end on a positive note since much of her argument expresses negative opinions

• emphasize that school competition affects only a small number of students

How does the author use the details in paragraph 5?

• To describe the range of activities that are available at most schools

• To emphasize the need for increasing prior experience

• To characterize students as having the desire to be risk takers

• To support the belief that competition does more harm than good

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.7.2

Which sentence from the text best identifies the audience?

• Much of this harmful competition centers around the classroom.

• This girl is a strong student, but she is always doubting herself, always worried about what grade she's going to earn.

• All of this competition is taking a toll on our health and happiness.

• Think of what we kids could accomplish if we were given permission to make all the mistakes we needed to make.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.6

CCSS.RI.6.9

CCSS.RI.7.6

CCSS.RI.8.9

CCSS.RL.7.6

The information in paragraph 2 helps the reader determine that the author believes that competition---

• is healthy for middle school students

• is appropriate in certain contexts

• has a negative effect on mental health

• has strained relationships with friends and family

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.6

CCSS.RI.7.9

CCSS.RI.8.9

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

The Latin root domin, meaning "master," helps the reader understand that the word dominates in paragraph 4 means--

• controls

• initiates

• tolerates

• understands

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.8.4