Argument Common Assessment Practice

In text 1, "Cell Phones Raise Security Concerns at Schools," which of these definitions best explains the meaning of the word "crisis" as used in paragraph 3?

• Time of intense difficulty
• Safety at school
• An undercover investigation
• Slowing down the phone system

Text 1: What is NOT a negative side effect of having cell phones at schools?

• Theft of cell phones
• Parents can easily contact their child
• Calls slow down the phone system
• Parents rush to schools during emergencies

Text 1: What is the best example of the author's point of view from the choices below?

• Cell phones make it easy to contact others
• Cell phones are useful in emergencies
• Cell phones in school can lead to many problems
• Cell phones can be stolen

Text 1: In "Cell Phones Raise Security Concerns in Schools," Perkins offers a counterargument AND a rebuttal. Which lines from the text shows this?

• "Many people think that students having cell phones in school is a great idea .... However, cell phones in school can lead to problems." (lines 1-6)
• "Another problem is cell phone use during emergencies." (line 14)
• "Emergency workers might not want to have tons of parents running to the school." (lines 24-25)
• "But there are safety problems that are caused by cell phones in schools." (line 33)

Identify the main idea of text 2, "New York City Mayor Changes Cell Phone Policy in Schools."

• There are both positives and negatives to students using cell phones in school.
• Phones can be a major distraction during class.
• The cell phone ban has been lifted in New York City.
• Students can use apps to help them learn.

Text 2: Which line best identifies both sides of the argument?

• "Some schools with metal detectors could easily find out if students had cell phones." (lines 15-16).
• "A phone ringing during a lesson can distract the other students and the teacher." (lines 34-35)
• "Teachers can quiz students using their phones or let the class play games related to the lesson." (line 46-47)
• "Schools will have to think very carefully about how to make good rules for cell phone use." (lines 50-51)

Text 2: In the quote below, what is Mayor DeBlasio's point of view in regards to cell phones in schools? "'Parents should be able to call or text their kids,' the Mayor said when he announced his reform. 'Lifting the ban respects families.'"

• He thinks cell phones should not be allowed in schools.
• He thinks the policy was not enforced fairly.
• He thinks cell phones should be allowed in schools.
• He thinks cell phones should be used during class.

Text 3: What evidence from the text would BEST convince a principal that cell phones should be allowed in schools?

• "They don't let you use the office to call home just for any reason." (lines 9-10)
• "Also, if we could have our cell phones in school, we'd probably do a lot better in school." (lines 15-16)
• "For example, I had a dentist appointment two weeks ago and my mom forgot to tell me." (lines 19-21)
• "Right now, in my school, if you bring your cell phone to school and your teacher sees it he or she has to take it away from you and your parent has to go to school to get it back" (lines 26-28)

Text 3: When trying to convince a reader about the pros and cons of allowing cell phones in schools, why is "New York City Mayor Changes Cell Phone Policy in Schools," a stronger article to use as a source for research than "Cell Phones Should Be in Schools."

• It shows only one perspective
• It cites reliable sources to support its claim
• It is written by an eleven year old student
• It is a longer article

In text 3, "Cell Phones Should Be in Schools," which of these definitions best explains the meaning of the word, "behind," as used in line 2?

• To the far side of something, so as to be hidden by it.
• In a line or procession
• Toward the back
• Remaining after someone or something is gone