"Biodegradable Plastic Bags, Not So Biodegradable"

by Vicky Stein

The average person uses a typical plastic bag for as short a time as 12 minutes before throwing it away, never thinking of where it may end up.

Yet once consigned to a landfill, that standard grocery store tote takes hundreds or thousands of years to break down — much more than a human lifetime. Bags make up an alarming amount of the plastic found in whale stomachs or bird nests, and it’s no wonder — globally, we use between 1 and 5 trillion plastic bags each year.

Biodegradable plastic bags are marketed as more eco-friendly solutions, able to break down into harmless material more quickly than traditional plastics. One company claims their shopping bag “will degrade and biodegrade in a continuous, irreversible and unstoppable process” if it ends up as litter in the environment.

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Question
Use the article to answer the question.

Why did the author include the “What the researchers did” section?

(1 point)
Responses

Biodegradable plastics are difficult to recycle and slow to biodegrade, which suggests that they may cause more problems than they solve.
Biodegradable plastics are difficult to recycle and slow to biodegrade, which suggests that they may cause more problems than they solve.

to show how researchers studied the decomposition of standard plastic bags compared to biodegradable ones
to show how researchers studied the decomposition of standard plastic bags compared to biodegradable ones

to show that biodegradable bags do not break down more easily than standard plastic bags
to show that biodegradable bags do not break down more easily than standard plastic bags

to show how new technology can help scientists develop new, improved biodegradable plastics
to show how new technology can help scientists develop new, improved biodegradable plastics
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11 answers

The correct response is:

to show that biodegradable bags do not break down more easily than standard plastic bags.

This option aligns with the article's narrative regarding the effectiveness of biodegradable plastic bags compared to traditional plastics, emphasizing that despite the marketing claims, biodegradable bags may not significantly reduce environmental impact.

Use the paragraph to answer the question.

Humans have observed the stars twinkling in the sky since the beginning of recorded history. But over the years, what they mean to us has grown and evolved. New telescope technology currently under development could have a huge impact on what we know—or what we think we know—about the stars today.
Based on the thesis statement in the paragraph, what will the text be about?

(1 point)
Responses

the history of telescope technology and how the human understanding of stars has evolved
the history of telescope technology and how the human understanding of stars has evolved

how new telescope technology is revealing our past misconceptions about the stars
how new telescope technology is revealing our past misconceptions about the stars

why it is important to continue to study the stars and develop new and improved telescope technology
why it is important to continue to study the stars and develop new and improved telescope technology

telescope technology that is in development right now and how it could change our understanding of stars
telescope technology that is in development right now and how it could change our understanding of stars
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The correct response is:

telescope technology that is in development right now and how it could change our understanding of stars.

This option directly reflects the focus of the paragraph on current advancements in telescope technology and their potential impact on our understanding of the stars.

Use the scenario to answer the question.

You want to write an essay about the fashion industry. You hope to help the audience understand how the three biggest clothing manufacturers operate, and why one might be better to support than the others.
Which text structure would best fit this essay?

(1 point)
Responses

cause and effect
cause and effect

compare and contrast
compare and contrast

sequential
sequential

problem and solution
problem and solution
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The best text structure for this essay would be:

compare and contrast.

This structure would allow you to highlight the similarities and differences between the three biggest clothing manufacturers, making it easier for the audience to understand why one might be better to support than the others.

Use the description to answer the question.

A writer is creating a guide to help children learn how to take care of their first pet.
What items will the writer most likely use to develop the topic? Select the two correct answers.

(1 point)
Responses

simple explanations of basic ideas
simple explanations of basic ideas

quotations from experts
quotations from experts

statistics from scientific studies
statistics from scientific studies

specialized or academic language
specialized or academic language

examples that support claims
examples that support claims
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The two items the writer will most likely use to develop the topic are:

  1. simple explanations of basic ideas
  2. examples that support claims

These choices align with the needs of a children's guide, where clarity and relatable examples are essential for understanding how to take care of a pet.

Use the sentence to answer the question.

I chose the drapes, wallpaper, and rug for the new room.
Which sentence conveys the same idea using passive voice?

(1 point)
Responses

The drapes, wallpaper, and rug for the new room are decorations I selected.
The drapes, wallpaper, and rug for the new room are decorations I selected.

The drapes, wallpaper, and rug for the new room were chosen by me.
The drapes, wallpaper, and rug for the new room were chosen by me.

Please choose drapes, wallpaper, and a rug for the new room.
Please choose drapes, wallpaper, and a rug for the new room.

Oh, these drapes, wallpaper, and rug I chose for the new room are perfect!
Oh, these drapes, wallpaper, and rug I chose for the new room are perfect!
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The sentence that conveys the same idea using passive voice is:

The drapes, wallpaper, and rug for the new room were chosen by me.

This sentence rephrases the original in passive voice while maintaining the same meaning.

Use the sentences to answer the question.

Millions of books are purchased every year. However, authors only collect a small fraction of the profit.
How does the effectiveness of the two sentences compare?

(1 point)
Responses

They are equally effective.
They are equally effective.

The first is more effective.
The first is more effective.

The second is more effective.
The second is more effective.

Neither sentence is effective.
Neither sentence is effective.
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The most accurate response is:

The second is more effective.

The second sentence provides significant insight into the economic disparity in the book industry, highlighting that authors receive only a small fraction of the profits, which underscores the impact of the first sentence regarding the volume of book purchases. This context adds depth and encourages reflection on the broader implications.