Part 3: Comparing Central Ideas and Their Development (ELA.7.R.2.2) Key Skill: Identifying and Comparing Central Ideas A central idea is the main point of a nonfiction text (e.g., technology improves learning). A text develops multiple ideas through facts, examples, or anecdotes. Focus on summarizing ideas and their support. Strategy Summarize each section’s main point. Find evidence (e.g., statistics, stories) for each idea. Compare how ideas are developed (e.g., one uses facts, another uses examples). Passage 3: Urban Farming BenefitsUntitled Title Introduction Urban farming—growing food in cities—is gaining popularity. It offers environmental and social benefits. Environmental Impact (Heading) Urban farms reduce pollution by cutting food transport needs. A 2024 study found city gardens lower carbon emissions by 15%. They also absorb rainwater, preventing floods. Community Building (Heading) Farms bring neighbors together. A Chicago farm hosts weekly markets, where 200 families share crops and stories. This strengthens community bonds. Conclusion Urban farming is a win-win. Start a garden to help the planet and your neighbors! Question 6: What is one central idea in the passage? 1 point Urban farming harms the environment. Urban farming reduces pollution. City gardens are too expensive. Communities dislike farming. Question 7: How is the central idea of community building developed? 1 point Through an example of a Chicago farm’s markets. Through a statistic about carbon emissions. Through a call to stop farming. Through data on flood prevention. Question 8: How do the central ideas of environmental impact and community building differ in development? 1 point Environmental impact uses anecdotes, while community building uses statistics. Environmental impact uses statistics, while community building uses examples. Both rely on fictional stories. Community building uses data, while environmental impact uses stories. Part 4: Tracking Argument Development and Reasoning (ELA.7.R.2.4) Key Skill: Analyzing Arguments and Reasoning An argument is a claim supported by reasons and evidence. Reasoning types include logical (facts), emotional (feelings), and ethical (values). Focus on tracking the claim and asking, “Is the evidence convincing?” Strategy Identify the claim (what the author wants you to believe). List reasons and evidence (e.g., data, stories). Label reasoning (logical, emotional, ethical). Evaluate effectiveness (e.g., specific facts = strong). Passage 4: Ban Junk Food Ads for Kids Claim: Junk food ads targeting kids should be banned to protect health. Introduction Junk food ads push kids toward unhealthy eating. A ban is overdue. Reason 1: Ads influence poor choices. A 2024 study found kids exposed to junk food ads eat 30% more sugary snacks. These ads use cartoons to lure young viewers. Reason 2: Obesity rates are rising. Childhood obesity has doubled since 2000, with 20% of kids now obese. Junk food ads contribute by glamorizing unhealthy snacks, breaking our hearts. Reason 3: Protecting kids is our duty. It’s unfair to let companies exploit kids’ trust. A ban would teach responsibility, as one parent said, “My daughter deserves a healthier future.” Conclusion Ban junk food ads to give kids a chance at health. Act now! Question 9: What is the main claim of the passage? 1 point Junk food ads should be allowed for kids. Kids dislike junk food ads. Junk food ads targeting kids should be banned. Obesity is unrelated to ads. Question 10: What type of reasoning is used in “Junk food ads contribute by glamorizing unhealthy snacks, breaking our hearts”? 1 point Logical reasoning with a statistic. Ethical reasoning about fairness. Logical reasoning about cartoons. Emotional reasoning appealing to sadness. Question 11: How effective is the evidence in Reason 1 (ads influence poor choices)? 1 point Weak, because it lacks data. Strong, because it includes a specific study. Weak, because it contradicts the claim. Strong, because it avoids statistics.

1 answer

Here are the answers to the questions based on the provided passages:

Question 6: What is one central idea in the passage?
Answer: Urban farming reduces pollution.
(This option is correct as the passage highlights the environmental benefits of urban farming.)


Question 7: How is the central idea of community building developed?
Answer: Through an example of a Chicago farm’s markets.
(This answer specifies how the passage illustrates community building through shared activities.)


Question 8: How do the central ideas of environmental impact and community building differ in development?
Answer: Environmental impact uses statistics, while community building uses examples.
(This answer correctly distinguishes the types of evidence used to support each central idea.)


Question 9: What is the main claim of the passage?
Answer: Junk food ads targeting kids should be banned.
(This is the clear claim made in the argument about the impact of junk food advertising on children's health.)


Question 10: What type of reasoning is used in “Junk food ads contribute by glamorizing unhealthy snacks, breaking our hearts”?
Answer: Emotional reasoning appealing to sadness.
(This answer identifies the emotional appeal in the reasoning, as it elicits feelings about children's health and well-being.)


Question 11: How effective is the evidence in Reason 1 (ads influence poor choices)?
Answer: Strong, because it includes a specific study.
(This is an effective piece of evidence as it provides data that supports the claim about the influence of ads on children's eating habits.)


These answers should help clarify the central ideas and the supporting arguments in both passages.