(W1 – Argumentative Writing)

Question

Argumentative Writing Prompt:

"Social media has become an integral part of students' lives, influencing various aspects of their daily experiences. While some argue that social media provides valuable opportunities for communication, collaboration, and knowledge sharing, others contend that it can lead to negative consequences such as decreased focus, cyberbullying, and mental health issues.

Taking a clear stance, write an argumentative essay in which you evaluate the impacts of social media on students. Support your position with valid reasoning, relevant evidence, and examples from scholarly sources, personal experiences, or observable trends. Consider addressing counterarguments and elaborating on how social media can be used effectively despite its challenges."

Which of the following thesis statements best responds to the prompt about the impacts of social media on students?

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1 point
Social media enhances communication and collaboration among students, positively impacting their educational experiences.
Social media is widely used among students and has changed how they interact.
Many students check their social media accounts multiple times a day.
Social media platforms offer students a variety of tools and features for creative expression.
(W1 – Argumentative Writing)

Passage:
Climate change poses significant challenges to global food security. Rising temperatures affect crop yields worldwide, with some regions experiencing severe droughts while others face unprecedented flooding. Recent studies indicate that agricultural productivity could decline by up to 25% by 2050 if current trends continue. However, innovative farming techniques, such as vertical farming and drought-resistant crops, offer promising solutions. Additionally, reducing food waste and implementing sustainable agriculture practices could help mitigate these challenges.

Which piece of evidence best supports the argument that climate change affects agriculture?
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1 point
The implementation of sustainable agriculture practices
The development of vertical farming techniques
The potential 25% decline in agricultural productivity by 2050
The reduction of food waste in farming communities
(W2 – Informational Writing)

Which organizational structure would be most effective for explaining the complex process of photosynthesis to a general audience?
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1 point
Chronological order of scientific discoveries
Compare and contrast with other biological processes
Step-by-step breakdown of the chemical reactions
Analysis of environmental factors affecting plants

Answer 1

(W1 – Argumentative Writing)

The thesis statement that best responds to the prompt about the impacts of social media on students is:

"Social media enhances communication and collaboration among students, positively impacting their educational experiences."

This statement clearly takes a stance in favor of social media's benefits, which aligns with the prompt's directive to evaluate the impacts of social media on students, including both positive and negative aspects.

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Passage:

The piece of evidence that best supports the argument that climate change affects agriculture is:

"The potential 25% decline in agricultural productivity by 2050."

This statement provides a direct quantifiable impact that climate change could have on agriculture, illustrating the severity of its effects.

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(W2 – Informational Writing)

The organizational structure that would be most effective for explaining the complex process of photosynthesis to a general audience is:

"Step-by-step breakdown of the chemical reactions."

This approach allows for a clear and logical progression through the complex processes involved in photosynthesis, making it more accessible and understandable to a general audience.