Question

Read the paragraph from your group's draft research text.

Draft Research Paragraph
Many schools continue to debate whether students should be allowed to use cell phones during the school day. Supporters argue that phones can be powerful learning tools when used responsibly. Students can access digital textbooks, translate vocabulary words, or take quick photos of class notes. Teachers can also use apps and polling tools to make lessons more interactive and engaging.

However, critics believe that phones often create more problems than they solve. Notifications from games, group chats, and social media can pull students’ attention away from instruction. Studies on multitasking show that even brief distractions can affect comprehension and memory.
__________________________.
As a result, many schools that once allowed phone use in class have chosen to restrict it to designated times, such as lunch or between periods. Supporters of these limits say students are more focused and engaged when phones are kept out of sight during lessons.


You notice an opportunity in the paragraph to add evidence that connects to the established claim.

Which additional information should be added to the blank to clearly connect the description in the paragraph to additional supporting evidence?

A survey in which students admitted checking their phones during class led to lower participation and grades.

A statement explaining that most students own smart phones before they reach middle school.

A quote from a teacher who believes phones can be used for projects and classroom discussions.

A description of a new rule at a local school that bans phones entirely during the day.

Answer 1

A survey in which students admitted checking their phones during class led to lower participation and grades.

Reason: the paragraph just cited studies showing distractions harm comprehension and memory, so the blank should add concrete evidence linking phone use in class to worse student outcomes. The other options either give background (phone ownership), counter the critics (teacher quote), or only illustrate a policy change (local ban) rather than strengthen the causal claim.