Question

Reading Passage: "Extended Recess Time"
Students should be allowed to have extra recess time at school because research shows that recess improves students’ physical health, focus, and social development.
First, extra recess helps students get the physical activity they need to stay healthy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children need regular physical activity during the school day to support healthy growth and reduce stress (“Recess in Schools”). Studies also show that students are more attentive and focused in class after being physically active, which helps them learn more effectively.
Second, recess helps students develop important social skills. The American Academy of Pediatrics explains that unstructured play during recess allows students to practice cooperation, sharing, and problem-solving with peers (Council on School Health). These skills are important for building positive relationships and improving behavior in the classroom.
Because research shows that recess supports both academic learning and social growth, schools should provide students with extra recess time. More recess helps students stay healthier, work better with others, and return to class ready to learn.

Works Cited
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recess in Schools. CDC, www.cdc.gov.
Council on School Health. The Crucial Role of Recess in School. American Academy of Pediatrics, www.aap.org.

Based on the previous passage, "Extended Recess Time," answer the following questions below. Be sure to write in complete sentences using proper grammar, spelling, capitalization and punctuation.

1.What is the claim the author is making?
2. List two reasons the author gives to support the claim.
3. Find one piece of evidence the author uses to support each reason.
4. How does the conclusion restate or support the claim?

Answer 1

1. The author claims that schools should allow students extra recess time because research shows recess improves students’ physical health, focus, and social development.

2. One reason the author gives is that extra recess provides the physical activity children need to stay healthy and become more attentive in class. A second reason is that recess helps students develop important social skills like cooperation, sharing, and problem-solving.

3. To support the first reason, the author cites the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which says children need regular physical activity during the school day to support healthy growth and reduce stress. To support the second reason, the author cites the American Academy of Pediatrics, which explains that unstructured play during recess allows students to practice cooperation, sharing, and problem-solving.

4. The conclusion restates and supports the claim by summarizing the main points—that research shows recess supports academic learning and social growth—and by asserting that more recess will help students stay healthier, work better with others, and return to class ready to learn.