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English 10 B - unit 2, lesson 17. Analyzing informational text unit test
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ENGLISH 10 B — Unit 2, Lesson 17: Analyzing Informational Text
Time: 60 minutes
Total points: 100
Directions: Read the passage “The Rise of Urban Farms” and answer all questions. Show evidence for short-answer and essay responses. Use complete sentences.
Passage: The Rise of Urban Farms (original informational passage — ~420 words)
Cities around the world are changing not only in size but in how they feed themselves. Urban farming — growing food within or on the edges of cities — has moved from a niche hobby to an organized response to food insecurity, environmental strain, and shifting consumer demands. Where concrete once dominated rooftops and vacant lots, vegetable beds, beehives, and compact orchards now appear, often managed by community groups, non-profits, or small entrepreneurs.
Proponents argue urban farms offer multiple benefits. First, they shorten the distance food travels from producer to consumer, which can reduce fuel use and lower greenhouse-gas emissions. Second, they create access to fresh produce in neighborhoods with few grocery options, improving nutrition and health outcomes. Third, many urban-agriculture projects incorporate education and job training, which can strengthen community ties and local economies. Supporters often point to successful programs in cities like Detroit and Havana where locally produced food provided resilience during hard times.
Critics, however, warn against overestimating the scale and impact of urban farms. Compared with regional agricultural systems, rooftop plots and backyard gardens occupy limited acreage and produce a small fraction of total urban food consumption. Critics also note that many urban-farm projects rely on subsidies, volunteer labor, or outside funding — raising questions about long-term sustainability and equity. Some argue that without broader policy interventions (such as changes in zoning, investment in supply chains, or income support), urban agriculture will remain an admirable but marginal supplement to traditional food systems.
The facts show both sides contain truth. Studies indicate that while urban agriculture seldom replaces conventional farms, it can play a strategic role in improving food access, reducing waste through composting programs, and promoting biodiversity in urban landscapes. Key to success is realistic planning: aligning project goals with available space and resources, investing in infrastructure (water access, soil remediation), and integrating urban farms into wider food-policy strategies. Cities that treat urban agriculture as an element of a multi-pronged approach — not as a silver bullet — are likelier to achieve lasting benefits.
1) Multiple-choice (each question = 3 points; total 30 points)
Circle the best answer and be prepared to cite lines if asked.
1.1 What is the author’s primary purpose in this passage?
A. To provide a how-to guide for starting rooftop gardens
B. To argue that urban farms are the only solution to food insecurity
C. To explain the benefits and limitations of urban farming
D. To criticize city governments for ignoring urban agriculture
1.2 The phrase “shorten the distance” (paragraph 2) most nearly means:
A. reduce the physical space between farms and markets
B. cut funding for transportation
C. lower consumer understanding of agriculture
D. shrink urban land area
1.3 Which sentence best expresses a counterargument included in the passage?
A. “Proponents argue urban farms offer multiple benefits.”
B. “Critics, however, warn against overestimating the scale and impact of urban farms.”
C. “Studies indicate that while urban agriculture seldom replaces conventional farms…”
D. “Key to success is realistic planning…”
1.4 The author’s tone toward urban farming can best be described as:
A. dismissive and sarcastic
B. enthusiastic and uncritical
C. balanced and cautious
D. alarmed and fearful
1.5 Which of the following is an example of evidence the author uses to support the claim that urban farms help communities?
A. Anecdotal names of famous farmers
B. “Many urban-agriculture projects incorporate education and job training…”
C. A detailed budget for rooftop gardens
D. A legal definition of zoning laws
1.6 In context, the term “resilience” (paragraph 2) most nearly means:
A. the ability to resist government regulation
B. financial profit for producers
C. the capacity to recover from hardship or disruption
D. maintaining ornamental landscaping
1.7 The author implies which of the following about long-term success of urban farms?
A. It depends solely on volunteer enthusiasm.
B. It requires integration into broader food-policy strategies.
C. It is guaranteed once people start gardening.
D. It can be achieved without any infrastructure investment.
1.8 Which statement is an inference a reader can reasonably draw from the passage?
A. All urban farms are profitable businesses.
B. Urban farms eliminate the need for traditional farms.
C. Some cities use urban farms as part of emergency food strategies.
D. Zoning laws prevent any urban agriculture.
1.9 The organizational structure of the passage is best described as:
A. chronological narrative
B. problem-solution with balanced evaluation
C. cause-and-effect without alternatives
D. literary description with personal anecdotes
1.10 Which sentence most strongly signals the author’s overall stance?
A. “Cities around the world are changing…”
B. “Critics, however, warn against overestimating…”
C. “The facts show both sides contain truth.”
D. “Key to success is realistic planning…”
2) Short-answer (each = 8 points; total 24 points)
Answer in 2–4 sentences and cite the passage where appropriate.
2.1 Identify two distinct benefits of urban farming presented in the passage and explain how the author uses those benefits to support the central claim.
2.2 Explain one limitation or criticism of urban farming mentioned in the passage and evaluate whether the author treats that criticism as decisive.
2.3 How does the author use qualifying language (words such as “can,” “seldom,” “often,” “likelier”) to affect the argument’s strength? Give one specific example from the text.
3) Evidence and reasoning (each = 6 points; total 12 points)
Short responses (1–3 sentences). Cite line or paragraph.
3.1 Identify one sentence in the passage that functions as a thesis statement (the main claim about urban agriculture). Explain why it is the thesis.
3.2 The author references “Detroit and Havana” (para. 2). What rhetorical purpose does mentioning these cities serve? Explain briefly.
4) Extended response — analytic essay (choose one prompt) (40 points)
Write a well-organized essay (400–600 words). Use evidence from the passage, explain how the evidence supports your analysis, and discuss at least one counterargument. Scoring focuses on thesis, use of evidence, reasoning, organization, and conventions.
Prompt A: Analyze how the author balances positive and negative aspects of urban farming to make a persuasive overall claim. Consider tone, selection of evidence, and structure.
Prompt B: Focus on the author’s use of evidence. Evaluate whether the evidence presented sufficiently supports the conclusion that urban agriculture is a valuable but limited component of urban food systems. Suggest what additional evidence would strengthen the argument.
——
Answer key and scoring guidance
Multiple-choice (30 points)
1.1 C (Explain benefits and limitations)
1.2 A (reduce distance between producer and consumer)
1.3 B (Critics warn…)
1.4 C (balanced and cautious)
1.5 B (education and job training example)
1.6 C (capacity to recover)
1.7 B (requires integration into broader strategies)
1.8 C (some cities use urban farms as part of emergency food strategies — reasonable inference from “provided resilience during hard times”)
1.9 B (problem-solution with balanced evaluation)
1.10 C (“The facts show both sides contain truth.” signals balanced stance)
Short-answer (24 points — 8 each)
2.1 Sample points to earn full credit:
- Benefit 1: Reduces travel distance and associated greenhouse-gas emissions (para. 2).
- Benefit 2: Increases access to fresh produce and improves nutrition (para. 2).
Explain: The author lists these benefits to show meaningful positive impacts that support the central claim that urban farms are a useful part of city food strategies.
2.2 Sample points:
- Limitation: Urban farms occupy limited acreage and produce a small fraction of urban food consumption (para. 3).
- Evaluation: The author does not treat it as decisive; instead, he/she acknowledges the limitation while arguing for a strategic, integrated role (para. 4), showing a balanced treatment.
2.3 Sample points:
- Qualifiers moderate claims and present a cautious, evidence-minded stance (para. 4: “seldom replaces conventional farms,” “can play a strategic role”).
- Example: “seldom replaces conventional farms” tempers expectations and strengthens credibility by avoiding overstatement.
Evidence & reasoning (12 points — 6 each)
3.1 Thesis sentence: “The facts show both sides contain truth.” (para. 4) Explanation: It synthesizes the preceding discussion and leads into recommendations, making the main claim that urban farming has value but isn’t a panacea.
3.2 Rhetorical purpose of Detroit and Havana: Serve as concrete examples showing successful use of local production during hard times; they provide credibility and real-world evidence that supports the proponents’ claims (para. 2).
Extended response rubric (40 points)
Score by these criteria:
- Thesis & focus (8 pts): Clear, arguable thesis relevant to prompt.
- Use of textual evidence (12 pts): Specific citations/examples from passage; explanation of how evidence supports claims.
- Analysis and reasoning (10 pts): Logical connections, address counterargument.
- Organization & coherence (6 pts): Clear structure, transitions.
- Language & conventions (4 pts): Sentence control, grammar, style.
Exemplar brief guidance:
- For Prompt A, show how juxtaposition of proponents/critics (paras 2–3), tempered verbs, and the concluding recommendation (“realistic planning…”) produce a balanced persuasive effect.
- For Prompt B, note the types of evidence (examples of cities, studies, policy suggestions) and identify gaps (lack of quantitative data on scale, economic analyses, or long-term case studies); suggest what data would strengthen the conclusion (percent of urban food produced, cost-benefit analyses, longitudinal studies of program sustainability).
Timing suggestions
- Reading: 8–10 minutes
- Multiple-choice: 15 minutes
- Short answers & evidence: 15 minutes
- Essay: 20–25 minutes
Would you like:
- A printable Word/PDF version of this test?
- A shorter quiz (10–15 minutes) or a version aligned to a specific standard set (CCSS RI.9–10.1–10)?
- A model full-length student essay for one of the prompts?
ENGLISH 10 B — Unit 2, Lesson 17: Analyzing Informational Text
Time: 60 minutes
Total points: 100
Directions: Read the passage “The Rise of Urban Farms” and answer all questions. Show evidence for short-answer and essay responses. Use complete sentences.
Passage: The Rise of Urban Farms (original informational passage — ~420 words)
Cities around the world are changing not only in size but in how they feed themselves. Urban farming — growing food within or on the edges of cities — has moved from a niche hobby to an organized response to food insecurity, environmental strain, and shifting consumer demands. Where concrete once dominated rooftops and vacant lots, vegetable beds, beehives, and compact orchards now appear, often managed by community groups, non-profits, or small entrepreneurs.
Proponents argue urban farms offer multiple benefits. First, they shorten the distance food travels from producer to consumer, which can reduce fuel use and lower greenhouse-gas emissions. Second, they create access to fresh produce in neighborhoods with few grocery options, improving nutrition and health outcomes. Third, many urban-agriculture projects incorporate education and job training, which can strengthen community ties and local economies. Supporters often point to successful programs in cities like Detroit and Havana where locally produced food provided resilience during hard times.
Critics, however, warn against overestimating the scale and impact of urban farms. Compared with regional agricultural systems, rooftop plots and backyard gardens occupy limited acreage and produce a small fraction of total urban food consumption. Critics also note that many urban-farm projects rely on subsidies, volunteer labor, or outside funding — raising questions about long-term sustainability and equity. Some argue that without broader policy interventions (such as changes in zoning, investment in supply chains, or income support), urban agriculture will remain an admirable but marginal supplement to traditional food systems.
The facts show both sides contain truth. Studies indicate that while urban agriculture seldom replaces conventional farms, it can play a strategic role in improving food access, reducing waste through composting programs, and promoting biodiversity in urban landscapes. Key to success is realistic planning: aligning project goals with available space and resources, investing in infrastructure (water access, soil remediation), and integrating urban farms into wider food-policy strategies. Cities that treat urban agriculture as an element of a multi-pronged approach — not as a silver bullet — are likelier to achieve lasting benefits.
1) Multiple-choice (each question = 3 points; total 30 points)
Circle the best answer and be prepared to cite lines if asked.
1.1 What is the author’s primary purpose in this passage?
A. To provide a how-to guide for starting rooftop gardens
B. To argue that urban farms are the only solution to food insecurity
C. To explain the benefits and limitations of urban farming
D. To criticize city governments for ignoring urban agriculture
1.2 The phrase “shorten the distance” (paragraph 2) most nearly means:
A. reduce the physical space between farms and markets
B. cut funding for transportation
C. lower consumer understanding of agriculture
D. shrink urban land area
1.3 Which sentence best expresses a counterargument included in the passage?
A. “Proponents argue urban farms offer multiple benefits.”
B. “Critics, however, warn against overestimating the scale and impact of urban farms.”
C. “Studies indicate that while urban agriculture seldom replaces conventional farms…”
D. “Key to success is realistic planning…”
1.4 The author’s tone toward urban farming can best be described as:
A. dismissive and sarcastic
B. enthusiastic and uncritical
C. balanced and cautious
D. alarmed and fearful
1.5 Which of the following is an example of evidence the author uses to support the claim that urban farms help communities?
A. Anecdotal names of famous farmers
B. “Many urban-agriculture projects incorporate education and job training…”
C. A detailed budget for rooftop gardens
D. A legal definition of zoning laws
1.6 In context, the term “resilience” (paragraph 2) most nearly means:
A. the ability to resist government regulation
B. financial profit for producers
C. the capacity to recover from hardship or disruption
D. maintaining ornamental landscaping
1.7 The author implies which of the following about long-term success of urban farms?
A. It depends solely on volunteer enthusiasm.
B. It requires integration into broader food-policy strategies.
C. It is guaranteed once people start gardening.
D. It can be achieved without any infrastructure investment.
1.8 Which statement is an inference a reader can reasonably draw from the passage?
A. All urban farms are profitable businesses.
B. Urban farms eliminate the need for traditional farms.
C. Some cities use urban farms as part of emergency food strategies.
D. Zoning laws prevent any urban agriculture.
1.9 The organizational structure of the passage is best described as:
A. chronological narrative
B. problem-solution with balanced evaluation
C. cause-and-effect without alternatives
D. literary description with personal anecdotes
1.10 Which sentence most strongly signals the author’s overall stance?
A. “Cities around the world are changing…”
B. “Critics, however, warn against overestimating…”
C. “The facts show both sides contain truth.”
D. “Key to success is realistic planning…”
2) Short-answer (each = 8 points; total 24 points)
Answer in 2–4 sentences and cite the passage where appropriate.
2.1 Identify two distinct benefits of urban farming presented in the passage and explain how the author uses those benefits to support the central claim.
2.2 Explain one limitation or criticism of urban farming mentioned in the passage and evaluate whether the author treats that criticism as decisive.
2.3 How does the author use qualifying language (words such as “can,” “seldom,” “often,” “likelier”) to affect the argument’s strength? Give one specific example from the text.
3) Evidence and reasoning (each = 6 points; total 12 points)
Short responses (1–3 sentences). Cite line or paragraph.
3.1 Identify one sentence in the passage that functions as a thesis statement (the main claim about urban agriculture). Explain why it is the thesis.
3.2 The author references “Detroit and Havana” (para. 2). What rhetorical purpose does mentioning these cities serve? Explain briefly.
4) Extended response — analytic essay (choose one prompt) (40 points)
Write a well-organized essay (400–600 words). Use evidence from the passage, explain how the evidence supports your analysis, and discuss at least one counterargument. Scoring focuses on thesis, use of evidence, reasoning, organization, and conventions.
Prompt A: Analyze how the author balances positive and negative aspects of urban farming to make a persuasive overall claim. Consider tone, selection of evidence, and structure.
Prompt B: Focus on the author’s use of evidence. Evaluate whether the evidence presented sufficiently supports the conclusion that urban agriculture is a valuable but limited component of urban food systems. Suggest what additional evidence would strengthen the argument.
——
Answer key and scoring guidance
Multiple-choice (30 points)
1.1 C (Explain benefits and limitations)
1.2 A (reduce distance between producer and consumer)
1.3 B (Critics warn…)
1.4 C (balanced and cautious)
1.5 B (education and job training example)
1.6 C (capacity to recover)
1.7 B (requires integration into broader strategies)
1.8 C (some cities use urban farms as part of emergency food strategies — reasonable inference from “provided resilience during hard times”)
1.9 B (problem-solution with balanced evaluation)
1.10 C (“The facts show both sides contain truth.” signals balanced stance)
Short-answer (24 points — 8 each)
2.1 Sample points to earn full credit:
- Benefit 1: Reduces travel distance and associated greenhouse-gas emissions (para. 2).
- Benefit 2: Increases access to fresh produce and improves nutrition (para. 2).
Explain: The author lists these benefits to show meaningful positive impacts that support the central claim that urban farms are a useful part of city food strategies.
2.2 Sample points:
- Limitation: Urban farms occupy limited acreage and produce a small fraction of urban food consumption (para. 3).
- Evaluation: The author does not treat it as decisive; instead, he/she acknowledges the limitation while arguing for a strategic, integrated role (para. 4), showing a balanced treatment.
2.3 Sample points:
- Qualifiers moderate claims and present a cautious, evidence-minded stance (para. 4: “seldom replaces conventional farms,” “can play a strategic role”).
- Example: “seldom replaces conventional farms” tempers expectations and strengthens credibility by avoiding overstatement.
Evidence & reasoning (12 points — 6 each)
3.1 Thesis sentence: “The facts show both sides contain truth.” (para. 4) Explanation: It synthesizes the preceding discussion and leads into recommendations, making the main claim that urban farming has value but isn’t a panacea.
3.2 Rhetorical purpose of Detroit and Havana: Serve as concrete examples showing successful use of local production during hard times; they provide credibility and real-world evidence that supports the proponents’ claims (para. 2).
Extended response rubric (40 points)
Score by these criteria:
- Thesis & focus (8 pts): Clear, arguable thesis relevant to prompt.
- Use of textual evidence (12 pts): Specific citations/examples from passage; explanation of how evidence supports claims.
- Analysis and reasoning (10 pts): Logical connections, address counterargument.
- Organization & coherence (6 pts): Clear structure, transitions.
- Language & conventions (4 pts): Sentence control, grammar, style.
Exemplar brief guidance:
- For Prompt A, show how juxtaposition of proponents/critics (paras 2–3), tempered verbs, and the concluding recommendation (“realistic planning…”) produce a balanced persuasive effect.
- For Prompt B, note the types of evidence (examples of cities, studies, policy suggestions) and identify gaps (lack of quantitative data on scale, economic analyses, or long-term case studies); suggest what data would strengthen the conclusion (percent of urban food produced, cost-benefit analyses, longitudinal studies of program sustainability).
Timing suggestions
- Reading: 8–10 minutes
- Multiple-choice: 15 minutes
- Short answers & evidence: 15 minutes
- Essay: 20–25 minutes
Would you like:
- A printable Word/PDF version of this test?
- A shorter quiz (10–15 minutes) or a version aligned to a specific standard set (CCSS RI.9–10.1–10)?
- A model full-length student essay for one of the prompts?
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