Concluding Statements

Question

While the public high school English classroom is often thought to be a boring place, it is sometimes a place of passionate controversy. This controversy is not usually about grammar or punctuation, but it is often about what sort of books are assigned to read. Some people believe that English classroom curriculums should stick to old classics like The Odyssey and the plays of William Shakespeare. Others believe that old classics are outdated and do not have any relevance or use for teachers and students today. Those who champion old classics point out that current and recently published are often shallow, trendy, and offensive in both content, plot, and characterization.

Question 1
Which statement would work best as a concluding statement to this paragraph?
Responses
A Social media is a factor in why so many students today are reading less for extended periods of time.Social media is a factor in why so many students today are reading less for extended periods of time.
B I myself like to read young adult novels for fun, and I think some students would enjoy them as well.I myself like to read young adult novels for fun, and I think some students would enjoy them as well.
C One of the most popular authors taught in the English classroom today is the Alabama author, Harper Lee.One of the most popular authors taught in the English classroom today is the Alabama author, Harper Lee.
D Clearly, a compromise is in order; the English classroom could be assigned a mix of both modern and classic works of literature.Clearly, a compromise is in order; the English classroom could be assigned a mix of both modern and classic works of literature.
Question 2
Which two reasons justify why this concluding statement is best for this paragraph?
Responses
A The concluding statement makes a stance that is an extreme position on the issue.The concluding statement makes a stance that is an extreme position on the issue.
B The concluding statement adds a bit of humor to what is otherwise a rather dry paragraph.The concluding statement adds a bit of humor to what is otherwise a rather dry paragraph.
C The concluding statement cites an authority to justify the author's opinion on the issue.The concluding statement cites an authority to justify the author's opinion on the issue.
D The concluding statement synthesizes the different perspectives of the paragraph into one idea.The concluding statement synthesizes the different perspectives of the paragraph into one idea.
E The concluding statement takes a stance on the different perspectives present in the paragraph.The concluding statement takes a stance on the different perspectives present in the paragraph.

Answer 1

Question 1: The best concluding statement for the paragraph is:
D Clearly, a compromise is in order; the English classroom could be assigned a mix of both modern and classic works of literature.

Question 2: The two reasons that justify why this concluding statement is best for this paragraph are:
D The concluding statement synthesizes the different perspectives of the paragraph into one idea.
E The concluding statement takes a stance on the different perspectives present in the paragraph.