Part A

Question

The author’s purpose in “Solar-Powered Public Buildings? Not So Fast, California!” is to convince readers that converting public buildings to use solar power will be too expensive.

How effective is the author in achieving this purpose?

Responses

ineffective, because the author fails to provide the total number of buildings in California
ineffective, because the author fails to provide the total number of buildings in California

effective, because the author reveals the dangers of using solar power in public buildings
effective, because the author reveals the dangers of using solar power in public buildings

effective, because the author provides the actual cost of converting public buildings to solar power
effective, because the author provides the actual cost of converting public buildings to solar power

ineffective, because the author provides only personal opinions about increasing solar power
ineffective, because the author provides only personal opinions about increasing solar power
Question 2
Part B

Which evidence from the text best supports the answer to Part A?

Responses

“Even if every building could run on a small 10 kilowatt solar panel system—and most cannot—the move to solar power would cost between $22,000 and $29,000 per building (Matasci).”
“Even if every building could run on a small 10 kilowatt solar panel system—and most cannot—the move to solar power would cost between $22,000 and $29,000 per building (Matasci).”

“Excess solar electricity can overload power lines. Overloaded power lines lead to power blackouts. Blackouts are inconvenient for people and harmful to businesses. They must be avoided.”
“Excess solar electricity can overload power lines. Overloaded power lines lead to power blackouts. Blackouts are inconvenient for people and harmful to businesses. They must be avoided.”

“Right now, California generates quite a bit of solar electricity. In March of 2017, there were days when 40 percent of the state’s electricity came from solar energy (Franz).”
“Right now, California generates quite a bit of solar electricity. In March of 2017, there were days when 40 percent of the state’s electricity came from solar energy (Franz).”

“That is what California does with its solar electricity. Except California’s mistake does not cost $60. California’s mistake costs millions.”
“That is what California does with its solar electricity. Except California’s mistake does not cost $60. California’s mistake costs millions.”

Answer 1

Part A

The author’s purpose in “Solar-Powered Public Buildings? Not So Fast, California!” is to convince readers that converting public buildings to use solar power will be too expensive.

How effective is the author in achieving this purpose?

Response: effective, because the author provides the actual cost of converting public buildings to solar power.

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Part B

Which evidence from the text best supports the answer to Part A?

Response: “Even if every building could run on a small 10 kilowatt solar panel system—and most cannot—the move to solar power would cost between $22,000 and $29,000 per building (Matasci).”

This evidence directly illustrates the financial implications of converting public buildings to solar power, thus supporting the idea that the author effectively communicates the high costs involved in such a conversion.