Title: Writing
Course: Grade 12 Language Arts

Q: An argument starts with a claim, a statement or announcement that others may disagree with but can be supported by evidence. If a writer makes a claim that almost everyone would agree with or states an opinion that cannot be supported by evidence, there is no way to construct an argument. Which statement below best introduces an argument FOR a proposed dress code policy?
- “When the assistant principal asked the student to go home and change his shirt, he was making a “reasonable request,” as defined in the school’s Code of Conduct.” (This is correct. This statement reflects the concerns of those in favor of the policy change and can be supported with evidence.)
- “Once a student clothing choice is prohibited because it is considered “offensive,” a precedent is set for limiting free speech in all areas of school life.” (No. This statement reflects the concerns of those opposed to the policy change.)
- “People have always worn clothing that others’ find offensive.” (No. This statement is not debatable. Both those opposed to and in support of the policy would agree with this statement.)
- “Many staff members and a number of female students found the shirt’s message and graphic to be offensive.” (No. This statement is not debatable. Both those opposed to and in support of the policy would agree with this statement.)
A: “When the assistant principal asked the student to go home and change his shirt, he was making a “reasonable request,” as defined in the school’s Code of Conduct.”

Q: A claim worth arguing must have some importance to the lives of the people having the argument. No one is going to waste their time gathering evidence and explaining their viewpoint if the issue is unimportant. Which statement below best establishes the significance of the argument AGAINST the proposed policy?
- “Americans, including American high school students, are guaranteed the right to free speech by the US Constitution.” (This is correct. This statement establishes the argument against the school’s policy as an important free speech issue.)
- “In situations such as this one, the school administration must ensure that the school environment is not disrupted.” (No. This statement establishes the argument FOR the school’s proposed policy as an important safety issue.)
- “The school’s argument to support banning the shirt was flawed.” (No. Although this statement might be made by those opposed to the proposed policy, it does not establish why this issue is worth arguing.)
- “Disruptive situations such as this incident can be prevented by a more uniform dress code.” (No. This statement provides a reason FOR the school’s proposed policy. It does not establish why this issue is worth arguing.)
A: “Americans, including American high school students, are guaranteed the right to free speech by the US Constitution.”

Q: An effective argument must be organized in such a way that someone reading or listening to it understands your claim and the reasons and evidence that support it. The sentences below support the argument AGAINST the proposed school policy. Which arrangement MOST clearly presents the claim, reason and evidence.

A. The US Supreme Court has upheld the free speech rights of students.

B. In a case similar to this one, Justice Abe Fortas wrote, “First Amendment rights, applied in light of the special characteristics of the school environment, are available to teachers and students…”

C. Public schools are agencies of government, and therefore are expected to follow the law as established in the Constitution and Bill of Rights.
- C - A - B (This is correct. The Constitution and Bill of Rights is the primary issue. Free speech rights for students is an example of the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights. The quote from Justice Fortas supports the idea that students have free speech rights.)
- A - B - C (No. Sentence C, The Constitution and Bill of Rights, is the primary issue. Sentence A supports the idea that free speech rights apply to students. Sentence B, the quote from Justice Fortas, supports the idea that students have free speech rights.)
- A - C - B (No. Sentence A supports the idea that free speech rights apply to students. Sentence C, The Constitution and Bill of Rights, is the primary issue.)
- B - A - C (No. Sentence B, the quote from Justice Fortas, supports the idea that students have free speech rights. Sentence C, The Constitution and Bill of Rights, is the primary issue. Sentence A supports the idea that free speech rights apply to students.)
A: C - A - B

Q: An argument ends with a conclusion. A conclusion is the paragraph where a writer restates their claim and why it is important and reviews the main reasons that support their viewpoint. It is recommended that new information not be introduced in a conclusion. Which statement below best belongs in a conclusion of an argument FOR a proposed dress code policy?
- “The school administration therefore proposes a stricter dress code, clearly describing what is acceptable, uniform dress – with no words, logos, or graphics visible.” (This is correct. This statement restates the claim of the school administration.)
- “The wearing of such shirts should be allowed and the dress code should remain non-restrictive so that we don’t set a precedent that limits free speech in all areas of school life.” (No. This statement restates the claim of those opposed to the policy change.)
- “The school administration has shown in a number of specific instances that it is more concerned with controlling student behavior than guaranteeing student rights.” (No. This statement introduces a reason why the proposed policy should not be accepted and would require supporting evidence.)
- “When the referring teacher and a group of students who accompanied her came to the office, they testified that they were “deeply offended” by how the shirt depicted women.” (No. This statement introduces a reason why the proposed policy be accepted and would require supporting evidence.)
A: “The school administration therefore proposes a stricter dress code, clearly describing what is acceptable, uniform dress – with no words, logos, or graphics visible.”

Q: When writing an informational essay, your introduction should specifically describe what the writing is about without stating your opinion about the topic. It is best to limit your topic so that you can adequately describe and explain the issue in a short amount of space. Which statement below is the BEST introduction for an essay about curfews for teenagers?
- Curfews are often used as a method of ensuring teenagers’ security. (This is correct. The topic does not include an opinion and limits the topic to curfews as a method of providing security to teenagers.)
- Curfews have been used all over the world for many purposes (No. This topic is to large and undefined for an essay about curfews for teenagers.)
- Cities claim that curfews are an effective method of ensuring the security of teenagers, but studies have shown that most curfews are ineffective. (No. This sentence states a position on the use of curfews. It is more appropriate for an argument.)
- Teenagers often overestimate their knowledge and skills, change their perceptions on the world, and may partake in risky behavior. (No. This sentence states beliefs about teenagers but never introduces the topic of curfews.)
A: Curfews are often used as a method of ensuring teenagers’ security.

Q: Essays are shorter pieces of writing. A typical essay might be between 500 - 1000 words or 2 to 4 pages. This short length means it is important to organize your ideas and information. Essay writers often chose a structure to assist in organization. Four of these structures are described below.

- Analysis | Synthesis - Examine an issue or idea by inspecting its important parts and explaining how each part contributes to the larger issue or idea.
- Cause | Effect - Explain how one action or event caused other actions and events to occur.
- Compare | Contrast - Explain how two ideas or things are similar in some ways, but significantly different in other ways.
- Problem | Solution -  State a significant problem. Propose a solution or solutions. Explain how to implement the solution(s)

Which organizational structure is the BEST for this topic, “Curfews are often used as a method of ensuring teenagers’ security”?
- Analysis (This is correct. The issue | idea is curfews. The writer should examine the various parts or components of curfews to explain why they are used to ensure security for teenagers.)
- Cause | Effect (No. The topic does not introduce an action or event.)
- Compare | Contrast (No. The topic only states one idea, curfews.)
- Problem | Solution (No, but close! The topic hints at a problem with the phrase, “teenagers’ security”, but it actually introduces an issue, curfews.)
A: Analysis

Q: An effective explanation uses well-formed sentences and connecting words and phrases to clearly present information to the reader. The sentences below explain one reason curfews are used for teenagers. Which arrangement MOST clearly explains the information?

A. There is evidence that curfews have been effective in reducing juvenile crime.

B. Reducing juvenile crime is one reason communities have established curfews.

C. When New Orleans enabled a dusk-till-dawn curfew in 1994, the rates of juvenile crime were reported to fall more than 20 percent.
- B - A - C (This is correct. Sentence B introduces the idea that curfews have helped reduce juvenile crime. Sentence A is a link from the main idea to the evidence described in Sentence C.)
- C - A - B (No. Sentence C provides evidence for the idea introduced in Sentence B. Typically, information that explains an idea would appear after the idea has been introduced.)
- A - C - B (No. Sentence A links the topic introduced in Sentence B to the evidence described in Sentence C. That means Sentence A must be located between Sentence B and C.)
- B - C - A (No. Sentence A links the topic introduced in Sentence B to the evidence described in Sentence C. That means Sentence A must be located between Sentence B and C.)
A: B - A - C

Q: An effective explanation uses well-formed sentences and connecting words and phrases to clearly present information to the reader. The sentences below explain one reason curfews are used for teenagers. Which connecting word or phrase BEST connects the two sentences?

A. There is evidence that curfews have been effective in reducing juvenile crime.

B. When New Orleans enabled a dusk-till-dawn curfew in 1994, the rates of juvenile crime were reported to fall more than 20 percent.
- For instance (This is correct. The phrase “for instance” shows that Sentence B is an example of the the idea described in Sentence A.)
- Obviously (No. The word “Obviously” emphasizes that the information in Sentence B is undebatable. It does not connect the idea in Sentence A with the evidence in Sentence B)
- However (No. The word “However” states that the information in Sentence B is different from the idea in Sentence A. This is not the case. Sentence B is an example of the the idea described in Sentence A.)
- In addition (No. The phrase “in addition” is used to add to other information introduces previously. Since there has been no evidence introduced, there is nothing to add to.)
A: For instance

Q: An essay ends with a conclusion. A conclusion is the paragraph where a writer restates their topic and reviews the main points they have explained. It is recommended that new information not be introduced in a conclusion. Because it is that last thing your reader or listener will hear, your conclusion should be memorable. Which sentence in the paragraph below DOES NOT belong in a conclusion?

Curfews for teenagers curfews are frequently used  in the United States to lessen juvenile crime. States and cities that instituted curfews for teens report decreases in juvenile crime rates. But, others point to evidence that arrests for curfew violations can lead to stigmatization and the commission of more serious crimes in the future. My opinion is that curfews are unfair. It should be up to parents to set rules for their children including when they need to be home for the night.
- My opinion is that curfews are unfair. (This is correct. This essay is informational. New information, such as the writer’s opinion of the topic, should not be included.)
- Curfews for teenagers curfews are frequently used in the United States to lessen juvenile crime. (No. This sentence reviews a main point explained in the essay.)
- But, others point to evidence that arrests for curfew violations can lead to stigmatization and the commission of more serious crimes in the future. (No. This sentence reviews a main point explained in the essay.)
- States and cities that instituted curfews for teens report decreases in juvenile crime rates. (No. This sentence reviews a main point explained in the essay.)
A: My opinion is that curfews are unfair.

Q: Which resource below might provide the MOST relevant information for the question, “What are the major food-associated problems?
- "Food-Related Health Issues." LIVESTRONG.COM. LIVESTRONG.COM, 23 Feb. 2011. Web. 16 July 2014. <http://www.livestrong.com/article/389560-food-related-health-issues/>. (This is correct. The title of this resource indicates this might be the most relevant information.)
- "Nutrition and Health Issues." Home. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 July 2014. <http://www.nutrition.gov/nutrition-and-health-issues>. (No. This resource seems to be related to implications of food for the humans who consume it, but may not be as relevant to major food-associated problems.)
- "YOUR GUIDE TO Lowering Your Blood Pressure With DASH — Recipes for Heart Health."YOUR GUIDE TO Lowering Your Blood Pressure With DASH — Recipes for Heart Health. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 July 2014. <http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/hbp/dash/recipes.html>. (No. This resource seems to be related to a major food-associated problem, heart disease, but seems to focus on preventing the problem)
- "What are you looking for?." Find a Registered Dietitian. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 July 2014. <http://www.eatright.org/iframe/findrd.aspx>. (No. This resource seems to be related to a major food-associated problem, heart disease, but seems to focus on finding a health professional.)
A: "Food-Related Health Issues." LIVESTRONG.COM. LIVESTRONG.COM, 23 Feb. 2011. Web. 16 July 2014. <http://www.livestrong.com/article/389560-food-related-health-issues/>.

Q: "Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010.". U.S. Government Printing Office, 1 Dec. 2010. Web. 18 July 2014. < http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2010/DietaryGuidelines2010.pdf >.

might be a relevant source for which inquiry question?
- Are the nutritional values of food important to human psychological health? (This is correct. The title of this resource suggests that this is a relevant source for this question. “Diet” refers to the foods we eat and “guidelines” are rule or advice.)
- How have eating habits and food production processes changed over the years? (No. The title of this resource suggests that the information relates to a specific time (2010) rather than a range of years.)
- What are the major food-associated health problems? (No. The title of this resource does not imply that food-associated health problems will be described and explained in any great detail.)
- The effects of food for the humans who consume it. (No. This is a general area of research not a specific research question.)
A: Are the nutritional values of food important to human psychological health?

Q: Before including information from a source into research, it’s important to assess the credibility of the information. To assess credibility, you might ask, “Can this source be trusted?” and “Is this information current?”

Which resource below would provide the MOST credible information?
- "Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010." . U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1 Dec. 2010. Authors: Carole A. Davis, MS; Kathryn Y. McMurry, MS; Patricia Britten, PhD, MS (along with others) (This is correct. The source is two well-known United States governmental organizations, the authors are doctors and this document was published in recent years.)
- "Food-Related Health Issues." LIVESTRONG.COM. LIVESTRONG.COM, 23 Feb. 2011. Author: Robin Wood-Moen, health researcher and writer (No, but close! The publisher of this article is a well-known foundation that promotes healthy living, the author is knowledgeable, and the information is recent.)
- "Countering Fast Food's Health Effects." Corporate Accountability International. Corporate Accountability International. Author: none listed (No. The publisher of this article is not well known, no author is credited, and no publication date is listed.)
- "Benefits of Cereal." General Mills, 1 Dec. 2011. Author: none listed (No. The publisher of this article is a large food manufacturer and no author is credited.)
A: "Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010." . U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1 Dec. 2010. Authors: Carole A. Davis, MS; Kathryn Y. McMurry, MS; Patricia Britten, PhD, MS (along with others)

Q: Plagiarism occurs when we intentionally or unintentionally use someone’s words or ideas without giving them credit. Plagiarism is a serious issue in academic writing and can be avoided by letting your readers or listeners know where the words and ideas from other people came from. This action is called “citing a source.”

Which types of information DO NOT require a citation?
- Common knowledge or accepted facts (This is correct. Facts (i.e. there are 550 calories in a Big Mac) and commonly accepted truths (obesity can contribute to heart disease) do not require citation.)
- Words and ideas presented in books or on web pages (No. Words and ideas that were not created, developed, or formed entirely by you need to be cited no matter how they are published.)
- Words from songs and advertisements (No. Words and ideas that were not created, developed, or formed entirely by you need to be cited no matter how they are published.)
- Pictures, illustrations and charts from books or web pages (No. Images that were not created, developed, or formed entirely by you need to be cited no matter how they are published.)
A: Common knowledge or accepted facts

Q: Research is an important academic skill; it is the primary way you develop skills that allow you to mature in your understanding of the knowledge and skills people use to innovate and progress. One element of research is the use of secondary resources (books, web pages, etc.) that contain information related to your inquiry. One difficult skill is communicating your understanding of the ideas you learn from these sources in a unique way that doesn’t plagiarize from the source. Which paragraph BEST communicates the information from the source below?

“People who are most successful at achieving and maintaining a healthy weight do so through continued attention to consuming only enough calories from foods and beverages to meet their needs and by being physically active. To curb the obesity epidemic and improve their health, many Americans must decrease the calories they consume and increase the calories they expend through physical activity.”

"Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010.". U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1 Dec. 2010.
- “The U.S Department of Agriculture and U.S Department of Health and Human Services, in the ‘Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010’ publication, state that people who lose and maintain a healthy weight eat just the right amount of calories and exercise. This would imply that if Americans decreased their calorie intake and increased their exercise, obesity and obesity related health problems would decline.” (This is correct. This paragraph cites U.S Department of Agriculture and U.S Department of Health and Human Services and the ‘Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010’ as the originator of the claim that people who eat moderately and exercise regularly maintain a healthy weight. The paragraph paraphrases the source rather than uses whole sentences, key phrases or words from the original article.)
- “People who achieve and maintain a healthy weight consume only enough calories from foods and beverages to meet their needs and by are physically active. To curb the obesity epidemic and improve their health, Americans must decrease the calories they consume and increase the calories they expend by exercising.” (No. This paragraph uses many key phrases and words from the original article without citation.)
- “The U.S Department of Agriculture and U.S Department of Health and Human Services, in the ‘Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010’ publication, state that people who lose and maintain a healthy weight eat just the right amount of calories and exercise. To curb the obesity epidemic and improve their health, many Americans must decrease the calories they consume and increase the calories they expend through physical activity.” (No. This paragraph cites U.S Department of Agriculture and U.S Department of Health and Human Services and the ‘Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010’ as the originator of the claim that people who eat moderately and exercise regularly maintain a healthy weight. However, the last sentence is taken directly from the original article without any citation.)
- “People who are most successful at achieving and maintaining a healthy weight do so through continued attention to consuming only enough calories from foods and beverages to meet their needs and by being physically active. To curb the obesity epidemic and improve their health, many Americans must decrease the calories they consume and increase the calories they expend through physical activity.” (No. This paragraph is a word-for-word copy of the original material.)
A: “The U.S Department of Agriculture and U.S Department of Health and Human Services, in the ‘Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010’ publication, state that people who lose and maintain a healthy weight eat just the right amount of calories and exercise. This would imply that if Americans decreased their calorie intake and increased their exercise, obesity and obesity related health problems would decline.”

Q: Research is an important academic skill; it is the primary way you develop skills that allow you to mature in your understanding of the knowledge and skills people use to innovate and progress. One element of research is the use of secondary resources (books, web pages, etc.) that contain information related to your inquiry. One difficult skill is communicating your understanding of the ideas you learn from these sources in a unique way that doesn’t plagiarize from the source.  Which paragraph BEST communicates the information from the source below?

“Mandela has surely been venerated by more millions in his lifetime than any political figure in history. In working to free his country from racial division, he led an essentially peaceful revolution, culminating in his release from prison in 1990 and the post-apartheid election of 1994, which saw him elected as the first president of a democratic South Africa. The world responded to the qualities it perceived in the man, as well as to the scale of his achievement.”

Beresford, David. "Nelson Mandela obituary." theguardian.com. Guardian News and Media, 5 Dec. 2013. Web. 19 July 2014. <http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/05/nelson-mandela-obituary>.
- “David Beresford, in his obituary published in the Guardian.com, describes Nelson Mandela as the most honored political leader ever. He led South Africa from apartheid to democracy, and was elected President in 1994.” (This is correct. This paragraph cites David Beresford and the publication as the originator of the claim that Nelson Mandela was the most honored political figure in history. The paragraph paraphrases the source rather than uses whole sentences, key phrases or words from the original article.)
- “Mandela has been venerated by more in his lifetime than any other political figure. He led a peaceful revolution, which saw him elected as the first president of a democratic South Africa. “The world responded to the qualities it perceived in the man, as well as to the scale of his achievement.” (No. This paragraph uses many key phrases and words from the original article without citation.)
- “David Beresford, in his obituary published in the Guardian.com, describes Nelson Mandela as the most honored political leader ever. He led South Africa from apartheid to democracy, and was elected President in 1994. ‘The world responded to the qualities in the man, as well as his achievement.’” (No. This paragraph cites David Beresford and the publication as the originator of the claim that Nelson Mandela was the most honored political figure in history and paraphrases the factual information. However, the last sentence is added without any citation or connection to the previous sentences.)
- “Mandela has surely been venerated by more millions in his lifetime than any political figure in history. In working to free his country from racial division, he led an essentially peaceful revolution, culminating in his release from prison in 1990 and the post-apartheid election of 1994, which saw him elected as the first president of a democratic South Africa. The world responded to the qualities it perceived in the man, as well as to the scale of his achievement.” (No. This paragraph is a word-for-word copy of the original material.)
A: “David Beresford, in his obituary published in the Guardian.com, describes Nelson Mandela as the most honored political leader ever. He led South Africa from apartheid to democracy, and was elected President in 1994.”