Question

grade 8 - unit d - selection test
\three cheers for the nanny state\ by sarah conly

1. the following question has two parts. answer part a first, and then part b.

part a which of the following states a main purpose of \three cheers for
the nanny state\?

a. to explain the necessity of the ban
b. to describe the law - making process
c. to suggest an alternative to the ban
d. to persuade people to reject the ban

part b which sentence from \three cheers for the nanny state\ best
supports the answer to part a?

a. after all, people can still get as much soda as they want.
b. like the guy about to step through the hole in the bridge, we need help.
c. for some people, yes, its an absolute loss.
d. its hard to give up the idea of ourselves as completely rational.

Explanation:

Part A

To determine the main purpose of "Three Cheers for the Nanny State", we analyze each option:

• Option a: If the text argues that a ban (e.g., on sugary drinks) is necessary, this fits.
• Option b: The text is not focused on describing law - making steps.
• Option c: There's no indication of suggesting an alternative to the ban.
• Option d: The title "Three Cheers" implies support, not rejection of the ban.

So the main purpose is to explain the necessity of the ban.

We need a sentence that supports the idea that the ban is necessary.

• Option a: Talks about people still getting soda, not about the ban's necessity.
• Option b: Uses an analogy (guy about to step through a hole in the bridge needing help) to show that people need the "nanny state" (the ban) for protection, supporting the idea that the ban is necessary.
• Option c: Talks about loss for some people, not about the ban's necessity.
• Option d: Talks about rationality, not about the ban's necessity.

So this sentence supports the answer to Part A.

Answer:

a. to explain the necessity of the ban

Part B