Question

of the most common pieces of trash found in coastal waters and on beaches. on its website, surfrider also declares that though one could argue that most single - use plastics are unnecessary, straws stand alone as an item that humans could really live without.
\so far the campaign has been effective in getting governments and businesses on board. several cities on the west coast have totally banned plastic straws. it is now illegal for restaurants anywhere in california to automatically serve plastic straws with drinks. starbucks and other businesses have pledged to phase out straws soon.
\the public agrees with the effort, too. responses to an article in the san francisco chronicle about the new rules are almost all favorable, such as this one from commenter bottomsup, who writes its a good idea. im tired of stepping on plastic junk when im trying to enjoy a day at the beach. besides, ive been able to drink straight from a glass since i was 3.
\some people disagree, however. another perspective was provided by checkyourprivilege, good for you, but what about people with disabilities? those of us who have trouble moving our head or hands rely on straws. we cant hold a glass. we cant use metal straws because they dont bend, and the paper ones just fall apart.\
identify an opinion disguised as fact in the reading.
though one could argue that most single - use plastics are
○ unnecessary, straws stand alone as an item that humans could really live without.

the environmental organization, which is dedicated to cleaning up
○ the oceans, says that discarded straws are some of the most common pieces of trash found in coastal waters and on beaches.

so far the campaign has been effective in getting governments and
○ businesses on board

it is now illegal for restaurants anywhere in california to
○ automatically serve plastic straws with drinks.

Explanation:

To identify an opinion disguised as fact, we analyze each option:

• The first option ("Though one could argue that most single - use plastics are unnecessary, straws stand alone as an item that humans could really live without.") presents a subjective view on whether humans can live without straws. What one person thinks is "unnecessary" or what items humans "could really live without" is a matter of opinion, not an objective fact.
• The second option is a statement about what an environmental organization says regarding the prevalence of discarded straws as trash. This is a report of a claim made by an organization and can be verified (either the organization said it or not), so it is a fact - based statement (even if the claim itself could be investigated for accuracy, the statement about what the organization says is a factual report of their claim).
• The third option is a statement about the effectiveness of a campaign in getting governments and businesses on board. This can be evaluated based on evidence (e.g., looking at which governments and businesses have joined the campaign), so it is a claim that can be supported or refuted with evidence, not an opinion disguised as fact.
• The fourth option is a statement about the law in California regarding plastic straws in restaurants. This is a matter of legal fact that can be verified by checking California's laws.

Answer:

A. Though one could argue that most single - use plastics are unnecessary, straws stand alone as an item that humans could really live without.