reading: evaluating persuasive texts\npractice\npersuasive appeals are methods a writer uses to influence…

reading: evaluating persuasive texts\npractice\npersuasive appeals are methods a writer uses to influence readers to adopt his or her point of view. persuasive writing may use facts and opinions to support an argument. the writer may also use words with either a positive or negative appeal, depending on what emotional reaction the writer intends readers to have.\nread the following selection. then, answer the questions.\nour towns shade tree commission is responsible for the care and maintenance of trees growing on town property, including parks and recreational areas. the commission also supposedly reviews and approves plantings around new construction and oversees tree removal at building sites. something is going wrong, though. the trees are disappearing. our town, once characterized by beautiful greenery, is beginning to look like a wasteland—all for the sake of commerce.\na new shopping area was just built on a wooded lot. the shade trees on the towns right-of-way should have been preserved. instead, all 57 trees on the lot were taken down. the shade tree commission demanded that the developer be fined and new trees be planted along the right-of-way. but perhaps the commission should have paid attention in the first place!\nour town is known for its tree-lined streets and parklike properties. should we sit idly by while commerce is allowed to blight the landscape?\n1. what statement best summarizes the writers argument?\na. the town knows what is best for business.\nb. the town shade tree commission is not doing its job.\nc. the town shade tree commission is doing a great job.\nd. eliminating trees reduces the work of town agencies.\n2. which of the following sentences contains a fact that supports the writers opinion?\na. instead, all 57 trees on the lot were taken down.\nb. should we sit idly by while commerce is allowed to blight the landscape?\nc. but perhaps the commission should have paid attention in the first place!\nd. something is going wrong, though.\n3. underline two words in the passage that have a negative appeal.

reading: evaluating persuasive texts\npractice\npersuasive appeals are methods a writer uses to influence readers to adopt his or her point of view. persuasive writing may use facts and opinions to support an argument. the writer may also use words with either a positive or negative appeal, depending on what emotional reaction the writer intends readers to have.\nread the following selection. then, answer the questions.\nour towns shade tree commission is responsible for the care and maintenance of trees growing on town property, including parks and recreational areas. the commission also supposedly reviews and approves plantings around new construction and oversees tree removal at building sites. something is going wrong, though. the trees are disappearing. our town, once characterized by beautiful greenery, is beginning to look like a wasteland—all for the sake of commerce.\na new shopping area was just built on a wooded lot. the shade trees on the towns right-of-way should have been preserved. instead, all 57 trees on the lot were taken down. the shade tree commission demanded that the developer be fined and new trees be planted along the right-of-way. but perhaps the commission should have paid attention in the first place!\nour town is known for its tree-lined streets and parklike properties. should we sit idly by while commerce is allowed to blight the landscape?\n1. what statement best summarizes the writers argument?\na. the town knows what is best for business.\nb. the town shade tree commission is not doing its job.\nc. the town shade tree commission is doing a great job.\nd. eliminating trees reduces the work of town agencies.\n2. which of the following sentences contains a fact that supports the writers opinion?\na. instead, all 57 trees on the lot were taken down.\nb. should we sit idly by while commerce is allowed to blight the landscape?\nc. but perhaps the commission should have paid attention in the first place!\nd. something is going wrong, though.\n3. underline two words in the passage that have a negative appeal.

Answer

Brief Explanations:

  1. The passage criticizes the Shade Tree Commission for not preventing tree removal. Option B aligns with this criticism.
  2. Option A is a factual statement (all 57 trees taken down) that supports the writer's opinion about the problem.
  3. Words like "disappearing" and "wasteland" evoke negative emotions.

Answer:

  1. B. The town Shade Tree Commission is not doing its job.
  2. A. Instead, all 57 trees on the lot were taken down.
  3. "disappearing" and "wasteland" (answers may vary depending on interpretation, other possible words: "blight", "wrong")