Question

Read this letter written by a student to the principal of a school. Which sentences support the student’s argument concerning the school lunch policy? Dear Principal Corte, I write to you with a concern that requires immediate attention. It is my belief that the lunch period at Mountain Vista High School is not long enough and should be lengthened. The most important reason our lunch period should be extended is so all students have a chance to eat. As it stands now, many students are unable to get through the lunch line and eat. Even if lunchroom staff members are extremely efficient and able to get everyone through the line, some students end up with only a few minutes to eat. I have spoken with the school nurse about this issue, and she says that eating too quickly is a very unhealthy habit. Consequently, some students have become so frustrated with the long lines that they have resorted to patronizing the vending machines. Everyone knows that a candy bar and a can of soda is one of the unhealthiest lunches a person can have. If the lunch period is extended, all students will make it through the lunchroom line and will be able to eat their lunch in a healthy way. In addition, the lunch period should be extended because it would give students additional time to study or finish homework. Those of us who take part in after-school activities or have jobs often don’t get home until late in the evening. Then we are usually too exhausted to put our best effort into our homework. If we had more time at lunch, many of us would complete our homework with better accuracy. I truly hope that you take my arguments under consideration, Principal Corte. Please see the attached petition with almost 2,000 signatures of students who share my opinions about extending the lunch period. Take this petition as a sign that there are many of us who are not completely happy with our experience at Mountain Vista High School. Mountain Vista High School is important to me, and I believe that its students should get the best. Extend our lunch period, and you will definitely get the best from us. Sincerely, Alexis Walters

Answer 1

- I have spoken with the school nurse about this issue, and she says that eating too quickly is a very unhealthy habit.

- Those of us who take part in after-school activities or have jobs often don’t get home until late in the evening.

The question asks for supporting arguments, both the sentences "It is my belief that the lunch period at Mountain Vista High School is not long enough and should be lengthened." and "In addition, the lunch period should be extended because it would give students additional time to study or finish homework." are not supporting arguments, they are the argument. The sentence "I truly hope that you take my arguments under consideration, Principal Corte." is more of a closing statement.

The two remaining sentences, in bold above, are supporting arguments because they have asked others for more information. Whether that be an "expert" like the nurse, or people who are going through the same thing "witnesses" like the students.

So, out of all the selections in blue, the two I have in bold above are the correct options.

Answer 2

-I have spoken with the school nurse about this issue, and she says that eating too quickly is a very unhealthy habit.
-Everyone knows that a candy bar and a can of soda is one of the unhealthiest lunches a person can have.
- If we had more time at lunch, many of us would complete our homework with better accuracy.
In my opinion these are the sentences that provide the best support for the argument.