Instructions
Read
• On the page 2 tab above, you will read two texts presenting different views on the same topic.
• Both writers argue that their position on the issue is correct. Plan
• Analyze the two texts to determine which writer presents the stronger case.
• Develop your own argument in which you explain how one position is better supported than the other.
• Include relevant and specific evidence from both sources to support your argument.
Write
•Type your response in the box on the right.
•Your response should be approximately 4 to 7 paragraphs of 3 to 7 sentences each.
• Remember to allow a few minutes to review and edit your response.
Both manuel sanchez and debra chou present argument regarding the implementation of highspeed rail in the states. While sanchez argues that the project will bring economic benefits, reduce traffic and be environmentally friendly, Chou counters that the project will be costly and have minimal environmental impact. Upon analyzing their argument Chou provide a stronger case due the use of evidence and focus on the financial and practical limitations of the project.
Sanchez emphasizes the potential benefits of highspeed rail including economic growth, reduced road congestion and environmental sustainability. He highlights that high speed rails can connect city centers, create jobs and serve as a green alternative to other transportation methods. He also indicates that the rail would reduce dependency on cars and airplanes promoting a cleaner environment.
Chou on the other hand challenges sanchez claims by pointing out the practical and financial challenges on high speed rail. She argues that the ridership number are overly estimated with most travellers opting for cars due to convenience and affordability. She also questions the environmental benefits citing studies showing minimal reducions in cabon emissions. She emphasizes the enormous cost of construction, mentainance and taxpayer subsidies which outways the proposed benefits.
While sanchez represents an optimistic view of high speed rail, his argument lacks specific evidence to support his claims. For example, he does not address the cost of potential challanges in implementation. Chaos argument however is grounded in evidence and includes real world examples such as high cost of similar projects in california.
In conclusion, while both sanchez and chou provide valid perspectives, Chou presents a stronger argument against high speed rail. Her use of evidence focus on practical concerns and critique of environmental claims provide a more balanced and convincing case.
High-Speed Rail: Is It Time?
To ease traffic congestion and connect communities, many cities are exploring high-speed rail, or commuter trains. The following transcript is from State Matters, a weekly television program.
Manuel Sanchez, State Representative, District 109
1. SANCHEZ: Good evening. Our state has a great opportunity to become a leader in twenty-first-century transportation. The bond issue before voters in June will allow us to begin planning for a high-speed rail system that will lower road and air travel congestion. It will have powerful conomic benefits for our state, and an added benefit is that it will be highly sustainable and green.
2. High-speed, or light-rait, trains will offer safe, fast, comfortable, and convenient travel among the three major cities in our state. They will relieve interstate highway congestion and can carry as many people as a 10-lane highway. Unlike airports, high-speed rail hubs can be built in city centers, so passengers finish their trips in the heart of business, shopping, and tourist destinations.
3. Building high-speed rail creates many new jobs for not only construction workers and their suppliers but also for those responsible for operating and maintaining the system. In addition, high-speed rail encourages growth. Restaurants, lodging, retail shops, and other businesses tend to spring up near high-speed rail stations. One source estimates that a high-speed rail hub has the equivalent economic impact of a medium- sized airport in the center of a city.
4. Finally, high-speed trains are sustainable, green transportation. The trains are powered by electricity. Therefore, they reduce greenhouse emissions and lower our dependence on fossil fuels. The California High-Speed Rail Authority states that high-speed trains use only one-third the energy of airplanes and one-fifth the energy of automobiles.
5. It is time to get on the high-speed train.
Debra Chou, State Representative, District 33
6. CHOU: Good evening. While I agree with Representative Sanchez that our state has some serious and immediate concerns with its transportation, I do not agree that high-speed rail is the answer to our problems. The system proposed under the current bond issue will not alleviate our crowded highways and airports. Further, it is costly and there is slim proof that it will yield the economic or environmental benefits Mr. Sanchez promises.
7. Several critics of high-speed rail have pointed out that the number of potential riders has been overestimated. In almost every case in Europe and China, high-speed rail passenger numbers have been greatly overestimated. Because high-speed trains travel from the center of one city to the center of another, business travelers and wealthier passengers, whose destinations are large cities, most often use them. The average citizen on the way to the grocery store or a doctor's appointment does not. The relatively high cost of a ticket further discourages most people, who find travel by automobile less expensive. This is not public transit.
8. It is true that the building, operation, and maintenance of high-speed rail will create jobs. However, these gains will be offset by the huge expense of its construction. California estimates high-speed rail from San Diego to Sacramento will cost $100 billion over 20 years. In addition, even the current huge budget is likely underestimated. One study shows that large transportation projects typically run over budget. Other studies show that ticket sales never cover the cost of operating high-speed rail, so the systems are doomed to be forever taxpayer subsidized.
9. Finally, high-speed rail systems are not as green as those who favor the system want us to believe. A study by the University of California at Berkeley has shown that the reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by high-speed rail is less than 1%. This is far less of a reduction in greenhouse gases than we have been led to believe. Studies show that most people would rather travel by car because of ticket costs and inconveniently located train stops. Thus, the estimates of lower fuel emissions with high-speed rail are greatly inflated.
10 we need to think carefully before using state money to fund this project
You have up to 45 minutes for reading, planning, writing, and editing your response.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer:
**Correct answer:** Allocate time wisely among reading, planning, writing, and editing to maximize the quality of your response. **Rationale:** Efficient time management is crucial for producing a well-structured response. Reading thoroughly ensures comprehension of the prompt, while planning helps organize thoughts logically. Writing is where ideas come to life, and dedicating time to editing enhances clarity and correctness. Other options may suggest focusing too heavily on one aspect, such as writing without sufficient planning or editing. This can lead to incomplete or unclear responses that fail to meet the task's requirements. Balancing all phases is essential for success.
**Correct answer:** Allocate time wisely among reading, planning, writing, and editing to maximize the quality of your response. **Rationale:** Efficient time management is crucial for producing a well-structured response. Reading thoroughly ensures comprehension of the prompt, while planning helps organize thoughts logically. Writing is where ideas come to life, and dedicating time to editing enhances clarity and correctness. Other options may suggest focusing too heavily on one aspect, such as writing without sufficient planning or editing. This can lead to incomplete or unclear responses that fail to meet the task's requirements. Balancing all phases is essential for success.
Other Related Questions
The only reason her husband did not consult her about his business was that she did not wait to be consulted. What role does the sentence play in the excerpt?
- A. It foreshadows a decision the characters will face
- B. It develops the theme of cooperation.
- C. It helps establish important character traits
- D. It emphasizes a conflict over money.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The sentence highlights key character traits, particularly the husband's independence and the wife's assertiveness. This dynamic reveals their communication patterns and individual approaches to decision-making, which are crucial for understanding their relationship. Option A is incorrect, as the statement does not hint at future decisions but rather reflects their current situation. Option B misinterprets the essence of their relationship; it suggests cooperation, while the sentence indicates a lack of it. Option D inaccurately focuses on money, whereas the sentence centers on their interpersonal dynamics, not financial conflict.
The sentence highlights key character traits, particularly the husband's independence and the wife's assertiveness. This dynamic reveals their communication patterns and individual approaches to decision-making, which are crucial for understanding their relationship. Option A is incorrect, as the statement does not hint at future decisions but rather reflects their current situation. Option B misinterprets the essence of their relationship; it suggests cooperation, while the sentence indicates a lack of it. Option D inaccurately focuses on money, whereas the sentence centers on their interpersonal dynamics, not financial conflict.
How does paragraph 1 fit into the narrative structure of the excerpt?
- A. Paragraph 1 establishes the setting and the reason the narrator's family came to the palace.
- B. Paragraph 1 provides details about the narrator's feelings about the events of the evening.
- C. Paragraph 1 includes background about a conflict that arose from the narrator's feelings about fashion.
- D. Paragraph 1 describes the narrator's father and his performance at the concert.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
Paragraph 1 effectively sets the scene by introducing the palace and explaining the family's reason for being there, which is essential for understanding the context of the narrative. This foundational information allows readers to grasp the significance of subsequent events. Option B incorrectly emphasizes the narrator's feelings, which may be explored later but are not the focus of paragraph 1. Option C misinterprets the content by suggesting a conflict related to fashion, which is not established in the opening. Option D mistakenly attributes a focus on the narrator's father and his performance, which may not be addressed in the introductory paragraph.
Paragraph 1 effectively sets the scene by introducing the palace and explaining the family's reason for being there, which is essential for understanding the context of the narrative. This foundational information allows readers to grasp the significance of subsequent events. Option B incorrectly emphasizes the narrator's feelings, which may be explored later but are not the focus of paragraph 1. Option C misinterprets the content by suggesting a conflict related to fashion, which is not established in the opening. Option D mistakenly attributes a focus on the narrator's father and his performance, which may not be addressed in the introductory paragraph.
Based on information in 'The Letter of the Law,' why did Lilly Ledbetter lose her employment discrimination case against Goodyear?
- A. The Supreme Court decided that Goodyear could keep employees such as Ledbetter from comparing salaries
- B. Ledbetter could not refute Goodyear's claim that she was paid less because she performed poorly.
- C. The Supreme Court ruled against Ledbetter because she filed her case after the allotted period of time.
- D. Ledbetter could not provide sufficient evidence that had been paid less than her male equivalents.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Lilly Ledbetter lost her case primarily because she filed her claim after the statutory deadline, which the Supreme Court upheld. This ruling emphasized the importance of timely reporting of discrimination claims. Option A is incorrect as the Court did not rule on salary comparisons but focused on the filing timeline. Option B misrepresents the case; Ledbetter's performance was not the central issue. Option D is misleading; while evidence was discussed, the primary reason for the ruling was the timing of her complaint, not the sufficiency of evidence regarding pay disparities.
Lilly Ledbetter lost her case primarily because she filed her claim after the statutory deadline, which the Supreme Court upheld. This ruling emphasized the importance of timely reporting of discrimination claims. Option A is incorrect as the Court did not rule on salary comparisons but focused on the filing timeline. Option B misrepresents the case; Ledbetter's performance was not the central issue. Option D is misleading; while evidence was discussed, the primary reason for the ruling was the timing of her complaint, not the sufficiency of evidence regarding pay disparities.
How are the newsletter and the letter to the editor different with respect to their intended audiences?
- A. The newsletter is intended for a more knowledgeable audience.
- B. The newsletter is intended for a younger audience.
- C. The newsletter is intended for a smaller audience.
- D. The newsletter is intended for a more diverse audience.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The newsletter typically targets a specific group, often a smaller audience, such as members of an organization or community, providing tailored information relevant to their interests. In contrast, a letter to the editor is designed for a broader public audience, aiming to engage a wider range of readers by discussing general issues or opinions. Option A is incorrect because newsletters can cater to various knowledge levels, not just the knowledgeable. Option B is misleading as newsletters are not exclusively aimed at younger audiences; they can serve all age groups. Option D is inaccurate since newsletters often focus on a specific demographic rather than a diverse audience.
The newsletter typically targets a specific group, often a smaller audience, such as members of an organization or community, providing tailored information relevant to their interests. In contrast, a letter to the editor is designed for a broader public audience, aiming to engage a wider range of readers by discussing general issues or opinions. Option A is incorrect because newsletters can cater to various knowledge levels, not just the knowledgeable. Option B is misleading as newsletters are not exclusively aimed at younger audiences; they can serve all age groups. Option D is inaccurate since newsletters often focus on a specific demographic rather than a diverse audience.