Question

literary / text elements characteristics and structures of arguments
directions: read the passage below. then, answer the questions.
1 last week, a short online video frightened millions of viewers. it showed a puppy stuck inside
an airless car on a hot summer day. the thoughtless owner had left all the windows closed,
and the dog’s situation seemed dire. happily, the video, shot by a bystander, ended with the
puppy bouncing for joy when its owner returned. but the ending could have been tragic. it is
urgent that we take precautions to protect our pets.
2 the key to helping pets is information, dr. paula lisson, director of pets have needs,
explains that “we all need access to accurate, up - to - date information in order to provide safe
environments for our beloved animal companions.” her organization has developed a variety
of materials to spread the word. they include well - designed pamphlets, posters, and public
service announcements.
3 while it is vital to present owners with the facts, we must also be sure that we have
organizations and laws that will protect pets. the first law protecting domestic animals was
passed in the united kingdom in 1835. the american society for the prevention of cruelty to
animals was founded in 1866. we have made a lot of progress since those early days, but
there is still room for improvement. i recently conducted a review of our state’s regulations
concerning animals. i was surprised to learn that 28 states have “hot car laws” that make it
illegal to leave animals alone in cars, but ours does not. we must work together to change that.

1. what is the author’s claim?

1. ____ what type of evidence is presented in paragraph 1?

a. expert opinion c. historical detail
b. personal observation d. anecdote

1. in paragraph 2, what type of evidence does the author supply by quoting dr. paula

lisson?

1. what is the author’s purpose for writing?

1. ____ how do the historical details in paragraph 3 support the claim?

a. they show that the need for these protections has long been recognized.
b. they show that it has been a long time since laws protecting pets have been passed.

1. ____ how does a personal observation in paragraph 3 support the claim?

a. it defines what “hot car laws” are, which readers need to understand in order to fully
grasp the issue.
b. it shows that the need for laws that protect pets still exists because many states have
not yet taken action to protect animals.

Explanation:

Question 1

The author's claim is that it is urgent to take precautions to protect our pets. This is stated at the end of paragraph 1 after describing a puppy's dangerous situation and its happy resolution, emphasizing the need for pet protection.

Paragraph 1 tells a short story about a puppy stuck in a car, its owner's thoughtlessness, and the happy ending. An anecdote is a short narrative or story, so this is an anecdote. Option a is expert opinion (not here), b is personal observation (the video is by a bystander, not the author's personal observation), c is historical detail (no history here). So the correct option is d.

Quoting Dr. Paula Lisson, who is an expert (director of Pets Have Needs), provides expert opinion. Her quote gives information about the need for accurate information for pet safety, which is expert insight.

Answer:

It is urgent that we take precautions to protect our pets.

Question 2