Question

statistics strengthen writing now let’s look at another paragraph that also uses statistics to build background for readers. the following paragraph is from a student who wrote a research report about preserving vernal pools, which are a specific type of wetland. the student actually conducted a small survey to decide how much of her essay would need to give basic background about vernal pools. in other words, she had a feeling that a lot of students wouldn’t have the slightest clue about vernal pools, let alone the importance of preserving them. the following paragraph uses statistics to justify the basic background section of her research report. again, the statistics are bolded. it is important to educate people about vernal pools so they know how important they are and what they look like, and so they know how to preserve them. to see how much education may be needed in san diego, i surveyed ninety - two people (forty - two adults and fifty elementary students to try to cover all age groups). i asked them if they had heard of vernal pools, and if they knew what they were. about 21 percent thought they had heard of them, but only 7 percent really knew what they were. i found that much education is needed. 4. do you think the writer needs to spend time giving readers basic background about vernal pools before she explains how and why they should be preserved? use her statistics to support your opinion. 5. why did the writer include statistics in the paragraph above?

Explanation:

Question 4

The statistics (21% heard of vernal pools, 7% knew what they were) show most people lack knowledge about vernal pools. To help readers understand why preservation is needed, basic background is necessary so they can grasp the topic’s importance.

The writer included statistics to justify the need for background info (from the survey, most people didn’t know about vernal pools) and to build a logical case for why educating people (and thus providing background) is important for preservation. Stats add credibility to show the extent of public ignorance, supporting the need for background and the research’s focus.

Answer:

Yes, the writer needs to spend time giving readers basic background about vernal pools. The statistics show that only about 21 percent of the 92 surveyed people thought they had heard of vernal pools, and just 7 percent really knew what they were. Since most people have little to no knowledge about vernal pools, providing basic background will help readers understand the subsequent explanations of how and why to preserve them.

Question 5