Question

the following is a draft of a student essay. it may contain errors
mowing down teen jobs
(1) their services are often greatly valued by busy neighbors who don’t have time
to mow or want to avoid having costly monthly bills for a landscaping company.
(2) however, some cities are now forcing kids to obtain a business license to mow
lawns or want to avoid having costly monthly bills for a landscaping company.
(3) this comes at a high price for a teen, who may only be taking on mowing
duties while school is out. (4) business licenses can cost more than $100. (5) in
addition, the cost of a business license cuts into the small profits teens earn mowing
lawns. (6) some also pay for gas for the mower and sometimes the mower itself.
(7) unlicensed teens could be fined an even higher amount for breaking the law

what is the best introductory sentence for the passage?
a. mowing lawns for neighbors in the summer has become big business for many teens who prosper considerably in a short period
b. teenagers who mow lawns during the summer for extra money should be required to obtain a business license like everyone else
c. many ambitious teenagers look for opportunities to earn extra money during the summer by mowing lawns in their neighborhoods.
d. people who hire teens to mow their lawns are upset by a regulation in some cities requiring teens to have a business license

Explanation:

The essay focuses on teen lawn-mowing jobs, specifically the new requirement for business licenses that creates financial burdens for teens. The best introductory sentence should set up this core conflict: the popularity of the job for teens and the new regulatory barrier. Option B directly connects the teen lawn-mowing work (a summer money-making opportunity) to the key conflict of the business license requirement, which aligns with the essay's main focus. Other options either focus only on business growth (A), general teen ambition without the regulatory angle (C), or the anger of customers (D), which is not the essay's opening focus.

Answer:

B. Teenagers who mow lawns during the summer for extra money should be required to obtain a business license like everyone else