Question

1. what is the author’s main claim in the essay?

a. community service takes too much time for students
b. community service should be optional for all students
c. community service should be required for high school graduation
d. community service is only helpful for college applications

1. which reason does the author give for requiring community service?

a. it replaces academic classes
b. it teaches responsibility and empathy
c. it guarantees college acceptance
d. it reduces homework

1. according to the essay, why do colleges and employers value community service?

a. it improves test scores
b. it shows dedication and character
c. it replaces work experience
d. it increases school funding

1. what is one concern mentioned by people who disagree with required community service?

a. students may not enjoy volunteering
b. schools lack community partnerships
c. students already have busy schedules
d. community service is unsafe

1. how does the author respond to this concern?

a. by ignoring it
b. by suggesting students volunteer during summer only
c. by proposing flexible options and reasonable requirements
d. by saying students must manage their time better

prompt:
the author argues that community service should be a requirement for high school graduation.
do you agree or disagree with this idea?

in a well - organized paragraph, state your opinion and support it with at least two reasons. use
examples from the essay or your own experiences to support your response. use a separate
sheet of paper for your response.

*if you’re having trouble starting your response, try using these sentence starters):

• i agree/disagree with the idea that community service should be required because...
• one reason is...
• another reason is...
• this shows that...

Explanation:

Question 1

To determine the author's main claim, we analyze each option. Option A is a negative view about time, not a main claim. Option B says it should be optional, but the prompt later says the author argues for it as a requirement. Option C aligns with the prompt's statement that the author argues community service should be a requirement for high school graduation. Option D limits its help to college apps, which is not the main claim.

We evaluate each reason. Option A is incorrect as community service doesn't replace academic classes. Option B, teaching responsibility and empathy, is a valid reason for requiring community service (related to personal growth, which is a common argument for such requirements). Option C is wrong as it can't guarantee college acceptance. Option D is incorrect as it doesn't reduce homework.

Analyzing why colleges and employers value community service: Option A is wrong (it doesn't improve test scores). Option B, showing dedication and character, makes sense as these are traits valued by colleges and employers. Option C is incorrect (it doesn't replace work experience). Option D is wrong (it doesn't increase school funding).

Answer:

C. Community service should be required for high school graduation

Question 2