Question

which of the following statements about motivation is best supported by the selection from the point essay below (paragraph 1)?
the philosophy of lehman alternative community school in ithaca, new york, is to encourage students to use freedom responsibly and to make educational choices appropriate to their individual levels of development. lacs long ago got rid of gold stars, stickers, and even most grades in favor of intrinsic motivation. at an all school meeting every week, students make decisions on issues facing the school. they make choices about their courses of study and reflect on their learning and achievement. they complete community projects and take trips outside the classroom.
a. choice and intellectual freedom inspire a sense of investment in learning.
b. students are only motivated if they get to do whatever they want.
c. community projects help students see how lucky they are which fosters their motivation to do well in school.
d. students will be motivated to learn if they dont have to worry about grades.

Explanation:

The text emphasizes students making choices (about courses, school - related issues) and having freedom (in learning, as in getting rid of traditional rewards like gold stars). This shows that choice and intellectual freedom (as part of the school's philosophy) lead to students being invested in their learning (making decisions, reflecting on learning). Option B is too extreme ("only motivated if they do whatever they want" - the school has a philosophy of using freedom responsibly). Option C's connection between community projects and students feeling lucky is not in the text. Option D's focus on not worrying about grades is a small part (the school got rid of most grades) but the main emphasis is on choice and freedom, not just the absence of grades.

Answer:

A. Choice and intellectual freedom inspire a sense of investment in learning.