Question

jadas problem and solution essay includes the following thesis statement:
the damage to crops and spread of invasive seeds that affect farmers throughout the united states because of the european starling could be solved with special nets, machines that frighten the species, and a chemical deterrent called starlicide.
which of the following would be the topic sentence for jadas first body paragraph?
due to the skyrocketing numbers of european starlings across the united states, damage to crops and the spread of invasive seeds are increasing.
in effect, the invasion of european starlings is severely affecting farmers and their crops.
to minimize the damage from the invasion of european starlings, farmers are resorting to a number of different solutions.
to conclude, it is evident that the invasion of european starlings is damaging crops and farmers livelihoods.

Explanation:

A topic sentence for the first body paragraph should introduce a part of the problem (as the thesis mentions problem - damage to crops and spread of invasive seeds). The first option “Due to the skyrocketing numbers of European Starlings across the United States, damage to crops and the spread of invasive seeds are increasing” directly addresses the problem aspect (damage to crops and spread of invasive seeds) and gives a reason (skyrocketing numbers of starlings) which can be further elaborated in the paragraph. The second option is more of a general statement about the effect. The third option is about solutions (which would be for later paragraphs as per the thesis structure - problem first, then solutions). The fourth option is a concluding statement.

Answer:

Due to the skyrocketing numbers of European Starlings across the United States, damage to crops and the spread of invasive seeds are increasing.