Explain Author's Reasons and Evidence Practice Test

Read the passage.

Our town should add more public water bottle filling stations. This change would help people stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste.

First, filling stations cut down on single-use bottles because people can refill the same bottle again and again. For example, after Brookside Park added one station, the parks department reported 1,200 refills in the first month. If even half of those refills replaced a new bottle, that would be hundreds of bottles saved.

Second, stations support health because drinking water is easier when it is nearby. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that water helps the body control temperature and carry nutrients. At the summer soccer field, coaches already remind players to drink often, but the only fountain is far from the benches.

Some people worry stations cost too much, but the parks department said one station costs about the same as two new benches. Therefore, filling stations are a smart investment for the environment and for health.

Question: What evidence does the author provide for the reason that filling stations reduce single-use plastic bottles?

Read the passage, then answer the question.

Many schools should start a compost bin in the cafeteria because it reduces trash and helps gardens. First, composting cuts down on how much food goes into landfills. The reason is that fruit peels, bread crusts, and leftovers can turn into soil instead of garbage. For example, at Maple Grove Elementary, students weighed cafeteria waste for one week. Data showed that about 18 pounds of fruit and vegetable scraps were thrown away each day. After the school began composting, the trash bags from lunch dropped from 10 bags a day to 7.

Second, compost helps school gardens grow better plants because it adds nutrients to the soil. According to the National Gardening Association, compost improves soil so it holds water longer. This means plants can stay healthy even on hot days. In Maple Grove’s garden, the science club mixed compost into two raised beds. Those beds grew 25% more tomatoes than beds that used only regular dirt.

Some students worry compost will smell bad, but the author explains that a covered bin and dry leaves prevent odors. Therefore, composting is a practical program that saves space in trash cans and supports learning outdoors.

Question: Which evidence from the passage best supports the author’s point that composting reduces cafeteria trash?