Starting a composting program at our middle school would reduce waste, teach science skills, and support the courtyard garden. Every lunch period, students throw away banana peels, sandwich crusts, and napkins that could become nutrient-rich soil instead of filling trash cans. Composting would also give science classes a hands-on way to study decomposition and ecosystems using temperature logs and weekly observations. Custodians could place a labeled bin near the trash, and a small team could rotate collection duties after school. Plus, worms are like the comedians of dirt, which is kind of hilarious to watch. The finished compost could be mixed into garden beds each spring, saving the club money on soil. With clear roles and simple instructions, we can turn leftovers into learning while making our campus cleaner.

Which sentence should be removed to keep a consistent, formal tone throughout this argument paragraph?

Understanding the water cycle explains how water moves through our environment. Rain pours onto hillsides and streets, rushing into streams and ponds. Later, clouds begin to form when water vapor gathers in cooler air high above. Collected in oceans and lakes, water warms under sunlight and, in the process, tiny molecules escape the surface. Some of that water soaks into the ground to refill aquifers, and some runs off into rivers that carry it back to larger bodies. From there, the sun continues driving the cycle again and again. The water cycle matters because it shapes weather, affects farming, and helps communities manage droughts and floods. Placing its stages in a clear order makes it easier to understand. When stages are jumbled, readers can lose the cause-and-effect chain.

Which revision best improves the organization of this informative paragraph?

I pressed my palms against my jeans to wipe away the sweat as I waited behind the curtain. The auditorium hummed with whispers, and the stage lights bled around the edges of the velvet like sunrise. My piece was only two minutes, but my heart timed it in thunderbeats. Public speaking builds confidence and even improves grades, according to experts. Mrs. Nguyen gave me a nod, and I stepped into the glow, the microphone surprisingly cool under my fingers. I pictured the first line pinned to the top of my mind like a sticky note and let it fall into the air. A girl in the front row smiled, or maybe I imagined it. By the time the last word left my mouth, the humming had quieted, and the silence felt like a held breath about to turn into applause.

Which sentence should be removed to keep a consistent narrative voice?

Many schools debate policies for cell phones in class. Phones can be good or bad, so we should think about it. In my experience, some teachers use phones for quizzes or camera-based lab observations, while others worry about distraction. At our school, the inconsistent rules confuse students and make it harder for teachers to set expectations. Clear, fair guidelines would prevent scrolling during lessons while still letting students use calendars, timers, and research tools when appropriate. In classes that piloted structured phone use, participation increased during polls, and absent peers caught up using shared photos of notes. However, without a clear plan, phones buzz and pull focus, and consequences feel inconsistent. A specific policy sets boundaries and opportunities that everyone can follow. If we update the policy thoughtfully, we can respect learning time and prepare students for responsible technology use.

Which revision best clarifies the thesis for the intended audience of students and teachers?

School lunches are kind of a big deal. Every day, students rush from class to the cafeteria, stand in line, and try to finish eating before the bell. Many throw away half a sandwich or unopened fruit because the time runs out. Teachers also remind us to recycle and make healthy choices, but that is hard when you have to inhale your food. Extending the lunch period by ten minutes would reduce waste, lower stress, and give students a real break. When people have time to eat, they return to class calmer and more focused. Cafeteria staff could serve more efficiently if lines were not so frantic. Some may worry that a longer lunch steals minutes from learning, yet a small adjustment to passing periods could cover the change. A short, thoughtful extension would benefit everyone.

Which revision of the first sentence best clarifies the claim for an academic audience?

(1) Composting at home turns food scraps into soil that can nourish plants and reduce trash. (2) First, choose a container with a lid that fits your space, like a small bin or sturdy bucket. (3) Place the bin in a shady spot near your kitchen so it is easy to reach. (4) Add a layer of dry materials, such as shredded paper or leaves, to start the mix. (5) Before you begin, drill several small air holes in the lid and near the top of the bin. (6) Then add a small handful of food scraps and cover them with more dry material. (7) Finally, stir the contents every few days and keep the mix slightly moist so it breaks down. This simple setup prevents smells and creates rich compost for garden beds or potted plants.

Which revision best improves the organization of this paragraph?

On the morning of the science fair, I rehearsed my introduction while the gym buzzed. I had practiced for weeks, but my hands still trembled as the judges approached my display on water filtration. It was epic and legit awesome. I greeted them, explained my procedure, and answered questions about mistakes I made during early trials. When one judge asked how the design could be improved, I paused, then described a cheaper material I tested the night before. After they left, a younger student asked for advice, and I heard myself speaking calmly, like a coach. As I packed up, I realized the best part wasn't the ribbon; it was learning to trust my voice, steady and sure. The room felt quieter, and so did I.

Which sentence should be removed to keep a consistent, formal tone throughout the narrative?

There are several things to think about when preparing for a hike. Weather can change quickly on a trail, so check the forecast and look at the hourly temperature before you leave. Pack at least one full bottle of water and a small snack, even if the route seems short, because energy drops faster than you expect. Tell a family member or friend where you are going and when you plan to return, especially if you will lose cell service. A simple paper map of the area can help if your phone battery dies. Sturdy shoes and a small first-aid kit are smart additions if the path is rocky. These steps do not take long, but they can prevent a minor problem from becoming an emergency and keep your trip fun.

Which revision of the first sentence best establishes a clear focus and purpose for an informative audience?

Students stumble into first period barely awake, yet our district still begins classes at 7:20 a.m. A recent study found teens need at least eight hours of sleep to focus and retain information. Later start times improve attendance, reduce tardiness, and even decrease car crashes involving teen drivers. To make mornings healthier, the district should push the start to 8:30 a.m. Bus routes can be adjusted by pairing middle and high schools and keeping elementary schedules as they are. Some families worry about after-school sports, but schedules can shift, and daylight practice is still possible. Teachers report that first-period quizzes see the lowest scores of the day. Nearby districts that moved later did not see a drop in test performance or extracurricular participation. It is time to make a change.

Which revision best improves the organization of this paragraph for an argumentative letter to the school board?

Photosynthesis is the process plants use to convert light energy into chemical energy stored as sugars. In chloroplasts, pigments absorb light and start reactions that split water molecules, releasing oxygen. The energy captured helps form glucose from carbon dioxide through a series of enzyme-guided steps. It's like plants throwing a mini pizza party in their leaves, which is pretty awesome if you think about it. The rate of photosynthesis changes with light intensity, temperature, and the availability of water and carbon dioxide. Understanding these factors helps farmers and scientists improve crop yields and manage ecosystems more effectively. Measuring oxygen output or changes in mass can provide evidence that photosynthesis is occurring. Researchers use controlled experiments to isolate variables, such as keeping temperature steady while adjusting light levels, so they can analyze how each factor influences the process.

Which sentence should be removed to keep a consistent formal tone for an informative science article?