Read the essay. Then answer: How does the author use examples to support their argument?
Paragraph 1: Students should pack lunch sometimes instead of buying it daily. Packing lunch can save money and reduce food waste. It also allows students to choose healthier foods.
Paragraph 2: When I pack lunch, I bring a reusable bottle and container. I do not throw away a plastic fork or wrapper. By Friday, my trash is much smaller than usual.
Paragraph 3: Packing lunch also helps my budget. A sandwich from home costs less than cafeteria pizza. I can save the extra money for a book or a gift.
Paragraph 4: Finally, I can add fruits and vegetables I enjoy. I include apple slices and carrots with hummus. These choices keep me full through afternoon classes.
- They give real situations showing less waste, lower cost, and healthier choices. (correct answer)
- They list many famous chefs who prefer homemade meals.
- They describe a lunch contest to prove packing is more fun.
- They explain how to cook pizza in a school kitchen.
Explanation: This question tests ISEE Lower Level skills: Using supporting details and examples to develop ideas. Supporting details enhance the main idea by providing evidence, examples, and elaborations that clarify and strengthen the argument. In this passage, the author uses examples such as reducing waste with reusable containers, saving money on sandwiches, and choosing healthy foods to illustrate the benefits of packing lunch. Choice A is correct because it directly identifies how the example supports the main idea, showing comprehension of the passage's structure - it accurately summarizes how each paragraph provides concrete examples for the three main benefits. Choice B is incorrect because famous chefs aren't mentioned; Choice C introduces a contest not in the passage; Choice D misrepresents the content. To help students: Teach them to identify key examples and details that align directly with the thesis. Encourage practice in summarizing paragraphs to understand detail relevance.