Multiple Genres: Analyzing Organizational Patterns In Informational Texts Including Definition Classification Advantage And Disadvantage (TEKS.ELA.6.8.D.iii) Practice Test

Composting is the process of turning food scraps and yard waste into a soil-like material called compost. It is defined as a natural way to recycle organic matter using air, moisture, and tiny organisms. In composting, materials such as fruit peels, coffee grounds, and dry leaves break down over time. The result is dark, crumbly compost that smells earthy and enriches gardens. A good compost pile includes green items that provide nitrogen and brown items that provide carbon. Greens include vegetable trimmings and grass clippings, while browns include twigs and shredded paper. Items like plastic, meat, and oils are not part of composting because they do not break down well or can cause odors. For compost to form, the pile needs to be turned to add air and kept damp like a wrung-out sponge. Composting helps reduce trash, returns nutrients to the soil, and supports healthy plant growth. In short, composting means transforming waste into useful soil through controlled decay.

Renewable energy can be grouped into several categories, and each type works in a different way. Solar energy captures sunlight with panels and turns it into electricity or heat. Wind energy uses tall turbines with blades that spin to power generators. Hydropower relies on moving water in rivers or dams to drive turbines. These types share a common feature: they draw power from sources that are naturally replenished. However, each category has its own tools and settings. Solar panels need clear access to the sun. Wind turbines perform best in open, breezy areas. Hydropower requires flowing water and careful control of dams or channels. Some communities combine types to meet their needs, using rooftop solar alongside local wind farms. By organizing renewable energy into categories and describing what belongs in each, we can compare options and choose the best mix for a region's climate and resources.