Schools should adopt a phone-free school day because constant notifications pull students' attention away from learning. When teachers ask for phones to be put away, many of us stash them, but vibrations and glances still interrupt lessons. A research review from a state university found that even short distractions can cause students to miss key steps in solving problems. Several Texas districts that tried phone-lock pouches reported fewer classroom disruptions and higher participation. The change isn't about punishment; it's about creating a shared zone of focus so everyone can hear directions, try hard problems, and participate without the itch to check a screen. Some people argue that phones are needed for safety or for checking schedules. Those needs are real, but schools can set clear times and places for phone use—like before school, at lunch, and after the last bell—while keeping classrooms and hallways focused on learning. A phone-free day would also reduce hallway bottlenecks caused by students walking while scrolling. Most importantly, it sends one message: during school hours, your brain deserves your full attention.

Which statement best expresses the author's central claim?

To conserve water during Texas's long, dry summers, our town should replace thirsty lawns at schools and parks with native landscaping. Native grasses and wildflowers are adapted to our climate; they survive on natural rainfall once established, while short turf lawns demand frequent sprinkling. City records show irrigation is one of the largest uses of municipal water, and during drought restrictions, fields turn brown anyway. By switching to native beds with mulch and shaded seating, we could cut watering costs, reduce runoff, and provide habitat for pollinators students can observe in science classes. Some worry these areas will look messy or attract pests, but well-planned native gardens use borders and paths to stay tidy and safe. Maintenance crews already mow and edge; they can learn to manage seasonal trimming instead, which several Central Texas towns have done successfully. This change doesn't eliminate play space; we can keep well-used athletic fields while converting ornamental strips and entrances. Choosing plants that belong here is a practical step that protects our water supply without sacrificing beauty or learning.

What is the author's central claim in this passage?

Teachers should provide offline options for assignments so every student can complete work fairly. Many classes now rely on apps and websites that assume high-speed Wi‑Fi and personal devices. But some families share one phone, and rural connections can drop or run out of data at the end of the month. When homework depends on a signal, grades start to measure internet access instead of effort. Offering printable packets, downloadable files that open without logins, and due dates that allow library time keeps the focus on learning. Research on note-taking and practice shows that the brain benefits from writing and reviewing on paper as well as on screens, so offline choices don't lower academic quality. Some people say digital tools make feedback faster, and that's true; teachers can still post videos or quizzes. The point is that students need a path to finish work even when the router is down. If we design assignments for both online and offline completion, we include everyone.

Which option states the author's main claim?

Our district should move middle school start times later in the morning to match how adolescents sleep and learn. Doctors explain that around puberty, the body's internal clock shifts, making it harder to fall asleep early and harder to wake up at dawn. When schools start before sunrise, students arrive groggy, miss breakfast, and struggle to remember material. Districts that delayed the bell by even 30 minutes reported better attendance, fewer tardies, and improved grades in core subjects. A later start doesn't have to cancel activities; schools can adjust bus routes and slightly compress passing periods, and teams can practice a bit later under lights as they already do for evening games. Some worry about childcare or after-school jobs, so any change should come with community input and a phase-in period. But the essential point remains: learning improves when students are awake. If our schedule honored teen sleep patterns, we would have safer commutes, clearer thinking in first period, and more energy for clubs and homework.

What is the author's central claim?