myPerspectives

Grade 7 Unit 2

Mars Can Wait. Oceans Can’t.

Amitai Etzioni

Synonyms

Claim and Supporting Evidence

Diction and Tone

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Synonyms

1. When you want to replace a word with a synonym for it, you need to
think carefully about the synonym because it may

A have too many syllables.

B have a different word origin.

C suggest a shade of meaning you do not want.

D all of the above

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Synonyms

2. Read the sentences from “Mars Can Wait. Oceans Can’t.”

The oceans play a major role in controlling our climate. But we have not
learned yet how to use them to cool us off rather than contribute to our
overheating.

Which is the best synonym for the word contribute in the quotation?

A add

B share

C supply

D donate

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Synonyms

3. Read the following passage from a persuasive essay.

It is important to at least try to be kind. Think before you speak! Before

criticizing someone’s new haircut or outfit, it is a good idea to ask yourself,
“How would I feel if a classmate said that to me?” People’s feelings are often
fragile, and it is easy to hurt them.

Which is the best synonym for the word fragile in the passage?

A flimsy

B dainty

C delicate

D breakable

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Claim and Supporting Evidence

1. Which of the following is most necessary in an effective persuasive

essay?

A formal diction

B supporting evidence

C charts, graphs, and tables

D a topic familiar to the audience

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Claim and Supporting Evidence

2. Read the following statement from “Mars Can Wait. Oceans Can’t.”

British astronomer royal Martin Rees writes, “I think that the practical case
(for manned flights) gets weaker and weaker with every advance in robotics
and miniaturization. It’s hard to see any particular reason or purpose in going
back to the moon or indeed sending people into space at all.”

In persuasive writing, which should follow a statement like this?

A an anecdote

B an appeal to the audience to ignore such a statement

C reasons and evidence that support or disprove the statement

D a question asking the audience if they agree with the statement

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Claim and Supporting Evidence

3. Read the following passage from a persuasive essay.

Every single driver or passenger should use a seat belt. I have heard people
say that seat belts are “too much trouble.” It takes less than five seconds to
put on a seat belt. That can’t be too much trouble when it could save your
life. If used correctly, a seat belt reduces the risk of death by almost 50%.

Which characteristic of a persuasive essay does the passage include?

A strong reasons

B a claim

C supporting evidence

D all of the above

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Diction and Tone

1. What is another term for diction in writing?

A word choice

B coherence

C sentence structure

D tone

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Diction and Tone

2. Read the following sentence from “Mars Can Wait. Oceans Can’t.”

By 2025, 1.8 billion people are expected to suffer from severe water scarcity,
with that number jumping to 3.9 billion by 2050—well over a third of the entire
global population.

What is the tone of this sentence?

A angry

B concerned

C determined

D enthusiastic

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Diction and Tone

3. Read the following passage from a persuasive essay.

We must address the problem of litter. It is unsightly, which is a concern, but

research has shown that it also leads to serious crimes. The presence of
litter suggests that local residents do not care, and people assume that any
behavior will be tolerated. That’s a big deal. I’m sick of litter and lazy slobs
who do it.

What is the major problem with this passage?

A The diction is too formal and creates a stuffy tone.
B The diction is inconsistent and creates a confused tone.
C The diction is technical and the tone is not objective.
D The diction does not match the tone.

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modifications made by end users to the content posted in its original format.