2019 MCAS
Grade 10 English Language Arts
Question 18

This six-paragraph letter uses tools of argumentative writing effectively, and its central idea is insightful and fully developed. In the introduction, a strong appeal to the intended audience emphasizes the problem of plastic and electronic waste: "I am writing to you about an issue that . . . should be very important to all of us. I refer to the hazardous and toxic manifestation of plastic and electronic waste that is destroying our environment and threatens the very planet we live on." The fact that "modernized society has grown accustomed to disposability, to throwing things away" is stressed in the first body paragraph and supported with evidence from both excerpts throughout the letter. The writer uses effective rhetorical questions to express the idea that government officials must act: "This extreme increase in waste, especially waste that is being improperly disposed of, is clearly a large problem for our environment, . . . so why is nobody addressing it?" Relevant, text-based information is skillfully balanced with effective commentary throughout, sustaining the message that such hazards must be eliminated. The responsibility to act is clearly placed with the United States as the efforts of other countries are cited to support the argument that "it is blatantly inexcusable for the U.S. to be lazing about over issues that pose a threat to the health of the environment and its own citizens." The effective conclusion again highlights the writer's understanding of the intended audience and purpose for writing. Skillful expansion of details from both excerpts, coupled with strong, argumentative rhetoric, demonstrates full awareness of the task and mode.

The writer employs a variety of sentence structures to form a coherent flow of ideas, including this complex sentence: "This extreme increase in waste, especially waste that is being improperly disposed of, is clearly a large problem for our environment, our society, and for our planet as a whole, so why is nobody addressing it?" Sentences are correct in form, and the grammar, usage, and mechanics demonstrate consistent control. Advanced vocabulary and various types of clauses are used correctly.