2019 MCAS
Grade 10 English Language Arts
Question 18
Idea Development - Score Point 5
The letter is fully developed and presents a strong argument. Skillfully selected details from both excerpts support a convincing position in favor of strong action to address the environmental problems posed by improper disposal of plastics and unwanted electronics. The introduction emphasizes the seriousness of the problem—begging the question "But where does this trash go?"—and goes on to state a strong central idea: "Issues regarding plastic and e-waste need to be addressed immediately, or else the accumulation of both will soon reach a point where it cannot be reversed." The body paragraphs insightfully present relevant evidence from the excerpts with the writer's commentary, including argumentative points: "the accumulation of plastic is leading to a large, irreversible conclusion" and "[e]-waste is something that needs to be addressed to the public eye in order for change to happen." Idea development follows a logical pattern in this four-paragraph letter, focusing first on one topic and then on the next, and the reader is made aware that plastic debris in the oceans and toxins from electronics are problems that must be reversed. Solutions are mentioned in the conclusion and form part of a general argument that the U.S. could "do even more" than Europe and Japan in addressing the problem. This appeal is strong, as it is supported by text-based facts. The letter ends with a thought-provoking question, "How much could we throw away and not take care of before it is too late?" The writer demonstrates full awareness of the task and the argumentative mode of writing.
Standard English Conventions - Score Point 3
The writing exhibits consistent control of grammar, usage, and mechanics. Complex sentence structures support a smooth and logical flow of ideas: "Also, electronic waste is a major problem in today's world, where all sorts of electronics are used, from microwaves, televisions, cell phones, and more." The writer demonstrates purposeful use of varied sentence forms, as in the first three sentences of the introduction, and correctly uses advanced vocabulary.
![Answer for Idea Development Score Point 5, and Standard English Conventions Score Point 3
The letter is fully developed and presents a strong argument. Skillfully selected details from both excerpts support a convincing position in favor of strong action to address the environmental problems posed by improper disposal of plastics and unwanted electronics. The introduction emphasizes the seriousness of the problem—begging the question "But where does this trash go?"—and goes on to state a strong central idea: "Issues regarding plastic and e-waste need to be addressed immediately, or else the accumulation of both will soon reach a point where it cannot be reversed." The body paragraphs insightfully present relevant evidence from the excerpts with the writer's commentary, including argumentative points: "the accumulation of plastic is leading to a large, irreversible conclusion" and "[e]-waste is something that needs to be addressed to the public eye in order for change to happen." Idea development follows a logical pattern in this four-paragraph letter, focusing first on one topic and then on the next, and the reader is made aware that plastic debris in the oceans and toxins from electronics are problems that must be reversed. Solutions are mentioned in the conclusion and form part of a general argument that the U.S. could "do even more" than Europe and Japan in addressing the problem. This appeal is strong, as it is supported by text-based facts. The letter ends with a thought-provoking question, "How much could we throw away and not take care of before it is too late?" The writer demonstrates full awareness of the task and the argumentative mode of writing.](/mcas/student/2019/19r10e18-5b.gif)
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