Analyzing Informational Texts: Mastery Test
Funding the Arts
Over the past few years there has been a steady erosion of available funds for arts programs
within public schools. Music in particular has been hit hard. Perhaps parents and school officials
feel music programs are more of an accessory than anything else. However, these programs
provide valuable resources for students.
First, numerous studies have been done showing that prolonged enrollment in music
programs improves grades for students. Other studies show that playing an instrument improves
critical thinking and socializing skills. Also, data is available that shows that students who play a
musical instrument for an extended period of time are twice as likely to attend and graduate from
college as non-musical students. Critics argue that music programs are overly expensive, but this
is just not true. Although the cost of starting a music program from scratch can be expensive, over
time this cost drops dramatically. Also, if schools sell tickets for seasonal concerts, music
programs can actually bring in a profit.
Therefore, because music programs improve student grades, enhance critical-thinking skills,
increase college graduation rates, and remain relatively inexpensive, we should not cut music
from our schools.
2
Select the correct answer from the drop-down menu.
How does the second paragraph develop the author's thesis?
It
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