Claim 1 What do you think about when you toss a plastic bag into the garbage? If you’re like most people, then you probably do not think about much at all. We don’t think about the fact that plastic bags take centuries to decay. We do not think about how many bags end up in lakes, rivers, and oceans, harming wildlife and even causing death. However, we should think about all this. Better yet, we should do something about it: ban the use of plastic bags. If this happens, then we will all feel better knowing that we are not contributing to pollution and harming wildlife. And besides, plastic bags are not a necessity. Paper bags are an alternative, and so are reusable cloth bags. Claim 2 It seems like we are drowning in plastic bags, but before you decide to ban them, you should remember some of the reasons companies started using plastic back in the 1970s. Before there was plastic, there was paper and cardboard, which are made from trees. So, switching from paper to plastic saved some trees. Plastic also saved people money because it kept food fresher for longer. Also, it is lighter than cardboard or glass, so it was cheaper to ship things wrapped in plastic. Plus, plastic is safer than glass, which tends to break. So, yes, we should be using less plastic, but it does not make sense to ban it until we find a better solution. Which paragraph provides more sound arguments? Why or why not? Write 3-5 sentences supporting your answer.(4 points
Paragraph 1 provides more sound arguments because it addresses the negative environmental impacts of plastic bags and proposes viable alternatives. It mentions the long decay time of plastic bags and the harm they cause to wildlife. It also suggests that banning plastic bags would make people feel better knowing they are not contributing to pollution. Furthermore, it acknowledges that paper and reusable cloth bags are alternative options. In contrast, paragraph 2 focuses on the historical benefits of plastic bags, but fails to address the current environmental issues and alternatives to plastic bags.
