Building on Others in Discussions

Question 1

Read the excerpt from a group discussion about recycling: Speaker A: "Recycling reduces waste in landfills and saves space." Speaker B: "It also saves energy because making new products uses more energy than reusing materials." Speaker C: "And recycling helps protect the environment by reducing pollution." Which statement best summarizes the main points made by the group?

Accepted Answer

Recycling reduces landfill waste, saves energy, and protects the environment by decreasing pollution.

Answer

Recycling helps protect wildlife by providing habitats.

Answer

Recycling only reduces waste in landfills.

Answer

Recycling saves energy but does not affect pollution.

Question 2

Read the excerpt from a group discussion about recycling: Alex: "When we recycle paper and plastic, we use fewer trees and less raw material, which conserves natural resources." Jordan: "Recycling also cuts down on the amount of trash that ends up in landfills, so it reduces pollution." Taylor: "And because making products from recycled materials takes less energy than making them from new materials, recycling saves energy." Which of the following statements best summarizes the main points made by the group?

Accepted Answer

The group agreed that recycling helps conserve natural resources, reduces pollution, and saves energy.

Answer

The group said recycling mainly saves energy by using fewer machines.

Answer

They concluded that recycling is important because it creates jobs and makes the Earth greener.

Answer

The discussion highlighted that recycling reduces waste but does not affect pollution.

Question 3

During a small‑group discussion about the main problem in the story "The Treasure Hunt," which of the following responses best shows that a student is engaging effectively according to the standard?

Accepted Answer

He listens to his partner’s explanation, then adds a supporting detail that connects to the partner’s idea.

Answer

She waits until the discussion is over and then writes her own summary without mentioning anyone else’s ideas.

Answer

She changes the conversation to talk about her weekend plans instead of the story.

Answer

He interrupts his teammate to point out a mistake in the spelling of a word.

Try three questions

During a small‑group discussion about the main problem in the story "The Treasure Hunt," which of the following responses best shows that a student is engaging effectively according to the standard?

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