Analyze Author's Point of View Practice Test

Read the passage and answer the question.

Our cafeteria is testing “Meatless Mondays.” Critics claim it’s an attempt to control what students eat and that vegetarian meals won’t be filling. But no one is taking away choice for the rest of the week, and a well-planned bean-and-rice bowl can be just as satisfying as a burger. The real issue is that our current menu relies on the same few meats again and again. One meatless day encourages variety and can lower costs without forcing anyone to become vegetarian.

How does the author distinguish their position from the critics’ position?

Read the passage and answer the question.

Some people in our neighborhood want to replace the empty lot on Maple Street with a parking area. They say it would make weekends easier and bring more shoppers to nearby stores. I understand the frustration of circling for a spot, but turning every open space into asphalt is short-sighted. A small park with trees, benches, and a safe path would give kids a place to play and older residents a place to walk—without needing to buy anything. Critics call parks “nice but unnecessary,” yet they ignore the costs of heat and flooding that come with more pavement. Trees cool the area and absorb rainwater, which matters more each year. If we want a community that feels livable, we should invest in green space, even if it means walking an extra block.

How does the author distinguish their position from the viewpoint of people who support building a parking area?