7.1 Textual Evidence and Inference Worksheet

(1) A cultural studies article examined efforts to revive an endangered language through a smartphone app. (2) The article reports that the app includes short lessons and recordings from fluent elders. (3) It also notes that early downloads were high, especially among teens who rarely attended in-person classes. (4) However, the article explains that language use grows fastest when learners can practice in real conversations, not only through quizzes. (5) A teacher quoted says the app helped students learn pronunciation, but confidence rose when community events offered low-pressure speaking circles. (6) The article reports that some elders worried recordings could replace face-to-face teaching and reduce respect for traditions. (7) In response, the app team added prompts that require users to interview a family member and upload a spoken story. (8) The author concludes that technology can support revival, but only when it strengthens relationships between learners and speakers.

(1) A science report described efforts to reduce light pollution near an observatory. (2) The report explains that bright city lights can wash out faint starlight, making some observations impossible. (3) It notes that the town replaced some streetlights with shielded fixtures that point light downward. (4) The report also states that businesses agreed to turn off large signs after midnight. (5) However, the report reports that tourist areas resisted changes because they feared streets would feel less lively. (6) A compromise described involved using warmer-colored bulbs that reduce sky glow while keeping sidewalks bright. (7) The report concludes that protecting dark skies requires cooperation and design choices, not just strict bans. (8) It suggests that science and community needs can align when solutions are flexible.

(1) An article about journalism ethics discussed anonymous sources. (2) The article reports that anonymous sources can reveal wrongdoing when speaking openly would risk their jobs. (3) However, it also notes that anonymity makes it harder for readers to judge a source's motives. (4) A newsroom policy described requires editors to know the source's identity and to seek documents that confirm the claims. (5) The article states that stories based only on unnamed voices are more likely to contain errors. (6) A media critic quoted argues that overuse of anonymity can weaken trust even when a story is true. (7) The author concludes that anonymity should be rare and supported by strong verification. (8) The article recommends telling readers why a source was granted anonymity and what evidence was checked.