CAASPP Grade 6 ELA
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Last updated about 1 month ago
33 questions
Read the text and answer questions 1–8.
Eureka!
by James Baldwin
There was once a king of Syracuse whose name was Hiero. The country over which he ruled was quite small, but for that very reason he wanted to wear the biggest crown in the world. So he called in a famous goldsmith, who was skillful in all kinds of fine work, and gave him ten pounds of pure gold.
“Take this,” he said, “and fashion it into a crown that shall make every other king want it for his own. Be sure that you put into it every grain of the gold I give you, and do not mix any other metal with it.”
“It shall be as you wish,” said the goldsmith. “Here I receive from you ten pounds of pure gold; within ninety days I will return to you the finished crown which shall be of exactly the same weight.”
Ninety days later, true to his word, the goldsmith brought the crown. It was a beautiful piece of work, and all who saw it said that it had not its equal in the world. When King Hiero put it on his head it felt very uncomfortable, but he did not mind that—he was sure that no other king had so fine a headpiece. After he had admired it from this side and from that, he weighed it on his own scales. It was exactly as heavy as he had ordered.
“You deserve great praise,” he said to the goldsmith. “You have wrought very skillfully and you have not lost a grain of my gold.”
There was in the king’s court a very wise man whose name was Archimedes. When he was called in to admire the king’s crown he turned it over many times and examined it very closely.
“Well, what do you think of it?” asked Hiero.
“The workmanship is indeed very beautiful,” answered Archimedes, “but—but the gold—”
“The gold is all there,” cried the king. “I weighed it on my own scales.”
“True,” said Archimedes, “but it does not appear to have the same rich red color that it had in the lump. It is not red at all, but a brilliant yellow, as you can plainly see.”
“Most gold is yellow,” said Hiero; “but now that you speak of it I do remember that when this was in the lump it had a much richer color.”
“What if the goldsmith has kept out a pound or two of the gold and made up the weight by adding brass or silver?” asked Archimedes.
“Oh, he could not do that,” said Hiero; “the gold has merely changed its color in the working.” But the more he thought of the matter the less pleased he was with the crown. At last he said to Archimedes, “Is there any way to find out whether that goldsmith really cheated me, or whether he honestly gave me back my gold?”
“I know of no way,” was the answer.
But Archimedes was not the man to say that anything was impossible. He took great delight in working out hard problems, and when any question puzzled him he would keep studying until he found some sort of answer to it. And so, day after day, he thought about the gold and tried to find some way by which it could be tested without doing harm to the crown.
One morning he was thinking of this question while he was getting ready for a bath. The great bowl or tub was full to the very edge, and as he stepped into it a quantity of water flowed out upon the stone floor. A similar thing had happened a hundred times before, but this was the first time that Archimedes had thought about it.
“How much water did I displace by getting into the tub?” he asked himself. “Anybody can see that I displaced a bulk of water equal to the bulk of my body. A man half my size would displace half as much.”
“Now suppose, instead of putting myself into the tub, I had put Hiero’s crown into it, it would have displaced a bulk of water equal to its own bulk. All, let me see! Gold is much heavier than silver. Ten pounds of pure gold will not make so great a bulk as say seven pounds of gold mixed with three pounds of silver. If Hiero’s crown is pure gold it will displace the same bulk of water as any other ten pounds of pure gold. But if it is part gold and part silver it will displace a larger bulk. I have it at last! Eureka! Eureka!”
Forgetful of everything else he leaped from the bath. He ran through the streets to the king’s palace shouting, “Eureka! Eureka! Eureka!” which in English means, “I have found it! I have found it! I have found it!”
The crown was tested. It was found to displace much more water than ten pounds of pure gold displaced. The guilt of the goldsmith was proved beyond a doubt. But whether he was punished or not, I do not know, neither does it matter.
The simple discovery which Archimedes made was worth far more to the world than Hiero’s crown.
“Eureka!” by James Baldwin, from Thirty More Famous Stories Retold. In the public domain.
Required
1
Click on the two sentences that best support the conclusion that Archimedes is very observant.
Click on the two sentences that best support the conclusion that Archimedes is very observant.
Required
1
Which sentence best summarizes a central idea of the text?
Which sentence best summarizes a central idea of the text?
Required
1
Read the sentence from the text.
"Anybody can see that I displaced a bulk of water equal to the bulk of my body.
What does the word bulk most likely mean?
Read the sentence from the text.
"Anybody can see that I displaced a bulk of water equal to the bulk of my body.
What does the word bulk most likely mean?
Required
2
Summarize what happens after Archimedes sees his bath water overflowing. Use key events from the text to support your summary.
Summarize what happens after Archimedes sees his bath water overflowing. Use key events from the text to support your summary.
Required
1
Which statement is most accurate about both the goldsmith and Archimedes?
Which statement is most accurate about both the goldsmith and Archimedes?
Required
1
What effect does the conversation between Archimedes and the king have on the reader's understanding of the events in the plot?
What effect does the conversation between Archimedes and the king have on the reader's understanding of the events in the plot?
Required
2
What conclusion can be drawn about the character of Archimedes? Support your answer with details from the text.
What conclusion can be drawn about the character of Archimedes? Support your answer with details from the text.
Required
1
Read the sentence from the text.
"He ran through the streets to the king's palace shouting, 'Eureka! Eureka! Eureka!' which in English means, 'I have found it! I have found it! I have found it!'"
What effect does the author create by repeating the word "Eureka"?
Read the sentence from the text.
"He ran through the streets to the king's palace shouting, 'Eureka! Eureka! Eureka!' which in English means, 'I have found it! I have found it! I have found it!'"
What effect does the author create by repeating the word "Eureka"?
Read the text and answer questions 9–16.
What Is a Spacesuit?
by David Hitt
A spacesuit is much more than a set of clothes astronauts wear on spacewalks. A fully equipped spacesuit is really a one-person spacecraft. The formal name for the spacesuit used on the space shuttle and International Space Station is the Extravehicular Mobility Unit, or EMU. "Extravehicular" means outside of the vehicle or spacecraft. "Mobility" means that the astronaut can move around in the suit. The spacesuit protects the astronaut from the dangers of being outside in space.
Why Do Astronauts Need Spacesuits?
Spacesuits help astronauts in several ways. Spacewalking astronauts face a wide variety of temperatures. In Earth's orbit, conditions can be as cold as minus 250 degrees Fahrenheit. In the sunlight, they can be as hot as 250 degrees. A spacesuit protects astronauts from those extreme temperatures.
Spacesuits also supply astronauts with oxygen to breathe while they are in the vacuum of space. They contain water to drink during spacewalks. They protect astronauts from being injured from impacts of small bits of space dust. Space dust may not sound very dangerous, but when even a tiny object is moving many times faster than a bullet, it can cause injury. Spacesuits also protect astronauts from radiation in space. The suits even have visors to protect astronauts' eyes from the bright sunlight.
What Are the Parts of a Spacesuit?
The spacesuit consists of several pieces. The Hard Upper Torso covers the astronaut's chest. The arm assembly covers the arms and connects to the gloves. The helmet and Extravehicular Visor Assembly are designed to protect the astronaut's head while still allowing him or her to see as much as possible. The Lower Torso Assembly covers the astronaut's legs and feet. The flexible parts of the suit are made from several layers of material. The layers perform different functions, from keeping oxygen within the spacesuit to protecting from space dust impacts.
Underneath the spacesuit, astronauts wear a Liquid Cooling and Ventilation Garment. Tubes are woven into this tight-fitting piece of clothing that covers the entire body except for the head, hands and feet. Water flows through these tubes to keep the astronaut cool during the spacewalk.
On the back of the spacesuit is a backpack called the Primary Life Support Subsystem. This backpack contains the oxygen that astronauts breathe during a spacewalk. It also removes carbon dioxide that astronauts exhale. The backpack also provides electricity for the suit. A fan moves the oxygen through the spacesuit and life support systems, and a water tank holds the cooling water that flows through the Liquid Cooling and Ventilation Garment.
Also attached to the back of the suit is a device called the Simplified Aid for Extravehicular Activity Rescue, or SAFER. SAFER has several small thruster jets. If an astronaut became separated from the space station, he or she could use SAFER to fly back.
What Other Spacesuits Have Astronauts Worn?
NASA's first spacesuits were developed for the Mercury program. Mercury was the first time NASA astronauts flew into space. These simple suits were based on pressure suits worn by U.S. Navy pilots. Astronauts did not go on spacewalks then. The Mercury suits were worn only inside the spacecraft.
NASA's first spacewalks took place during the Gemini program. The suits used for Gemini were more advanced than the Mercury suits. But the Gemini suits were simpler than today's spacesuits. These suits did not contain their own life support. Instead, they connected to life support systems on the Gemini spacecraft with a cord called the umbilical.
Spacesuits designed for the Apollo program had to do things the first suits did not. These spacesuits had to protect astronauts walking on the moon. Unlike the other suits, the Apollo suits had boots made to walk on a rocky surface. The Apollo suits also contained a life support system, similar to the Portable Life Support Subsystem on the current suit. Having a life support system on the spacesuit allowed the astronauts to explore away from the lunar lander. Spacesuits similar to the Apollo suits were used on the Skylab space station. Like the Gemini suits, the Skylab suits connected to life support systems on the spacecraft via an umbilical.
What Spacesuits Are Worn Today?
In addition to the EMU, NASA astronauts wear other suits today. The Advanced Crew Escape Suit is the orange suit that astronauts wear during launch and landing of the space shuttle. This suit cannot be worn during spacewalks. Sometimes, NASA astronauts will wear the Russian Orlan spacesuit. This suit is the Russian version of the EMU and is used for spacewalks. Another Russian suit is the Sokol. Like the Advanced Crew Escape Suit, the Sokol is designed only to be used inside a spacecraft. It is used on the Russian Soyuz spacecraft.
“What is a Spacesuit?” by David Hitt, from nasa.gov. © 2008 by NASA Education. In the public domain.
Required
1
Select the two sentences from the text that best support the inference that extra-vehicular space exploration would not have been possible without spacesuits.
Select the two sentences from the text that best support the inference that extra-vehicular space exploration would not have been possible without spacesuits.
Required
1
Which sentence best summarizes the central idea of the text?
Which sentence best summarizes the central idea of the text?
Required
1
This question has two parts. First, answer part A. Then, answer part B.
Part AWhat is most likely the author's intent by mentioning "A spacesuit is much more than a set of clothes astronauts wear on spacewalks" at the beginning of the text?
This question has two parts. First, answer part A. Then, answer part B.
Part A
What is most likely the author's intent by mentioning "A spacesuit is much more than a set of clothes astronauts wear on spacewalks" at the beginning of the text?
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1
Part BWhich sentence from the text best illustrates the conclusion made in part A?
Part B
Which sentence from the text best illustrates the conclusion made in part A?
Required
2
Read the paragraph from the text and the directions that follow.
Spacesuits also supply astronauts with oxygen to breathe while they are in the vacuum of space. They contain water to drink during spacewalks. They protect astronauts from being injured from impacts of small bits of space dust.Space dust may not sound very dangerous, but when even a tiny object is moving many times faster than a bullet, it can cause injury. Spacesuits also protect astronauts from radiation in space. The suits even have visors to protect astronauts' eyes from the bright sunlight.
What is the author's central idea in this paragraph? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.
Read the paragraph from the text and the directions that follow.
Spacesuits also supply astronauts with oxygen to breathe while they are in the vacuum of space. They contain water to drink during spacewalks. They protect astronauts from being injured from impacts of small bits of space dust.
Space dust may not sound very dangerous, but when even a tiny object is moving many times faster than a bullet, it can cause injury. Spacesuits also protect astronauts from radiation in space. The suits even have visors to protect astronauts' eyes from the bright sunlight.
What is the author's central idea in this paragraph? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.
Required
1
This question has two parts. First, answer part A. Then, answer part B.
Part AWhich of these inferences about the author's purpose is supported by the text?
This question has two parts. First, answer part A. Then, answer part B.
Part A
Which of these inferences about the author's purpose is supported by the text?
Required
1
Part BWhich sentence from the text best supports your answer in part A?
Part B
Which sentence from the text best supports your answer in part A?
Required
2
What conclusion can be drawn about the author's relevance of evidence regarding spacesuits? Support your answer with evidence from the text.
What conclusion can be drawn about the author's relevance of evidence regarding spacesuits? Support your answer with evidence from the text.
Required
1
A student is writing a letter for his teacher about using technology for class projects. The student wants to revise the draft to include a conclusion. Read the draft of the letter and complete the task that follows.
Dear Mr. Marek,
I feel strongly that projects assigned in science class should include technology. Requiring students to use technology will help us acquire the skills we need. For example, I know that our next topic is going to be "survival." A possible project would be an Internet-based activity. We could begin our study with technology by researching the exploration of Antarctica. This continent features towering icebergs and huge humpback whales. We could read amazing stories from early scientists and explorers and even connect to real-world experts. We could also link to various websites to study weather and landforms.Using our technology tools, we could gather information to show life within a scientific research station in Antarctica.
Revise the student's paragraph on using technology for class projects. Choose the sentence that would make the best conclusion for the paragraph.
A student is writing a letter for his teacher about using technology for class projects. The student wants to revise the draft to include a conclusion. Read the draft of the letter and complete the task that follows.
Dear Mr. Marek,
I feel strongly that projects assigned in science class should include technology. Requiring students to use technology will help us acquire the skills we need. For example, I know that our next topic is going to be "survival." A possible project would be an Internet-based activity. We could begin our study with technology by researching the exploration of Antarctica. This continent features towering icebergs and huge humpback whales. We could read amazing stories from early scientists and explorers and even connect to real-world experts. We could also link to various websites to study weather and landforms.
Using our technology tools, we could gather information to show life within a scientific research station in Antarctica.
Revise the student's paragraph on using technology for class projects. Choose the sentence that would make the best conclusion for the paragraph.
Required
1
A student is revising an informational paragraph from a peer's science notebook. Read the draft of the paragraph and complete the task that follows.
My partner and I wondered what would happen to the speed of a model car. I was curious about the speed of roller coasters too because I think they will go slower on wood tracks. We wondered if we put the car on different surfaces, what would happen to the speed of the car. I predicted that the speed of the car would be slower on carpet than on cardboard. We used the same weight on the car for each test and we measured how long it took the car to travel six feet using a stopwatch. We wrote the time for each test in a data table to keep track of our work and we did the test five times on cardboard and five times on carpet. We figured out the average speed of all five trials. We did five tests and my prediction was right. The average speed on the carpet was 2.3 seconds slower than the tests we did on the cardboard.
Choose the sentence that is distracting or does not maintain the focus of the paragraph.
A student is revising an informational paragraph from a peer's science notebook. Read the draft of the paragraph and complete the task that follows.
My partner and I wondered what would happen to the speed of a model car. I was curious about the speed of roller coasters too because I think they will go slower on wood tracks. We wondered if we put the car on different surfaces, what would happen to the speed of the car. I predicted that the speed of the car would be slower on carpet than on cardboard. We used the same weight on the car for each test and we measured how long it took the car to travel six feet using a stopwatch. We wrote the time for each test in a data table to keep track of our work and we did the test five times on cardboard and five times on carpet. We figured out the average speed of all five trials. We did five tests and my prediction was right. The average speed on the carpet was 2.3 seconds slower than the tests we did on the cardboard.
Choose the sentence that is distracting or does not maintain the focus of the paragraph.
Required
2
A student is writing a narrative for class about a boy helping his mother. Read the draft paragraphs from the narrative and complete the task that follows.
Andy stirred the large pot of soup, watching as orange carrots and white potatoes bubbled in the broth. He and his mom had spent the morning cutting and dicing onions, celery, and green beans. After they added the spices, a wonderful aroma filled the kitchen, but Andy had other things on his mind.
As he watched the steam escape from the pot, Andy imagined his friends playing in the park. Everyone's having fun but me, he thought to himself. If I'm lucky, we can start another game of touch football after lunch.
"Andy," his mother said, interrupting his thoughts, "thank you for helping out. I know this is not how you wanted to spend your Saturday morning. Everything has been so difficult since I broke my wrist, but you have made things much better."
Write an introduction to the narrative that sets up the action to come. Type your answer in the space provided.
A student is writing a narrative for class about a boy helping his mother. Read the draft paragraphs from the narrative and complete the task that follows.
Andy stirred the large pot of soup, watching as orange carrots and white potatoes bubbled in the broth. He and his mom had spent the morning cutting and dicing onions, celery, and green beans. After they added the spices, a wonderful aroma filled the kitchen, but Andy had other things on his mind.
As he watched the steam escape from the pot, Andy imagined his friends playing in the park. Everyone's having fun but me, he thought to himself. If I'm lucky, we can start another game of touch football after lunch.
"Andy," his mother said, interrupting his thoughts, "thank you for helping out. I know this is not how you wanted to spend your Saturday morning. Everything has been so difficult since I broke my wrist, but you have made things much better."
Write an introduction to the narrative that sets up the action to come. Type your answer in the space provided.
Required
1
A student is writing an article for her student newspaper about a new club at her school. Read the draft of the article and complete the task that follows.
It's Thursday afternoon, and Mrs. Martinez's room is buzzing with excitement. The students who have formed the robotics club are meeting for the first time. "I've been hoping to be in a club like this for a long time," Jose Torres says. "It feels good to be around people who have the same interests as me." Many students nod in agreement with Jose Torres; they all seem to feel the same way.
The meeting opens with Mrs. Martinez showing pictures of different robots. Students discuss the idea of each robot, the things it performs, and the mechanics involved in making it. The discussion is very interesting. After being a part of the meeting, this reporter wants to join the club!
Read the underlined sentence from the paragraph. Choose two words that would be more precise to replace the words "idea" and "things" in the sentence.
A student is writing an article for her student newspaper about a new club at her school. Read the draft of the article and complete the task that follows.
It's Thursday afternoon, and Mrs. Martinez's room is buzzing with excitement. The students who have formed the robotics club are meeting for the first time. "I've been hoping to be in a club like this for a long time," Jose Torres says. "It feels good to be around people who have the same interests as me." Many students nod in agreement with Jose Torres; they all seem to feel the same way.
The meeting opens with Mrs. Martinez showing pictures of different robots. Students discuss the idea of each robot, the things it performs, and the mechanics involved in making it. The discussion is very interesting. After being a part of the meeting, this reporter wants to join the club!
Read the underlined sentence from the paragraph. Choose two words that would be more precise to replace the words "idea" and "things" in the sentence.
Required
1
A student needs to edit her draft of a paragraph about beluga whales.
Click to highlight three errors in grammar usage that should be edited.
A student needs to edit her draft of a paragraph about beluga whales.
Click to highlight three errors in grammar usage that should be edited.
The beluga, or white whale, is one of the smallest species of whale. There distinctive color and prominent foreheads make them easily identifiable. Unlike most other whales, the beluga has a vary flexible neck that enables it to nod and turn its head in all directions. Belugas like to spend a lot of time slapping their tales. Young belugas are called calves. When they are born, they are gray or even brown and only fade to white at around five years old.
Required
1
Read the following pairs of sentences that include one mistake in pronoun usage. Then read the question that follows.
For each pair of similar sentences, choose the sentence with the correct pronoun.
Read the following pairs of sentences that include one mistake in pronoun usage. Then read the question that follows.
For each pair of similar sentences, choose the sentence with the correct pronoun.
Jim and I volunteered to clean the art room, and before we began, Mrs. Smith divided the work between him and me. / Jim and I volunteered to clean the art room, and before we began, Mrs. Smith divided the work between he and I.
John Pierce, David Finch, and myself resigned from the college after the spring semester. / John Pierce, David Finch, and I resigned from the college after the spring semester.
Janet and me learned about the solar system and space travel in science class. / Janet and I learned about the solar system and space travel in science class.
The World's Oldest Pottery
Listen to the presentation. Then answer the questions.
Required
1
The following question has two parts. First, answer part A. Then, answer part B.
Part AWhich idea from the presentation is unclear?
The following question has two parts. First, answer part A. Then, answer part B.
Part A
Which idea from the presentation is unclear?
Required
1
Part BWhich change should the speaker make to correct the error?
Part B
Which change should the speaker make to correct the error?
Required
1
What is the most likely reason the speaker includes the sentence "So it's possible that about two hundred centuries ago, ice age kids were walking into the family cave, peeking into pots and asking, 'What's for dinner?''
What is the most likely reason the speaker includes the sentence "So it's possible that about two hundred centuries ago, ice age kids were walking into the family cave, peeking into pots and asking, 'What's for dinner?''
Required
1
Which of the following best describe the central ideas of the presentation? Select two options.
Which of the following best describe the central ideas of the presentation? Select two options.
New van Gogh Painting
Listen to the presentation. Then answer the questions.
Required
1
The following question has two parts. First, answer part A. Then, answer part B.
Part AWhich conclusion is best supported by evidence from the presentation?
The following question has two parts. First, answer part A. Then, answer part B.
Part A
Which conclusion is best supported by evidence from the presentation?
Required
1
Part BWhich sentence from the presentation provides evidence that best supports your answer in part A?
Part B
Which sentence from the presentation provides evidence that best supports your answer in part A?
Required
1
What is the most likely purpose of the presentation?
What is the most likely purpose of the presentation?
Required
1
Which details from the presentation support the idea that it is not easy to determine whether a work of art is genuine or fake? Select two options.
Which details from the presentation support the idea that it is not easy to determine whether a work of art is genuine or fake? Select two options.
Required
1
A student is writing a research report about fireflies. Read the sentences from her report and the directions that follow.
All About Fireflies
When people think of fireflies or lightning bugs, they most likely don't think of beetles. But, fireflies are actually members of the beetle family. Most fireflies have wings. There are about 2,000 different firefly species throughout the world. They thrive in warm, humid environments. Fireflies make light inside their bodies; they have special light organs under their abdomens that make them glow. The process is called bioluminescence. Fireflies light up in order to attract mates and also to defend themselves.
Choose two sources that would most likely give the student more information for the paragraph from her report.
A student is writing a research report about fireflies. Read the sentences from her report and the directions that follow.
All About Fireflies
When people think of fireflies or lightning bugs, they most likely don't think of beetles. But, fireflies are actually members of the beetle family. Most fireflies have wings. There are about 2,000 different firefly species throughout the world. They thrive in warm, humid environments. Fireflies make light inside their bodies; they have special light organs under their abdomens that make them glow. The process is called bioluminescence. Fireflies light up in order to attract mates and also to defend themselves.
Choose two sources that would most likely give the student more information for the paragraph from her report.
Required
1
A student is writing a research report about the benefits of honey. The student found a source. Read the source and click on one claim that the author makes that is supported by credible, or trustworthy, evidence.
A student is writing a research report about the benefits of honey. The student found a source. Read the source and click on one claim that the author makes that is supported by credible, or trustworthy, evidence.
Source 1: Benefits of Honey
For centuries, people around the world have enjoyed honey. It is delicious and natural, and has long been used for baking or as a sweetener for tea. Today, many people use honey to help with health concerns. According to a blog, honey has been shown to fight bacteria that could cause food poisoning. The blog goes on to describe how honey can help people who have leg sores that are hard to treat. People who eat honey can feel more calm. Another benefit of honey is that it can ease cold symptoms. A study reported by the Mayo Clinic shows that honey worked as well as some over the counter cough medicines in lessening coughs.
Required
1
A student is writing a research report about the importance of laughing. Read the paragraph from her report and the directions that follow.
LaughingIt doesn't matter who you are or where you live in the world. People everywhere understand what laughter means. However, what is funny in one part of the world may not be funny at all somewhere else. It depends a lot on the language and customs of a particular place. Oftentimes, laughter can be used to relieve people from thinking about serious matters. Laughter is also a very important part of helping people get well when they are sick. Laughing out loud actually exercises the abdominal, or stomach, muscles and helps the body relax. Also, laughter helps blood pressure by lowering it.Another benefit of laughter is that it can have a positive effect on people's moods. Lastly, laughter boosts the immune system. It increases overall health and well-being.
The student found information in different sources. Choose two pieces of information that support the claim in the student's paragraph.
A student is writing a research report about the importance of laughing. Read the paragraph from her report and the directions that follow.
Laughing
It doesn't matter who you are or where you live in the world. People everywhere understand what laughter means. However, what is funny in one part of the world may not be funny at all somewhere else. It depends a lot on the language and customs of a particular place. Oftentimes, laughter can be used to relieve people from thinking about serious matters. Laughter is also a very important part of helping people get well when they are sick. Laughing out loud actually exercises the abdominal, or stomach, muscles and helps the body relax. Also, laughter helps blood pressure by lowering it.
Another benefit of laughter is that it can have a positive effect on people's moods. Lastly, laughter boosts the immune system. It increases overall health and well-being.
The student found information in different sources. Choose two pieces of information that support the claim in the student's paragraph.