Question 1 Refer to your Expeditions in Reading book for a complete version of this text.

Part A

The author’s purpose in “Solar-Powered Public Buildings? Not So Fast, California!” is to explain why the suggestion to power all of California’s public buildings with solar energy is flawed.

How effective is the author in achieving this purpose?

ineffective, because the author relies only on personal opinions rather than facts to point out problems with solar power

effective, because the author shows that less than half of California’s energy supply comes from solar power

effective, because the author reveals the significant costs of readying California’s public buildings to run on solar power

ineffective, because the author supports the opposing viewpoint by introducing the idea that solar power is popular
Question 2
Part B

Which evidence from the text best supports the answer to Part A?

“Right now, California generates quite a bit of solar electricity. In March of 2017, there were days when 40 percent of the state’s electricity came from solar energy (Franz).”

“It’s time to wake up. Admit that powering California’s public buildings with solar energy will be too expensive. Acknowledge that the state already makes more solar electricity than it can use. Accept that just because an idea is popular does not also make it good.”

“For many, the idea of solar power is like a dream. It’s exciting. It’s modern. It’s hugely popular. In fact, a Harvard professor conducted a 12-year study on how the public viewed solar energy. He found that 9 out of 10 people want the use of solar energy to rise (McMahon).”

“Further, the estimate does not include the cost of rewiring old buildings. It does not factor in the expenses that come with updating them to handle new technology. In some cases, roofs will need to be replaced so they can support solar panels. In others, trees will have to be cut down so they don’t keep the sunlight from reaching the panels.”