Select the correct texts in the passage. Which two sentences best state the author's thesis?
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Funding the Arts
Over the past few years there has been a steady erosion of available funds for arts programs within public schools. Music in particular has
been hit hard. Perhaps parents and school officials feel music programs are more of an accessory than anything else. However, these programs
provide valuable resources for students.
First, numerous studies have been done showing that prolonged enrollment in music programs improves grades for students. Other
studies show that playing an instrument improves critical thinking and socializing skills. Also, data is available that shows that students who play
a musical instrument for an extended period of time are twice as likely to attend and graduate from college as non-musical students. Critics
argue that music programs are overly expensive, but this is just not true. Although the cost of starting a music program from scratch can be
expensive, over time this cost drops dramatically. Also, if schools sell tickets for seasonal concerts, music programs can actually bring in a profit.
Therefore, because music programs improve student grades, enhance critical-thinking skills, increase college graduation rates, and remain
relatively inexpensive, we should not cut music from our schools.
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