A Proposal for a Repair and Reuse Showcase
Dear Principal Martinez,
I am writing to propose a small, supervised educational project for our school lobby or library: a "Repair and Reuse Showcase." Over the past few months, I have noticed how quickly everyday school items end up in our trash bins. During locker cleanouts and study hall, I often see backpacks with a single broken zipper pull, binders with loose rings, and plastic pencil cases with cracked hinges thrown directly into the dumpster. Most of these items are made of sturdy materials that still have months or even years of useful life left in them, but students toss them out simply because they do not realize how easily simple fixes can be made.
- reinforce:
- To make something stronger or more durable by adding extra support.
- repurpose:
- To adapt an item for use in a different way or for a new purpose.
- conservation:
- The careful preservation and protection of resources to prevent waste.
- abstract:
- Relating to general ideas or concepts rather than physical objects.
- resourcefulness:
- The ability to find clever and practical ways to overcome difficulties.
- stewardship:
- The responsible overseeing, management, and care of something entrusted to one's care.
- self-reliance:
- Reliance on one's own efforts, abilities, and resources rather than depending on others.
One passage, many ways to practice
Reading-skill questions, word work and writing prompts — all built from this text.
Main Idea
Identify the central idea and explain how important details develop it.
Context Clues
Use clues in the passage to work out what words mean. A separate printable Vocabulary worksheet is also available.
Summarize
Select, organize, and restate the most important information without adding opinion.
Point of View
Identify who presents the text and analyze how perspective shapes what the reader receives.
Purpose
Analyze what the author aims to do and how choices serve audience and purpose.
Structure
Analyze how sections and organizational choices build the text's ideas or effects.
Fact & Opinion
Distinguish verifiable statements from judgments, beliefs, and preferences in context.
Claims & Evidence
Trace and evaluate how claims are supported by reasons and evidence.
Writing Prompts
Use the passage as a springboard for short written responses, from personal reflection to evidence-based arguments.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1What central proposal is Jordan Lee presenting to Principal Martinez in this letter?
- 2Why does Jordan believe everyday school supplies are being discarded prematurely?
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About this persuasive letter passage for 7th Grade
“A Proposal for a Repair and Reuse Showcase” is a persuasive letter reading passage about student advocacy for waste reduction and repair skills, written for 7th Grade. It takes about 4 minutes to read (580 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.