A Simple Fix for Our Craft Bin


Dear Mr. Henderson,
I am writing to suggest a small, practical change for our after-school maker club. Over the past few months, I have noticed how quickly we throw away supplies that are only slightly damaged. Last Thursday, during our model bridge activity, three pairs of plastic scissors were tossed into the trash can because the pivot screws had loosened. Later that same afternoon, someone tossed out a wooden ruler with a chipped corner, even though the measurement edge was still completely straight. Our craft table ended up littered with items that just needed a tiny adjustment, while other students had to wait around because our supply bin had run out of working tools.
To solve this, I would like to propose a four-week trial of a "repair-and-reuse box" dedicated strictly to non-electrical club supplies. Instead of throwing away tools that have minor flaws, club members could place them into a clearly labeled plastic tote near the back storage shelf. Then, during the final ten minutes of our regular Friday meeting, a rotating volunteer crew could inspect those items, tighten loose hardware, sand down rough edges, or test whether dried-out markers can be revived with a dip of water.
- pivot:
- A central pin or point on which a mechanism turns or oscillates.
- proposal:
- A formal plan or suggestion presented to others for consideration.
- trial:
- A test of performance, qualities, or suitability over a set period.
- hardware:
- Metal tools, fasteners, or fittings such as screws, nuts, and bolts.
- accountability:
- The obligation or willingness to accept responsibility for one's actions.
- inventory:
- A detailed list or catalog of goods, materials, or items in stock.
- recondition:
- To clean, repair, or restore something so that it is in good working condition.
- disposable:
- Designed to be thrown away after one or several uses rather than kept.
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.

Ready to use this passage in class?
Start free with the Mixed worksheet and 3 PDF downloads each week. Focused skill sets depend on plan.
Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1What specific problem did Marcus observe during the previous week's model bridge activity?
- 2How does Marcus counter the anticipated concern that repairing tools will waste valuable club time?
You Might Also Like
About this persuasive letter passage for 7th Grade
“A Simple Fix for Our Craft Bin” is a persuasive letter reading passage about student initiative for classroom resource conservation, written for 7th Grade. It takes about 5 minutes to read (711 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.


