Question

Which two details best provide evidence in support of the author's thesis?

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.

Answer 1

The passage's evidence that supports funding the arts includes studies showing music programs improve academic grades and data indicating increased college attendance and graduation rates among music students.

Step-by-step explanation:

The two details that best provide evidence in support of the author's thesis in the passage about funding the arts are: First, the numerous studies showing that prolonged enrollment in music programs improves grades for students, and second, the available data showing 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. These pieces of evidence underline the significance of music programs in enhancing academic performance and college graduation rates, thereby countering the argument of music being an expendable accessory in education.

Answer 2

The best evidence supporting the thesis that music programs are beneficial includes studies showing improved grades and the fact that music programs can be cost-effective and potentially profitable.

Step-by-step explanation:

The two details that best provide evidence in support of the author's thesis that music programs should not be cut from schools are:

1. Studies showing improved grades for students who are enrolled in music programs, indicating a positive impact of music education on academic performance.
2. The relative cost-effectiveness of music programs, as they may initially be expensive to start, but over time the cost decreases, and music programs can generate profit through ticket sales for concerts.

These two details support the author's claim by demonstrating the academic benefits and economic viability of music programs in schools.