Even though the majority of us yearly change our clocks back one hour in fall and an hour forward in the spring, we might now really know the reasons. Daylight Saving Time has been used since 1918, but the idea was first conceived by Benjamin Franklin, George Vernon Hudson, and William Willett in 1784.The purpose of this is to make better use of daylight and conserve energy.

“I didn’t really know where it all began for Daylight Saving because I didn’t really care for it. I just think it’s useless. And I also always said it as Daylight Saving(s) Time,” said senior Joey Cortez.

In the summer, our clocks are moved forward to extend an hour of daylight to the evening. Additionally, the sun will be out longer and people will use natural light and less electrical light. Therefore, less electricity will be used.

“I just really hate that I have to wake up an hour earlier for school now. I already don’t get enough sleep as it is,” said college freshman Alex Chin.

Despite that this was a logical and beneficial idea, nowadays people use air-conditioning and other appliances that any energy being saved from lights is insignificant to the amount we use for other purposes. Not to mention, Daylight Saving Time is less advantageous to many people and businesses due to the need for light in the early morning because the sun rises later.

“People get up early in the morning for work and school so we constantly use lights and the air conditioning is on most of the time, especially in the summer. It’s so hot,” said Michael Chin.

As a result, many oppose of this tradition; for instance Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, Indiana, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico all do not participate. After doing a study, of residential electricity consumption in the state, they found that the usage of electricity was actually increased by a percent during this. It counteracted the original purpose of saving energy.

“I think we should just stop changing the hour back and forth. I like that it’s lighter in the summer in the evening, but it really messes up my sleep schedule sometimes,” said Rian Stephenson.

However, it all mostly depends on where you live for instance, for those who live near the equator, the hours of day and night are equally about 12 hours each. While Daylight Saving Time seems like a good idea, it is still debatable whether it is still useful or just an inconvenience.

“We live near the equator, so I mean Florida should join in on not doing the time change. I don’t really think it has a valuable purpose anymore. Maybe it did before, but I don’t think now,” said sophomore Casey Damato.

FSA CONNECTION QUESTIONS

1. The author seems to offer what main idea

2. Select the best two sentences from the article that best support the main idea?

3. Which sentence from the article contains an opinion?

4. What is the author’s main purpose in writing this article?

5.What information, if added, could best support the author’s purpose?