(1) Store-bought costumes are usually overpriced and poorly made. (2) This year, a caveman costume disappointed many customers. (3) Its edges were not sewn. (4) Pumpkin Spook Costumes claims that the costume is more caveman-like without extra stitching. (5) “Cavemen did not have sewing machines!” said owner Grady Smith. (6) Customers then complained that real cavemen did not pay $50 each for their kids’ costumes, which quickly fell apart. (7) Several other customers complained about the company’s sweet pea costume. (8) “The decorations were glued on," said Gina Jones of Smithville. (9) “They fell off, and the stitching came loose in no time.”
(10) Another problem with buying costumes is that kids are always growing. (11) Kids usually wear their costumes for two to three hours of trick or treating. (12) Then, they put them away for the rest of the year. (13) The costumes are usually a size or so too small the following year. (14) Parents spend a lot of money on costumes their children will wear but a few hours.
(15) Buying is quicker and easier. (16) Kids have more fun making them than shopping for them, though. (17) Children enjoy being creative. (18) They take pride in what they put together. (19) Contests for these costumes are also exciting. (20) Frank Bellows, mayor of Surf City, said, “The city held a party on Halloween. (21) I taught kids about safe trick or treating. (22) Then, I voted on the best homemade costumes. (23) The kids had a blast, and so did I!”
6
What statement could the author use to strengthen the first paragraph?
A.
Contests give children even more of a reason to make their own costumes.
B.
The "spaghetti and meatballs" costume for sale is rather silly-looking.
C.
Some costumed gnomes were missing the ear straps for their fake beards.
D.
Pumpkin Spook has a handful of costumes that kids can grow into.