Question

vocabulary from latin and greek roots
unit one
many people are troubled by the gullibility of individuals who do not take the time to investigate outrageous claims. to the mass media, however, a docile public is a reassuring constant. the general populations inability—and unwillingness—to distinguish a hoax from reality will continue to provide a(n) ____________(pet) for the medias focus on paranormal activity long into the future.

1. how does the writer feel about the mass medias portrayal of the paranormal?

a. supportive of the mass medias interest in the paranormal
b. critical of the media for portraying paranormal activity as unbelievable
c. appreciative of the mass media for creating a nation of critical thinkers by challenging americans to question the paranormal
d. skeptical about both the paranormal and the medias motives in focusing on the paranormal

1. how does the committee for the scientific investigation of claims of the paranormal try to counteract the ideas supported by the mass media?

a. by distributing scientific material to the public
b. by explaining the tricks behind paranormal events
c. by producing its own television shows that reinforce the illusions of paranormal activities
d. by releasing information about actual paranormal events

1. why, according to the author, does the american public fail to distinguish hoaxes from reality?

a. the media has created a nation of ready consumers.
b. americans cannot or will not think critically about the paranormal.
c. the american public is constantly challenging the claims made in the movies and on television.
d. americans are afraid to question the media.

Explanation:

1. The author criticizes the media for focusing on paranormal content instead of fostering critical thinking, and notes the public's gullibility, so they are critical of the media's paranormal portrayal.
2. The Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal would counteract media-supported paranormal ideas by explaining the tricks behind such events, as this aligns with scientific investigation of false claims.
3. The text states the general population has an inability and unwillingness to think critically about the paranormal, so they fail to distinguish hoaxes from reality for this reason.
4. The context refers to a sustained focus on paranormal activity, so "permanent" fits the blank as the full phrase "permanent (PET)" matches the meaning of ongoing focus.

Answer:

1. B. critical of the media's interest in the paranormal
2. B. by explaining the tricks behind paranormal events
3. B. Americans cannot or will not think critically about the paranormal.
4. permanent