Question

english language arts - 06yr
selection test (online): the black hole of technology-comparing texts
the following question has two parts. answer part a first, and then part b.
part a
which sentence best summarizes the author’s claim in “the black hole of technology”?
a. modern technology enhances our everyday lives.
b. it is important to take the time to enjoy beautiful weather.
c. modern technology can distract us from enjoying our surroundings and interacting with the people around us.
d. social media is an important piece of modern technology that allows us to see into the lives of our favorite celebrities.
part b
which of these sentences from “the black hole of technology” best supports the answer to part a?
a. before being introduced to my phone and computer, i had always been more appreciative of the world around me.
b. i, on the other hand, glanced out the window separating us from the beautiful weather outside.
c. i put my phone down to shut the curtains, then i continued to mindlessly scroll through miley’s instagram page.
d. i slipped my phone out of my bag to check for a signal, but before i could even unlock it, it was snatched out of my hands.

Explanation:

Part A

To determine the author's claim, we analyze each option:

• Option A suggests technology enhances lives, but the title "The Black Hole of Technology" implies a more critical view, so A is incorrect.
• Option B is about enjoying weather, which is not the main claim about technology, so B is incorrect.
• Option C states technology distracts from surroundings and interactions, which aligns with a critical view of technology's impact, matching the title's implication.
• Option D focuses on social media and celebrities, which is a narrow aspect not capturing the main claim about technology's distraction from surroundings and interactions.

We need a sentence that supports the claim in Part A (technology distracts from surroundings/interactions).

• Option A compares appreciation before and after phone/computer, showing technology reduced appreciation of the world, supporting the claim.
• Option B is about glancing at weather, not about technology's distraction.
• Option C is about scrolling Instagram, a specific social media action, not directly about distraction from surroundings/interactions.
• Option D is about the phone being snatched, not about distraction.

Answer:

C. Modern technology can distract us from enjoying our surroundings and interacting with the people around us.

Part B