Question

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.
exercise vi. drawing on your knowledge of roots and words in context, read the following selection and define the italicized words. note that the prefix ra (from trans) means “across,” and that e (from ex) means “out from.” if you cannot figure out the meaning of the words on your own, look them up in a dictionary.
the defense attorney attempted to win over the jury in the case by traducing the prosecutors star witness. in response to the claim that his witness was a drunk, the prosecutor tried to repair the damage done with a series of questions intended to educe a feeling of pity for the witness from the jury. unfortunately, after the defenses harsh attack, there was little reason for the jury to believe the witness.

Explanation:

1. The writer seems to be troubled by the gullibility of the public due to the mass - media's focus on the paranormal, indicating a skeptical stance towards both the paranormal and the media's motives.
2. The Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal would likely counteract mass - media ideas by explaining the tricks behind paranormal events to promote a scientific understanding.
3. The text mentions the general population's inability and unwillingness to distinguish hoaxes from reality, which implies that Americans cannot or will not think critically about the paranormal.

Answer:

1. D. skeptical about both the paranormal and the media's motives in focusing on the paranormal
2. B. by explaining the tricks behind paranormal events
3. B. Americans cannot or will not think critically about the paranormal