The Black Hole of Technology Review

The Black Hole of Technology Review

Mrs. Parr

These concept words all relate to eating and taking in nutrients, but also apply to the way we take in information

They project the images of being consumed or controlled by technology, which represents the blogger's attitude.

Multiple Choice

What is the meaning of the word devouring in the following sentence?

She is devouring every page of the new book in her series.

• looking at with interest

• taking in greedily

• struggling with

• ripping out

Multiple Choice

If a certain clue consumed a detective, which of the following was

most likely true?

• The clue was not what the detective expected.

• The clue was not that valuable to the detective.

• The detective saw other similar clues while investigating the case.

• The detective spent most of his time working with that particular clue.

Multiple Choice

If you are absorbing information, which is most likely to be true?

• You are adding the information to what you know.

• You are explaining the information to others.

• You are imagining yourself performing research.

• You are growing more puzzled by the information.

Multiple Choice

What does the word process mean in the sentence below.

We had to process the new information the teacher provided in the lesson.

• gain an understanding of new information

• a summons requiring someone to appear in court.

• compute information from the computer.

Multiple Choice

If you are digesting instructions that your teacher gives you before a task, are you more likely to remember the task?

• yes

• no

Multiple Choice

Sam began devouring science books when he was only 5. True or False: Sam disliked science.

• True

• False

Word Study: Multiple Meaning Words

A multiple meaning word has more than one definition. You determine the meaning by using context clues.

Multiple Choice

The word subject has more than one meaning. Which is the best definition of subject in this sentence?

Our camp counselors like to subject us to difficult outdoor challenges.

• a person under someone else's authority

• a department or branch of knowledge

• to discuss a specific topic

• to force to do something

Multiple Choice

In which sentence can the multiple-meaning word sign be defined as "warning"?

• A sign near the shelter invited people to rest.

• You may sign our names on the visitor's list.

• Other hikers saw no sign of deer along the muddy path.

• That dark sky may be a sign of stormy weather to come.

Multiple Choice

My dad woke us up early so we could go fishing for bass.

• a fish

• a voice, instrument, or sound of the lowest range.

Multiple Choice

A strong wind blew through mountains.

• movement in the air

• turn repeatedly

Multiple Choice

There is a minute difference between the twins that I can never tell them apart!

• a fraction of time

• extremely small

Comprehension Questions

Multiple Choice

How do the friends in “The Black Hole of Technology” react when Fouly asks them whether they have seen Miley Cyrus’s post?

• The ask Fouly for more information.

• They quickly check social media.

• They ask to see Fouly's phone.

• They look out the window.

Multiple Choice

What opinion about technology does the author state at the beginning of “The Black Hole of Technology”?

• Technology helps us learn to absorb information.

• Technology makes us instant experts on many topics.

• Technology is keeping us from processing and interacting.

• Technology cannot be compared to printed books or newspapers.

Multiple Choice

What event in “The Black Hole of Technology” strengthens the author’s

opinion about technology?

• a Miley Cyrus concert

• a drive in the family car

• a flight to a foreign land

• a hike to an ancient temple

Multiple Select

What does the author of “The Black Hole of Technology” notice about

villagers in Cambodia? Choose two options.

• Most of them are dressed up.

• They have no cell phones.

• Their homes are on stilts.

• They are all quite young.

• They seem very happy.

Multiple Choice

What does the author of “The Black Hole of Technology” vow to do the next time she’s walking along a road?

• value her surroundings

• text her friends about it

• take photos as a memento

• keep one ear and one eye open

Analyze the Text

Cite text evidence to support your answers

Multiple Choice

In “The Black Hole of Technology,” the author frequently contrasts the words go and stop, as in this example.

In a life of go, go, go I had finally stopped.

Which statement best explains the overall effect of this contrast in the blog

post?

• It shows the difference between the speed of information today and in

  earlier times.

• It proves that a world of constant, rapid travel can suddenly end.

• It shows the difference between consuming information and appreciating

  the world.

• It reveals the author’s love for travel and ever-changing landscapes.

Multiple Choice

How does the author of “The Black Hole of Technology” feel about

spending time with her friends as they check social media?

• completely embarassed

• comfortable and satisfied

• distracted by something else

• jealous of their technical skill

Open Ended

Cite evidence from “The Black Hole of Technology” that best supports

the answer to the last question: How does the author feel about spending time with her friends as they check social media?

Multiple Choice

Which of the following choices best gives the meaning of this sentence,

which begins “The Black Hole of Technology”? The black hole of endless, unimportant streams of technology-enabled information

is devouring everyone living in the twenty-first century.

• Machines are taking over the jobs and duties that used to belong to

  human beings.

• Technology was supposed to make us better but instead has made us less

  human.

• People today are overly distracted and overwhelmed by meaningless

  texts, posts, and tweets.

• It has not taken long for the entire world to become connected through

  the powerful reach of technology.

Multiple Choice

Toward the end of “The Black Hole of Technology,” the author

announces that she “had finally stopped.” What does she mean by that?

• She has decided to get rid of her phone and other devices.

• She is paying attention to what is right in front of her.

• She has finally finished the long hike to the temple.

• She will no longer learn from anyone but herself.

Persuasive Techniques

-Repetition

-Appeal to Reason & Emotions

Multiple Choice

Which sentence best summarizes the author’s claim in “The Black Hole

of Technology”?

• Modern technology enhances our everyday lives.

• It is important to take the time to enjoy beautiful weather.

• Social media is an important piece of modern technology that allows us to

  see into the lives of our favorite celebrities.

• Modern technology can distract us from enjoying our surroundings and

  interacting with the people around us.

Multiple Choice

Which of these sentences from “The Black Hole of Technology” best

supports the answer to the previous question.

• Before being introduced to my phone and computer, I had always been

  more appreciative of the world around me.

• I, on the other hand, glanced out the window separating us from the

  beautiful weather outside.

• I put my phone down to shut the curtains, then I continued to mindlessly

  scroll through Miley’s Instagram page.

• 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.

Multiple Choice

In “The Black Hole of Technology,” the author visits a Cambodian

village. Which quotation from that part of the blog post most clearly appeals to the reader’s emotions?

• … I walked along the wide, crowded dirt path on our way to visit yet

  another Cambodian temple.

• I slipped my phone out of my bag to check the signal, but before I could

  even unlock it, it was snatched out of my hands.

• A toddler was laughing her head off, playing with an old man who I

  assumed was her grandfather.… Everyone around me was smiling,

  despite having to live their lives in poverty.

• When the guide started a long speech about the origin of the temple, I

  turned to face him.

Comparing Texts

Multiple Choice

Which pair of statements best describes the ways in which the authors of “Teens and Technology Share a Future” and “The Black Hole of Technology” present their points of view?

• The first author focuses on current uses of technology. The second author

  deals with future uses.

• The first author addresses older readers. The second author addresses

  only teenagers.

• The first author addresses readers directly. The second author uses a

  personal anecdote.

• The first author expresses a negative viewpoint. The second author is

  more optimistic.

Multiple Choice

With which of these ideas from “Teens and Technology Share a Future”

would the author of “The Black Hole of Technology” most likely agree?

• The keys to the future lie in the hands of today’s teenagers who use

  technology.

• There are many useless and meaningless bits of information on your

  network.

• Technology has the power to help us meet new people and invent new

  things.

• Teenagers can use devices to become the most informed generation of

  human beings.

Independent and Subordinate Clauses

Multiple Choice

Which of the following sentences is composed of two independent clauses?

• Dad and I watch football regularly, but we cheer for different teams.

• My team, which is currently in first place, will surely win.

• Dad’s team has not scored since the second half began.

• Whenever my team scores, Dad growls irritably.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following sentences uses a comma to set off a nonrestrictive

clause?

• Mom likes her new smartphone, which got excellent reviews online.

• She has added the contacts for family members, friends, and work.

• The phone comes with a case, and it has her initials on it.

• Mom had a coupon, so the phone was quite affordable.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following sentences contains a relative clause?

• The phone rang as we were sitting down to eat.

• Because it was dinner time, I did not answer the phone.

• The person who called us was working for a political candidate.

• Although I am interested in politics, I do not like telephone polls.