Paired Passages Informational

Multiple Choice

Passage 1 I recently met a fifth-grade teacher who had asked her students what they did after school. Most said they stayed inside and watched TV or spent time on the computer. Some went to a recreation center for an afterschool program—where they played computer games. A handful of students played outside, but most of those were doing organized sports. It turned out that fewer than 10% of the children were enjoying unstructured time outside rather than concentrating on electronic devices. This is a tragedy! Now more than ever, kids need opportunities to learn and develop through outdoor activities—and not just on organized teams. Parents, limit computer use and encourage your kids to get outside and play every day!

Passage 2 There is almost no reliable data about the level of technological literacy among children in the United States. Our students perform relatively poorly on international tests in science and math, however, and many other Western countries teach more about technology than we do. It seems that American students are not as technologically literate as their international counterparts. This could put them at a disadvantage when it comes to their careers, because technology is everywhere, from medical facilities to farms. Obviously, it is imperative that teachers and parents make the use of technology, including computers, a more central part of children’s lives.

The author of Passage 2 probably would respond to the last sentence of Passage 1 (“Parents . . . every day!”) by:

• asserting that parents should help children find a balance of indoor and outdoor activities

• claiming that young children often know more about computers than their parents do

• pointing out that many children would rather use technology than play outside

• arguing that children should be spending more time using computers

Rationale:

​Rationale: Choice (D) is correct. The author of Passage 2 believes that American students should be more technologically literate and suggests that “the use of technology, including computers,” should be “a more central part of children’s lives.” Therefore, he or she almost certainly would say that instead of limiting computer use, parents should encourage children to spend more time using computers. Choices (A), (B), and (C) are incorrect because the author of Passage 2 does not discuss outdoor activities, adults’ computer knowledge, or children’s recreational preferences.

Multiple Choice

Passage 1 I recently met a fifth-grade teacher who had asked her students what they did after school. Most said they stayed inside and watched TV or spent time on the computer. Some went to a recreation center for an afterschool program—where they played computer games. A handful of students played outside, but most of those were doing organized sports. It turned out that fewer than 10% of the children were enjoying unstructured time outside rather than concentrating on electronic devices. This is a tragedy! Now more than ever, kids need opportunities to learn and develop through outdoor activities—and not just on organized teams. Parents, limit computer use and encourage your kids to get outside and play every day!

Passage 2 There is almost no reliable data about the level of technological literacy among children in the United States. Our students perform relatively poorly on international tests in science and math, however, and many other Western countries teach more about technology than we do. It seems that American students are not as technologically literate as their international counterparts. This could put them at a disadvantage when it comes to their careers, because technology is everywhere, from medical facilities to farms. Obviously, it is imperative that teachers and parents make the use of technology, including computers, a more central part of children’s lives.

The author of Passage 1 would most likely criticize the author of Passage 2 for:

• overemphasizing the strength of the data about students’ technological literacy

• overlooking the drawbacks of increasing the time children spend using technology

• dismissing as unimportant the development that occurs during outdoor activities

• exaggerating the proportion of careers that require knowledge of science and math

Rationale:

Choice (B) is correct. The author of Passage 1 finds it very troubling that so many children spend their time on computers and other electronic devices instead of playing outside. The author of Passage 2, on the other hand, thinks technology should be an even bigger part of children’s lives than it already is. It is likely that the author of Passage 1 would criticize the author of Passage 2 for failing to think about the drawbacks of this increased time spent on technology—such as a decreased amount of time to spend “learn[ing] and develop[ing] through outdoor activities.” Choice (A) is incorrect because the author of Passage 2 states that there is very little “reliable data,” and choice (C) is incorrect because he or she does not discuss and dismiss development during outdoor activities. Choice (D) is incorrect because the author of Passage 1 makes no mention of careers, and there is no indication that the author of Passage 2 is exaggerating when speaking of careers.

Multiple Choice

Passage 1 As computer programs and online services continue to advance, paperless offices are growing in popularity. Going paperless is certainly a more environmentally friendly option than using reams of paper. A paperless office may also save on various overhead expenses. However, it may be expensive in the long run to go paperless, depending on the size and needs of your company. Another option might be using less paper instead of attempting a completely paperless office. This way, your company can enjoy some advantages of a paperless system while avoiding some of the disadvantages.

Passage 2 Many companies today are choosing not to go paperless because of the high costs of doing so. Despite the “green” advantages, going paperless requires companies to maintain up-to-date hardware and software, and upgrades often come at a steep cost. Businesses may need to hire an IT person to monitor their systems, train new users, and perform regular backups of information. Ensuring online security is also vital, and the more people a company has using a system, the closer the system must be monitored for privacy issues and viruses. It takes a lot of time and money to go paperless, and for many small businesses, it’s just not worth the expense.

The author of Passage 1 would most likely criticize the author of Passage 2 for

• overemphasizing the significance of a company’s size

• overlooking the environmental benefits of going paperless

• failing to consider an alternative to eliminating all paper

• underestimating the consequences of technological issues

Rationale:

Choice C is the best answer. The author of Passage 2 discusses the high costs of “going paperless” and concludes that “for many small businesses, it’s just not worth the expense.” The author of Passage 1 acknowledges the costs of going paperless (“it may be expensive in the long run”) but proposes another option: using less paper. The author of Passage 1 would most likely criticize the author of Passage 2 for failing to consider the option of reducing, but not completely eliminating, paper in an office. Choice A is incorrect because the author of Passage 2 does not place much emphasis on the size of a company. Choice B is incorrect because the author of Passage 2 does note “the ‘green’ advantages” of going paperless. Choice D is incorrect because the author of Passage 2 speaks of technological considerations throughout the passage.

Multiple Choice

Passage 1 Are people who work from home slackers? Recent research suggests just the opposite. One study examined the habits and concerns of both in-office and off-site employees over the course of two years. The researchers learned that those who worked at home were 13% more productive and worked longer hours on average than those who worked in the office. Interestingly, the telecommuters took far less time off than their in-office counterparts. The researchers also found that the rate of at-home workers who quit their jobs was far lower than it was for employees who worked in the office. Without stressful commutes, worries about having to take sick days, and various distractions in the office, the telecommuters reported being much happier with their positions.

Passage 2 After working from home for the past year, I was relieved to get back into the office. The office environment has provided me with a much-needed, set schedule—I work for eight hours, and then I go home to a relaxed and work-free environment. When I worked at home, my “office” was always accessible, and my work hours bled into my leisure time so that I was never fully free of my job. Even when spending time with my family after dinner, I’d be checking emails and thinking about projects. Today, my former home office is a family room, and when I spend time relaxing there, work never crosses my mind. Well, almost never.

The authors of both passages probably would characterize telecommuters as being generally

• unproductive

• stressed

• hardworking

• satisfied

Rationale:

Choice C is the best answer. The author of Passage 1 refers to a study that shows that telecommuters “worked longer hours on average” and “took far less time off” than those who worked in an office. The author of Passage 2 indicates that when working from home, the author “was never fully free” from work, “checking emails and thinking about projects” while spending time with family. Therefore, it is very likely that both authors would characterize telecommuters as hardworking. Choice A is incorrect because both authors suggest that telecommuters are productive. Choice B is incorrect because the author of Passage 1 cites research findings that show that people actually are “happier with their positions” when they telecommute. Choice D is incorrect because it is clear that the author of Passage 2 was not satisfied when working from home.