Is Google Making Us Stupid?

What is the author's purpose in describing the supervolcano that nearly caused the human species to go extinct?

• To warn the audience about the potentials dangers of technology.

• To discredit the idea that climate change is caused by carbon emissions.

• To provide an example of the human brain evolving to meet new challenges.

• To draw a comparison between artificial intelligence and supervolcanoes.

Which statement best captures the central idea of the article?

• The emerging reliance on computers to mediate our thinking is shifting our capacity for deep reading and sustained focus.
• Increased dependence on Google is diminishing our powers of self-control.
• Future generations are likely to be less intelligent than previous generations.
• By turning to the lessons of the past, we can better prepare ourselves to develop cognitive strategies for navigating problems.

What is the author's purpose in alluding to the film 2001: A Space Odyssey ? (pg. 1)

• To introduce the central idea of the article.

• To insult artificial intelligence programs.

• To associate the article with the philosophy of Stanley Kubrick.

• To illustrate the restlessness of our generation.

The use of the phrase "foraging in the Web’s info-thickets’" (pg. 2, ¶ 1).

• Heightens the growing resemblance of the Internet to nature.

• Uses figurative language to illustrate the density of information on the web.

• Shows the author's growing distaste for working on the Net.

• Contradicts his previous observation about thinking.

What is Carr's purpose in citing studies on online research habits and referencing Maryanne Wolf's concern with "efficiency and immediacy" in reading?

• To cast doubt upon the concerns of academics.

• To use their authority to better support his central claim.

• To show that there is still disagreement in the field.

• To transition to a greater concern with Friedrich Nietzsche.

According to Wolf, reading is an instinctive skill for human beings.

• True

• False

Carr compares his old way of reading to a __________ and his new way to a __________.

• scuba diver; jet ski

• bicycle;

• bee; butterfly

• philosopher; lawyer

Which of the following technologies is NOT mentioned in the article?

• the printing press

• the typewriter

• the paperback book

• the internet

The author has never personally experienced difficulty staying focused while reading.

• True

• False

• All of the above

One writer Carr cites asks, "What if I do all my reading on the web not so much because the way I read has changed . . . but because the way I __________ has changed?”

• think

• write

• interact with people

• rock out

• work