The Trouble with Television Test B

What is Robert MacNeil trying to persuade people to do in "The Trouble With Television"?

• avoid certain violent shows

• boycott products by certain television sponsors

• watch less television

• watch more shows on public television

What issue in the United States does MacNeil say is linked to television viewing?

• illiteracy

• reading more

• mental illness

• unemployment

Which statement contradicts MacNeil's own stance in "The Trouble With Television?"

• Television creates short attention spans.

• Television viewers are wasting their time.

• Fast ideas are the best ideas.

• Television discourages concentration.

Which reason does MacNeil use in his argument about television?

• Television gives instant gratification with no effort by the viewer.

• Television encourages violent behavior.

• Television has too many comedy shows.

• Television encourages children to beg for too many toys.

When MacNeil says that much of television news is "machine gunning with scraps," he means that

• television news covers too much violent crime.

• television news stories are too short and fast.

• television news covers war too much.

• television news lacks high-tech equipment.

What is the main point MacNeil is making in "The Trouble With Television"?

• Television makes people less able to focus on anything worthwhile.

• Escapist entertainment helps relieve the stress of modern life.

• Television is primarily a tool for advertising.

• News should not be shown on television.

"The Trouble With Television" can best be described as

• a short story.

• a descriptive essay.

• a persuasive essay.

• an autobiography.

Which of the following is an overgeneralization?

• Television has been known to divert us.

• Television is a profitable advertising vehicle.

• Television is a major factor in American lives.

• Television has absolutely no positive qualities.

Which of the following is a fact?

• The best things in life require effort.

• Television is boring.

• MacNeil thinks of television in mostly negative terms.

• MacNeil writes well.

What does MacNeil call one of the most precious human gifts?

• the ability to focus your attention yourself

• the gift of sight

• the ability to read and write

• generosity