"Automation" & "Heads Up" Practice Quiz

Read a student’s summary of “The Automation Paradox.”

(1) “The Automation Paradox” by James Bessen examines the effects of technology in the workforce. (2) Some people fear that the increased use of computers and other high-tech tools will result in higher unemployment levels. (3) Bessen suggests that the opposite will be the most likely result. (4) He believes that automation could provide greater opportunities for workers in high-skill professions. (5) It will require some workers to gain new skills to meet the demands of a changing workforce.

What is the most effective way to revise sentence 5 to include a transition word or phrase?

• However it will require some workers to gain new skills to meet the demands of a changing workforce.

•       For example it will require some workers to gain new skills to meet the demands of a changing workforce.

• However, it will require some workers to gain new skills to meet the demands of a changing workforce.

• For example, it will require some workers to gain new skills to meet the demands of a changing workforce.

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Which statement best expresses the author’s central claim in “The Automation Paradox”?

• Computer automation will likely be responsible for the loss of most jobs.

• Computer automation should allow workers to avoid the need for advanced training.

• Computer automation will likely increase the number of jobs in certain fields rather than decreasing them.

• Computer automation should be welcomed like other technological advances in the past have been.

The word automation comes from the Greek prefix auto-, meaning “self.” Based on this information, what is the best definition of the word automation as it is used in “The Automation Paradox”?

• Technology primarily used within the workforce

• Technology that involves the use of advanced computers

• Technology that operates on its own without human support

• Technology mostly used in factories in place of human workers

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Which two groups are most likely the intended audience of “Heads Up, Humans”?

• Students

• Teachers

• Young adults

• Technology professionals

• Older adults

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Read the dictionary entry.

technology \tĕk-nŏl’ә-jē\ n 1. the practical application of science in a particular area 2. the scientific method used to achieve a commercial or industrial objective 3. electronic or digital products and systems 4. the body of knowledge available to a society to fashion tools

Which definition represents the meaning of the word technology as it is used in paragraph 3 of “Heads Up, Humans”?

• Definition 1

• Definition 2

• Definition 3

• Definition 4

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Which two reasons best explain why the author included paragraph 5 in “Heads Up, Humans”?

• To explain a counterclaim

• To provide factual evidence

• To include employment statistics

• To describe possible effects of technology

• To clarify how technology will change the future

Which quotation from “Heads Up, Humans” expresses a counterclaim to the author’s argument?

• They say that people who are displaced from jobs will find new and better occupations that will be created by the economic shift. (paragraph 5)

• Today, the new industries are unlikely to need many human bodies or minds because technology can do the work for less cost. (paragraph 7)

• There is no evidence that recent advances in technology have so far offered the majority of workers better pay or positions. (paragraph 9)

• It’s tempting to avoid thinking about it, especially because solutions aren’t obvious. (paragraph 11)

(This will show up on the test, but it won't count toward your final grade. If you get it correct, I'll give you extra credit instead!)

Read a student’s analysis of “Heads Up, Humans.”

“Heads Up, Humans” by Claudia Alarcón examines the effects of technology on employment. The author claims that one day artificial intelligence will do the jobs currently done by workers in many high-skill professions. Alarcón also believes that the increased reliance on computers and other forms of technology will raise unemployment levels in the future.

Which sentence would best conclude this paragraph by using active voice?

• It is feared that our reliance on computers and other forms of technology will increase unemployment levels.

• Many people fear that our reliance on computers and other forms of technology will increase unemployment levels.

• Our reliance on computers and other forms of technology will increase unemployment levels is a fear of many people.

• Many people fear that increased unemployment levels will be caused by our reliance on computers and other forms of technology.

What do the citations in “Heads Up, Humans” suggest about the author’s research for her argument?

• She relied on internet publications.

• She strictly used statistical sources.

• She primarily focused on opinion pieces.

• She consulted a variety of sources.

Which comparison best explains how the authors develop their claims in “The Automation Paradox” and “Heads Up, Humans”?

• In “The Automation Paradox,” Bessen primarily uses anecdotes to show how computers have reduced the workforce. In “Heads Up, Humans,” Alarcón primarily uses graphs and charts to show how computers have benefited workers.

• In “The Automation Paradox,” Bessen primarily uses graphs and charts to show how computers have not changed employment levels. In “Heads Up, Humans,” Alarcón primarily uses opinions to show how computers have harmed workers.

• In “The Automation Paradox,” Bessen primarily uses statistics to show how computers have increased blue-collar jobs. In “Heads Up, Humans,” Alarcón primarily uses anecdotes to show how computers have lowered low-skill employment in many professions.

• In “The Automation Paradox,” Bessen primarily uses examples to show how computers have improved the workplace. In “Heads Up, Humans,” Alarcón primarily uses statistics to show how computers have increased unemployment in many professions.

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