The Black Hole of Technology Study Guide

15. 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.

12. 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.

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13. Which of these sentences from “The Black Hole of Technology” best supports the author's claim that modern technology can distract us from enjoying our surroundings and interacting with people around us?

• 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.

2. 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.

11. Which of the following choices best gives the meaning of this sentence, which begins “The Black Hole of Technology”?

• 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.

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13. 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.
• Modern technology can distract us from enjoying our surroundings and interacting with the people around us.
• Social media is an important piece of modern technology that allows us to see into the lives of our favorite celebrities.

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

• They ask Fouly for more information.
• They quickly check social media.
• They ask to see Fouly’s phone.
• They look out the window.

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3. 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

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10. How does the author of “The Black Hole of Technology” feel about spending time with her friends as they check social media?

• completely embarrassed
• comfortable and satisfied
• distracted by something else
• jealous of their technical skill

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6. What is the most likely meaning of devouring in the following sentence?

• looking at with interest
• taking in greedily
• struggling with
• ripping out

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