Unit 1 Review (Part 1)

What is the central idea of "Do You Want a Robot Companion When You Get Old?"

• New technologies could give older people pets that are easier to manage.

• New technologies could help older people take care of themselves more easily.

• New technologies could lead to robots taking care of people when they are older.

• New technologies could help people feel more connected or add to their disconnection.

Which excerpt from the text best supports the central idea?

• "Interactions such as this one are happening at some nursing homes and other eldercare facilities around the world" (paragraph 1)

• "Being a caregiver is a tough job that often doesn't pay well. A robot companion may be better than none at all" (paragraph 2).

• "Sherry Turkle, a social scientist at MIT, regularly speaks out about the downsides of technology" (paragraph 4).

• "Is Paro a sign that humans are losing touch with each other, or that we're finding new ways to feel connected" (paragraph 5).

Why does the author most likely include the information in paragraph 1 of "Do You Want a Robot Companion When You Get Old?"

• to introduce both sides of the argument

• to show that robots are good for people

• to emphasize the need to help the elderly

• to point out that many people distrust robots

Read the following sentence from paragraph 2: "Research has shown that Paro can have the same calming effect as medications on agitated dementia patients."

Which two words from paragraph 2 are antonyms for agitated?

• Calming

• Comfort

• Effects

• Tough

• Enough

Which two statements from the text best support the claim that robot pets make good companions?

• "'I know you're not real," she whispered. "But somehow, I don't know, I love you." (paragraph 1)

• "Yet Paro has none of the physical side effects of medication" (paragraph 2).

• "Being a caregiver is a tough job that often doesn't pay well" (paragraph 2).

• "'Paro is a robot but people feel that Paro is a living animal or baby" (paragraph 3).

• "'She witnessed an elderly woman talking to Paro as if the seal were real, and the experience troubled her'" (paragraph 4).

Why does paragraph 5 of "Do You Want a Robot Companion When You Get Old" include only questions?

• to encourage readers to conduct further research

• to entertain readers with an unusual ending format

• to inspire readers to consider their own points of view

• to ask questions that were not covered in the passage

How are the viewpoints in the "Do You Want a Robot Companion When You Get Old" article organized?

• by presenting stories and data from witnesses

• by presenting experts from one side and then the other

• by presenting discussions with elderly people and facts

• by presenting a question and then offering opinions on the topic

Which two details from the text best support the argument of people who oppose using robots like Paro?

• Robots are less effective than medications.

• The conversations that people have with robots may not make sense.

• Older people cannot truly be comforted by robots that look like animals.

• Lonely people may come to rely too heavily on robot pets for companionship.

• It can be confusing for dementia patients who may think the robot is a living thing.