America Needs Its Nerds

What is Fridman’s primary purpose in this passage?

• To entertain readers with humorous anecdotes

• To argue against America’s anti-intellectual culture

• To provide historical context on academic values

• To praise the athletic achievements of American students

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.6

CCSS.RI.11-12.6

CCSS.RI.8.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.6

How does Fridman establish a critical tone toward American society’s values?

• By admiring American sports culture

• By expressing concern about academic pressure

• By highlighting society's preference for physical prowess over intellect

• By praising American intellectual achievements

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.6

CCSS.RI.11-12.6

CCSS.RI.8.6

CCSS.RL.11-12.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.6

What is the effect of Fridman’s comparison between “nerds” and athletes?

• It suggests that athletes are academically focused

• It emphasizes societal preference for physical over intellectual abilities

• It implies that nerds are more popular than athletes

• It suggests a balance between academics and athletics

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CCSS.RL.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Fridman uses words like “ostracized,” “persecutors,” and “haunt.” How do these words enhance his argument?

• They create a neutral tone

• They underscore the severity of societal rejection faced by intellectuals

• They add humor to the passage

• They praise societal attitudes toward academics

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CCSS.L.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.11-12.6

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

How does Fridman use logos to strengthen his argument?

• By providing statistics on educational funding

• By discussing definitions and comparing American society to other countries

• By sharing his personal academic struggles

• By describing specific nerd achievements in sports

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CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

Which of the following best describes Fridman’s use of examples from elementary to university levels?

• To show that anti-intellectualism starts early and persists into adulthood

• To argue that students become more intellectual over time

• To compare the educational systems of various countries

• To highlight the athletic focus in higher education

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CCSS.RI.11-12.1

CCSS.RI.11-12.2

CCSS.RI.11-12.3

CCSS.RI.11-12.6

What is the significance of Fridman’s reference to Webster’s New World Dictionary?

• It shows how “geek” has multiple meanings

• It provides a historical perspective on American language

• It highlights how the term “geek” is negatively associated with academics

• It praises the evolution of academic terminology

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

In lines 35-40, Fridman compares American culture to other countries, particularly East Asia. What rhetorical strategy is he using?

• Irony

• Comparison and contrast

• Hyperbole

• Personification

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CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

Why does Fridman claim that nerds and geeks are “ashamed of who they are”?

• To show the positive effects of peer influence

• To criticize societal pressure to conform

• To indicate that nerds need better study skills

• To praise students who are involved in social activities

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.11-12.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

How does Fridman’s question in lines 49-50 (“How can a country where typical parents are ashamed...”) function within the text?

• It introduces a hypothetical argument

• It emphasizes the absurdity of American values

• It offers a solution to societal issues

• It praises parents for their priorities

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CCSS.RI.11-12.6

CCSS.RL.11-12.6