Selection Test: The Black Hole of Technology – Comparing Texts

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.

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.

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

What  does the author of "The Black Hole of Technology" vow to do the next time she's walking along a road?

• value her surroundings
• text her friends about it
• take photos as a memento
• keep one ear and one eye open

What is the most likely meaning of devouring in the following: 
_{She is devouring every page of the new book in her favorite series.}

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

If a certain clue consumed a detective, which of the following was most likely true?

• The clue was not what the detective expected.
• The clue was not that valuable to the detective.
• The detective saw other similar clues while investigating the case.
• The detective spent  most of his time working with that particular clue.

If you are absorbing information, which is most likely to be true?

• You are adding the information to what you know.
• You are explaining the information to others.
• You are imagining yourself performing research.
• You are growing more puzzled by the information.

In "The Black Hole of Technology," the author frequently contrasts the words go and stop, as  in this example:
_{In a life of go, go, go I had finally stopped.}
^{Which statement best explains the overall effect of this content in the blog post?}

• It shows the difference between the speed of information today and in earlier times.
• It proves that a world of constant, rapid travel can suddenly end.
• It shows the difference between consuming information and appreciating the world.
• It reveals the author's love for travel and ever-changing landscapes.

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

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

Which of the following choices best gives the meaning of this sentence, which begins "The Black Hole of  Technology"?
_{The black hole of endless, unimportant streams of technology-enabled information is devouring everyone living in the twenty-first century.}

• 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.