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” notice about villagers in Cambodia? Choose two options.

• Most of them are dressed up.

• They have no cell phones.

• Their homes are on stilts.

• They are all quite young.

• They seem very happy.

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 sentence?

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 contrast 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.

Part A 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