Putting Good Deeds In Headlines May Not Be So Good (Common Lit)

What is the central idea of the article?

• Reporting on good deeds may make people less likely to perform them.

• Reporting on good deeds may make people more likely to perform them.

• Reporting on good deeds makes them less special.

• Reporting on good deeds may change society's expectations about performing them.

In Paragraph 11, what is meant by the phrase 'moral grade inflation'?

• Performing good deeds improves your 'moral grade.'

• Good deeds that would have gotten a lower 'moral grade' in the past are receiving higher praise now.

• Good deeds that would have gotten a higher 'moral grade' in the past are receiving lower praise now.

• The tendency for people to do good deeds is increasing.

Which sentence from the article best supports the idea of 'moral grade inflation'?

• 'The reports of these good deeds probably are going to beget more good deeds, and that is a good thing.' (Paragraph 8)

• 'They did do the right thing, and that's commendable.' (Paragraph 11)

• 'When you celebrate what should be ordinary behavior as extraordinary ... it sends a dangerous message.' (Paragraph 13)

• 'Giving good Samaritans celebrity treatment may also have the unintended consequence of creating monster expectations...' (Paragraph 19)

Why does the author include quotes from other sources in the article?

• To bolster the argument that reporting on good deeds may have negative consequences.

• To bolster the argument that reporting on good deeds usually has positive consequences.

• To bolster the argument that reporting on good deeds always has negative consequences.

• To show that all sources agree that reporting on good deeds is necessary regardless of the consequences.

How does race play a role in the specific good-deed examples cited by the author?

• It highlights societal biases and lower expectations for certain groups.

• It shows that race has no impact on how good deeds are perceived.

• It suggests that people of certain races are more likely to perform good deeds.

• It implies that good deeds are only celebrated when performed by minorities.

What was the reaction of strangers to the Dairy Queen manager's good deed?

• They ignored it.

• They criticized it.

• They paid it forward with $20 tips.

• They demanded the manager be rewarded.

What does the author suggest about celebrating ordinary behavior as extraordinary?

• It inspires more people to do good deeds.

• It sets a low bar for what it means to be a good person.

• It has no impact on societal norms.

• It encourages people to avoid bad behavior.

What unintended consequence might arise from giving good Samaritans celebrity treatment?

• It creates monster expectations.

• It discourages others from doing good deeds.

• It makes good deeds seem less important.

• It leads to fewer good deeds being reported.

Why does the author mention Glen James' story?

• To show that good deeds are always rewarded.

• To illustrate how media attention can amplify a good deed.

• To argue that good deeds should not be publicized.

• To highlight the role of race in good deeds.

What does the term 'moral myopia' refer to in the article?

• The inability to see the big picture in moral decisions.

• The tendency to overpraise good deeds.

• The belief that most people are selfish.

• The idea that good deeds are becoming less common.