Television as Literature: CommonLit Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Which of the following best identifies the author's main claim in the text?

English curriculums should incorporate watching television because it benefits students more than reading pop novels and literature.

Watching television does not meet the requirements that determine if something is literature, but it's likely to develop more comprehensively in the future.

Even though watching television provides students with the same advantages as reading literature, it should not be considered as a legitimate school subject.

Schools can use written materials about television to explore its place in today's culture and to teach reading, writing, and thinking skills. (correct)

Which detail from the text best supports the answer to Part A?

"The idea of television as a form of literature that should be taught in classrooms remains controversial." (Paragraph 4)

"When novels deal with similar themes, they are not visual. TV shows place those themes directly before the viewer." (Paragraph 8)

"Using these written materials, television can be taught in schools without sacrificing reading and writing skills or exposing students to graphic images." (Paragraph 18) (correct)

"Together, these three changes ushered in the golden era of television, allowing TV shows to tell more complex stories." (Paragraph 5)

How do the benefits of television compare to reading literature?

Television engages students more directly, while reading literature helps develop students' imaginations.

Television teaches students more modern and relevant storylines, while reading literature allows students to better understand the past.

Television more quickly develops students' mental processes, while reading literature teaches students patience and hard work.

Television can expose students to different types of stories and cultures, while reading literature develops their mental processes. (correct)

Which TWO sections from the text best support the answer to Part A?

<p>"Teaching television shows in school can help to bridge that gap by providing a common cultural ground in the way novels once did." (Paragraph 13)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Author's Main Claim

Schools can utilize written materials about television to explore its cultural significance and enhance reading, writing, and critical thinking skills.
The discussion on television as a form of literature for educational purposes remains a contentious topic.

Supporting Details for Main Claim

Teaching materials on television can be implemented without detracting from essential reading and writing skills.
Television has evolved to present complex narratives similar to traditional literature.

Comparison of Benefits

Television introduces students to diverse stories and cultures, while literature primarily focuses on developing analytical mental processes.
The digital age of television offers modern, relevant themes, whereas literature often provides historical context.

Supporting Details for Comparison

TV shows can serve as a shared cultural experience, similar to novels in their ability to foster common understanding among students.
A study at Emory University suggests that reading literature enhances brain connectivity related to language, highlighting the distinct cognitive benefits associated with traditional reading.

Description

This quiz explores the argument of whether television can be considered a form of literature suitable for English classes. It focuses on the perspectives about integrating television into educational curricula and its impact on skills like reading and writing. Test your understanding of the main claims presented in the text.