The Black Hole of Technology PDF

Name: Date: “The Black Hole of Technology” Leena Khan FIRST READ: Comprehension Identify the choice that best answers the question. 1. How do the friends in “The Bla...

Name: Date: “The Black Hole of Technology” Leena Khan FIRST READ: Comprehension Identify the choice that best answers the question. 1. How do the friends in “The Black Hole of Technology” react when Fouly asks them whether they have seen Miley Cyrus’s post? a. They ask Fouly for more information. b. They quickly check social media. c. They ask to see Fouly’s phone. d. They look out the window. 2. What opinion about technology does the author state at the beginning of “The Black Hole of Technology”? a. Technology helps us learn to absorb information. b. Technology makes us instant experts on many topics. c. Technology is keeping us from processing and interacting. d. Technology cannot be compared to printed books or newspapers. 3. What event in “The Black Hole of Technology” strengthens the author’s opinion about technology? a. a Miley Cyrus concert b. a drive in the family car c. a flight to a foreign land d. a hike to an ancient temple 4. What does the author of “The Black Hole of Technology” notice about villagers in Cambodia? Choose two options. a. Most of them are dressed up. b. They have no cell phones. c. Their homes are on stilts. d. They are all quite young. e. They seem very happy. © by Savvas Learning Company LLC. All Rights Reserved. 1  GRADE 6 UNIT 3 SELECTION TEST “THE BLACK HOLE OF TECHNOLOGY” BY LEENA KHAN Name: Date: 5. What does the author of “The Black Hole of Technology” vow to do the next time she’s walking along a road? a. value her surroundings b. text her friends about it c. take photos as a memento d. keep one ear and one eye open FIRST READ: Concept Vocabulary Identify the choice that best answers the question. 6. 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. a. looking at with interest b. taking in greedily c. struggling with d. ripping out 7. If a certain clue consumed a detective, which of the following was most likely true? a. The clue was not what the detective expected. b. The clue was not that valuable to the detective. c. The detective saw other similar clues while investigating the case. d. The detective spent most of his time working with that particular clue. 8. If you are absorbing information, which is most likely to be true? a. You are adding the information to what you know. b. You are explaining the information to others. c. You are imagining yourself performing research. d. You are growing more puzzled by the information. © by Savvas Learning Company LLC. All Rights Reserved. 2  GRADE 6 UNIT 3 SELECTION TEST “THE BLACK HOLE OF TECHNOLOGY” BY LEENA KHAN Name: Date: CLOSE READ: Analyze the Text Identify the choice that best answers the question. 9. 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? a. It shows the difference between the speed of information today and in earlier times. b. It proves that a world of constant, rapid travel can suddenly end. c. It shows the difference between consuming information and appreciating the world. d. It reveals the author’s love for travel and ever-changing landscapes. 10. The following question has two parts. Answer Part A first, and then Part B. Part A How does the author of “The Black Hole of Technology” feel about spending time with her friends as they check social media? a. completely embarrassed b. comfortable and satisfied c. distracted by something else d. jealous of their technical skill Part B Which statement from “The Black Hole of Technology” best supports the answer to Part A? a. We were 15 friends sitting inside under artificial lighting…. b. … our hands glued to our phones on a Friday … c. … the enticing warmth of the sun and delicate breeze were begging us to run around outside…. d. I put my phone down to shut the curtains…. © by Savvas Learning Company LLC. All Rights Reserved. 3  GRADE 6 UNIT 3 SELECTION TEST “THE BLACK HOLE OF TECHNOLOGY” BY LEENA KHAN Name: Date: 11. 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. a. Machines are taking over the jobs and duties that used to belong to human beings. b. Technology was supposed to make us better but instead has made us less human. c. People today are overly distracted and overwhelmed by meaningless texts, posts, and tweets. d. It has not taken long for the entire world to become connected through the powerful reach of technology. 12. The following question has two parts. Answer Part A first, and then Part B. Part A Toward the end of “The Black Hole of Technology,” the author announces that she “had finally stopped.” What does she mean by that? a. She has decided to get rid of her phone and other devices. b. She is paying attention to what is right in front of her. c. She has finally finished the long hike to the temple. d. She will no longer learn from anyone but herself. Part B Which of these lines from “The Black Hole of Technology” best supports the answer to Part A? a. I carried my insightful observations all the way to the temple…. b. I was paying attention to the information the guide was throwing at me…. c. When would I be able to visit one of the seven wonders of the world again? d. … I soaked in the extraordinary sight before me. © by Savvas Learning Company LLC. All Rights Reserved. 4  GRADE 6 UNIT 3 SELECTION TEST “THE BLACK HOLE OF TECHNOLOGY” BY LEENA KHAN Name: Date: CLOSE READ: Analyze Craft and Structure Identify the choice that best answers the question. 13. The following question has two parts. Answer Part A first, and then Part B. Part A Which sentence best summarizes the author’s claim in “The Black Hole of Technology”? a. Modern technology enhances our everyday lives. b. It is important to take the time to enjoy beautiful weather. c. Modern technology can distract us from enjoying our surroundings and interacting with the people around us. d. Social media is an important piece of modern technology that allows us to see into the lives of our favorite celebrities. Part B Which of these sentences from “The Black Hole of Technology” best supports the answer to Part A? a. Before being introduced to my phone and computer, I had always been more appreciative of the world around me. b. I, on the other hand, glanced out the window separating us from the beautiful weather outside. c. I put my phone down to shut the curtains, then I continued to mindlessly scroll through Miley’s Instagram page. d. I slipped my phone out of my bag to check for a signal, but before I could even unlock it, it was snatched out of my hands. 14. Read the following passage from “The Black Hole of Technology.” Look for words and phrases that the author repeats. No one stops to process information anymore to determine its significance or importance. No one appreciates the value of personal interaction or nature. Everything is go, go, go. Not once do we stop.… Now, I’m always consumed by my “tech,” and I never stop to take a break. Which sentence best explains the author’s use of repetition in this passage? a. She repeats the word go to make her argument more reasonable. b. She repeats the word stop to emphasize an idea that is important to her. c. She repeatedly uses sentences of similar length to persuade the reader to see things her way. d. She repeats the phrase no one to make fun of people who use a lot of technology. © by Savvas Learning Company LLC. All Rights Reserved. 5  GRADE 6 UNIT 3 SELECTION TEST “THE BLACK HOLE OF TECHNOLOGY” BY LEENA KHAN Name: Date: 15. In “The Black Hole of Technology,” the author visits a Cambodian village. Which quotation from that part of the blog post most clearly appeals to the reader’s emotions? a. … I walked along the wide, crowded dirt path on our way to visit yet another Cambodian temple. b. I slipped my phone out of my bag to check the signal, but before I could even unlock it, it was snatched out of my hands. c. A toddler was laughing her head off, playing with an old man who I assumed was her grandfather.… Everyone around me was smiling, despite having to live their lives in poverty. d. When the guide started a long speech about the origin of the temple, I turned to face him. © by Savvas Learning Company LLC. All Rights Reserved. 6 ANSWERS “The Black Hole of Technology” Leena Khan QUESTION ANSWERS DIFFICULTY OBJECTIVE STANDARDS 1. B Easy Comprehension RI.2, RI.3 2. C Average Comprehension RI.2 3. D Easy Comprehension RI.2, RI.3 4. B, E Challenging Comprehension RI.2, RI.3 5. A Average Comprehension RI.2, RI.3 6. B Average Vocabulary: Selection RI.4, L.4 Words 7. D Average Vocabulary: Selection RI.4, L.4 Words 8. A Average Vocabulary: Selection RI.4, L.4 Words 9. C Challenging Close Reading RI.1, RI.2, RI.4, RI.6 10. Part A C Challenging Close Reading: Text-Based RI.1, RI.3 Part B C Evidence 11. C Challenging Close Reading RI.1, RI.2 12. Part A B Challenging Close Reading: Text-Based RI.1, RI.3, RI.4 Part B D Evidence 13. Part A C Challenging Analyze Craft and RI.1, RI.6, RI.8 Part B A Structure: Claim 14. B Average Analyze Craft and RI.1, RI.5 Structure: Repetition 15. C Challenging Analyze Craft and RI.1, RI.3, RI.6 Structure: Appeal to Emotion © by Savvas Learning Company LLC. All Rights Reserved. 1  GRADE 6 UNIT 3 SELECTION TEST ANSWERS “THE BLACK HOLE OF TECHNOLOGY” BY LEENA KHAN 16. D Easy Language Development: L.4 Multiple-Meaning Words 17. D Average Language Development: L.4 Multiple-Meaning Words 18. A Average Conventions: Independent L.1 Clauses 19. A Average Conventions: Nonrestrictive L.1, L.2.a Clauses 20. C Average Conventions: Relative L.1 Clauses 21. C Challenging Comparing Texts RI.6, RI.9 22. B Challenging Comparing Texts RI.6, RI.9 © by Savvas Learning Company LLC. All Rights Reserved. 2  NAME : CLASS : Black Hole of Technology/Teens and Technology DATE : 10 Questions 1. What is the central idea of the blog, The Black Hole of Technology? a) Technology is good for certain people. b) Technology can help others do good things. c) Technology o!ers a multitude of d) Technology can becone an obsession and information, but it needs to be used distract from the world around others. carefully. 2. In paragraph 1 of the blog post “The Black Hole of Technology,” the author refers to “streams of technology- enabled information.” What meaning of streams is she referring to in her blog? a) continuous "ow of liquid, air, or gas. b) a small, narrow river that "ows in one direction. c) information over the Internet as a steady, d) pour over rapidly and in both directions. continuous "ow. 3. In “The Black Hole of Technology,” what does the author mean when she says “information is devouring everyone living in the twenty-#rst century”? a) consuming all their attention in a negative b) eat (food or prey) hungrily or quickly way c) on #re or a similar force which destroys d) read quickly and eagerly completely 4. Identify the author’s point of view of, or the way she sees, technology after her experience at the Cambodian temple. a) She feels sad for the people without b) She notices that they have no fashion technology sense and need technology to help them become better dressed c) She doesn't notice anything about d) She sees how her attention is taken from technology the beautiful things she can experience in the real world 5. Compare and contrast how the blog posts “Teens and Technology Share a Future” and “The Black Hole of Technology” present their experiences with technology. a) Both want their readers to use the Internet b) Both use appeals to emotion and reason to bene#t people of the future. to try to convince readers to agree with their claims about their experiences with technology. c) One uses politics to sway the readers to d) One disagrees with technology while the follow the rules of the Internet while the other wants everyone to use it. other uses the opinions of experience. 6. How do the authors of both blogs present their points of view on technology? a) Teens and Technology talks to his readers b) Teens and Technology talks to older users directly while the author of The Black Hole of technology while the author of The of Technology uses an ancedote of her Black Hole of Technology only speaks to personal experience. the younger generation. c) Teens and Technology discusses how d) Teens and Technology is negative while confusing the Internet can be to use while The Black Hole of Technology is positive. The Black Hole of Technology refers to her friends use it often and easily. 7. What would both authors most likely agree with? a) Only the future with technology is dealt b) AI is going to take over the world in the with the next generation. near future unless we educate ourselves with technology correctly. c) There is a lot of useless information on the d) The Internet can give the next generation Internet. super powers. 8. What is the best de#nition for subject as it is used in the sentence below? All the students were subjected to completing the enormous amount of homework. a) forced to do something b) a person being discussed c) department or branch of knowledge d) under someone's authority 9. What opinion about technology does the author state at the beginning of "The Black Hole of Technology? a) Technology helps us learn to absorb b) Technology makes us instant experts on information many topics c) Technology is keeping us from processing d) Technology cannot be compared to and interacting printed books or newspapers 10. In "The Black Hole of Technology," the author visits a Cambodian village. Which quotation from that part of the blog post MOST CLEARLY appeals to the reader's emotions? a)...I walked along the wide, crowded dirt b) I slipped my phone out of my bag to check path on our way to visit yet another the signal, but before I could even unlock Cambodian temple it, it was snatched out of my hands c) A toddler was laughing her head o!, d) When the guide started a long speech playing with an old man who I assumed about the origin of the temple, I turned to was her grandfather...Everyone around me face him was smiling, despite having to live their lives in poverty Answer Key 1. d 2. c 3. a 4. d 5. b 6. a 7. c 8. a 9. c 10. c  NAME : CLASS : The Black Hole of Technology DATE : 13 Questions 1. How do the friends in "The Black Hole of Technology" react when Fouly asks them whether they have seen Miley Cyrus's post? a) They ask Fouly for more information. b) They quickly check social media. c) They ask to see Fouly's phone. d) They look out the window. 2. What opinion about technology does the author state at the beginning of "The Black Hole of Technology"? a) Technology helps us learn to absorb b) Technology makes us instant experts on information. many topics. c) Technology is keeping us from processing d) Technology cannot be compared to and interacting. printed books or newspapers. 3. What event in "The Black Hole of Technology" strengthens the author's opinion about technology? a) a Miley Cyrus concert b) a drive in the family car c) a !ight to a foreign land d) a hike to an ancient temple 4. What does the author of "The Black Hole of Technology" vow to do the next time she's walking along a road? a) value her surroundings b) text her friends about it c) take photos as a memento d) keep one ear and one eye open 5. What is the most likely meaning of devouring in the following: She is devouring every page of the new book in her favorite series. a) looking at with interest b) taking in greedily c) struggling with d) ripping out 6. If a certain clue consumed a detective, which of the following was most likely true? a) The clue was not what the detective b) The clue was not that valuable to the expected. detective. c) The detective saw other similar clues while d) The detective spent most of his time investigating the case. working with that particular clue. 7. If you are absorbing information, which is most likely to be true? a) You are adding the information to what b) You are explaining the information to you know. others. c) You are imagining yourself performing d) You are growing more puzzled by the research. information. 8. 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 "nally stopped. Which statement best explains the overall e#ect of this content in the blog post? a) It shows the di#erence between the speed b) It proves that a world of constant, rapid of information today and in earlier times. travel can suddenly end. c) It shows the di#erence between d) It reveals the author's love for travel and consuming information and appreciating ever-changing landscapes. the world. 9. How does the author of "The Black Hole of Technology" feel about spending time with her friends as they check social media? a) completely embarrased b) comfortable and satis"ed c) distracted by something else d) jealous of their technical skill 10. 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-"rst century. a) Machines are taking over the jobs and b) Technology was supposed to make us duties that used to belong to human better but instead has made us less beings. human. c) People today are overly distracted and d) It has not taken long for the entire world to overwhelmed by meaningless texts, posts, become connected through the powerful and tweets. reach of technology. 11. Toward the end of "The Black Hole of Technology," the author announces that she has "had "nally stopped". What does she mean by that? a) She has decided to get rid of her phone b) She is paying attention to what is right in and other devices. front of her. c) She has "nally "nished the long hike to the d) She will no longer learn from anyone but temple. herself. 12. Which sentence best summarizes the author's claim in "The Black Hole of Technology"? a) Modern technology enhances our b) It is important to take the time to enjoy everyday lives. beautiful weather. c) Modern technology can distract us from d) Social mediais an important pience of enjoying our surroundings and interacting modern technology that allows us to see with people around us. into the lives of our favorite celebrities. 13. In "The Black Hole of Technology", the author visits a Cambodian village. Which quotation from that part of the blog post most clearly appeals to the reader's emotions? a)... I walked along the wide, crowded dirt b) I slipped my phone out of my bag to check path on our way to visit another the signal, but before I could even unlock Cambodian temple. it, it was snatched out of my hands. c) A toddler was laughing her head o#, d) When the guide started a long speech playing with an old man who I assumed about the origin of the temple, I turned to was her grandfather... Everyone around face him. me was smiling, despite having to live their lives in poverty. Answer Key 1. b 2. c 3. d 4. a 5. b 6. d 7. a 8. c 9. c 10. c 11. b 12. c 13. c  NAME : CLASS : The Black Hole of Technology DATE : 18 Questions 1. What is the reaction of the friends when Fouly tells them about the Miley Cyrus post? a) They check their social media. b) They look at Fouly's phone. c) They ask Fouly to give them the information. 2. What opinion about technology does the author state? a) Technology is keeping us from looking and b) Technology helps us learn. interacting with things around us. c) Using technology makes us smart instantly. 3. What happened in the story that strengthens the author's opinion? a) going to the ancient temple b) going to the Miley Cyrus concert c) hanging out with friends 4. What did the author notice about the people in Cambodia? a) they had no cell phones and were happy b) they had cell phones but no shoes c) they were dressed up 5. What does the author say she will do the next time she takes a walk? a) look and see her surroundings b) text with her friend c) pay only half attention of what is around her 6. What does devouring mean? a) taking in greedily b) tearing out c) struggle with 7. If you are consumed by something you____? a) spend a lot of time studying it b) take a quick look c) you look at everything around you 8. If you are absorbing information, which is true? a) adding information to what you already b) explaining it to someone know c) you are doing research 9. How did the author feel about spending time with her friends looking at social media? a) distracted by it b) embarrassed c) satis!ed 10. What is meant by "the black hole of endless, is devouring everyone living in the 21st century? a) people today are distracted overwhelmed b) technology is to better us but is making us by meaningless texts, posts, tweets, etc less human c) the whole world should be connected through technology 11. At the end of the story, what does the author mean by "she had !nally stopped"? a) she is beginning to pay attention to the b) she will never touch a device again sights around her c) she !nished the trip to Cambodia 12. What is the summary of the story? a) technology can keep us from enjoying out b) social media is an important piece to surrounding and talking with people technology c) always take time to enjoy the outdoors 13. Which statement appeals to the reader's emotions? a) a toddler was laughing and playing with an b) walking along dirt path to visit another old man...everyone was smiling, despite Cambodian temple living in poverty c) I turned to listen to the guide give his speech 14. If you were forced to do something, you are____? a) subjected b) discussing a topic c) using authority 15. The multiple-meaning word plant has several de!nitions. Which is the best de!nition of plant in this sentence? We will plant the seeds this spring. a) A living object such as a tree or bush b) A place where manufacturing occurs c) to put or place something 16. Which of the following sentences is composed of two independent clauses? a) Dad and I watch football regularly, but we b) My team, which is currently in !rst place, cheer for di"erent teams. will surely win. c) Whenever my team scores, Dad growls irritably. 17. Which sentence contains a relative clause a) The phone rang as we were sitting down to b) Because it was dinner time, I did not eat. answer the phone. c) The person who called us was working for a political candidate. 18. Which sentences uses a comma to set o" a nonrestrictive clause? (has a relative pronoun, think A WHITE BUS) a) Mom likes her new smartphone, which got b) She has added the contacts for family excellent reviews online. members, friends, and work. Answer Key 1. a 2. a 3. a 4. a 5. a 6. a 7. a 8. a 9. a 10. a 11. a 12. a 13. a 14. a 15. c 16. a 17. c 18. a  ! !" ! NAME : CLASS : The Black Hole of Technology DATE : 5 Questions 1. Why did Leena get her phone taken away? a) Because she hit someone b) Because she wasn’t paying attention to her surroundings c) She cyberbullied someone d) She was talking to boys and her dad found out 2. What were Leena Khan and her friends talking about? a) They were talking about the new iPhone b) They were talking about prom dresses that came out c) They were talking about Miley Cyrus’s post d) They were talking about a girl they didn’t like 3. Who took Leena’s phone? a) Her mom b) A liltle boy c) Her dad d) Someone robed her and took her phone and purse 4. What was Leena thinking about when she saw the people as she walked? a) Leena thought: “Everyone around me was b) That she was hungry smiling, despite having to live their lives in poverty. Then I noticed something I hadn’t before: no one had a cellphone on them. c) She relized that she stepped in mud d) That there were dogs chasing her 5. What did Leena vow to herself? a) Leena vowed: “I vowed that the next time b) That she will always love Miley Cyrus my friends and I are absorbed in our phones on a sunny day, I won’t close the curtains. Next time I’ll walk along any road, I’ll value my surroundings instead of texting on a device. c) That she will get a new iPhone d) That she will not open her curtains on a Sunday with her friends. And will not walk around a road instead she will text her friends and post pictures of herself on Instagram. Answer Key 1. b 2. c 3. c 4. a 5. a  @A!B#C# !"#$%&'(%)*+,%'#-*.#/0+*#1#234)5#673%#78#9%).0737:" DEAFF#C# ;7)4< GA9B #C# =#>?%'*+70' HI J%,7?&+0: A *.+05+0:#7,%&K#L%0*433"#*45+0:#+0 2 :4+0#40#?0J%&'*40J+0:#78 D 4