English Quiz 3: Automation

What is the most effective way to revise sentence 5 to include a transition word or phrase? (See image for text passage. Click to enlarge)

• However it will require some workers to gain new skills to meet the demands of a

  changing workforce.

• However, it will require some workers to gain new skills to meet the demands of a

  changing workforce.

• For example it will require some workers to gain new skills to meet the demands of a

  changing workforce.

• For example, it will require some workers to gain new skills to meet the demands of

  a changing workforce.

Answer explanation

Transitional words and phrases connect ideas and show they are related. Some common transitional words that indicate contrast include but, however, and although.

Also, you should use a comma after your transition word or phrase when starting a sentence.

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CCSS.RI.7.2

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Which statement best expresses the author’s central claim in “The Automation Paradox”?

• Computer automation will likely be responsible for the loss of most jobs.

• Computer automation should allow workers to avoid the need for advanced training.

• Computer automation will likely increase the number of jobs in certain fields rather

  than decreasing them.

• Computer automation should be welcomed like other technological advances in the

  past have been.

Answer explanation

In an argument, a claim is the writer’s position, or opinion, on an issue.

James Bessen uses graphs to support his claim. Both of those graphs show the change in number of jobs for workers with computers in certain fields over time.

The word automation comes from the Greek prefix auto-, meaning “self.” Based on this information, what is the best definition of the word automation as it is used in “The Automation Paradox”?

• Technology primarily used within the workforce

• Technology that involves the use of advanced computers

• Technology that operates on its own without human support

• Technology mostly used in factories in place of human workers

Answer explanation

In the text, the author uses automation when describing technologies that rely on the technology's "self" rather than on humans.

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CCSS.RI.6.4

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What is the effect of the author’s use of graphs in “The Automation Paradox”? Cite evidence from the text in your response.

Respond to the prompt in two or more complete sentences. Your sentences should use conventional capitalization and punctuation. Include evidence to support your claim.

Answer explanation

Sample Answer: In “The Automation Paradox,” author James Bessen includes a bar graph and a line graph

showing employment statistics. Both graphs demonstrate how the increased use of technology has affected the

workforce. Specifically, the graphs indicate that employment in jobs that require higher

skills and the use of computers is on the rise. This information helps support his claim that automation will

provide greater opportunities in some professions in the future.

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Which group is most likely the intended audience of “Heads Up, Humans”?

• Teachers

• Young adults

• Older adults

• Technology professionals

Answer explanation

In paragraph one, Claudia Alarcón addresses her intended audience directly: "If you're like most young people, you've probably embraced technology."

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.6

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Read the dictionary entry:

technology \tek-nol’?-je\ n 1. the practical application of science in a particular area 2. the

scientific method used to achieve a commercial or industrial objective 3. electronic or digital

products and systems 4. the body of knowledge available to a society to fashion tools

Which definition represents the meaning of the word technology as it is used in paragraph 3 of “Heads Up, Humans”?

• Definition 1

• Definition 2

• Definition 3

• Definition 4

Answer explanation

In this paragraph, the reader should infer we will be replaced by products and systems rather than by applications, methods, or a body of knowledge.

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CCSS.RI.7.4

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Which reason best explains why the author included paragraph 5 in “Heads Up, Humans”?

• To explain a counterclaim

• To provide factual evidence

• To include employment statistics

• To clarify how technology will change the future

Answer explanation

A counterclaim is the opposite of the argument, or the opposing argument.

In paragraph 5, Claudia Alarcón address a claim by "technology fans." This claim opposes her own view that automation will have a negative impact on employment.

Which quotation from “Heads Up, Humans” expresses a counterclaim to the author’s argument?

• They say that people who are displaced from jobs will find new and better

  occupations that will be created by the economic shift. (paragraph 5)

• Today, the new industries are unlikely to need many human bodies or minds because

  technology can do the work for less cost. (paragraph 7)

• There is no evidence that recent advances in technology have so far offered the

  majority of workers better pay or positions. (paragraph 9)

• It’s tempting to avoid thinking about it, especially because solutions aren’t obvious.

  (paragraph 11)

Answer explanation

In an argument, a claim is the writer's position, or opinion, on an issue. A counterargument or counterclaim is an argument made to address an alternative viewpoint or an objection.

In "Heads Up, Humans," Claudia Alarcón argues that automation will have a negative impact on employment.

Which sentence would best conclude this paragraph by using active voice? (See passage. Click image to enlarge.)

• It is feared that our reliance on computers and other forms of technology will increase unemployment levels.

• Many people fear that our reliance on computers and other forms of technology will increase

  unemployment levels.

• Our reliance on computers and other forms of technology will increase

  unemployment levels is a fear of many people.

• Many people fear that increased unemployment levels will be caused by our reliance

  on computers and other forms of technology.

Answer explanation

This question asks you to revise the concluding sentence from passive to active voice.

Passive voice shows that a subject is being acted upon. Active voice shows that a subject performs the verb's action. Looking for a clear subject (Many people) with a concrete verb (fear) helps you identify active voice.

What do the citations in “Heads Up, Humans” suggest about the author’s research for her argument?

• She relied on internet publications.

• She strictly used statistical sources.

• She primarily focused on opinion pieces.

• She consulted a variety of sources.

Answer explanation

References in "Heads Up, Human" include news articles, books, and research studies.