The Black Hole of Technology

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

In "The Black Hole of Technology," the author frequently contrasts the words go and stop, as in this example. 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

Part B: Which statement from "The Black Hole of Technology" best supports the answer to Part A?

• We were 15 friends sitting inside under artificial lighting....

• ... our hands glued to our phones on a Friday ...

• ... the enticing warmth of the sun and delicate breeze were begging us to run around outside....

• I put my phone down to shut the curtains....

Which of the following choices best gives the meaning of this sentence, which begins "The Black Hole of Technology"?

• Machines are taking over the jobs and duties that used to belong to human beings.

• Technology was supposed to make us better but instead has made us less human.

• People today are overly distracted and overwhelmed by meaningless texts, posts, and tweets.

• It has not taken long for the entire world to become connected through the powerful reach of technology.

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?

• She has decided to get rid of her phone and other devices.

• She is paying attention to what is right in front of her.

• She has finally finished the long hike to the temple.

• She will no longer learn from anyone but herself.