The Automation Paradox/Heads Up Humans Selection Test

What is the most effective way to revise sentence 5 to include a transition word or phrase?

• 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.

Part A: What is the author’s main 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.

Which quotation from “The Automation Paradox” best supports the answer to Part A?

• It turns out that workers will have greater employment opportunities if their occupation undergoes some degree of computer automation. (paragraph 2)

• Take the legal industry as an example. Computers are taking over some of the work of lawyers and paralegals, and they’re doing a better job of it. (paragraph 3)

• Automation reduces the cost of a product or service, and lower prices tend to attract more customers. (paragraph 6)

• Some trade groups are promoting skill-certification programs, which allow employers to recognize skills acquired through experience. (paragraph 11)

What is the best definition of the word automation as 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

What is the effect of the author’s use of graphs in “The Automation Paradox”?

• The graphs provide statistical evidence to support the author's claims.

• The graphs are used to confuse the reader.

• The graphs are irrelevant to the author's argument.

• The graphs are used to illustrate historical trends.

What is the effect of this direct address?

• It feels as if the author is speaking to employers.

• It feels as if the author is speaking personally to the reader.

• It creates a sense of distance between the author and the reader.

• It appears that the author doesn't care about the reader’s opinion.

What does the word technology mean as it is used in paragraph 3 of “Heads Up, Humans”?

• Definition 1

• Definition 2

• Definition 3

• Definition 4

Which two reasons best explain why the author included paragraph 5 in “Heads Up, Humans”?

• 38% of U.S. jobs are at high risk of being replaced by robots and artificial intelligence over the next 15 years. (paragraph 3)

• Shipping companies have made headlines with self-driving trucks carrying cargo across the country. (paragraph 4)

• In the U.S., roughly 180,000 taxi drivers, 600,000 ride share drivers, and 3.5 million truck drivers could end up displaced. (paragraph 4)

• “The last 200 years, we’ve had an incredible amount of automation,” argues MIT economist David Autor. (paragraph 6)

• Jerry Kaplan, an artificial intelligence expert, has written a book called Humans Need Not Apply. (paragraph 8)

Which quote from “Heads Up, Humans” opposes 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)

Which sentence uses the active voice?

• 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.