Television's Impact on Society

Which sentence from the article best expresses the controlling idea?

• "Since its invention, television has shaped American society in significant ways, impacting culture, politics, and daily life." (paragraph 1)

• "In the 1960s, John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon participated in the first televised presidential debates." (paragraph 2)

• "Shows like All in the Family and The Jeffersons addressed controversial topics, sparking conversations and changing perspectives." (paragraph 4)

• "Whether through entertainment, information, or social change, television has left an indelible mark on the culture." (paragraph 7)

Answer explanation

The first sentence clearly states the overall impact of television on American society, making it the best expression of the controlling idea. The other choices provide examples but do not encapsulate the main theme.

Read this incomplete summary of paragraph 5. Advances in technology have made television more accessible. People can watch programs anywhere using streaming services. The ability to stream has changed how people interact with television. Which idea should be included to create a complete summary of paragraph 5?

• Families no longer gather to watch shows together as they did in the past.

• Streaming services allow people to binge-watch entire series.

• Television programs can now be watched on phones or computers.

• Streaming services have made television less important in daily life.

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights that technology allows television programs to be watched on phones or computers, which directly supports the idea of increased accessibility and interaction with television through streaming services.

This question has two parts. Part A At the beginning of the article, it can be inferred that television has often been seen as —

• a source of societal problems

• a powerful tool for communication

• a distraction from meaningful activities

• an invention that has no real purpose

Answer explanation

At the beginning of the article, television is described as a powerful tool for communication, highlighting its ability to connect people and share information effectively, which aligns with the correct answer.

Part B Which sentence from the article best supports the answer to Part A?

• "But television has been much more than [entertainment]." (paragraph 1)

• "Television has shaped American society in significant ways, impacting culture, politics, and daily life." (paragraph 1)

• "Television coverage has since been a powerful tool for raising awareness of important issues." (paragraph 3)

• "From introducing new fashion trends to influencing speech and behavior, TV programs often serve as a mirror of society." (paragraph 6)

Answer explanation

The sentence "Television coverage has since been a powerful tool for raising awareness of important issues." directly supports the idea that television significantly impacts society, aligning with the answer to Part A.

What is the most likely reason the author includes a rhetorical question in the title of the article?

• To encourage readers to reflect on the changes television has brought

• To emphasize that people often take television's impact for granted

• To suggest that television’s influence has declined over time

• To make readers question whether television has been positive or negative

Answer explanation

The author likely includes a rhetorical question in the title to prompt readers to think critically about the significant changes television has introduced, encouraging deeper reflection on its impact.

How does the author’s use of language in paragraphs 6 and 7 contribute to the tone of the article? Select TWO correct answers.

• By showing excitement about television's ability to shape culture

• By emphasizing concerns about how television divides families

• By creating hope for television’s continued role in cultural change

• By expressing caution about the rise of streaming services

• By portraying optimism about television’s evolving role in American society

Answer explanation

The author shows excitement about television's cultural impact and portrays optimism about its evolving role, highlighting a positive tone regarding its influence on society.

How does the use of a comparison organizational pattern in paragraphs 4 and 5 support the topic?

• By comparing the traditional family-centered viewing habits to modern individual viewing habits

• By showing how television impacts culture differently from politics

• By demonstrating how technology has both expanded and isolated television audiences

• By explaining how earlier television shows differed in content from today’s programs

Answer explanation

The comparison of traditional family-centered viewing habits to modern individual viewing habits highlights the shift in how audiences engage with television, supporting the topic by illustrating changing cultural dynamics.

What is the most likely reason the author wrote this article?

• To explain how television has influenced American society over time

• To describe technological advancements in television production

• To explore how television impacts individual relationships and emotions

• To share historical facts about the invention of television

Answer explanation

The author likely wrote this article to explain how television has influenced American society over time, as this choice encompasses a broad analysis of its societal impact, rather than focusing on technology, relationships, or historical facts.