"A Future Without Cash" Questions

Which of the following best describes the main idea of the passage?

• People have mixed opinions about moving toward a cashless society.

• Cash has been the most important form of payment for thousands of years.

• The shift to a cashless society would benefit businesses and everyday Americans.

• Technology has made cash obsolete for most businesses and consumers.

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights the benefits of a cashless society for both businesses and everyday Americans, aligning with the passage's focus on positive impacts of this shift, unlike the other options which are less comprehensive.

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Based on paragraph 3, which of these statements is most likely true about the Tufts University study?

• The study suggests the U.S. economy could benefit from eliminating cash.

• The study found that cash usage creates significant job opportunities.

• The study highlights the growing demand for coins and paper money.

• The study focused on how people prefer cash over digital payments.

Answer explanation

The correct choice indicates that the Tufts University study suggests potential economic benefits from eliminating cash, aligning with trends towards digital payments, rather than focusing on cash usage or preferences.

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What is the author’s tone in paragraph 7 when describing people who hold on to cash?

• Supportive and understanding

• Angry and critical

• Humorous and light-hearted

• Dismissive and critical

Answer explanation

In paragraph 7, the author uses language that conveys a sense of disdain towards those who cling to cash, indicating a dismissive and critical tone. This choice reflects a lack of empathy for their perspective.

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How does the author use the comparison of 'riding horses and buggies' to illustrate their argument?

• To show that cash is an outdated method of payment that holds people back.

• To suggest that people who use cash are out of touch with modern technology.

• To argue that cash is still a necessary part of the economy.

• To criticize those who resist technological advancements.

Answer explanation

The author compares 'riding horses and buggies' to cash to illustrate that cash is outdated and limits progress, similar to how using old transportation methods hinders modern travel.

What is the purpose of the author’s reference to the 'unbanked' population in paragraph 5?

• To suggest that people without bank accounts will be hurt by a cashless society.

• To show that eliminating cash could push some people to open bank accounts.

• To argue that cash is the only option for people with bank accounts.

• To emphasize that cash is more secure than digital payment methods.

Answer explanation

The author references the 'unbanked' population to highlight that a cashless society could negatively impact those without bank accounts, suggesting they may face challenges in accessing essential services.

Which of the following phrases best reflects the author’s attitude toward the move to a cashless society?

• "A change that should be avoided."

• "A positive change for the future."

• "A dangerous and unnecessary shift."

• "A change that is too fast and disruptive."

Answer explanation

The author views the move to a cashless society as beneficial, indicating optimism about its potential to improve the future. This aligns with the choice "A positive change for the future." which reflects a favorable attitude.

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Which statement best describes the author’s approach to presenting opposing viewpoints in the passage?

• The author completely disagrees with those who oppose a cashless society and rejects their arguments.

• The author briefly acknowledges opposing views and then explains why they are not valid or convincing.

• The author gives equal weight to both sides of the argument, allowing the reader to make up their own mind.

• The author focuses primarily on the criticisms of going cashless and offers few supporting arguments for the change.

Answer explanation

The author briefly acknowledges opposing views and then explains why they are not valid or convincing, indicating a critical approach rather than outright rejection or equal weighting of arguments.

In paragraph 5, how does the author refute the argument that cash is essential for social inclusion and financial planning?

• By explaining that digital payments can be just as effective in encouraging financial responsibility.

• By pointing out that most people already use digital payments for everyday purchases.

• By highlighting that some people may eventually be motivated to open bank accounts without cash.

• By suggesting that using cash for budgeting is outdated and unnecessary in a modern society.

Answer explanation

The author refutes the argument by explaining that digital payments can effectively promote financial responsibility, showing that cash is not the only means to achieve social inclusion and financial planning.

How does the structure of the passage help the author build a persuasive argument?

• The author introduces the topic by focusing on the benefits of cashless systems and follows up with examples of how this would impact businesses and individuals.

• The author provides a history of the use of cash and then focuses solely on the drawbacks of moving to a cashless society.

• The author begins by explaining the drawbacks of a cashless society and concludes with a call to keep using cash.

• The author organizes the text by discussing various viewpoints and remains neutral in the argument.

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights how the author effectively introduces the benefits of cashless systems, using examples to illustrate their positive impact on businesses and individuals, thereby strengthening the persuasive argument.

In paragraph 6, the author references the opinion of the Federal Treasury and Federal Reserve. What is the purpose of this reference?

• To explain the potential negative consequences of eliminating cash.

• To demonstrate that eliminating cash is legally supported by authoritative institutions.

• To show that businesses can legally refuse to accept cash in all situations.

• To argue that legal experts believe that going cashless will hurt the economy.

Answer explanation

The reference to the Federal Treasury and Federal Reserve serves to demonstrate that eliminating cash is legally supported by authoritative institutions, indicating a level of legitimacy and backing for the cashless movement.