Is the Internet killing communication

1
Is the Internet killing communication?

• What is most peoples opinion concerning the
  Internet and communication?
• Given the fact that the writer would ask such a
  question, can you guess what his opinion is?

2
1. What is the greatest disadvantage of todays
faster information transfer identified in
paragraph 1? (77)

• A. A common system of communication has been
  destroyed.
• B. Thoughts and ideas are being spread rapidly.

• C. Humans are relying too heavily on transport.
• D. People are losing the ability to communicate
  with each other.

3
1. What is the greatest disadvantage of todays
faster information transfer identified in
paragraph 1? (77)

• A. A common system of communication has been
  destroyed.
• Line 5 Never before has humanity been able to
  distribute content so quickly using a fairly
  universal system.

• There is no mention of destruction in the
  paragraph.

4
1. What is the greatest disadvantage of todays
faster information transfer identified in
paragraph 1? (77)

• B. Thoughts and ideas are being spread rapidly.
• Line 5 Never before has humanity been able to
  distribute content so quickly using a fairly
  universal system.

• This is not a disadvantage.

5
1. What is the greatest disadvantage of todays
faster information transfer identified in
paragraph 1? (77)

• C. Humans are relying too heavily on transport.
• Line 10 After all, what can be better than the
  rapid transport of ideas and news?

• Transport of ideas is different than the type
  of transport implied in C.
• Doesnt make sense.

6
1. What is the greatest disadvantage of todays
faster information transfer identified in
paragraph 1? (77)

• D. People are losing the ability to communicate
  with each other.
• Line 2 the Internet has been destroying our
  ability to communicate effectively.

• This is clearly a disadvantage.
• Correct answer!

7
2. In paragraph 1, the writer agrees with the
view that (39)

• A. borders between people have been broken down.
• B. information transfer has become much swifter.

• C. the greatest benefit of the internet is the
  standardisation of ideas.
• D. the standard features of the Internet have
  brought the world closer together.

8
2. In paragraph 1, the writer agrees with the
view that (39)

• A. borders between people have been broken down.
• Line 6 In theory, shrunk our borders. that
  is what is claimed. In fact

• In theory tells us that the writer doesnt
  believe this is actually true.

9
2. In paragraph 1, the writer agrees with the
view that (39)

• B. information transfer has become much swifter.
• Line 5 Never before has humanity been able to
  distribute content so quickly using a fairly
  universal system.

• Swift quick/fast
• The write agrees that information transfer has
  become swift, but not that this is a good thing.
• Correct!

10
2. In paragraph 1, the writer agrees with the
view that (39)

• C. the greatest benefit of the internet is the
  standardisation of ideas.
• Line 7 standard features of email.

• The paragraph doesnt mention this at all.
• Nobody would agree with this view.

11
2. In paragraph 1, the writer agrees with the
view that (39)

• D. the standard features of the Internet have
  brought the world closer together.
• Line 6 In theory, shrunk our borders. that
  is what is claimed. In fact

• Other people believe this but this writer doesnt.

12
3. According to paragraph 2, the writer of this
article thinks that the ultimate goal of
communication is to (27)

• A. produce useful tools.
• B. create social reality.

• C. make things happen.
• D. identify agreed meanings.

13
3. According to paragraph 2, the writer of this
article thinks that the ultimate goal of
communication is to (27)

• A. produce useful tools.
• Line 19 communication and its tools serve to
  

• Producing tools is not a goal of communication.
• We use tools to help us attain our communicative
  goals.
• Ex. Telephone.

14
3. According to paragraph 2, the writer of this
article thinks that the ultimate goal of
communication is to (27)

• B. create social reality.
• Line 14 Communication is defined by Sarah
  Trenholm and Arthur Jensen as the process
  create social reality.

• Sarah and Arthur are not the writers.
• They are defining what communication is, not
  telling us what the goal of communication is.

15
3. According to paragraph 2, the writer of this
article thinks that the ultimate goal of
communication is to (27)

• C. make things happen.
• Line 19 communication and its tools, , serve
  to in order to bring about a desired action.

• in order to tells us that we are going to be
  told the reason/goal.
• This is the writers opinion.
• Correct!

16
3. According to paragraph 2, the writer of this
article thinks that the ultimate goal of
communication is to (27)

• D. identify agreed meanings.
• Line 18 is derived from the word munia
  meaning service

• Not a plausible answer.

17
4. In line 24, the task refers to (41)

• A. achieving communication.
• B. defining communication.

• C. desiring action.
• D. regulating social reality

18
4. In line 24, the task refers to (41)

• A. achieving communication.
• line 19 communication and its tools

• The whole passage is talking about communication
  and the Internet.
• Correct!

19
4. In line 24, the task refers to (41)

• B. defining communication.
• Line 23 On the basis of these definitions, the
  Internet is not living up to the task.

• The definitions tell us what it is.
• They are not the task.

20
4. In line 24, the task refers to (41)

• C. desiring action.
• line 21 in order to bring about a desired
  action.

• Wanting/desiring an action is not a task.

21
4. In line 24, the task refers to (41)

• D. regulating social reality.
• Line 23 On the basis of these definitions, the
  Internet is not living up to the task.

• Regulating social reality is only Sarah Trenholm
  and Arthur Jensens definition.
• Were looking for something more general.

22
5. In line 35, the application refers to (75)

• A. the Internet
• B. distribution of information.

• C. email.
• D. sending messages.

23
5. In line 35, the application refers to (75)

• A. the Internet
• line 32 Email, the most commonly used Internet
  application, is a wonderful tool, allowing cheap,
  easy distribution of information.

• This sentence is telling us that email is an
  Internet application.
• Internet is an adjective modifying application.

24
5. In line 35, the application refers to (75)

• B. distribution of information.
• line 32 Email, the most commonly used Internet
  application, is a wonderful tool, allowing cheap,
  easy distribution of information.

• Distribution of ideas is what you do with the
  application.
• It is not the application.

25
5. In line 35, the application refers to (75)

• C. email.
• line 32 Email, the most commonly used Internet
  application, is a wonderful tool, allowing cheap,
  easy distribution of information.

• Email is an Internet application.
• Correct!

26
5. In line 35, the application refers to (75)

• D. sending messages.
• The problem lies with the users of the
  application who choose to ignore all rules when
  sending messages.

• Again, sending messages is what you do with the
  application.
• It is not the application.

27
6. In the writers view in paragraph 4, the main
advantage of email is . (76)

• A. it is friendly.
• B. its informality.

• C. it is simple and inexpensive.
• D. its use in business situations.

28
6. In the writers view in paragraph 4, the main
advantage of email is . (76)

• A. it is friendly
• line 37 Because email is perceived as a
  friendly format

• People are friendly.
• Friendly format means that it is user-friendly.

29
6. In the writers view in paragraph 4, the main
advantage of email is . (76)

• B. its informality
• line 42 The tone is too informal

• The word too tells us that this cannot be an
  advantage.

30
6. In the writers view in paragraph 4, the main
advantage of email is . (76)

• C. it is simple and inexpensive.
• Line 33 a wonderful tool, allowing cheap and
  easy distribution of information.

• Cheap inexpensive
• Easy Simple
• Allowing and wonderful give the sentence a
  positive tone.
• Correct!

31
6. In the writers view in paragraph 4, the main
advantage of email is . (76)

• D. its use in business situations.
• Line 38 lazy habits are formed that eventually
  creep into business

• The words lazy and creep into tell us that it
  is not an advantage.

32
7. According to paragraph 4, the writer thinks
that in email communication, the relationship
between participants tends to be (55)

• A. easily identified.
• B. ignored.

• C. carefully chosen.
• D. atrocious

33
7. According to paragraph 4, the writer thinks
that in email communication, the relationship
between participants tends to be (55)

• A. easily identified.
• line 44 the writing style used in email needs
  to be chosen according to the receiver.

• This says that the relationship needs to be
  identified.
• It doesnt say that it is easily identified.

34
7. According to paragraph 4, the writer thinks
that in email communication, the relationship
between participants tends to be (55)

• B. ignored.
• line 40 job applicants ignore standard resume
  rules...
• line 42 The tone is too informal

• You should write differently to a potential
  employer than you would to a friend, but people
  ignore these rules.
• They write informally when they shouldnt.
• Correct!

35
7. According to paragraph 4, the writer thinks
that in email communication, the relationship
between participants tends to be (55)

• C. carefully chosen.
• Line 42 The tone of the material is too
  informal ...
• Line 44 style needs to be chosen according to
  the receiver.

• Yes, the relationship should be considered, but
  the fact that it is too informal tells us that it
  often isnt.

36
7. According to paragraph 4, the writer thinks
that in email communication, the relationship
between participants tends to be (55)

• D. atrocious
• line 43 the grammar and spelling are
  atrocious.

• You can write poorly and still have a good
  relationship with someone.

37
8. According to paragraph 5, the writer has a
pessimistic view of the future because (38)

• A. we do not act appropriately when
  communicating.
• B. society and culture can no longer be created
  by communication.

• C. Societal norms lack meaning and value.
• D. people no longer understand how self-centred
  they are.

38
8. According to paragraph 5, the writer has a
pessimistic view of the future because (38)

• A. we do not act appropriately when
  communicating.
• Line 46 communication sits on the brink of
  extinction as a result of the ultra-informal
  habits
• line52 by disregarding the ways in which we
  create and receive messages.

• Extinction shows us the writers pessimistic
  view.
• ultra-informal and disregarding show us that
  the way we communicate is inappropriate.
• Correct!

39
8. According to paragraph 5, the writer has a
pessimistic view of the future because (38)

• B. society and culture can no longer be created
  by communication.
• Line 52 Both society and culture are created by
  communication.

• Communication will still have a role to play in
  society and culture.
• We can assume that the writer wont like the kind
  of society and culture we will have in the
  future.

40
8. According to paragraph 5, the writer has a
pessimistic view of the future because (38)

• C. Societal norms lack meaning and value.
• Line 48 people ignoring societal norms.
• Line 53 we are destined for a world without
  meaning or value - a selfish world.

• The writer thinks societal norms are important.
• The problem is that we are ignoring them.

41
8. According to paragraph 5, the writer has a
pessimistic view of the future because (38)

• D. people no longer understand how self-centred
  they are.
• Line 53 we are destined for a selfish world.

• Yes, people may become more self-centred.
• However, the idea of people no longer
  understanding this is not mentioned.

42
9. Paragraph 6 suggests that some people think
the Internet has created a global village by
(39)

• A. boasting about their companies advantages.
• B. creating quick-cut videos.

• C. creating communication dreams.
• D. improving communication between people.

43
9. Paragraph 6 suggests that some people think
the Internet has created a global village by
(39)

• A. boasting about their companies advantages.
• Line 56 Microsoft, IBM, boast of the global
  village that the Internet has brought about.

• To boast means to talk proudly of your
  achievement.
• They are proud of having created a global village
  but they didnt create it by boasting.

44
9. Paragraph 6 suggests that some people think
the Internet has created a global village by
(39)

• B. creating quick-cut videos.
• Line 58 Despite bold headlines and quick-cut
  video clips, this global village is no more than
  a dream.

• Despite the attempts by newspapers and tv to make
  us believe the Internet is creating a global
  village, it really isnt.

45
9. Paragraph 6 suggests that some people think
the Internet has created a global village by
(39)

• C. creating communication dreams.
• Line 59 this global village is no more than a
  dream.

• If something is no more than a dream, it is
  something you wish for but isnt real.

46
9. Paragraph 6 suggests that some people think
the Internet has created a global village by
(39)

• D. improving communication between people.
• Line 60 In a village, everyone finds a way to
  communicate...

• You could also use common sense to answer this.
• Correct!

47
10. The writer sees a village as a place where
people (28)

• A. lack a healthy lifestyle.
• B. cant communicate with each other.

• C. support each other.
• D. live to survive.

48
10. The writer sees a village as a place where
people (28)

• A. lack a healthy lifestyle.
• Line 63 were sitting alone in front of a
  gently humming computer

• This doesnt sound healthy, but hes describing
  our lives with the Internet, not our life in a
  village.

49
10. The writer sees a village as a place where
people (28)

• B. cant communicate with each other.
• Line 62 We are not communicating

• Again, he is describing our lives with the
  Internet, not life in a village.

50
10. The writer sees a village as a place where
people (28)

• C. support each other.
• Line 66 Nothing could be less like the social
  and supportive atmosphere of a true village.

• In a true village, people are supportive.
• Correct!

51
10. The writer sees a village as a place where
people (28)

• D. live to survive.
• Line 60 In a village, everyone finds a way to
  communicate to survive, in order to live.

• People in a village communicate to survive.
• They communicate to live.
• They dont live to survive.

52
11. People using the Internet are impulse-
driven (line 69) when they (57)

• A. reply to messages without thinking.
• B. communicate using superhighways.

• C. communicate too frequently by email.
• D. take advantage of other Internet users.

53
11. People using the Internet are impulse-
driven (line 69) when they (57)

• A. reply to messages without thinking.
• Line 72 A user reads an email or visits
  website, grows impassioned , and quickly jots
  off a response.

• If people quickly jot off responses, we can
  assume that they dont think over response.
• Correct!

54
11. People using the Internet are impulse-
driven (line 69) when they (57)

• B. communicate using superhighways.
• Line 70 Millions of bytes sent over the
  information superhighway

• The information superhighway is another name
  for the Internet.
• It wouldnt make sense to say people using the
  Internet are impulse driven when they use the
  Internet.

55
11. People using the Internet are impulse-
driven (line 69) when they (57)

• C. communicate too frequently by email.
• Line 72 A user reads an email or visits
  website, grows impassioned , and quickly jots
  off a response.

• There is no mention of the email being sent too
  frequently in the passage.

56
11. People using the Internet are impulse-
driven (line 69) when they (57)

• D. take advantage of other Internet users.
• Line 68 It is now commonplace, , to take
  advantage of the impulse-driven nature of the
  Internet.

• The passage says people take advantage of the
  nature of the Internet, not of other people.

57
12. The writer views coolguy_at_hotmail.com with
(line 81) (22)

• A. coarseness
• B. cowardliness

• C. passion.
• D. scorn.

58
12. The writer views coolguy_at_hotmail.com with
(line 81) (22)

• A. coarseness
• line 78 How easy it has become to send a
  critical email filled with coarse expressions

• Coarse describes the kind of language used.
• It doesnt describe how he views coolguy.

59
12. The writer views coolguy_at_hotmail.com with
(line 81) (22)

• B. cowardliness
• line 78 How easy, albeit cowardly, it has
  become to send a critical email when your
  return address is coolguy_at_hotmail.com.

• The writer is saying that coolguy acts in a
  cowardly way so you could that he views him as a
  coward.
• Because of with were looking for a word
  describing the way he views him.

60
12. The writer views coolguy_at_hotmail.com with
(line 81) (22)

• C. passion.
• line 76 Messages are created in the heat of
  the moment

• This describes how the messages are sent, not how
  the writer views coolguy.

61
12. The writer views coolguy_at_hotmail.com with
(line 81) (22)

• D. scorn.
• line 78 How easy, albeit cowardly, it has
  become to send a critical email when your
  return address is coolguy_at_hotmail.com.

• The writer thinks he is a coward.
• To view someone with scorn is to view them in a
  disapproving way.
• Correct!

62
13. According to paragraph 7, newsgroup messages
are distorted because recipients (59)

• A. ignore the overall intentions of these
  messages.
• B. feel less rewarded when they respond to them.

• C. only respond negatively.
• D. delete messages without reading them.

63
13. According to paragraph 7, newsgroup messages
are distorted because recipients (59)

• A. ignore the overall intentions of these
  messages.
• Line 81 How personally rewarding it must be to
  respond to a post by tearing it apart rather
  than comprehending the whole message...

• They dont try to understand the whole message.
• Correct!

64
13. According to paragraph 7, newsgroup messages
are distorted because recipients (59)

• B. feel less rewarded when they respond to them.
• Line 81 How personally rewarding it must be to
  respond to a post by tearing it apart rather
  than responding intelligently.

• They actually do feel it is personally rewarding,
  even though the writer feels it shouldnt be.

65
13. According to paragraph 7, newsgroup messages
are distorted because recipients (59)

• C. only respond negatively.
• Line 81 How personally rewarding it must be to
  respond to a post by tearing it apart rather
  than responding intelligently.

• Replying negatively does not distort the original
  message.
• If anything, it only makes the reply distorted.

66
13. According to paragraph 7, newsgroup messages
are distorted because recipients (59)

• D. delete messages without reading them.
• The paragraph does not mention deleting messages.

• Not a plausible answer.

67
14. In line 88, the word utopian means (62)

• A. achievable
• B. mythical

• C. imaginary
• D. idealistic

68
14. In line 88, the word utopian means (62)

• A. achievable
• line 88 The Internet, named for its utopian
  goal of mutual togetherness, should be properly
  named

• If the writer doesnt think the Internet is
  properly named, we can assume that he doesnt
  think its goal is achievable.

69
14. In line 88, the word utopian means (62)

• B. mythical
• line 88 The Internet, named for its utopian
  goal of mutual togetherness,

• The Internets goal is to bring people together,
  so this is not a plausible answer.

70
14. In line 88, the word utopian means (62)

• C. imaginary
• line 88 The Internet, named for its utopian
  goal of mutual togetherness,

• Bringing people together is a real goal, but the
  writer says we do not achieve it.

71
14. In line 88, the word utopian means (62)

• D. idealistic
• line 88 The Internet, named for its utopian
  goal of mutual togetherness, should be properly
  named

• We want mutual togetherness, but we cannot have
  it.
• Correct!

72
15. In paragraph 8, the writer claims that
websites (55)

• A. can confuse target audiences.
• B. produce sucessful one-to-one relationships.

• C. are oriented to mass audiences.
• D. are copies of television and radio.

73
15. In paragraph 8, the writer claims that
websites (55)

• A. can confuse target audiences.
• Line 91 Websites find themselves stuck in a
  grey area between interpersonal and mass
  communication.

• The writer says that it is hard to classify
  websites.
• He doesnt say that they confuse audiences.

74
15. In paragraph 8, the writer claims that
websites (55)

• B. produce sucessful one-to-one relationships.
• Line 96 , websites can easily be thought of as
  building a one-to-one relationship.

• At first this may seem like a possible answer.
• However, the choice of words should make us
  suspicious as to whether the reality is different
  from what we think.
• Another answer is better.

75
15. In paragraph 8, the writer claims that
websites (55)

• C. are oriented to mass audiences.
• Line 98 However, a websites ultimate target
  remains one-to-many

• One-to-many mass audience.
• Correct!

76
15. In paragraph 8, the writer claims that
websites (55)

• D. are copies of television and radio.
• Line 98 However, a websites ultimate target
  remains one-to-many, much the same as television
  and radio.

• The Internets target is similar to televisions.
• It is not a copy.

77
16. The main idea in the final paragraph is that
(75)

• A. there is no chance of a successful future
  communication.
• B. a bright future in world communication is
  possible.

• C. the Internet will soon build a global village.
• D. societys members act powerfully and
  responsibly.

78
16. The main idea in the final paragraph is that
(75)

• A. there is no chance of a successful future
  communication.
• Line 100 All of this does not necessarily lead
  to the end of our communicative nature.

• There is still hope.

79
16. The main idea in the final paragraph is that
(75)

• B. a bright future in world communication is
  possible.

• The whole paragraph is about a bright future for
  communication.
• Correct!

80
16. The main idea in the final paragraph is that
(75)

• C. the Internet will soon build a global village.
• Line 107 can help the Internet realise its
  lofty goal and lend a hand in building that
  global village.

• There is no reason to believe that this will
  happen soon.

81
16. The main idea in the final paragraph is that
(75)

• D. societys members act powerfully and
  responsibly.
• Line 101 As a society we have the power to take
  responsibility for our actions

• We can act this way, but the paragraph doesnt
  say that we do.