Opposing Viewpoints
Topic: Artificial Intelligence in Art
Passage 1 - The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the world of art represents a democratization of creativity. For too long, artistic expression has been gated by the need for years of technical training or expensive equipment. AI tools allow anyone with an imagination to bring their visions to life, regardless of their ability to draw or paint. Furthermore, these tools serve as a collaborator rather than a replacement; they can generate initial sketches or color palettes that human artists can then refine. By lowering the barrier to entry, AI ensures that we hear stories and see images from a much broader range of human experiences.
Passage 2 - While AI generators may produce visually stunning images, they threaten to strip art of its essential human soul. Art is not merely about the final product; it is about the process—the hours of practice, the intentional mistakes, and the emotional labor a human pours into the canvas. AI models function by scraping millions of images from the internet, effectively mimicking the styles of living artists without their consent or compensation. If we allow algorithms to dominate our visual culture, we risk devaluing the dedication of human craft and replacing genuine expression with hollow, automated imitation.
How do the authors of Passage 1 and Passage 2 differ in their definition of "art"?
A. Passage 1 defines art as a technical skill, while Passage 2 defines it as a digital product.
B. Passage 1 views art as the expression of imagination, while Passage 2 views it as a result of human struggle and process.
C. Passage 1 believes art must be expensive to be valuable, while Passage 2 believes it should be free.
D. Passage 1 suggests art is for the elite, while Passage 2 suggests it is for the masses.
B. Passage 1 views art as the expression of imagination, while Passage 2 views it as a result of human struggle and process.
The Attic Discovery
Elara pushed open the heavy oak door, the hinges groaning in protest like a sleeping giant disturbed from its slumber. Dust motes danced in the single beam of sunlight that pierced the gloom of the attic. In the corner sat a trunk, its brass latch tarnished by time. Elara approached it with a mixture of trepidation and curiosity. She wasn't just looking for old clothes; she was hunting for the truth about her grandfather’s disappearance.
When she lifted the lid, the scent of cedar and old paper rushed out to greet her. Inside, neatly stacked, were hundreds of letters. "He didn't leave," she whispered, her heart hammering a frantic rhythm against her ribs. "He was writing to us the whole time."
Read the sentence from the passage: "...the hinges groaning in protest like a sleeping giant disturbed from its slumber." What is the effect of the author's use of a simile in this sentence?
A. It suggests that the door is broken and needs to be replaced.
B. It creates a sense of foreboding and emphasizes the age of the house.
C. It implies that a literal giant is sleeping in the attic.
D. It indicates that Elara is being too loud.
B. It creates a sense of foreboding and emphasizes the age of the house.
The Wood Wide Web
Beneath the forest floor lies a complex network that scientists have dubbed the "Wood Wide Web." This is not made of fiber-optic cables, but of mycorrhizal fungi. These fungi attach to the roots of trees, creating a symbiotic relationship. The trees provide the fungi with sugars created through photosynthesis. In return, the fungi scavenge the soil for water and nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen, which they deliver to the trees.
Remarkably, this network also allows trees to communicate with one another. Older "mother trees" can use the fungal network to transfer nutrients to younger seedlings struggling in the shade. Furthermore, if a tree is under attack by pests, it can send chemical distress signals through the fungi to neighboring trees, prompting them to raise their defensive chemical barriers before the pests arrive.
What is the central idea of the passage?
A. Fungi are parasites that steal sugar from trees.
B. Trees and fungi interact in a complex, mutually beneficial underground network.
C. "Mother trees" are the largest trees in the forest.
D. Pests are the biggest threat to modern forests.
B. Trees and fungi interact in a complex, mutually beneficial underground network.
Excerpt from "The Cost of Silence" (Speech)
We cannot afford to sit idly by while our community centers crumble. To ignore this issue is to ignore the heartbeat of our neighborhood. Some say it is too expensive to renovate. I say it is too expensive not to. What is the cost of a child with nowhere to go after school? What is the price of a senior citizen losing their only connection to friends? We must act, we must build, and we must restore hope.
The author uses the metaphor "heartbeat of our neighborhood" to suggest that the community centers are:
A. Noisy and disruptive.
B. Vital to the life of the community.
C. Located in the physical center of the town.
D. Suffering from medical problems.
B. Vital to the life of the community.
Address to the Workers
(1) The factory whistle blows each morning, not as a song of opportunity, but as a shackle binding the worker to the machine. (2) We see children, whose small hands should hold books or toys, instead blackened by soot and scarred by the unforgiving teeth of gears. (3) The owners of these great industries claim that government regulation will stifle progress and starve the economy. (4) But I ask you: what kind of progress feeds upon the health of our youth? (5) True prosperity cannot be purchased with the misery of the poor; that is not wealth, but a moral failure. (6) We demand safety, we demand fair wages, and we demand that the dignity of the human spirit be placed above the profits of the ledger.
Read sentence 1 from the speech:
"The factory whistle blows each morning, not as a song of opportunity, but as a shackle binding the worker to the machine."
What is the rhetorical effect of comparing the whistle to a "shackle"?
A. It illustrates the physical weight of the equipment workers must carry.
B. It emphasizes the lack of freedom and the enslaving nature of the work.
C. It suggests that the workers are criminals who are being punished.
D. It indicates that the factory is a secure place to work.
B. It emphasizes the lack of freedom and the enslaving nature of the work.
Topic: Artificial Intelligence in Art
Passage 1 - The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the world of art represents a democratization of creativity. For too long, artistic expression has been gated by the need for years of technical training or expensive equipment. AI tools allow anyone with an imagination to bring their visions to life, regardless of their ability to draw or paint. Furthermore, these tools serve as a collaborator rather than a replacement; they can generate initial sketches or color palettes that human artists can then refine. By lowering the barrier to entry, AI ensures that we hear stories and see images from a much broader range of human experiences.
Passage 2 - While AI generators may produce visually stunning images, they threaten to strip art of its essential human soul. Art is not merely about the final product; it is about the process—the hours of practice, the intentional mistakes, and the emotional labor a human pours into the canvas. AI models function by scraping millions of images from the internet, effectively mimicking the styles of living artists without their consent or compensation. If we allow algorithms to dominate our visual culture, we risk devaluing the dedication of human craft and replacing genuine expression with hollow, automated imitation.
Which key issue creates the most significant conflict between the two passages?
A. Whether AI tools are expensive to purchase.
B. Whether AI mimics the styles of famous painters from history.
C. Whether the value of art lies in the final image or the human effort required to create it.
D. Whether digital art is as beautiful as traditional oil painting.
C. Whether the value of art lies in the final image or the human effort required to create it.
The Attic Discovery
Elara pushed open the heavy oak door, the hinges groaning in protest like a sleeping giant disturbed from its slumber. Dust motes danced in the single beam of sunlight that pierced the gloom of the attic. In the corner sat a trunk, its brass latch tarnished by time. Elara approached it with a mixture of trepidation and curiosity. She wasn't just looking for old clothes; she was hunting for the truth about her grandfather’s disappearance.
When she lifted the lid, the scent of cedar and old paper rushed out to greet her. Inside, neatly stacked, were hundreds of letters. "He didn't leave," she whispered, her heart hammering a frantic rhythm against her ribs. "He was writing to us the whole time."
What does the discovery of the letters reveal about Elara’s perspective?
A. She realizes her understanding of her grandfather was incorrect.
B. She is disappointed that she found letters instead of treasure.
C. She is angry that the letters were hidden in a trunk.
D. She is confused about who wrote the letters.
A. She realizes her understanding of her grandfather was incorrect.
The Wood Wide Web
Beneath the forest floor lies a complex network that scientists have dubbed the "Wood Wide Web." This is not made of fiber-optic cables, but of mycorrhizal fungi. These fungi attach to the roots of trees, creating a symbiotic relationship. The trees provide the fungi with sugars created through photosynthesis. In return, the fungi scavenge the soil for water and nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen, which they deliver to the trees.
Remarkably, this network also allows trees to communicate with one another. Older "mother trees" can use the fungal network to transfer nutrients to younger seedlings struggling in the shade. Furthermore, if a tree is under attack by pests, it can send chemical distress signals through the fungi to neighboring trees, prompting them to raise their defensive chemical barriers before the pests arrive.
How does the author support the claim that trees can "communicate"?
A. By describing how trees photosynthesize sunlight.
B. By explaining how trees send distress signals.
C. By comparing the network to fiber-optic cables.
D. By listing the nutrients found in the soil.
B. By explaining how trees send distress signals.
Excerpt from "The Cost of Silence" (Speech)
We cannot afford to sit idly by while our community centers crumble. To ignore this issue is to ignore the heartbeat of our neighborhood. Some say it is too expensive to renovate. I say it is too expensive not to. What is the cost of a child with nowhere to go after school? What is the price of a senior citizen losing their only connection to friends? We must act, we must build, and we must restore hope.
Read the sentence: "We must act, we must build, and we must restore hope." What is the rhetorical effect of the repetition in this sentence?
A. It confuses the reader about what needs to be done.
B. It emphasizes the necessity of taking action.
C. It suggests that the speaker is unsure of the plan.
D. It creates a humorous tone to lighten the mood.
B. It emphasizes the necessity of taking action.
Address to the Workers
(1) The factory whistle blows each morning, not as a song of opportunity, but as a shackle binding the worker to the machine. (2) We see children, whose small hands should hold books or toys, instead blackened by soot and scarred by the unforgiving teeth of gears. (3) The owners of these great industries claim that government regulation will stifle progress and starve the economy. (4) But I ask you: what kind of progress feeds upon the health of our youth? (5) True prosperity cannot be purchased with the misery of the poor; that is not wealth, but a moral failure. (6) We demand safety, we demand fair wages, and we demand that the dignity of the human spirit be placed above the profits of the ledger.
Which sentence best summarizes the speaker's refutation of the factory owners' argument?
A. Sentence 2 ("We see children...")
B. Sentence 3 ("The owners of these great industries...")
C. Sentence 4 ("But I ask you...")
D. Sentence 6 ("We demand safety...")
C. Sentence 4 ("But I ask you...")
Topic: Artificial Intelligence in Art
Passage 1 - The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the world of art represents a democratization of creativity. For too long, artistic expression has been gated by the need for years of technical training or expensive equipment. AI tools allow anyone with an imagination to bring their visions to life, regardless of their ability to draw or paint. Furthermore, these tools serve as a collaborator rather than a replacement; they can generate initial sketches or color palettes that human artists can then refine. By lowering the barrier to entry, AI ensures that we hear stories and see images from a much broader range of human experiences.
Passage 2 - While AI generators may produce visually stunning images, they threaten to strip art of its essential human soul. Art is not merely about the final product; it is about the process—the hours of practice, the intentional mistakes, and the emotional labor a human pours into the canvas. AI models function by scraping millions of images from the internet, effectively mimicking the styles of living artists without their consent or compensation. If we allow algorithms to dominate our visual culture, we risk devaluing the dedication of human craft and replacing genuine expression with hollow, automated imitation.
Read this sentence from Passage 1:
"Furthermore, these tools serve as a collaborator rather than a replacement..."
How would the author of Passage 2 most likely refute this claim? A. By arguing that AI is too slow to be a useful collaborator.
B. By suggesting that AI models steal from artists rather than working with them.
C. By stating that collaboration is not necessary for good art.
D. By claiming that AI tools are too difficult for the average person to use.
B. By suggesting that AI models steal from artists rather than working with them.
The Attic Discovery
Elara pushed open the heavy oak door, the hinges groaning in protest like a sleeping giant disturbed from its slumber. Dust motes danced in the single beam of sunlight that pierced the gloom of the attic. In the corner sat a trunk, its brass latch tarnished by time. Elara approached it with a mixture of trepidation and curiosity. She wasn't just looking for old clothes; she was hunting for the truth about her grandfather’s disappearance.
When she lifted the lid, the scent of cedar and old paper rushed out to greet her. Inside, neatly stacked, were hundreds of letters. "He didn't leave," she whispered, her heart hammering a frantic rhythm against her ribs. "He was writing to us the whole time."
Which theme is best developed in this short passage?
A. Material possessions are less important than family.
B. Secrets often have a way of revealing themselves.
C. Attics are dangerous places that should be avoided.
D. Writing letters is a lost art form.
B. Secrets often have a way of revealing themselves.
The Wood Wide Web
Beneath the forest floor lies a complex network that scientists have dubbed the "Wood Wide Web." This is not made of fiber-optic cables, but of mycorrhizal fungi. These fungi attach to the roots of trees, creating a symbiotic relationship. The trees provide the fungi with sugars created through photosynthesis. In return, the fungi scavenge the soil for water and nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen, which they deliver to the trees.
Remarkably, this network also allows trees to communicate with one another. Older "mother trees" can use the fungal network to transfer nutrients to younger seedlings struggling in the shade. Furthermore, if a tree is under attack by pests, it can send chemical distress signals through the fungi to neighboring trees, prompting them to raise their defensive chemical barriers before the pests arrive.
Which text structure is primarily used in the second paragraph?
A. Chronological order
B. Problem and solution
C. Description
D. Compare and contrast
B. Problem and solution
Excerpt from "The Cost of Silence" (Speech)
We cannot afford to sit idly by while our community centers crumble. To ignore this issue is to ignore the heartbeat of our neighborhood. Some say it is too expensive to renovate. I say it is too expensive not to. What is the cost of a child with nowhere to go after school? What is the price of a senior citizen losing their only connection to friends? We must act, we must build, and we must restore hope.
Why does the author use rhetorical questions in the middle of the paragraph?
A. To ask the audience for financial donations immediately.
B. To interview the audience members about their preferences.
C. To show that the author does not know the answers.
D. To prompt the audience to consider the consequences of inaction.
D. To prompt the audience to consider the consequences of inaction.
Address to the Workers
(1) The factory whistle blows each morning, not as a song of opportunity, but as a shackle binding the worker to the machine. (2) We see children, whose small hands should hold books or toys, instead blackened by soot and scarred by the unforgiving teeth of gears. (3) The owners of these great industries claim that government regulation will stifle progress and starve the economy. (4) But I ask you: what kind of progress feeds upon the health of our youth? (5) True prosperity cannot be purchased with the misery of the poor; that is not wealth, but a moral failure. (6) We demand safety, we demand fair wages, and we demand that the dignity of the human spirit be placed above the profits of the ledger.
What is the central idea of the speech?
A. Factories are necessary for the economic growth of the nation.
B. Children should be allowed to work if they want to buy toys.
C. Economic progress is worthless if it comes at the cost of human suffering.
D. The government should take over all factories to ensure fairness.
C. Economic progress is worthless if it comes at the cost of human suffering.
Topic: Artificial Intelligence in Art
Passage 1 - The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the world of art represents a democratization of creativity. For too long, artistic expression has been gated by the need for years of technical training or expensive equipment. AI tools allow anyone with an imagination to bring their visions to life, regardless of their ability to draw or paint. Furthermore, these tools serve as a collaborator rather than a replacement; they can generate initial sketches or color palettes that human artists can then refine. By lowering the barrier to entry, AI ensures that we hear stories and see images from a much broader range of human experiences.
Passage 2 - While AI generators may produce visually stunning images, they threaten to strip art of its essential human soul. Art is not merely about the final product; it is about the process—the hours of practice, the intentional mistakes, and the emotional labor a human pours into the canvas. AI models function by scraping millions of images from the internet, effectively mimicking the styles of living artists without their consent or compensation. If we allow algorithms to dominate our visual culture, we risk devaluing the dedication of human craft and replacing genuine expression with hollow, automated imitation.
What is a shared assumption between both passages?
A. Both acknowledge that AI tools are capable of generating images.
B. Both agree that traditional artistic training is outdated.
C. Both believe that artists should be paid more for their work.
D. Both argue that technology is destroying culture.
A. Both acknowledge that AI tools are capable of generating images.
The Attic Discovery
Elara pushed open the heavy oak door, the hinges groaning in protest like a sleeping giant disturbed from its slumber. Dust motes danced in the single beam of sunlight that pierced the gloom of the attic. In the corner sat a trunk, its brass latch tarnished by time. Elara approached it with a mixture of trepidation and curiosity. She wasn't just looking for old clothes; she was hunting for the truth about her grandfather’s disappearance.
When she lifted the lid, the scent of cedar and old paper rushed out to greet her. Inside, neatly stacked, were hundreds of letters. "He didn't leave," she whispered, her heart hammering a frantic rhythm against her ribs. "He was writing to us the whole time."
What is the tone of the second paragraph?
A. Humorous and lighthearted
B. Bored and indifferent
C. Tense and emotional
D. Educational and objective
C. Tense and emotional
The Wood Wide Web
Beneath the forest floor lies a complex network that scientists have dubbed the "Wood Wide Web." This is not made of fiber-optic cables, but of mycorrhizal fungi. These fungi attach to the roots of trees, creating a symbiotic relationship. The trees provide the fungi with sugars created through photosynthesis. In return, the fungi scavenge the soil for water and nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen, which they deliver to the trees.
Remarkably, this network also allows trees to communicate with one another. Older "mother trees" can use the fungal network to transfer nutrients to younger seedlings struggling in the shade. Furthermore, if a tree is under attack by pests, it can send chemical distress signals through the fungi to neighboring trees, prompting them to raise their defensive chemical barriers before the pests arrive.
What is the meaning of the word "symbiotic" as used in the first paragraph?
A. A relationship where both parties benefit.
B. A relationship where one party is harmed.
C. A connection between objects.
D. A method of transmitting messages.
A. A relationship where both parties benefit.
Excerpt from "The Cost of Silence" (Speech)
We cannot afford to sit idly by while our community centers crumble. To ignore this issue is to ignore the heartbeat of our neighborhood. Some say it is too expensive to renovate. I say it is too expensive not to. What is the cost of a child with nowhere to go after school? What is the price of a senior citizen losing their only connection to friends? We must act, we must build, and we must restore hope.
The author uses the word "crumble" instead of "age." How does this word choice impact the tone?
A. It creates a tone of urgent desperation.
B. It creates a tone of gentle nostalgia.
C. It suggests that the buildings are made of bread.
D. It makes the problem seem small and manageable.
A. It creates a tone of urgent desperation.
Address to the Workers
(1) The factory whistle blows each morning, not as a song of opportunity, but as a shackle binding the worker to the machine. (2) We see children, whose small hands should hold books or toys, instead blackened by soot and scarred by the unforgiving teeth of gears. (3) The owners of these great industries claim that government regulation will stifle progress and starve the economy. (4) But I ask you: what kind of progress feeds upon the health of our youth? (5) True prosperity cannot be purchased with the misery of the poor; that is not wealth, but a moral failure. (6) We demand safety, we demand fair wages, and we demand that the dignity of the human spirit be placed above the profits of the ledger.
How does the author appeal to the audience's emotions (pathos) in sentence 2?
A. By citing statistics about the number of children working in factories.
B. By contrasting the innocence of childhood with the harsh reality of industrial labor.
C. By explaining the technical mechanics of the gears and machines.
D. By blaming the parents for sending their children to work.
B. By contrasting the innocence of childhood with the harsh reality of industrial labor.
Topic: Artificial Intelligence in Art
Passage 1 - The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the world of art represents a democratization of creativity. For too long, artistic expression has been gated by the need for years of technical training or expensive equipment. AI tools allow anyone with an imagination to bring their visions to life, regardless of their ability to draw or paint. Furthermore, these tools serve as a collaborator rather than a replacement; they can generate initial sketches or color palettes that human artists can then refine. By lowering the barrier to entry, AI ensures that we hear stories and see images from a much broader range of human experiences.
Passage 2 - While AI generators may produce visually stunning images, they threaten to strip art of its essential human soul. Art is not merely about the final product; it is about the process—the hours of practice, the intentional mistakes, and the emotional labor a human pours into the canvas. AI models function by scraping millions of images from the internet, effectively mimicking the styles of living artists without their consent or compensation. If we allow algorithms to dominate our visual culture, we risk devaluing the dedication of human craft and replacing genuine expression with hollow, automated imitation.
How does the tone differ between the two passages?
A. Passage 1 is cautious and fearful, while Passage 2 is optimistic and excited.
B. Passage 1 is defensive and angry, while Passage 2 is neutral and scientific.
C. Passage 1 is optimistic and inclusive, while Passage 2 is critical and protective.
D. Passage 1 is humorous and sarcastic, while Passage 2 is serious and historical.
C. Passage 1 is optimistic and inclusive, while Passage 2 is critical and protective.
The Attic Discovery
Elara pushed open the heavy oak door, the hinges groaning in protest like a sleeping giant disturbed from its slumber. Dust motes danced in the single beam of sunlight that pierced the gloom of the attic. In the corner sat a trunk, its brass latch tarnished by time. Elara approached it with a mixture of trepidation and curiosity. She wasn't just looking for old clothes; she was hunting for the truth about her grandfather’s disappearance.
When she lifted the lid, the scent of cedar and old paper rushed out to greet her. Inside, neatly stacked, were hundreds of letters. "He didn't leave," she whispered, her heart hammering a frantic rhythm against her ribs. "He was writing to us the whole time."
Based on the text, what can be inferred about Elara’s grandfather?
A. He did not want to communicate with his family.
B. He was a famous writer.
C. He attempted to maintain a connection with his family.
D. He locked himself in the attic for years to hide from his enemies.
C. He attempted to maintain a connection with his family.
The Wood Wide Web
Beneath the forest floor lies a complex network that scientists have dubbed the "Wood Wide Web." This is not made of fiber-optic cables, but of mycorrhizal fungi. These fungi attach to the roots of trees, creating a symbiotic relationship. The trees provide the fungi with sugars created through photosynthesis. In return, the fungi scavenge the soil for water and nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen, which they deliver to the trees.
Remarkably, this network also allows trees to communicate with one another. Older "mother trees" can use the fungal network to transfer nutrients to younger seedlings struggling in the shade. Furthermore, if a tree is under attack by pests, it can send chemical distress signals through the fungi to neighboring trees, prompting them to raise their defensive chemical barriers before the pests arrive.
What is the author’s primary purpose in writing this text?
A. To persuade the reader to plant more trees.
B. To entertain the reader with a fictional story about talking trees.
C. To inform the reader about the biological connection between trees and fungi.
D. To argue that fungi are more important than trees.
C. To inform the reader about the biological connection between trees and fungi.
Excerpt from "The Cost of Silence" (Speech)
We cannot afford to sit idly by while our community centers crumble. To ignore this issue is to ignore the heartbeat of our neighborhood. Some say it is too expensive to renovate. I say it is too expensive not to. What is the cost of a child with nowhere to go after school? What is the price of a senior citizen losing their only connection to friends? We must act, we must build, and we must restore hope.
What argument is the speaker mainly refuting?
A. That community centers are boring.
B. That children do not like community centers.
C. That the renovations are too costly.
D. That the neighborhood is too crowded.
C. That the renovations are too costly.
Address to the Workers
(1) The factory whistle blows each morning, not as a song of opportunity, but as a shackle binding the worker to the machine. (2) We see children, whose small hands should hold books or toys, instead blackened by soot and scarred by the unforgiving teeth of gears. (3) The owners of these great industries claim that government regulation will stifle progress and starve the economy. (4) But I ask you: what kind of progress feeds upon the health of our youth? (5) True prosperity cannot be purchased with the misery of the poor; that is not wealth, but a moral failure. (6) We demand safety, we demand fair wages, and we demand that the dignity of the human spirit be placed above the profits of the ledger.
Read sentence 6 from the speech: "We demand safety, we demand fair wages, and we demand that the dignity of the human spirit be placed above the profits of the ledger."
What is the purpose of the repetition of the phrase "we demand"?
A. To show that the speaker is angry and losing control.
B. To ask the owners politely for changes in the workplace.
C. To list the specific laws that have already been passed.
D. To create a sense of unified urgency and firm resolve.
D. To create a sense of unified urgency and firm resolve.