“Living Alone Is the New Norm” (p. 24-25)
“Will Wi-Fi Ruin Mount Everest?” (p. 26-28)
“Living Alone Is the New Norm” & “Will Wi-Fi Ruin Mount Everest?”
Academic Vocabulary
100
The author includes paragraph 5 to —
The author includes paragraph 5 to address a misconception about living alone. He states that there is “little evidence” to suggest living alone is “making more Americans lonely” and provides additional evidence to support his statement.
100
In paragraph 8, the word exhilarating means something that —
In paragraph 8, the word exhilarating is introduced in contrast with “occasional longing” and “home-sickness,” indicating that the author also experiences excitement and happiness in “an isolated realm.”
100
What is a significant difference between the opinions expressed in both articles?
Although solitude is mentioned in both articles, the author of “Living Alone Is the New Norm” uses research to explain his ideas, while the author of “Will Wi-Fi Ruin Mount Everest?” describes his personal experiences and provides anecdotes to support his ideas
100
Define analyze
to examine the nature or structure of something, especially by separating it into its parts, in order to understand or explain it
200
According to the author, the growing number of people living alone —
According to the author, the growing number of people living alone shouldn’t be interpreted as a sign of increased feelings of loneliness. Disproving this common misconception is one of the main purposes of the article
200
In 2008, what did the author notice about how the new technology was affecting those who work near Mount Everest?
They were embracing the new technology rapidly. In paragraph 10, the author includes details such as the use of cell phones and MP3 audio files. The author’s statement “the isolating aspects of technology were taking hold” suggests that people near Mount Everest were rapidly embracing new technology.
200
How are the authors of the articles similar?
The authors of both articles indicate that cultural changes can affect the human experience. In “Living Alone Is the New Norm,” the author discusses living alone as an acceptable lifestyle, while the author of “Will Wi-Fi Ruin Mount Everest?” discusses Internet connectivity in remote locations and its impact on humanity.
200
What is a misconception?
belief or an idea that is not based on correct information, or that is not understood by people
300
What is a complete summary of the article?
Single-person households in the United States have become much more prevalent than many realize. Contrary to the views of some experts, however, this development does not signal growing isolation and social disintegration. Many find that living alone allows them to pursue happier and more socially active lives.
300
What is the most likely reason the author wrote the article?
The author’s main purpose is to convince readers to consider how technology and the Internet have changed the experience of traveling in remote places. He focuses specifically on the significant changes in the Himalaya due to technology and access to the Internet.
300
Both articles conclude with a —
Both authors end their articles by offering reflective suggestions about people connecting in a meaningful way. The author of “Living Alone Is the New Norm” offers the idea that living alone leads to reconnecting, while the author of “Will Wi-Fi Ruin Mount Everest?” suggests that people take the time to consider which connections are most important.
300
Define cite
to mention something as a reason or an example, or in order to support what you are saying
400
In the article, the author mentions his own research in order to —
The author mentions his own research in paragraph 6 in order to provide additional evidence about the positive aspects of choosing to live alone.
400
How does the author try to convince readers of his point in paragraph 9?
The author describes his past experiences in the Himalaya without the availability of technology as pleasant and focused on being mentally present. He uses many positive examples of making friendships, experiencing the culture, enjoying solitude, playing games, and sharing stories.
400
Which statement do both articles support? Explain.
F) Life was better before the Internet.
G) Change is inevitable.
H) Most people dislike change.
J) Technology should be embraced.
G. Both authors explore how cultural changes occur and the idea that change is inevitable. In “Living Alone Is the New Norm,” the author argues against a common misconception that living alone, while a growing modern phenomenon, leads to increased levels of loneliness. The author of “Will Wi-Fi Ruin Mount Everest?” explores how technology access has changed the environment and communities surrounding Mount Everest.
400
What is tone?
Tone is the way the author expresses their attitude through the writing
500
Which word best describes the author’s attitude in paragraph 4 toward researchers who express alarm at the growing popularity of solo living?
In paragraph 4, the author has a critical attitude toward past research on living alone. At the end of the paragraph, the author points out “a problem with the data” in a study acknowledged by one of the study’s authors as “unreliable.” The author is also critical of the study’s interpretation of the data: “the record number of people who live alone is a sign of how lonely and disconnected we have become.”
500
Read this sentence from paragraph 14.
Because being connected—really connected, with the place you’re in and the people you’re with—requires disconnecting, at least temporarily, from everywhere else.
Based on this sentence, the reader can conclude that —
Making a real connection in the modern world demands effort. In this sentence from paragraph 14, the author explains that to be connected and live in the moment, one must temporarily disconnect from other technological and environmental demands for attention. Therefore, making a real, personal connection requires a form of vigilance or effort in addition to temporarily abstaining from technology.
500
Read these quotations from the two articles.
The tone of both quotations can best be described as —
Both quotations have a positive tone. In the quotation from “Living Alone Is the New Norm,” people who live alone are described as “socially active” and enjoying a “thriving public culture.” In the quotation from “Will Wi-Fi Ruin Mount Everest?,” the author mentions how updated technology will “undoubtedly save lives” from potential dangers
500
What is context?
the situation in which something happens and that helps you to understand it
600
Which sentence from paragraph 9 best supports the author’s belief that living alone is an appealing choice for many people?
The author’s belief that living alone is an appealing choice is best supported by information included in paragraph 9, which states that “living alone can offer even greater benefits: the time and space for restorative solitude” in today’s busy world
600
In which sentence does the author seem to accept that technology on Mount Everest is inevitable?
We are far past the time when we can expect to find a Shangri-La, anywhere, beyond the reach of the Internet. In this sentence from paragraph 15, the author mentions a fictional location as the only place where Internet likely would not be found. This demonstrates that the author understands the inevitability of Internet access on Mount Everest.
600
What are two synonyms for conclude?
determine, finish, deduce, infer, end, finish, etc.
700
The graphic titled “Where They’re Living Solo” suggests that the practice of living alone is —
The percentage of people listed in a variety of countries featured in the graphic titled “Where They’re Living Solo” provides evidence for the idea that living alone is a global practice.
700
The photograph and its caption make the use of technology atop Mount Everest seem —
A woman working on a laptop is shown in the photograph and described in the caption; people work on laptops on Mount Everest on a daily basis. The photograph and caption help the reader understand that it is a normal occurrence for people to use technology atop Mount Everest
700
What an an example of an informational text you might encounter in the real world?
News articles, magazine articles, textbooks, instructional manuals, biographies, research papers, etc.