Main Ideas & Details
According to the text, what is one reason people are fascinated by true crime?
We’re curious about the darker side of human behavior.
What does “reputable” mean as used in paragraph 6?
Having a good reputation or being honorable
Which appeal is used when Lee says people are “drawn to extreme cases of violence”?
Pathos – appealing to emotions and fascination with danger.
What is the author’s overall purpose in writing this article?
How does the author use diction (word choice) to affect tone?
Why do you think people enjoy scary or violent entertainment even if it frightens them?
It’s a safe way to experience fear and excitement.
What change did the podcast Serial bring to the true crime genre?
It made true crime more reputable and thoughtful, drawing larger audiences.
Define “emulate” as used in paragraph 4.
To imitate or try to equal or excel.
The author includes Jooyoung Lee, a sociology professor. What rhetorical appeal is that?
Ethos – an expert source adds credibility.
How does the author’s tone shift by the end of the article?
How does the author use diction (word choice) to affect tone?
Why do you think people enjoy scary or violent entertainment even if it frightens them?
It allows real-time discussion, sharing theories, and spreading stories faster.
Why do some people feel “like detectives” when watching true crime?
They feel involved in solving the case, creating a sense of power and purpose.
What does “visceral” mean in paragraph 21?
A deep, emotional reaction rather than one based on logic.
What appeal is used when the author cites a 2014 Mount Sinai study?
Logos – logical evidence and research.
How does the author’s tone shift by the end of the article?
To present a balanced, informative perspective
What responsibility do media producers have when creating true crime content?
To present facts respectfully and avoid glorifying criminals
What negative effect can consuming violent content have on viewers?
It can cause trouble sleeping, anxiety, or trigger a “fight-or-flight” response.
What does “normalize” mean in paragraph 25?
To make something that’s abnormal seem acceptable or ordinary.
“The average viewer... is curious about what happened.” What appeal does this represent?
Pathos – emotional curiosity and suspense.
What tone best describes the author’s attitude in paragraphs 18–23?
Concerned and reflective – showing awareness of emotional impact.
Can watching too much true crime change how society views violence? Explain.
Yes, it can normalize violence or make people desensitized to it.
What advice does the author give about watching too much true crime?
Know your limits and take a break if it begins affecting your mental health.
What does the term “petitioning” in paragraph 15 suggest about true crime fans?
That they take real action or advocacy after becoming emotionally involved.
Why does Hensley use both expert quotes and real-world examples?
To balance ethos and logos while keeping readers emotionally engaged.
How does the author use diction (word choice) to affect tone?
Words like “obsessed,” “disturbing,” and “fascination” create an intrigued yet uneasy
Do you think our fascination with true crime says something positive or negative about humanity?
Teachers' decision