Read The essay Family Life And Answer The Comprehension Quetion And Question on Writing Technique.
I. Comprehension Questions
1. In what ways could television be described as a "plug-in drug"?
2. In addiction situations, experts categorize a substance or activity as a problem when it affects work, home life, or relationships. Do you know anyone for whom television adversely affects those areas of that person's life?
3. What negative effects does Winn Miller believe television has on the typical American family?
4. According to the author how did early predictions about the effects of television on the American family differ from the reality of modern times?
5. List three specific examples that the author uses to make her thesis clear.
II. Questions on Writing Technique
1. Who is the intended audience, and what is Winn Miller's purpose in writing this essay?
2. Is the thesis obvious, or is it implied? Find the thesis, or create one that would work well.
3. The author has made a possibly unpopular statement in saying that television is bad for families. How does she uphold that claim?
4. What flaws, if any, do you see in the author's argument?
5. Is the author's argument dated? Why or why not?