Reading Arguments

Comprehension Quiz for “How (and Why) to Stop Multitasking”

Read “How and Why to Stop Multitasking” and check your comprehension by answering the following questions. Then “submit” your work.

Question 20.21

1. When he tells about sending an e-mail to a client while also on a conference call, what does the author say happened?

Nothing at all went wrong.

He misspelled several words in the e-mail and almost disconnected the conference callers.

His son crawled up in his lap, wanting to watch a movie on his computer.

He neglected to add a necessary e-mail attachment and ignored a question asked by a caller.

Correct

Incorrect

Question 20.22

2. According to a study the author cites, what happens to people when they try to accomplish several tasks at the same time, such as talk on the telephone and respond to e-mails?

Their IQs drop by ten points.

They are able to communicate more effectively.

They are less likely to realize that someone is at their door.

They have less time to accomplish what needs to be done.

Correct

Incorrect

Question 20.23

3. The author makes the point that people do not actually multitask, accomplishing several things at the same time, but rather that they

double-task, accomplishing only two things at a time when they think they are doing more.

merely practice multitasking until they can get better at it.

switch rapidly from one task to another, interrupting themselves unproductively.

usually complete one task before they begin another.

Correct

Incorrect

Question 20.24

4. When he forced himself to stop multitasking for a week, the author found that

he made better progress on difficult projects.

he was able to spend significantly more time with his wife and children.

his stress level went up.

there were several downsides he had to contend with.

Correct

Incorrect

Question 20.25

5. One thing the author suggests to help readers stop unnecessary multitasking is that they

use less of their brainpower to help slow themselves down.

set tighter deadlines for tasks.

try to have more patience for things that seem to be a waste of time.

make sure that others know they will not always be able to return e-mails and phone calls immediately.

Correct

Incorrect