Tablets vs. Textbooks: Questions

This assignment focuses on analyzing arguments for and against replacing textbooks with tablets. You will answer multiple choice questions and respond to short answer prompts using evidence from the article. Use the color key and annotation checklist to guide your reading and responses. (If you do not answer all of the short answer response questions, you will receive a 0.)

Answer the following multiple choice questions based on the article about tablets vs. textbooks.

Which statement best expresses the author’s main purpose in the selection?

Why do proponents argue that tablets are more convenient than textbooks?

What is one reason opponents believe tablets may negatively affect students?

Which statistic best supports the idea that digital learning is increasing in schools?

Which piece of evidence would most strongly support a counterclaim against using tablets?

The tone of the article can best be described as —

The author includes statistics about how many children own tablets. Why is this information most likely included?

Opponents argue that tablets may reduce learning because students could become distracted. Which response best challenges this concern?

The article states that by 2012, 98% of classrooms had internet access. Why is this statistic important to the argument?

The author uses statistics such as market growth and teacher survey results primarily to —

Based on the article, what is one likely long-term challenge schools may face if they switch fully to tablets?

Use the R.A.C.E. strategy to answer the following short answer questions.

Explain one major argument supporters make in favor of tablets replacing textbooks. (Make sure to explain how that evidence supports the supporters’ position.)

Explain one major concern opponents have about using tablets in schools instead of textbooks. (Make sure to explain why this concern could make tablets less effective than textbooks.)

Why does the article include information about government initiatives?

Which side of the debate (pro-tablet or anti-tablet) provides stronger evidence in the article?