501 Critical Reading Questions

a
, 
b
, and 
e
. They need to be
believed by both authors to be correct.
28.
a.
Passage 2 repeats a number of times its first question: Why does
Reality TV get such a bad rap? Lines 2 and 3 explain the argu-
ment further, saying its popularity is blamed on degenerate
morals and a decreasing attention span. The first lines of para-
graph 2 (13–16) again question the argument against Reality
2 4
501
Critical Reading Questions

---

2 5
TV, and the last paragraph repeats the questioning. There are
no outcomes or any need for change mentioned. A brief history
is given, and the subject of getting famous through exposure on
Reality TV is brought up, but neither is the primary purpose of
the passage.
29.
b.
Passage 1 centers on a problem with Reality TV, and while
Passage 2 does mention some problems, they are not what he or
she feels, but rather the opinion of 
some people
. Choice 
a
is
incorrect because Passage 1 does not defend Reality TV. Choice
c
is incorrect because the author of Passage 2 acknowledges that
some people have a problem with Reality TV (lines 1–3 and
48–49). Choice 
d
is incorrect because Passage 2 does not say
anything about variety in TV programming. Choice 
e
is wrong
because Passage 2 doesn’t mention the cost of producing TV
shows.
30.
a.
Ratings refers to how many people watch the show. A homerun
is the best possible kind of hit, so a 
ratings homerun
is a symbolic
term meaning that many people watch the show. Choices