5752 Core Academic Skills for Educators — Praxis Core Reading 5723
Answer: C
Adopt a more skeptical attitude towards the information and opinions offered by the media.
The author suggests that modern media are designed to package opinions in a way that discourages critical thinking, indicating a need for media consumers to approach information with skepticism.
A) Express their opinions about the media more frequently.
While expressing opinions about the media may encourage engagement, it does not directly address the core concern raised in the passage about the lack of critical thinking. The author emphasizes the importance of questioning the information rather than merely sharing personal opinions.
B) Rely on the media primarily for data and statistics.
The passage critiques the way media presents information, implying that relying solely on media for data and statistics can lead to uncritical acceptance of packaged opinions. Thus, this option does not align with the author's perspective on fostering critical thinking.
C) Adopt a more skeptical attitude towards the information and opinions offered by the media.
This option aligns perfectly with the author's warning about media consumers uncritically accepting packaged opinions. The passage encourages consumers to think critically rather than passively receive information, making skepticism a crucial approach.
D) Draw their information from television, radio, and the Web, rather than relying on just one source.
While using multiple sources can be beneficial, the passage highlights a broader issue regarding the effectiveness of media packaging. Simply diversifying sources does not guarantee critical engagement with the information presented, which is the author's primary concern.
E) Spend more time using the Internet than watching television.
The passage does not suggest that the medium itself—whether television or the Internet—is inherently better for critical thinking. Instead, it emphasizes the need for skepticism towards all media forms, making this option irrelevant to the author's argument.
Conclusion
The recommendation to adopt a more skeptical attitude is essential in light of the author's critique of how media influences thought. All other options either miss the point about critical thinking or fail to address the passive consumption of information that the author warns against. Emphasizing skepticism empowers media consumers to think independently rather than accept opinions without scrutiny.