Standards

Prereading Quiz: Speak Up!

Before you read “Speak Up!,” take this five-question quiz to find out how much you already know.

1

According to research from the University of Pennsylvania, Americans discuss politics today _______ they did 25 years ago.

According to research from the University of Pennsylvania, Americans discuss politics more today than they did 25 years ago.

2

That same research study found that Americans are more likely to talk about politics with people who _______ with them.

Most Americans talk about politics with people who share their political views, according to the University of Pennsylvania study.

3

According to political scientist Diana Mutz, when people hear fewer opposing viewpoints, they are likely to _______.

Talking mostly to people who already agree with us can make us more certain of our own views and less open-minded about different perspectives, political scientist Diana Mutz explains.

4

What is one good way to stay calm when speaking with someone you disagree with?

Teen debater Connor Rozgo takes part in speech and debate through a class at his school. He explains that it’s important to try to ground yourself when things are getting heated: “I take some deep breaths and focus on what I’m trying to say.”

5

What is one way to find trustworthy information?

To find trustworthy information, seek out articles from a range of different media outlets, and verify details using an impartial fact-checking organization such as FactCheck.org or PolitiFact.com.

Text-to-Speech