EXERCISE 13: Read the following passage and mark the letter A, 13, C, or D to indicate the correct answer of each question.
The history of American newspapers begins in the early 18th century with the publication of the first colonial newspapers. American newspapers began as modest affairs - a sideline for printers. They became a political force in the campaign for American independence. After independence, the first article of U.S. Constitution guaranteed freedom of the press. The U.S. Postal Service Act of 1792 provided substantial subsidies: Newspapers were delivered up to 100 miles for a penny and beyond for 1.5 cents, when first class postage ranged from six cents to a quarter.
The American press grew rapidly during the First Party System (1790s-1810s) when both parties sponsored papers to reach their loyal partisans. From the 1830s onward, the Penny press began to play a major role in American journalism and its interests seemed to remarkably
surprised the management board in the journal industry. Technological advancements such as the telegraph and faster printing presses in the 1840s also helped to expand the press of the nation as it experienced rapid economic and demographic growth. Editors typically became the local party spokesman, and hard-hitting editorials were widely reprinted.
By 1900 major newspapers had become profitable powerhouses of advocacy, muckraking and sensationalism, along with serious, and objective news-gathering. During the early 20th century, prior to rise of television, the average American read several newspapers per- day. Starting in the 1920s, changes in technology again
morphed the nature of American journalism as radio and later, television, began to play increasingly important competitive roles.
In the late 20th centuiy, much of American journalism became housed in big media chains. With the coming of digital journalism in the 21st century, all newspapers faced a business crisis as readers turned to the Internet for sources and advertisers followed them.
(Adapted from https://e.wikipedia.org)
Question 79: What is the main idea of the passage?
- The origin of American journalism.
- The power of American journalism.
- The impact of advanced technology on American journalism.
- The development of American journalism.
Question 80: Which phrase is closest in meaning to the word "sponsored" as it is used in paragraph 2?
A. raised B. supported C. forced D. asked
Question 81: What does the word "its" in paragraph 2 refer to______ _.
- The American press C. the First Party System
- the management board in the journal industry D. the Penny press
Question 82: According to the passage, what is probably TRUE about technological advancements in the 1840s?
- Technological advancements in the 1840s prevented the expansion of the American press.
- Technological advancements in the 1840s promoted the expansion of the American press.
- Technological advancements in the 1840s created new challenges for the American press.
- Technological advancements in the 1840s helped to increase the price of the American press.
Question 83: It can be inferred from the passage that changes in technology again
- enhanced the competitiveness of journal industry
- reduced the competitiveness of journal industry
- negatively affected journal industry
- positively affected journal industry
