The main idea of paragraph 4 is that

Question

1. Although used mainly to refer to prejudice against older people, the word ageism
can also refer to prejudice against other age groups. For example, if you describe all teenagers as selfish and undependable, you’re discriminating against a group purely because of their age, and thus are ageist in your statements. In some cultures—some

Asian and some African cultures, for example—the old are revered and respected. Younger people seek them out for advice on economic, ethical, and relationship issues.
2. Individual ageism is seen in the general disrespect many show toward older people and in negative stereotypes about older people. Institutional ageism is seen in mandatory retirement laws and age restrictions in certain occupations (as opposed to
requirements based on demonstrated competence). In less obvious forms, ageism is seen in the media’s portrayal of old people as incompetent, complaining, and perhaps

most clearly evidenced in both television and films, without romantic feelings. Rarely, for example, does a TV show or film show older people working productively, being cooperative and pleasant, and engaging in romantic and sexual relationships.
3. Popular language is replete with examples of ageist language; “little old lady,” “old-timer,” “over the hill,” and “old fogy” are a few examples. As with sexism, qualifying a description of someone in terms of his or her age demonstrates ageism. For
example, if you refer to “a quick-witted 75-year-old” or “an agile 65-year-old” or “a responsible teenager,” you’re implying that these qualities are unusual in people of

these ages and thus need special mention. You’re saying that “quick-wittedness” and “being 75” do not normally go together. The problem with this kind of stereotyping is that it’s simply wrong. There are many 75-year-olds who are extremely quick-witted (and many 30-year-olds who aren’t).

4. One useful way to avoid ageism is to recognize and avoid the illogical stereotypes that ageist language is based on. Examine your own language to see if you:
• talk down to a person because he or she is older. Older people are not mentally
slow; most people remain mentally alert well into old age.

• speak at an abnormally high volume. Being older does not mean being hard of hearing or being unable to see; most older people hear and see quite well, sometimes with hearing aids or glasses.
• avoid engaging older people in conversation as you would wish to be engaged.

Older people are interested in the world around them.

a. most people remain mentally alert well into old age. b. speaking loudly to older people is unnecessary.
c. older people are interested in the world around them.
d. recognizing and avoiding ageist stereotypes can help you avoid ageism.

Answer 1

d. recognizing and avoiding ageist stereotypes can help you avoid ageism.