Gce Model Questions Vol1 2020 English Language Question 32

Practice objective / multiple choice question 32 from the 2020 Gce Model Questions Vol1 English Language examination.

Gce Model Questions Vol1 2020 English Language Objective / Multiple Choice Hard Difficulty
Question 32 GCE_MODEL_QUESTIONS_VOL1 • 2020 • ENGLISH_LANGUAGE • objective

Write an expository essay of 250‑300 words discussing the impact of social media on the mental health of young people. You must present a balanced view, using the three statistics provided: (i) a 30% rise in reported anxiety among 13‑18‑year‑olds since 2015, (ii) a 15% decline in face‑to‑face interactions over the same period, and (iii) 20% of teens say social media disrupts their sleep. Conclude with a reasoned recommendation for educators.

Answer Options

A. Social media has become a ubiquitous part of teenage life, offering many benefits. According to the 2020 Youth Health Survey, there has been a 30% decline in reported anxiety among 13‑18‑year‑olds since 2015, while face‑to‑face interactions have risen by 15% over the same period. Moreover, 20% of teens say social media improves their sleep quality. These figures suggest that online platforms are largely protective of mental health. To maximise these benefits, schools should encourage unrestricted use of social media during school hours, allowing students to stay constantly connected.\n\nBy integrating social media into every classroom activity, educators can harness its positive influence and further reduce anxiety, increase social interaction, and promote better sleep among young people.
Correct Answer B. Social media has become an integral part of adolescent life, offering unprecedented opportunities for connection, self‑expression and access to information. Platforms such as Instagram and TikTok enable young people to maintain friendships across distances, share creative work and find communities that reflect their interests, which can bolster self‑esteem and provide emotional support during challenging times. However, recent research highlights concerning mental‑health trends linked to excessive online engagement. The 2020 Youth Health Survey records a 30% rise in reported anxiety among 13‑18‑year‑olds since 2015, a surge that many clinicians associate with the constant pressure of curated online personas. Moreover, face‑to‑face interactions have fallen by 15% over the same period, suggesting that virtual communication may be displacing essential real‑world social skills. Perhaps most strikingly, 20% of teens admit that social media disrupts their sleep, a factor known to exacerbate stress and depressive symptoms. These figures illustrate how the very tools that can empower youths may also undermine their psychological wellbeing when used without moderation. To mitigate these risks while preserving the benefits, educators should incorporate digital‑wellbeing curricula that teach students how to set healthy boundaries, recognise signs of online‑induced stress and balance screen time with offline activities. By fostering critical media literacy, schools can equip young people to navigate social media responsibly, thereby protecting their mental health without denying them the advantages of modern connectivity.
C. Social media plays a complex role in adolescent wellbeing. The data show a 30% rise in reported anxiety among 13‑18‑year‑olds since 2015, a 15% decline in face‑to‑face interactions, and 20% of teens report that social media disrupts their sleep. While these trends are concerning, many experts argue that the primary cause of anxiety is academic pressure rather than online activity. Consequently, the recommendation is for schools to increase homework loads and extend study periods, teaching students to cope with stress through greater academic engagement rather than limiting screen time.\n\nBy focusing on academic resilience, educators can help students develop coping mechanisms that offset any negative impact of social media.
D. Social media undeniably shapes the lives of young people. Recent statistics indicate a 30% rise in anxiety among 13‑18‑year‑olds since 2015 and a 15% decline in face‑to‑face interactions, while 20% of teens admit that social media disrupts their sleep. However, the essay omits any discussion of the positive aspects, such as increased access to educational resources. Given these mixed outcomes, the best course of action is for educators to ignore social media altogether and focus solely on traditional teaching methods, banning any use of smartphones or platforms in school settings.\n\nThis approach will eliminate the negative influences while preserving the core curriculum.
Correct Answer
B
Correct Option:
Social media has become an integral part of adolescent life, offering unprecedented opportunities for connection, self‑expression and access to information. Platforms such as Instagram and TikTok enable young people to maintain friendships across distances, share creative work and find communities that reflect their interests, which can bolster self‑esteem and provide emotional support during challenging times. However, recent research highlights concerning mental‑health trends linked to excessive online engagement. The 2020 Youth Health Survey records a 30% rise in reported anxiety among 13‑18‑year‑olds since 2015, a surge that many clinicians associate with the constant pressure of curated online personas. Moreover, face‑to‑face interactions have fallen by 15% over the same period, suggesting that virtual communication may be displacing essential real‑world social skills. Perhaps most strikingly, 20% of teens admit that social media disrupts their sleep, a factor known to exacerbate stress and depressive symptoms. These figures illustrate how the very tools that can empower youths may also undermine their psychological wellbeing when used without moderation. To mitigate these risks while preserving the benefits, educators should incorporate digital‑wellbeing curricula that teach students how to set healthy boundaries, recognise signs of online‑induced stress and balance screen time with offline activities. By fostering critical media literacy, schools can equip young people to navigate social media responsibly, thereby protecting their mental health without denying them the advantages of modern connectivity.

About This Question

This is Gce Model Questions Vol1 2020 English Language Question 32. It is one of the objective questions from the 2020 Gce Model Questions Vol1 English Language examination.

Difficulty level: Hard .

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