Gce Model Questions Vol1 2021 English Language Question 80
Practice objective / multiple choice question 80 from the 2021 Gce Model Questions Vol1 English Language examination.
Gce Model Questions Vol1
2021
English Language
Objective / Multiple Choice
Medium Difficulty
Question 80
GCE_MODEL_QUESTIONS_VOL1
•
2021
•
ENGLISH_LANGUAGE
•
objective
Outline a four‑paragraph argumentative essay on the statement: "Social media does more harm than good for teenagers." For each paragraph, give a concise topic sentence, one supporting point (or counter‑point), and a brief piece of evidence or example. Also, name one logical fallacy that writers supporting the opposite view might fall into, and suggest how to avoid it.
Answer Options
A.
Paragraph 1 - Introduction (thesis):\nTopic sentence: "Social media offers essential benefits that outweigh any potential drawbacks for teenagers."\nSupporting point: It enhances social connectivity.\nEvidence: A 2023 poll indicated 80% of teens feel more connected to friends through social platforms.\n\nParagraph 2 - First supporting argument:\nTopic sentence: "Online communities provide emotional support."\nSupporting point: Peer groups share coping strategies.\nEvidence: Studies show a 25% decrease in loneliness among teens active in supportive online groups.\n\nParagraph 3 - Second supporting argument:\nTopic sentence: "Educational resources on social media improve academic outcomes."\nSupporting point: Access to tutorials and study groups.\nEvidence: Teachers report a 15% increase in assignment completion when students use educational hashtags.\n\nParagraph 4 - Counter‑argument and refutation (plus conclusion):\nTopic sentence: "Critics claim social media harms mental health, but this is an appeal to fear fallacy."\nCounter‑point: Concerns are overstated.\nRefutation: The benefits in social support and learning outweigh isolated incidents.\nConclusion sentence: "Thus, encouraging responsible social media use can enhance teenagers' wellbeing."\n\nLogical fallacy to avoid: Appeal to fear - exaggerating risks without evidence. To avoid it, present balanced data and acknowledge both benefits and risks.
B.
Paragraph 1 - Introduction (thesis):\nTopic sentence: "Social media exposes teenagers to risks that outweigh its benefits."\nSupporting point: It contributes to mental‑health issues.\nEvidence: Recent studies show a 5% rise in anxiety among teens who spend more than three hours daily on social platforms.\n\nParagraph 2 - First supporting argument:\nTopic sentence: "Online harassment erodes self‑esteem."\nSupporting point: Cyberbullying is pervasive.\nEvidence: A 2022 survey found 10% of teenagers experienced bullying online, leading to increased depressive symptoms.\n\nParagraph 3 - Second supporting argument:\nTopic sentence: "Unregulated content hampers academic performance."\nSupporting point: Distractions reduce study time.\nEvidence: Teachers report a 2% drop in homework completion when students access social media during class.\n\nParagraph 4 - Counter‑argument and refutation (plus conclusion):\nTopic sentence: "While some argue social media fosters connectivity, this claim often relies on a slippery‑slope fallacy."\nCounter‑point: Pro‑social benefits are real but are exaggerated to dismiss harms.\nRefutation: Connectivity does not compensate for the documented psychological and educational costs.\nConclusion sentence: "Therefore, stricter guidelines are needed to protect teenagers from the predominant harms of social media."\n\nLogical fallacy to avoid: Slippery‑slope - assuming one small effect will lead to extreme outcomes. To avoid it, limit claims to evidence‑based impacts.
Correct Answer
C.
Paragraph 1 - Introduction (thesis):
Topic sentence: "Social media exposes teenagers to risks that outweigh its benefits."
Supporting point: It contributes to mental‑health issues.
Evidence: Recent studies show a 30% rise in anxiety among teens who spend more than three hours daily on social platforms.
Paragraph 2 - First supporting argument:
Topic sentence: "Online harassment erodes self‑esteem."
Supporting point: Cyberbullying is pervasive.
Evidence: A 2022 survey found 45% of teenagers experienced bullying online, leading to increased depressive symptoms.
Paragraph 3 - Second supporting argument:
Topic sentence: "Unregulated content hampers academic performance."
Supporting point: Distractions reduce study time.
Evidence: Teachers report a 20% drop in homework completion when students access social media during class.
Paragraph 4 - Counter‑argument and refutation (plus conclusion):
Topic sentence: "While some argue social media fosters connectivity, this claim often relies on a straw‑man fallacy."
Counter‑point: Pro‑social benefits are real but are exaggerated to dismiss harms.
Refutation: Connectivity does not compensate for the documented psychological and educational costs.
Conclusion sentence: "Therefore, stricter guidelines are needed to protect teenagers from the predominant harms of social media."
Logical fallacy to avoid: Straw‑man - misrepresenting the opposing view as overly positive. To avoid it, acknowledge genuine benefits before presenting the critique, and use balanced evidence.
D.
Paragraph 1 - Introduction (thesis):\nTopic sentence: "Social media exposes teenagers to risks that outweigh its benefits."\nSupporting point: It contributes to mental‑health issues.\nEvidence: Recent studies show a 30% rise in anxiety among teens who spend more than three hours daily on social platforms.\n\nParagraph 2 - First supporting argument:\nTopic sentence: "Online harassment erodes self‑esteem."\nSupporting point: Cyberbullying is pervasive.\nEvidence: A 2022 survey found 45% of teenagers experienced bullying online, leading to increased depressive symptoms.\n\nParagraph 3 - Second supporting argument:\nTopic sentence: "Unregulated content hampers academic performance."\nSupporting point: Distractions reduce study time.\nEvidence: Teachers report a 20% drop in homework completion when students access social media during class.\n\nParagraph 4 - Counter‑argument and refutation (plus conclusion):\nTopic sentence: "While some argue social media fosters connectivity, this claim often relies on a red‑herring fallacy."\nCounter‑point: Pro‑social benefits are real but are exaggerated to dismiss harms.\nRefutation: Connectivity does not compensate for the documented psychological and educational costs.\nConclusion sentence: "Therefore, stricter guidelines are needed to protect teenagers from the predominant harms of social media."\n\nLogical fallacy to avoid: Red‑herring - diverting attention from the main issue. To avoid it, stay focused on the core argument and address the actual evidence.
Correct Answer
C
Correct Option:
Paragraph 1 - Introduction (thesis):
Topic sentence: "Social media exposes teenagers to risks that outweigh its benefits."
Supporting point: It contributes to mental‑health issues.
Evidence: Recent studies show a 30% rise in anxiety among teens who spend more than three hours daily on social platforms.
Paragraph 2 - First supporting argument:
Topic sentence: "Online harassment erodes self‑esteem."
Supporting point: Cyberbullying is pervasive.
Evidence: A 2022 survey found 45% of teenagers experienced bullying online, leading to increased depressive symptoms.
Paragraph 3 - Second supporting argument:
Topic sentence: "Unregulated content hampers academic performance."
Supporting point: Distractions reduce study time.
Evidence: Teachers report a 20% drop in homework completion when students access social media during class.
Paragraph 4 - Counter‑argument and refutation (plus conclusion):
Topic sentence: "While some argue social media fosters connectivity, this claim often relies on a straw‑man fallacy."
Counter‑point: Pro‑social benefits are real but are exaggerated to dismiss harms.
Refutation: Connectivity does not compensate for the documented psychological and educational costs.
Conclusion sentence: "Therefore, stricter guidelines are needed to protect teenagers from the predominant harms of social media."
Logical fallacy to avoid: Straw‑man - misrepresenting the opposing view as overly positive. To avoid it, acknowledge genuine benefits before presenting the critique, and use balanced evidence.
About This Question
This is Gce Model Questions Vol1 2021 English Language Question 80. It is one of the objective questions from the 2021 Gce Model Questions Vol1 English Language examination.
Difficulty level: Medium .
Master the Exam!
You've seen a preview, but there are thousands more questions plus AI tutor to break down complex solutions.
Unlock Full Access
Available for Android
& Windows