Gce Model Questions Vol1 2025 English Language Question 74
Practice objective / multiple choice question 74 from the 2025 Gce Model Questions Vol1 English Language examination.
Gce Model Questions Vol1
2025
English Language
Objective / Multiple Choice
Hard Difficulty
Question 74
GCE_MODEL_QUESTIONS_VOL1
•
2025
•
ENGLISH_LANGUAGE
•
objective
Write an expository essay of 250‑300 words on the topic "The impact of social media on teenage mental health". Your essay must include: (1) a clear definition of the issue, (2) at least two causes, (3) the main effects on mental health, (4) two possible mitigation strategies, and (5) a concise concluding paragraph.
Answer Options
A.
Social media refers to online platforms that enable users to create and share content, and its impact on teenage mental health is overwhelmingly beneficial.
The issue is defined by the high engagement rates, with many adolescents spending over five hours daily, which strengthens social bonds.
Two causes for this pattern are the innate human need for connection and the educational value of viral tutorials.
The effects on mental health include reduced stress, enhanced creativity, and lower rates of loneliness.
Effective mitigation strategies involve encouraging even more screen time, such as implementing school‑wide social‑media hours and integrating platforms into the curriculum.
In conclusion, increasing teenagers' social‑media usage will further improve their mental health and should be pursued.
Correct Answer
B.
Social media refers to online platforms that enable users to create, share, and interact with content, and its pervasive use among teenagers has become a public‑health concern. The issue is defined by the amount of time adolescents spend on sites such as Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat, often exceeding three hours daily, which correlates with adverse psychological outcomes.
Two primary causes drive this pattern. First, peer pressure compels teens to maintain a constant online presence to gain social approval and avoid exclusion. Second, the platforms' algorithms are designed to maximise engagement by presenting an endless stream of personalised content, exploiting the brain's dopamine reward system and making it difficult to disengage.
The consequences for mental health are significant. Studies link heavy social‑media use to heightened anxiety and depressive symptoms, as constant comparison with curated images erodes self‑esteem. Moreover, exposure to cyber‑bullying and the disruption of sleep cycles due to late‑night scrolling exacerbate stress and impair cognitive functioning.
Mitigation strategies are essential. Educational programmes that teach digital‑wellness and critical media literacy can empower teenagers to assess the credibility of online content and set personal usage limits. Additionally, parents and schools can implement device‑free zones and scheduled breaks, encouraging participation in offline hobbies and face‑to‑face interaction, which are protective against loneliness.
In conclusion, while social media offers valuable opportunities for connection, its unchecked use poses serious risks to teenage mental health. A combined approach of education, parental guidance, and institutional policies is required to foster healthier online habits and safeguard the well‑being of young people.
C.
Social media refers to any digital communication tool, and its widespread use among teenagers has become a minor concern.
The issue is defined by the occasional checking of messages on platforms like WhatsApp, which typically lasts less than ten minutes per day.
Two primary causes are the lack of extracurricular activities and the over‑protective nature of parents who restrict outdoor play.
The main effects on mental health are negligible; teenagers experience only a slight increase in curiosity and no significant changes in anxiety or depression.
Mitigation strategies include banning all smartphones in schools and requiring students to write handwritten letters daily.
In conclusion, social media poses no real threat to teenage mental health, and restrictive measures are unnecessary.
D.
Social media refers primarily to multiplayer video‑game platforms where teenagers compete for high scores, and its impact on mental health is largely positive.
The issue is defined by the amount of time adolescents spend playing games such as Fortnite and Call of Duty, which fosters teamwork and strategic thinking.
Two main causes drive this engagement: the desire for monetary rewards through in‑game purchases and the need to achieve leaderboard rankings.
The effects on mental health include improved concentration, heightened self‑esteem from winning matches, and reduced anxiety due to immersive escapism.
Mitigation strategies are unnecessary, but if needed, schools could limit gaming hours by imposing strict bedtime rules.
In conclusion, social media gaming enhances teenage well‑being and should be encouraged.
Correct Answer
B
Correct Option:
Social media refers to online platforms that enable users to create, share, and interact with content, and its pervasive use among teenagers has become a public‑health concern. The issue is defined by the amount of time adolescents spend on sites such as Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat, often exceeding three hours daily, which correlates with adverse psychological outcomes.
Two primary causes drive this pattern. First, peer pressure compels teens to maintain a constant online presence to gain social approval and avoid exclusion. Second, the platforms' algorithms are designed to maximise engagement by presenting an endless stream of personalised content, exploiting the brain's dopamine reward system and making it difficult to disengage.
The consequences for mental health are significant. Studies link heavy social‑media use to heightened anxiety and depressive symptoms, as constant comparison with curated images erodes self‑esteem. Moreover, exposure to cyber‑bullying and the disruption of sleep cycles due to late‑night scrolling exacerbate stress and impair cognitive functioning.
Mitigation strategies are essential. Educational programmes that teach digital‑wellness and critical media literacy can empower teenagers to assess the credibility of online content and set personal usage limits. Additionally, parents and schools can implement device‑free zones and scheduled breaks, encouraging participation in offline hobbies and face‑to‑face interaction, which are protective against loneliness.
In conclusion, while social media offers valuable opportunities for connection, its unchecked use poses serious risks to teenage mental health. A combined approach of education, parental guidance, and institutional policies is required to foster healthier online habits and safeguard the well‑being of young people.
About This Question
This is Gce Model Questions Vol1 2025 English Language Question 74. It is one of the objective questions from the 2025 Gce Model Questions Vol1 English Language examination.
Difficulty level: Hard .
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