1. Reading (3)
Resources |
Revision Questions |
English Language
Login to see all questions
Click on a question to view the answer
1.
Read the following extract from a newspaper article:
“The local council’s decision to close the community centre has sparked outrage amongst residents. Many feel the centre is a vital hub for social interaction, particularly for the elderly and vulnerable. Protests are planned for next weekend, and local MP, Sarah Jenkins, has publicly condemned the decision, calling it ‘short-sighted and detrimental to the community’s well-being.’ The council argues the closure is necessary to fund a new sports complex.”
Explain, with reference to the text, what the author explicitly states about the community's reaction to the council's decision.
The author explicitly states that the community's reaction to the council's decision to close the community centre is one of outrage. This is directly stated in the first sentence: “The local council’s decision to close the community centre has sparked outrage amongst residents.”
Furthermore, the author provides evidence of this outrage by mentioning that “Many feel the centre is a vital hub for social interaction, particularly for the elderly and vulnerable.” This indicates a strong negative sentiment and highlights the importance of the centre to the community.
The planned protests and the MP's condemnation further reinforce the explicit message of strong opposition and disapproval from the community.
2.
Read the following two short texts.
Text A: "The city council is proposing a new scheme to encourage cycling. This includes the creation of more cycle lanes, improved bike parking facilities, and a public awareness campaign. The aim is to reduce traffic congestion and promote healthier lifestyles."
Text B: "A recent report by the Department of Transport suggests that cycling infrastructure investment is crucial for achieving national transport targets. The report highlights the economic benefits of cycling, including reduced healthcare costs and increased tourism revenue. It also notes the environmental advantages of cycling, such as lower carbon emissions."
Question: Compare and contrast the purposes of Text A and Text B. Consider who the intended audience might be.
The purpose of Text A is primarily to inform the public about a proposed local initiative – a cycling scheme. It aims to persuade the public that this scheme is beneficial, focusing on the outcomes of reduced traffic congestion and healthier lifestyles. The intended audience is likely local residents, commuters, and potentially local council members. The language used is straightforward and accessible, avoiding technical jargon. The emphasis is on the practical benefits for the community.
Text B, on the other hand, has a more authoritative and persuasive purpose. It aims to justify the investment in cycling infrastructure on a national level. The text presents evidence from a "recent report" and highlights economic and environmental benefits. The intended audience is likely policymakers, government officials, and potentially investors. The language is more formal and uses terms like "national transport targets" and "economic benefits," indicating a more serious and strategic context. While Text A focuses on local impact, Text B focuses on broader national implications. Both texts aim to influence action, but Text A seeks public support for a local project, while Text B seeks political and financial support for a national policy.
3.
Question 1: The following extract is from a newspaper article discussing the impact of social media on teenagers.
"The constant exposure to curated online personas fosters a culture of comparison, leading to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety. While social media offers opportunities for connection and self-expression, its addictive nature and the prevalence of cyberbullying pose significant threats to young people's mental well-being. Furthermore, the echo chambers created by algorithms can reinforce existing biases and limit exposure to diverse perspectives. However, social media also provides a platform for activism and social change, empowering young people to voice their opinions and mobilize collective action."
Analyze, evaluate and develop the points made in this extract. Consider the extent to which you agree with the author's overall assessment of the impact of social media on teenagers.
Model Answer:
This extract presents a nuanced view of social media's impact on teenagers, acknowledging both its potential benefits and significant drawbacks. The author effectively highlights the complex and often contradictory nature of this pervasive technology. The argument that social media fosters comparison and anxiety is compelling, drawing on the curated nature of online profiles and the pressure to present an idealized self. This resonates with contemporary observations of teenage mental health. The author's point about addictive qualities and cyberbullying is also well-supported by research and anecdotal evidence. The concept of 'echo chambers' is crucial, as it demonstrates how algorithms can limit exposure to diverse viewpoints, potentially reinforcing existing biases and hindering critical thinking. However, the extract also acknowledges the positive aspects of social media, specifically its role in activism and social change. This balanced perspective prevents the argument from becoming overly negative. While I largely agree with the author's overall assessment, I believe the extract could benefit from further exploration of the ways social media facilitates community building and provides access to information and support networks. It's important to acknowledge that social media is not inherently 'bad'; its impact depends on how it is used and the individual's susceptibility to its potential pitfalls. The author's assessment is persuasive, but a more comprehensive analysis would consider the multifaceted nature of this technology and its varying effects on different teenagers.