Read each of the following paragraphs carefully. In the text box provided, write a single, clear sentence that summarizes the main argument or thesis of the passage. After you have written your answer, click the "Show/Hide Answer" button to compare it with the provided model answer. Remember, your wording doesn't have to be identical, but it should capture the core idea.
The rise of social media has fundamentally altered the landscape of human interaction. While platforms like Facebook and Twitter were initially celebrated as tools for fostering connection, they have increasingly become echo chambers that reinforce pre-existing beliefs. The algorithms that govern our newsfeeds are designed to show us content that we are likely to engage with, which often means content that aligns with our existing viewpoints. This creates a feedback loop, isolating us from differing perspectives and hindering our ability to engage in meaningful dialogue.
Model Answer: While social media promises to connect people, its algorithms can create echo chambers that ultimately lead to increased societal polarization and a diminished capacity for understanding diverse perspectives.
In a world increasingly dominated by automation and artificial intelligence, the value of uniquely human skills like creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence is becoming paramount. While machines can outperform humans in tasks requiring speed, accuracy, and data processing, they lack the capacity for genuine innovation and empathetic understanding. As routine jobs become automated, the future of work will belong to those who can think outside the box, solve complex problems with ingenuity, and connect with others on a deeply human level. Therefore, our educational systems must shift focus from rote memorization to nurturing these irreplaceable human qualities.
Model Answer: As technology automates routine tasks, the future of work will demand a greater emphasis on cultivating uniquely human skills such as creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence, which cannot be replicated by machines.
Many people believe that strict, authoritarian parenting is the most effective way to raise well-behaved children. However, numerous studies in developmental psychology suggest that this approach can have long-term negative consequences. Children raised under rigid control often exhibit lower self-esteem, poor social skills, and a higher propensity for rebellion in their teenage years. In contrast, an authoritative parenting style, which combines clear expectations with warmth, open communication, and respect for a child’s individuality, tends to foster more independent, resilient, and well-adjusted adults. It is this balance of discipline and affection that truly cultivates responsible and happy individuals.
Model Answer: Despite the common belief that strict parenting is effective, research shows that an authoritative approach, which balances firm guidance with warmth and respect, is more conducive to raising well-adjusted and successful children.
The global push for renewable energy sources, while laudable, often overlooks the significant environmental and social costs associated with their implementation. For example, the production of solar panels and wind turbines requires mining for rare earth minerals, a process that can be highly destructive to ecosystems and local communities. Furthermore, large-scale wind and solar farms can alter landscapes, disrupt wildlife habitats, and displace agricultural land. A truly sustainable energy policy must therefore not only focus on reducing carbon emissions but also carefully consider and mitigate the broader ecological and social impacts of our chosen energy technologies.
Model Answer: While renewable energy is crucial for combating climate change, its implementation has significant environmental and social drawbacks that must be addressed to ensure a truly sustainable and just energy future.
The narrative of history has traditionally been dominated by the stories of kings, generals, and political leaders, focusing on major battles and political events. This "great man" approach, however, often obscures the vital contributions of ordinary people and the profound impact of everyday life on the course of events. Social history, which examines the lives, cultures, and struggles of common individuals, offers a more complete and nuanced understanding of the past. By shifting our focus from the thrones and battlefields to the homes and workplaces, we can uncover the deeper currents of social change that truly shape our world.
Model Answer: A focus on social history, rather than just the traditional "great man" narrative, provides a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of the past by highlighting the crucial role of ordinary people and their everyday experiences.