LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT
Unit 3. Media and
Society
Social Media: Its Influence and Control over
People’s Lives
Ways with words
A. Find the words from the text that have the following
meanings.
a. a personal or corporate website
blog
b. a job requiring expertise in a particular field
profession
c. a feeling of sadness
disappointment
d. put under custody
detained
e. found guilty
convicted
f. breaking or disregarding rules or system
violating
g. advantages and disadvantages
pros and cons
h. a non-statutory monetary penalty
amercement
B. Use the following prepositional verbs in sentences.
|
apologize to |
He wanted to publicly apologize to his victims. |
|
reply to |
He hasn't replied to any of my text messages. |
|
scold for |
The principal scolded me for arriving late. |
|
glance at |
The woman glances at the man waiting in
line behind her. |
|
comment on |
The public now has 60 days to comment
on the measure. |
|
grow up |
Her brother grew up in Kathmandu. |
|
suffer from- |
Premature babies may suffer from breathing
difficulties in childhood. |
|
boast about |
She is boasting about how wonderful her car is. |
|
charge with |
His brother has not yet been formally charged with
the crime. |
|
involve in |
His boss has involved in him in a great deal of
extra work. |
|
devote to |
Maya seems to have devoted herself to a non-profit
organization. |
|
apply for |
She applied for the post of accountant. |
|
aim at |
My brother aimed at the tree but hit the car by
mistake. |
|
bring up |
His aunt brought up her. |
|
rely on |
She still relies on her parents for her pocket
money. |
|
recover from |
Shyam hasn’t recovered from the death of his mother. |
|
worry about |
He always worries about his weight. |
|
acquaint with |
He should acquaint himself with the filing system. |
|
confuse with |
The rules of the road should never be confused
with driving laws. |
|
specialize in |
Here is a sampling of companies that specialize
in bicycle tours. |
|
adapt to |
We have to be realistic and adapt to these
new needs. |
|
admire for |
At school, she has become quite admired
for her great voice. |
|
vote for |
These will not be easy votes for a lot of
people, |
|
look at |
Look at the commercials and the endorsements
they are already getting. |
|
concentrate on |
Our teacher asked us to concentrate on a black dot
in the middle of the screen. |
|
escape from |
We managed to escape from the burning train. |
|
separate from |
South America separated from Africa 200 million
years ago. |
|
dream about |
I told her that I had dreamed about her the previous
night. |
|
trust with |
My parents trust me with their life. |
|
succeed in |
They nearly succeeded in blowing up the building. |
|
refer to |
The term 'accent' refers to pronunciation. |
|
pray for |
My friends are praying for good weather on Sunday. |
|
arrive at |
Peter arrived at the station 25 minutes late. |
|
agree on |
The two companies couldn’t agree on a common
strategy. |
|
count on |
She counts on me to help her. |
|
resign from |
He was forced to resign from the board in protest. |
|
argue about |
People may argue about when and how the present
era began. |
|
agree with |
They find it incredible that some
Americans agree with the Japanese. |
|
believe in |
He does not believe in running a free and
open government. |
|
absorb in |
There is a limit to how much anyone can absorb
in a day. |
Comprehension
A. Fill in the gaps with appropriate words/phrases from the
text.
a. People are using social media for individual as
well as _______ purposes.
People are using social media for individual as well
as marketing purposes.
b. Social media is not only a platform of sharing
views, but also a platform of _______
Social media is not only a platform of sharing views,
but also a platform of find a job and the employees required .
c. The hospital wanted Prita to pay Rp. 100 million for______
The hospital wanted Prita to pay Rp. 100 million for
immaterial losses.
d. Some singers organized _________ to help Prita.
Some singers organized a charity concert
to help Prita.
e. The campaign to help Prita was able to collect Rp. _____
The campaign to help Prita was able to collect Rp. 825
million.
Comprehension
B. Answer these questions.
a. How do you define social media?
Social media is a plat form for websites and
applications that enable people to create and share content.
b. Social media has been an integral part of modern
life. How?
Social media has been an integral part of modern life due
to its range from Face Book to Blog, where we can greet our dear ones and can
start business as well.
c. Why do people use Facebook and YouTube?
Facebook and YouTube provide lots of content to enjoy
and share our ideas.
d. What is a blog? How can it be beneficial to us?
A blog is a social media platform where we can post
our articles, pictures, videos etc. and make money as well.
e. Was Prita’s intention bad when she sent a message to her friends?
No, Prita’s intention was not bad when she sent a
message to her friends.
f. How did Prita's message become a big problem?
Prita's message became a big problem after her friend
shared it to a website i.e. The People’s Forum.
g. Why was she convicted by the court?
She was convicted by the court for violating the law
about using the ICT.
h. What was the purpose of the campaign, “Bantu Bebaskan Prita”?
The purpose of the campaign “Bantu Bebaskan
Prita" was for collecting the money to help her so that she could pay the
amercement.
i. How are people stronger than social media?
People are stronger than social media because of their
brain, to think, to act and to speak.
Critical thinking
a. Does social media have positive impact in the society?
Discuss.
Social
media has undeniably brought about positive impacts in society, revolutionizing
the way we connect, communicate, and conduct business. Platforms like Facebook,
Twitter, and Instagram have bridged the geographical gaps between individuals,
enabling them to stay connected with family, friends, and relatives across the
globe. The ability to share pictures, videos, and real-time updates has
strengthened relationships, fostering a sense of togetherness that was
previously unimaginable.
Moreover,
social media has not only transformed personal relationships but has also
opened up vast opportunities in the professional realm. Professional websites
and official organization webpages serve as valuable resources, providing
access to a wealth of information, research findings, and the latest survey
results. Online learning has witnessed a remarkable surge, offering individuals
the chance to acquire new knowledge and skills, paving the way for a more knowledgeable
and skilled workforce.
Businesses,
big and small, have reaped the benefits of social media. Online promotions have
emerged as a cost-effective alternative to traditional advertising methods like
TV and newspapers. With the ability to reach a broader audience, businesses can
expand their reach and find potential customers across the world. Interaction
with customers through social media platforms provides invaluable insights into
market trends and customer preferences, enabling businesses to adapt their
strategies to meet the ever-changing demands of consumers. The rise of
e-commerce and digital marketing further underscores the significance of social
media in the business landscape, opening up new avenues for growth and success.
Social
media empowers individuals to share their thoughts, create original content,
and stay updated with the latest information and news. It has democratized the
flow of information, allowing users to be active participants in shaping public
discourse. Finding employment and recruiting suitable candidates have also been
simplified through social networking, providing a convenient and efficient
platform for job seekers and employers alike.
Despite
its numerous positive impacts, it is essential to acknowledge the potential
downsides of social media, such as misinformation, cyberbullying, and invasion
of privacy. Ensuring responsible usage and safeguarding digital well-being is
imperative to fully harness the positive potential of these platforms.
In
conclusion, social media has brought about a profound transformation in the way
we interact, learn, and conduct business. Its positive impacts in facilitating
communication, fostering personal connections, enabling professional growth,
and enhancing access to information cannot be understated. By leveraging the
opportunities presented by social media while addressing its challenges, we can
create a more connected, informed, and empowered society.
b. How do you compare virtual
communication and face-to-face communication?
Virtual
communication and face-to-face communication are two distinct methods of
interacting with others, each with its own set of advantages and limitations.
Let's compare them across various aspects:
a.
Presence and Physical Cues:
Face-to-face
communication allows individuals to be physically present with each other,
enabling the exchange of non-verbal cues like facial expressions, body
language, and eye contact. These cues provide valuable context and depth to the
conversation, enhancing understanding and emotional connection. In contrast,
virtual communication lacks these physical cues, making it challenging to
interpret emotions accurately and leading to potential misunderstandings.
b.
Convenience and Accessibility:
Virtual
communication offers unparalleled convenience and accessibility, as it can take
place anytime and anywhere with an internet connection. This flexibility is
particularly advantageous for long-distance communication, connecting with
individuals from different time zones, or during emergencies. Face-to-face
communication, on the other hand, may require more planning and coordination,
especially when participants are geographically dispersed.
c.
Real-Time Interaction:
Face-to-face
communication allows for immediate responses and real-time interaction.
Conversations flow naturally, and participants can react instantaneously to
each other's statements. In virtual communication, there might be slight delays
due to internet connectivity issues, which can hinder the fluidity of the
conversation.
d.
Depth of Connection:
Face-to-face
communication fosters a deeper sense of connection and trust between
individuals, as the physical presence helps build empathy and emotional bonds.
Virtual communication, while convenient, may lack the same level of intimacy,
leading to a potential sense of detachment in some interactions.
e.
Documentation and Record Keeping:
Virtual
communication provides the advantage of easy documentation and record-keeping.
Conversations can be saved as text, audio, or video files, allowing for future
reference. In face-to-face communication, participants must rely on memory or
take manual notes, which may not capture all the nuances of the conversation.
f.
Multimodal Communication:
Virtual
communication offers the option to integrate various multimedia elements like
images, videos, and presentations to enhance the conversation. This versatility
can enrich the communication experience and improve the presentation of complex
ideas. In face-to-face communication, while visual aids can be used, they might
not be as easily accessible or dynamic.
g.
Social Etiquette and Norms:
Both
virtual and face-to-face communication have distinct sets of social norms and
etiquette. The virtual space may demand specific netiquette guidelines to
ensure respectful and effective communication. Face-to-face communication
follows traditional social norms and customs that can vary across cultures.
In
conclusion, both virtual and face-to-face communication have their merits and
drawbacks. Face-to-face communication thrives on physical presence, non-verbal
cues, and deeper emotional connections. In contrast, virtual communication
offers convenience, accessibility, and the advantage of technology-driven
features. The choice between the two depends on the context, purpose, and the
level of intimacy desired in the interaction. Striking a balance between the
two methods can lead to effective and meaningful communication in various
aspects of our personal and professional lives.
Writing
a. There are different schools of
thought regarding the social media. Some people see the benefits while others
see problems in them. What are your observations? Explain the advantages and
disadvantages of the social media giving your position in it.
Social media has revolutionized the way we communicate
and interact with others, offering numerous advantages and opportunities while
also presenting certain drawbacks and challenges. Let's explore some of the
main advantages and disadvantages of social media:
Advantages:
a. Connectivity and Communication: Social media
enables instant and widespread communication with friends, family, and
acquaintances, regardless of geographical distances. It facilitates real-time
interactions, fostering a sense of interconnectedness and bridging gaps between
individuals and communities.
b. Networking and Collaboration: Social media
platforms serve as valuable networking tools for personal and professional
connections. They provide opportunities to collaborate with like-minded
individuals, potential business partners, and industry professionals, leading
to increased opportunities and career growth.
c. Information Sharing: Social media acts as a vast
repository of information, allowing users to access news, updates, and insights
from around the world. It plays a crucial role in disseminating information on
current events, trends, and educational resources.
d. Business and Marketing Opportunities: Social media
has become an essential platform for businesses to promote their products and
services, reaching a global audience at a fraction of the cost of traditional
advertising. It offers targeted marketing capabilities and analytics to measure
the effectiveness of campaigns.
e. Entertainment and Creativity: Social media
platforms provide a vast array of content, from entertaining videos and memes
to creative artworks and storytelling. Users can showcase their talents,
express their creativity, and engage with a diverse range of content.
Disadvantages:
a. Misinformation and Fake News: Social media is
susceptible to the spread of misinformation and fake news. Due to the rapid
dissemination of information, false narratives can easily go viral, leading to
confusion and misinformation.
b. Privacy and Security Concerns: Users' personal data
can be vulnerable to breaches, hacking, and misuse on social media platforms.
Privacy settings may not always provide adequate protection, leading to
potential risks of identity theft and cyberbullying.
c. Addiction and Time Distraction: Social media can become
addictive, leading to excessive screen time and reduced productivity in daily
life. The constant need for validation and comparison with others may
negatively impact self-esteem and mental well-being.
d. Online Harassment and Cyberbullying: The anonymity
of social media can lead to online harassment and cyberbullying. These issues
can have severe emotional and psychological consequences for victims, impacting
mental health.
e. Filter Bubbles and Polarization: Social media
algorithms may create filter bubbles, showing users content that aligns with
their existing beliefs and opinions. This can lead to echo chambers and
reinforce polarization, limiting exposure to diverse perspectives.
In conclusion, social media is a powerful tool that
has transformed the way we communicate, share information, and conduct
business. It has numerous advantages, such as facilitating connectivity,
networking, and information sharing. However, it also presents challenges,
including misinformation, privacy concerns, addiction, and the potential for
online harassment. Striking a balance in the usage of social media, being
mindful of its impact, and fostering digital literacy are essential for
harnessing its benefits while mitigating its drawbacks.
b. What is cyber bullying? What are its
effects? How can it be stopped?
Cyberbullying
is a form of online harassment and aggression wherein individuals use digital
platforms like social media, messaging apps, or online forums to intimidate,
threaten, or humiliate others. Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying
occurs in the digital realm, making it easier for perpetrators to remain
anonymous and reach a wider audience. It can take various forms, including
sending hurtful messages, spreading rumors, sharing embarrassing photos or
videos, or creating fake profiles to harm someone's reputation.
Effects of Cyberbullying:
a.
Emotional and Psychological Impact: Cyberbullying can lead to severe emotional
distress, anxiety, and depression for the victim. The constant harassment and
public humiliation can damage self-esteem and overall mental well-being.
b.
Academic and Social Consequences: Victims of cyberbullying may experience a
decline in academic performance and a withdrawal from social activities. They
might fear facing their peers and may avoid school or social events altogether.
c.
Isolation and Loneliness: Cyberbullying can lead to feelings of isolation, as
victims may feel like they have nowhere to turn for support or feel afraid to
talk about their experiences.
d.
Suicidal Ideation: In extreme cases, cyberbullying has been linked to suicidal
thoughts and actions. The relentless attacks and feelings of hopelessness can
push victims to the brink.
e.
Long-term Effects: The impact of cyberbullying can extend beyond the immediate
situation, leaving lasting scars on the victim's mental and emotional health.
Stopping Cyberbullying:
a.
Education and Awareness: Raising awareness about cyberbullying and its
consequences is crucial. Schools, parents, and communities should educate
children and adolescents about the impact of cyberbullying and foster a culture
of empathy and respect.
b.
Encouraging Open Communication: Creating a safe environment where victims feel
comfortable reporting incidents of cyberbullying is vital. Encouraging open
communication between parents, teachers, and students can help identify and
address cyberbullying promptly.
c.
Implementing Anti-Bullying Policies: Schools and organizations should have
clear and comprehensive anti-bullying policies that address cyberbullying and
its consequences. These policies should include reporting mechanisms and
support for victims.
d.
Empowering Bystanders: Bystanders can play a significant role in stopping
cyberbullying. Encouraging them to stand up for the victim and report incidents
can help deter perpetrators and create a supportive community.
e.
Blocking and Reporting: Social media platforms and online forums often have
mechanisms to block and report abusive behavior. Victims should be encouraged
to use these features to protect themselves and seek help from platform
administrators if needed.
f.
Seeking Professional Help: Victims of cyberbullying may require professional
support to cope with the emotional impact. Schools and parents should provide
access to counseling services to help victims navigate through their feelings.
In
conclusion, cyberbullying is a harmful and pervasive issue that can have severe
consequences on victims' mental health and overall well-being. Combating
cyberbullying requires a collective effort from schools, parents, communities,
and social media platforms. Through education, open communication, and
supportive policies, we can create a safer online environment and protect
vulnerable individuals from the detrimental effects of cyberbullying.
Best of Luck
Extra Question
Read the POEM
and answer the questions. [15]
Whose woods these are I think I know
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.
He gives the harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound’s the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promise to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And
miles to go before I sleep
Robert Frost
1. Answer the following questions:
a) Does
the man lose the way in the woods?
b) How
is the forest?
c) What
does “before I sleep” suggest?
d) What
does he intend to convey to us?
e) What
does the horse do and why?
f)
What was the weather like
that night?
g) Where
has the man stopped?
h) Where
was the poet going?
i)
Who has composed the poem?
j)
Why did the horse give a
shake to his bell?
k) Why
did the poet think that the owner would not find him stopping in the wood?
l)
Why is the poet being
fascinated by the woods? What has the poet promised?
2. Write ‘T’ for true and ‘F’ for false for the following statements:
a) Robert
Frost is a nature-loving poet.
b) The
horse thinks the poet has made a mistake by stopping there.
c) The
horse was not happy to stop in the wood.
d) The
poem carries a simple philosophy of human life.
e) The
poet and the horse used to stop at farmhouse at night.
f)
The poet is sure that he
knows the owner of the woods.
g) The
poet likes the woods.
h) The
poet’s destination is far away from the woods.
i)
The whole atmosphere was
calm.
j)
There the farm house near
the woods.
3. Find the words which are similar in
meaning to the following words or phrases:
a) air
b) bizarre
c) keep the eyes on
d) heap of ice
e) ere
f) pledge
g) unexpected
h) blowing of wind
i) waking
j) cold
k) strange
l) leather straps for an animal
m) charming
n) soft
o) forest
p) a small thin piece
q) beautiful
r)
jungle
s)
absence of light
4. Find the words or phrases in the poem
that are opposite to the following words:
a. awake
b. big
c. bright
d. brightest
e. difficult
f. familiar
g. far
h. here
i. melted
j. reply
k. shallow
l. ugly
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