Passage 1 :
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems on Earth.
Located off the coast of Queensland, Australia, it stretches over 2,300 kilometers. The
reef system comprises more than 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands. Coral polyps,
tiny animals, form the foundation of the reef. The reef supports an incredible array of
marine life, including:
- Over 1,500 species of fish
- 600 species of coral
- 30 species of whales and dolphins
- 6 species of sea turtles
Climate change and pollution pose significant threats to the reef's health. Rising ocean
temperatures cause coral bleaching, while pollution from land-based activities harms
marine life. Conservation efforts are underway to protect this natural wonder.
Questions:
1. Where is the Great Barrier Reef located?
2. How long is the Great Barrier Reef?
3. What forms the foundation of the reef?
4. How many species of fish live in the Great Barrier Reef?
5. What are some significant threats to the reef's health?
6. What is coral bleaching caused by?
7. How many species of sea turtles live in the Great Barrier Reef?
8. What human activities harm marine life in the reef?
Answer Key to Passage 1:
1. Off the coast of Queensland, Australia
2. Over 2,300 kilometers
3. Coral polyps
4. Over 1,500 species
5. Climate change and pollution
6. Rising ocean temperatures
7. 6 species
8. Land-based activities (pollution)
Passage 2 :
The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
Social media has revolutionized communication, connecting billions worldwide.
However, research suggests a darker side: increased depression, anxiety, and
loneliness. Cyberbullying, unrealistic comparisons, and decreased face-to-face
interaction contribute to these issues. Moreover, algorithms prioritize sensational
content, amplifying harmful narratives. Despite benefits like community building and
information sharing, social media's detrimental effects on mental health are alarming.
Some argue that social media companies should prioritize user well-being,
implementing stricter moderation and promoting positive content. Others contend that
individuals must take responsibility for their online interactions, using platforms
mindfully. Experts recommend balanced usage, digital literacy, and offline activities to
mitigate harm.
Questions:
A) Analytical Questions:
1. What is the central argument of the passage regarding social media's impact on
mental health?
2. Identify and explain the factors contributing to mental health issues associated with
social media.
3. Analyze the author's tone: Is it neutral, critical, or supportive of social media?
4. What solutions are proposed to address social media's detrimental effects on mental
health?
5. Evaluate the effectiveness of individual responsibility versus company regulation in
mitigating harm.
B) Critical Thinking Questions:
1. Consider alternative perspectives: How might social media companies or mental
health professionals counter the passage's arguments?
2. What potential biases or assumptions underlie the author's stance?
3. Reflect on your own social media usage: How do you think it affects your mental
health?
C) Evaluative Questions:
1. Assess the passage's use of evidence: Are the claims supported by credible
research?
2. How convincing is the author's argument? What additional evidence or reasoning
would strengthen it?
Answer Key for Passage 2
A) Analytical Questions:
1. Social media negatively impacts mental health.
2. Cyberbullying, unrealistic comparisons, decreased face-to-face interaction, and
algorithm-prioritized sensational content.
3. Critical, with a concerned tone.
4. Stricter moderation, promoting positive content, balanced usage, digital literacy, and
offline activities.
5. Individual responsibility is necessary but insufficient; company regulation is also
crucial.
B) Critical Thinking Questions:
1. Alternative perspectives might emphasize social media's benefits or argue that
mental health issues preexist.
2. Assumptions include correlation implying causation and oversimplifying complex
issues.
3. Reflective answer varies.
C) Evaluative Questions:
1. The passage lacks specific research citations.
2. The argument is convincing but requires more empirical evidence.
