Question

analyzing and evaluating arguments
pre - test complete
1 2 3 4 5 6
read the excerpt from the role of social media in
the arab uprisings by heather brown, emily guskin,
and amy mitchell.
twitter, facebook and other new media offer ways for
the arab - american news media to reach audiences,
but also pose a threat to smaller outlets. in addition to
keeping up with the online presence of larger news
organizations, arab - american media are forced to
compete with user - generated content that is rapidly
available to audiences. the utility of social media in
accessing information became clear during the arab
uprisings and events such as egypt’s parliamentary
and presidential elections. however, suzanne
manneh of new america media points out that the
credibility of this information is difficult to verify
“depending on where it’s from, to whom it’s attributed,
and especially when various events are happening
very quickly.”
arab - american news outlets find they must compete
with this abundance of online content in order to evolve
internet for information. newspapers have made the
greatest inroads here so far, with most offering at least
some form of digital content, while still maintaining
print versions for older generations and those who
prefer a physical newspaper. radio programs, in light
of the continuing challenge to find advertising
sponsorship, are beginning to shift online. arab -
american television, on the other hand, has yet to even
really find a place amid the satellite programming
available from arab countries.
which statement best evaluates the evidence in the
text?
○ the authors’ use of quotations from eyewitnesses
support the argument well, but the descriptions from
their own experiences do little to support the claim.
○ the authors effectively use anecdotes to explain the
challenges to arab american news media, but the
statistics they incorporate detract from the claim.
○ the authors do not effectively support their claim
because they do not include eyewitness testimony.
○ the authors effectively use verifiable information
and a quotation from an expert to support their
claim.

Explanation:

To determine the best evaluation, analyze each option:

• First option: The text has no "descriptions from their own experiences", so this is incorrect.
• Second option: The text doesn't mention "statistics" or "anecdotes" (personal stories) to explain challenges; it focuses on competition and media evolution, so this is wrong.
• Third option: The text includes a quotation from Suzanne Manneh (an expert), so saying they don't include eyewitness testimony (which isn't necessary for support) is incorrect.
• Fourth option: The authors use verifiable info (like the role of social media, media competition) and a quotation from an expert (Suzanne Manneh) to support their claim about Arab - American news media and social media. This matches the text.

Answer:

D. The authors effectively use verifiable information and a quotation from an expert to support their claim. (Note: Assuming the options are labeled A - D in order as presented. If the original options had different labels, adjust accordingly. Here, the last option is the correct one based on the analysis.)