Question

analyzing and evaluating arguments
pre - test complete
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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
alongside readers who are increasingly turning to the
internet for information.
which statement best expresses the authors’ claim?
○ social media poses a threat to more traditional
media outlets.
○ traditional media can find truthful information within
social media posts.
○ social media content is difficult to create and
publish.
○ social media is generally a credible source of
information.

Explanation:

To determine the authors' claim, we analyze each option:

• Option 1: The excerpt focuses on information credibility in social media, not social media threatening traditional outlets. Eliminate.
• Option 2: The text states that Marneh points out the credibility of social media information is hard to verify, implying traditional media might find truthful info (by verifying) within social media posts. This aligns with the excerpt's discussion on information access and credibility challenges.
• Option 3: The excerpt says social media content is rapidly available, not difficult to create/publish. Eliminate.
• Option 4: The excerpt highlights that credibility of social media info is hard to verify, so it's not generally a credible source. Eliminate.

Answer:

B. Traditional media can find truthful information within social media posts.