3-2-2 Argumentative Exemplar

Google, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are all common uses of technology in the 21st century.

With these inventions comes an immense amount of the population using them in their daily lives.

While some might argue that the internet is making us “stupid” due to it’s distracting and addictive (due to a dopamine release) tendencies (source 3 line 24) most agree that the opportunities overrule the consequences. Facts show that with social media and technology we are more likely to have more close confidants, more time spent outside of the house, and an easier availability to information (sources 1 &

2). So, yes, there are more benefits to technology than there are risks.

In source number 1, it claims that out of 2,500 Americans, those who took part in social media had more close confidants. Friends and confidants are easier to reach than ever due to cell phones and social websites that make them only a phone call or typed message away (source 1, line 15). In times of need, many Americans reach out to Facebook and other sources of support to receive more help than other people who don’t use social media. (source 1, line 6). Like source 1 stated in paragraph 6, we have

Facebook friends forever.

Many worry about social isolation and what sitting in front of a computer or smart phone for a good 6 hours a day will do to our social skills. Those people shouldn’t worry anymore because data supports that social media doesn’t cause a trend of isolation or loss of social support (source 1, paragraph 7). In “Social Networking Sites and Our Lives,” there was collected information that showed that those who use certain technologies receive more support than others that don’t use social media

(source 1, paragraph 6). Support, help, and relationships over the internet actually improve our social lives. Thanks to social media, our backgrounds and diversity expand in result of certain technologies

(source 1, paragraph 4).

While many also state that Google is reducing our education by allowing us to just type and find answers, others argue that Google improves our options to learn. People against Google claim we get distracted, understand less, and eventually remember less (source 2, paragraph 10). Further stated, 81 3-2-2 Argumentative Exemplar percent of experts polled by the Pew Internet Research Project claim that the opportunities from technology far outweigh the distractions (source 2, line 19). Source 2, paragraph 20 writing has improved every aspect of our intellectual lives. Thanks to the Internet, we have quick, free, and easy access to countless amounts of information from all around the world.

Even if people get addicted to technology, it’s their life, and their responsibility to control their own safety and habits. Too many good things come out of the easy access to friends, information, and facts for us not to take advantage and use technology. Support, social lives, diversity, and education are all things the human race needs to be successful in life. Thanks to technology, it is easier than ever to get. The benefits of technology are endless and thanks to 21st century there should be more coming year after year.

Notes:  This student exemplar scored a 3 in Purpose, Focus, and Organization because the claim and counterclaim are not adequately developed. o The claim is present, but the progression of ideas is uneven. The essay lacks transitions which causes confusion (Example – Paragraph 3). o It did not fully address the counterclaim.  This student exemplar scored a 2 in Evidence and Elaboration. o There is clearly textual evidence and a SLIGHT attempt to explain/elaborate, though it is actually a summary of the quote.