Victory for the ACT Student Text 15e

434 • A PPENDIX A: A NSWERS AND E XPLANATIONS

Sample Essay—Above Average Response Thanks to online communication, you can share news, conduct meetings, or make friends across the globe. Technologies such as email and video chats allow you to contact others instantaneously and cheaply. However, some argue that the low cost of online communication isn’t the only thing that’s “cheapened” by the use of these technologies. When online interactions are quick and easy, they …ƒ Žƒ… †‡‡’ ƒ† ‡ƒ‹‰ˆ—Ž ‹ˆ‘”ƒ–‹‘ ƒ† „‡ ‹•—ˆϔ‹…‹‡– –‘ „—‹Ž† ”‡Žƒ–‹‘•Š‹’•Ǥ ‡…Š‘Ž‘‰‹…ƒŽ advances have opened many possibilities for communication and are professionally and socially indispensable in today’s world; however, one must use this technology wisely in order to build meaningful relationships. Ž‹‡…‘—‹…ƒ–‹‘ Šƒ• ”‡˜‘Ž—–‹‘‹œ‡† ’”‘ˆ‡••‹‘ƒŽ ƒ† ’‡”•‘ƒŽ ‹–‡”ƒ…–‹‘• ‹ –Š‡ –™‡–›Ǧϔ‹”•– century, and in today’s increasingly globalized society, it is essential for maintaining relationships. As Perspective 3 states, communication has become instantaneous. Instead of waiting days or paying expensive phone bills to reach colleagues and friends abroad, businesses can hold online meetings between London and New York, and you can chat with a friend on another continent. Moving to another country or even another state used to isolate you from the people you had met, but now, it is possible to stay in close contact with people you cannot see on a regular basis. Furthermore, even if you never leave your hometown, you can be exposed to a diverse array of cultures and opinions across the globe. Although technology has had a positive impact on the ease of communication, it comes with some potential dangers. For example, when information or opinions can be shared instantaneously, there is a temptation to post information without thoroughly checking for accuracy or developing a nuanced viewpoint. This leads to what Perspective 1 calls “fast food” information that is “empty of ”‡ƒŽ †‡’–ŠǤdz ††‹–‹‘ƒŽŽ›ǡ ‹– ‹• Šƒ”†‡” –‘ „—‹Ž† •‹‰‹ϔ‹…ƒ–ǡ Žƒ•–‹‰ ”‡Žƒ–‹‘•Š‹’• ™‹–Š ’‡‘’Ž‡ ›‘— ‘Ž› meet online. In a professional context, weak relationships could cause problems when one needs to negotiate with colleagues abroad. And while social networking allows one to have a wide range of personal contacts, commenting on someone’s post or browsing through a friend’s online photos does not require direct contact. ‡…ƒ ‘’–‹‹œ‡ –Š‡ „‡‡ϔ‹–• ‘ˆ ‘Ž‹‡…‘—‹…ƒ–‹‘ „› —•‹‰ ‹–…ƒ—–‹‘—•Ž›Ǥ ‘” ‡šƒ’Ž‡ǡ ‹•–‡ƒ† of reading news updates on social media and believing them at face value, one should verify the information with other sources. Furthermore, the type of technology that one uses can make a huge difference in the quality of communication. As Perspective 2 argues, “We have a need for closer contact with the people we know.” Some technologies, such as video chats, facilitate closer communication. While talking to someone important, such as a colleague or a close friend, it is better to use this type of technology, rather than relying on instant messaging or social media. Technology has made it easier to maintain communication that is crucial for conducting business and establishing relationships. However, reliance on these instantaneous interactions can compromise the accuracy of information shared, as well as the depth of one’s relationships. To avoid these risks, one must assess the value of the information received and use technologies that allow for more personal interaction. And if it is possible, one should make an effort to see friends in person from time to time.