Ho Chi Minh City University of Foreign Languages and Information Technology

Faculty of International Relations and Communication

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Reading and Writing Skills 1
REVIEW FOR MIDTERM TEST
Date: 04/11/2024
(Lecturer: Le Quang Thai, MA.)

PART A. READING
Read the following passage and answer the questions from 1 to 25.

A. In recent years, the advent of social media has significantly transformed the landscape
of communication, influencing not just the way individuals interact with each other but
also the dynamics of societal engagement and information dissemination. The pervasive
influence of social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn
has reshaped traditional modes of communication, creating new paradigms for both
personal and professional interactions.

B. One of the most profound changes brought about by social media is the shift from face-
to-face communication to digital interaction. Social media has allowed people to connect
with others across the globe, breaking down geographical barriers that once restricted
communication. This global connectivity has fostered a sense of immediacy and intimacy
in communication, allowing users to share their thoughts, experiences, and opinions with
a wide audience in real-time. As a result, the frequency and speed of communication have
increased dramatically, enabling users to maintain relationships that might have otherwise
dwindled due to distance or time constraints.

C. Furthermore, social media has democratized the flow of information, giving individuals
a platform to voice their opinions and share content with a broad audience. Unlike
traditional media, where information was disseminated through centralized channels such
as newspapers, television, and radio, social media allows for a decentralized flow of
information. This has led to the rise of citizen journalism, where individuals report news
and events directly from their own perspectives, often providing real-time updates that
traditional media outlets may miss. However, this democratization of information also
brings challenges, such as the spread of misinformation and the difficulty in discerning
credible sources.

D. The impact of social media on communication is not limited to personal interactions but
extends to professional settings as well. Social media has become an essential tool for
businesses and organizations to engage with their audience, build brand awareness, and
promote products and services. Platforms like LinkedIn have revolutionized professional
networking, allowing individuals to connect with potential employers, collaborators, and
clients in ways that were not possible before. Moreover, companies now use social media
to communicate directly with their customers, addressing inquiries, complaints, and
feedback in real-time, which has enhanced customer service and brand loyalty.

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E. However, the influence of social media on communication is not without its drawbacks.
The immediacy and accessibility of social media have led to concerns about the quality of
communication. The brevity of messages on platforms like Twitter, where users are limited
to a certain number of characters, can lead to superficial or incomplete communication.
Additionally, the constant bombardment of information can overwhelm users, leading to
information overload and a diminished ability to focus on meaningful interactions.

F. Another significant issue is the impact of social media on privacy. As people

increasingly share personal information online, there is a growing concern about the
security and privacy of this data. Social media platforms often collect vast amounts of data
on their users, which can be used for targeted advertising or, in some cases, can be
compromised by malicious actors. This has raised important questions about data
ownership, privacy rights, and the ethical responsibilities of social media companies.

G. Moreover, the use of social media has been linked to various psychological effects,
including anxiety, depression, and loneliness. The constant comparison with others,
exposure to idealized portrayals of life, and the pressure to present a curated version of
oneself can contribute to negative self-perception and mental health issues. While social
media can provide a sense of connection, it can also exacerbate feelings of isolation, as
online interactions may lack the depth and emotional resonance of face-to-face
communication.

H. In addition, social media has played a role in shaping public discourse and political
communication. The ability to reach large audiences quickly has made social media a
powerful tool for political campaigns, social movements, and public debates. However,
this has also led to the rise of echo chambers, where users are exposed primarily to
information that reinforces their existing beliefs, potentially leading to increased
polarization and a fragmented public sphere.

I. In conclusion, the influence of social media on modern communication is multifaceted,

offering both opportunities and challenges. It has revolutionized the way people interact,
share information, and engage with the world, but it has also introduced new complexities
in terms of privacy, information quality, and mental health. As social media continues to
evolve, it will be crucial for individuals and society to navigate these challenges
thoughtfully, ensuring that the benefits of social media are maximized while mitigating its
potential drawbacks.
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QUESTIONS:

Multiple Choice
1. What is one of the significant changes brought about by social media?
A. Decreased communication speed
B. Increased face-to-face communication
C. Global connectivity
D. Limited access to information

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2. How has social media impacted the flow of information?
A. Centralized it through traditional media
B. Decentralized it, allowing citizen journalism
C. Restricted the sharing of information
D. Reduced the spread of misinformation
3. What is a potential drawback of communication on social media platforms like Twitter?
A. Too much privacy
B. Overly detailed communication
C. Superficial or incomplete communication
D. Lack of real-time updates
4. How do businesses benefit from social media according to the text?
A. By reducing customer service interactions
B. By avoiding direct communication with customers
C. By enhancing brand awareness and engagement
D. By limiting their audience reach
5. What concern is raised regarding privacy in social media?
A. Social media doesn’t collect user data
B. User data is always secure
C. The ownership of user data
D. The inability to share personal information

True / False / Not Given

6. Social media allows users to maintain relationships with people they have never met in
person.
7. The text states that social media platforms like LinkedIn are not useful for professional
networking.
8. Social media has led to a decrease in the number of people experiencing mental health
issues.
9. The author mentions that social media companies have a clear policy on data ownership.
10. Citizen journalism often misses real-time updates compared to traditional media.

Matching Headings
11. The Rise of Citizen Journalism
12. Social Media’s Impact on Privacy
13. Professional Networking in the Digital Age
14. The Psychological Consequences of Social Media
15. The Role of Social Media in Politics

Matching Sentence Endings

16. Social media has led to ______ A. social media collecting large amounts
of user data.

17. The decentralization of information B. the rise of platforms like LinkedIn.

means ______

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 18. Professional networking has been C. increased global connectivity.
transformed by ______

19. Privacy concerns have arisen due to D. that anyone can share their opinions
______ widely.

20. The brevity of social media E. sometimes lead to superficial

interactions can ______ communication.

Short Answers Questions

Write NO MORE THAN FIVE WORDS for each.

21. According to the passage, which social media platform is specifically mentioned as
revolutionizing professional networking?
22. According to the passage, before the development of digital age, what is believed the
original form of communication?
23. According to the passage, what do often collect vast amounts of data on their usersfor
advertising?
24. According to the passage, what is the funtion of social media for businesses and
organizations to build their brands?
25. According to the passage, what do the social media companies have to protect the
data and privacy rights of users?

PART B. WRITING
Write a paragraph of about 200 words to explain why studying English is good for students.
→ Write about the importance / the benefits of learning English.

Guidelines:
1. The structure of a paragraph is typically made up of three parts:
- Topic sentence: The first sentence of a paragraph that presents the main idea or focus.
- Supporting sentences: The sentences that support the topic sentence, providing details to
explain, prove, or expand on it.
- Concluding sentence: The final sentence that summarizes the information in the body of
the paragraph and connects it to the controlling idea.
2. Using sequencers and transition words that organize your writing like: first , next ,
then , after that , and finally / however / beside that, ….
3. A paragraph should:
- Be focused on only ONE main idea.
- Start with a topic sentence.
- Include at least five sentences.