Question

A.) Read the beginning of Jason's argumentative speech on the use of Internet slang and answer the question.

The use of acronyms, or abbreviations, is not new. In fact, there are examples of the use of acronyms that date back to antiquity. Ancient scribes had a daunting enough task without having to write out every word. The Christian Church has inscribed the acronym INRI, which stands for the Latin Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum ("Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews") over the crucifix for centuries. American and European corporations discovered long ago that it is easier to remember three letters than it is to remember three names. During the twentieth century, there was an upsurge in the use of acronyms that corresponded with the introduction of highly technical vocabulary. The tendency to shorten has an established history and many of these abbreviations have even found their way into the dictionary. Today, the use of time-saving abbreviations provides the language of internet and other wireless communication. But should it? Unlike in the past, this shortening does not represent a natural and necessary progression of language change. Internet slang is a manifestation of two much more serious problems with modern society— intellectual laziness and too little time.

Which sentence would provide the best transition into the counterargument paragraph of this essay?

1- OMG! don't we have bigger problems as a society than taking a few short-cuts when it comes to communication?

2- Until recently, the use of acronyms could be justified in most contexts.

3- Many would argue that there is no harm in populating our communication with OMGs and LOLs given their widespread use.

4- Intellectual laziness is a treatable disease, while finding more time is much more challenging.
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B.) Read this excerpt from Jason's persuasive speech and answer the question.

The main reason for using a slang unique to the Internet is to make communication easier.

Which revision would add supporting evidence to best strengthen Jason's claim?

1.) Add this sentence to the above excerpt: However, there is some debate about how internet slang influences everyday language.

2.) Add this sentnece to the above excerpt: Studies suggest that saving a few keystrokes can both reduce stress and lead to more productivity.

3.) Add this sentence to the above excerpt: However, while Internet slang shortcuts save time for the writer, according to at least one study they take two times as long for the reader to understand.

4.) Add this sentence to the above excerpt: Only strict grammarians object, arguing that Internet slang is a degradation of standard usage.

Answer 1

Which sentence would provide the best transition into the counterargument paragraph of this essay?

3. Many would argue that there is no harm in populating our communication with OMGs and LOLs given their widespread use.

Which revision would add supporting evidence to best strengthen Jason's claim?

2. Add this sentence to the above excerpt: Studies suggest that saving a few keystrokes can both reduce stress and lead to more productivity.

Step-by-step explanation:

For the first question, we must first understand what Jason's claim is. That can be found at the end of his introductory paragraph:

"Internet slang is a manifestation of two more serious problems with modern society - intellectual laziness and too little time."

Now, we must find a sentence to introduce a counterargument. A counterargument is an idea that opposes the argument. The argument claims that internet slang usage is a problem. The counterargument must state the contrary. The sentence that does that is number 3: "Many would argue that there is no harm in populating our communication with OMGs and LOLs given their widespread use." This sentence is basically stating that internet slang is not a problem.

For the second question, we need to choose the option the adds supporting evidence to the excerpt. In other words, we choose the option that agrees with and complements the excerpt. The excerpt states that slang makes communication easier. The only option that agrees with that is number 2. All the other options offer information or present ideas that go against that opinion. Sentence 2, however, explains that slang makes communication less stressful.