Which statements best evaluate the evidence in this excerpt? Select two options. The authors use a personal story to illustrate the argument that, despite new and ever-changing forms of social media, Arab American print and broadcast media are stronger than ever. The authors use data about the types and effectiveness of social media to support the argument that social media is driving Arab American broadcast media out of business. The authors use a quotation from an expert to support the argument that social media has been both helpful and hazardous for the Arab American news media. The authors use a quotation from an eyewitness to support the argument that the Arab American news media face different challenges than smaller news media outlets in Arab countries. The authors use examples of different types of media to support the argument that social media has changed how the Arab American news media operate.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The two correct statements that best evaluate the evidence in the excerpt are:
- The authors use a personal story to illustrate the argument that, despite new and ever-changing forms of social media, Arab American print and broadcast media are stronger than ever.
- The authors use examples of different types of media to support the argument that social media has changed how the Arab American news media operate.
Explanation (300 words):
When evaluating evidence in an excerpt or article, it is important to consider how the authors use various rhetorical and logical strategies—such as personal stories, data, expert testimony, and examples—to support their central arguments. In this case, the first correct statement identifies a personal story, which is often used to make an argument more relatable and emotionally compelling. The use of a personal anecdote helps illustrate the resilience and continued strength of Arab American print and broadcast media, despite the increasing prevalence of social media. This supports the idea that traditional media outlets have adapted and even thrived alongside digital platforms.
The second correct statement highlights the authors’ use of examples of different types of media—such as newspapers, television, radio, and online platforms—to explain how social media has transformed the operation of Arab American news outlets. By presenting a range of media types, the authors can demonstrate the multifaceted impact of digital technologies, including social media, on journalistic practices, audience engagement, and information dissemination. This supports the argument that while social media has changed how news is produced and consumed, it hasn’t necessarily replaced traditional media but rather altered its function.
The other options are incorrect because they either misrepresent the type of evidence (e.g., claiming the use of “data” or “expert quotations” where none are provided), or they introduce inaccurate conclusions (e.g., asserting that social media is “driving Arab American broadcast media out of business” without sufficient support). Effective evaluation of evidence depends not just on identifying what kind of support is used but also understanding how well that support aligns with the authors’ central claim.
