WorksheetsIt's Complicated: The Social Lives of Networked Teens
Total questions: 16
Worksheet time: 24mins
What is the central claim of It's Complicated?
Technology provides an outlet for teens to express their emotions and gain more dependence on their parents.
Teens use technology such as texting and social media to discover ways to participate in public debates.
Teens use technology such as texting and social media to build friendships and transition into adulthood.
Technology provides an outlet for teens to express their creativity and share their creative ventures.
What are the two most likely reasons that the author of It’s Complicated discusses opposing claims in paragraph 2?
To argue that technology is harmful
To build the foundation for her argument
To state her central argument
To refute objections to her claim.
In paragraphs 3–5 of It’s Complicated, the author refutes the opposing claims stated in paragraph 2 and builds her counterclaim by —
Describing how using technology gives teens the privacy they need to grow up
Sharing examples of how using technology allows teens to imitate adults
Developing the importance of social motivations for teens using technology
Questioning the evidence that teens are addicted to using technology
Which sentence from paragraph 5 offers an example to support the author's claim?
They want to inhabit public spaces, but they also look to adults, including public figures, to understand what it means to be grown-up.
They watch their parents and other adults in their communities for models of adulthood.
For better or worse, media narratives also help construct broader narratives for how public life works.
“Reality” TV shows like Jersey Shore signal the potential fun that can be had by young adults who don’t need to appease parents and teachers.
Based on how the authors present ideas in It’s Complicated which is the intended audience for the selection?
Parents and social media experts
Teens and parents of teens
Parents of teens and researchers
Teens and teachers of teens
Teens can become addicted to and distracted by technology.
Expressed
Not Expressed
Teens use technology primarily to build friendships and stay connected.
Expressed
Not Expressed
Using technology can be dangerous for teens and hinder their development.
Expressed
Not Expressed
Using technology is a healthy way for teens
to nurture relationships and transition
into adulthood.
Expressed
Not Expressed
Which synonym best fits how perpetually is used in paragraph 2?
Temporary
Everlasting
Eternal
Continuous
What counterclaim did the author present in the story?
Parents should worry less about teens use of social media because it the social interaction they are craving.
Parents shouldn't worry about their teenagers because social media is not harmful.
Parents should be worry because social media is affecting their children in school.
Parents should not allow teens to use social media until they are 18.
Which synonym best fits how Consecrated is used in paragraph 2?
Intrust
Violate
Save
Dedicate
Part A According to paragraph 4, why do teens spend so much time on their phones or computers communicating with friends?
Teens understand that having friends helps them learn to be mature adults.
Teens are obsessed with technology of all kinds
Teens are compelled to compare their lives with the lives of peers.
Teens have few places where they can meet publicly.
Part B How does the author make this point clear?
by comparing adults’ freedom to meet up with teens’ lack of such freedom
by asking readers whether this way of using technology is unhealthy
by assuring readers that time spent in this way does not keep them from learning
by calling teens “addicted” to collecting and keeping friends
Which statement best characterizes the author’s main message to people who worry about teens’ use of social media?
Instead of worrying about teens, you should worry about developing your own social life more fully.
Instead of worrying about teens, you should recognize that it is safer to meet online than to get together in person.
The use of social media by teens is not worrisome when you consider how much they need friends at this age.
The use of social media by teens is not worrisome because following the lives of celebrities is common
A rhetorical question is a question that has such an obvious answer that it requires no answer. Explain how that the author of It’s Complicated used this rhetorical device to persuade readers. Cite evidence to support your response.
