Question
Article 2: "School Cracks Down on Cell Phones, Sparking Outrage Among Students"
by: Samantha Smith
Jefferson High School has announced a drastic new cell phone policy that many are calling "unnecessary" and "extreme." Starting next Monday, students will be forced to stash their phones in their backpacks during class, a move critics say infringes on students' personal freedom.
Principal Mary Carter defended the controversial decision, claiming it’s meant to "reduce distractions." She argued, "Cell phones are a huge problem in classrooms," but some students feel the policy is unfair.
"It’s ridiculous," said sophomore Emily Davis. "I should be able to check my phone whenever I want. This is just another way for the school to control us."
Parents are divided over the issue. Supporters of the policy see it as a step toward improving academic performance, while opponents argue it’s an overreaction. "I don’t see why this is necessary," said parent Greg Miller. "Kids should learn how to manage their own behavior instead of being treated like they can’t make decisions."
Critics have also pointed out that the school didn’t involve parents or students in the decision-making process. The policy is set to begin next week, with no indication of how long it will remain in place.
Provide all examples of the author’s word choice. State whether the wording is neutral or using loaded language.
by: Samantha Smith
Jefferson High School has announced a drastic new cell phone policy that many are calling "unnecessary" and "extreme." Starting next Monday, students will be forced to stash their phones in their backpacks during class, a move critics say infringes on students' personal freedom.
Principal Mary Carter defended the controversial decision, claiming it’s meant to "reduce distractions." She argued, "Cell phones are a huge problem in classrooms," but some students feel the policy is unfair.
"It’s ridiculous," said sophomore Emily Davis. "I should be able to check my phone whenever I want. This is just another way for the school to control us."
Parents are divided over the issue. Supporters of the policy see it as a step toward improving academic performance, while opponents argue it’s an overreaction. "I don’t see why this is necessary," said parent Greg Miller. "Kids should learn how to manage their own behavior instead of being treated like they can’t make decisions."
Critics have also pointed out that the school didn’t involve parents or students in the decision-making process. The policy is set to begin next week, with no indication of how long it will remain in place.
Provide all examples of the author’s word choice. State whether the wording is neutral or using loaded language.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
In the article "School Cracks Down on Cell Phones, Sparking Outrage Among Students," the author's word choice includes several examples of both neutral and loaded language. Here's a breakdown:
1. **"Drastic new cell phone policy"** - Loaded language. The term "drastic" implies that the change is extreme and perhaps excessive.
2. **"many are calling 'unnecessary' and 'extreme'"** - Loaded language. The use of quotes around these descriptors indicates that they are the opinions of others but also reflects negative connotations toward the policy.
3. **"forced to stash their phones"** - Loaded language. The word "forced" suggests a lack of choice and autonomy for students, evoking a sense of oppression.
4. **"infringes on students' personal freedom"** - Loaded language. The phrase "infringes on" implies a violation of rights, which heightens the emotional response to the issue.
5. **"ridiculous"** - Loaded language. This is a subjective term that conveys disdain or disbelief regarding the policy.
6. **"just another way for the school to control us"** - Loaded language. The phrase implies an authoritarian approach and suggests that the school is overstepping its bounds.
7. **"improving academic performance"** - Neutral language. This statement is factual and presents a potential benefit of the policy without negative connotations.
8. **"an overreaction"** - Loaded language. This phrase suggests that the response to cell phones is exaggerated and unwarranted, framing the policy in a negative light.
9. **"didn’t involve parents or students in the decision-making process"** - Neutral language. This is a straightforward observation of the lack of consultation, though it may carry an implied criticism.
Overall, the author predominantly uses loaded language to evoke emotional responses and highlight the controversy surrounding the cell phone policy at Jefferson High School. There are a few instances of neutral language, but the overall tone leans toward emphasizing the negative implications of the policy.
1. **"Drastic new cell phone policy"** - Loaded language. The term "drastic" implies that the change is extreme and perhaps excessive.
2. **"many are calling 'unnecessary' and 'extreme'"** - Loaded language. The use of quotes around these descriptors indicates that they are the opinions of others but also reflects negative connotations toward the policy.
3. **"forced to stash their phones"** - Loaded language. The word "forced" suggests a lack of choice and autonomy for students, evoking a sense of oppression.
4. **"infringes on students' personal freedom"** - Loaded language. The phrase "infringes on" implies a violation of rights, which heightens the emotional response to the issue.
5. **"ridiculous"** - Loaded language. This is a subjective term that conveys disdain or disbelief regarding the policy.
6. **"just another way for the school to control us"** - Loaded language. The phrase implies an authoritarian approach and suggests that the school is overstepping its bounds.
7. **"improving academic performance"** - Neutral language. This statement is factual and presents a potential benefit of the policy without negative connotations.
8. **"an overreaction"** - Loaded language. This phrase suggests that the response to cell phones is exaggerated and unwarranted, framing the policy in a negative light.
9. **"didn’t involve parents or students in the decision-making process"** - Neutral language. This is a straightforward observation of the lack of consultation, though it may carry an implied criticism.
Overall, the author predominantly uses loaded language to evoke emotional responses and highlight the controversy surrounding the cell phone policy at Jefferson High School. There are a few instances of neutral language, but the overall tone leans toward emphasizing the negative implications of the policy.