Construct a 400+ word essay using the academic paragraph formula.

Question

1. Select an Essential Question from this unit that you feel prepared to answer.

2. Think about our learning and write your answer to the essential question. This response will be used to construct the Introduction. How does learning about our decision-making and self-advocacy support or negate our self-worth and identity?

3. Select 3 sources from class that have strong textual evidence that supports your response.
Newsela: Put down the phone: Study links screen use and teen unhappiness



Newsela: The flip phone is back; have people had enough of constant connection?



Newsela: ‘It makes you want to throw your phone in the bin’: The film turning teens off social media

4. In each source identify the most relevant textual evidence for your response.

5. Construct body paragraphs using the academic paragraph formula. Your body paragraphs must

· Name and briefly describe each source

· Use textual evidence cited from your source that you have quoted, summarized or paraphrased

· Comment on how the source supports your answer to the essential question

8. Conclude your essay by restating your response.

9. Document each source on the Works Cited page to avoid plagiarism.
Considerations while answering the essential questions

· Select your sources and become familiar with them so that you can discuss them in relationship to your claim. If you simply quote sources without evaluating them then the sources will control your response, and your audience may misinterpret the information.

· Be aware of the verbs you use as you write. When you analyze the position of each source; you can use these verbs to note the author’s tone:

Argumentative Research Emphasis

affirms

argues

confirms

contends

denies

disagrees believes concedes insists rejects responds adds reveals states mentions finds verifies alleges warns advises admits complains holds predicts proposes acknowledges suggests speculates emphasizes

FAQ:

Q. Should I write in present tense or past tense?

A. Write in present tense when writing about sources.

Example: Belafont supports this position in her video, “We all must….”

Q. Should I use first person pronouns?

A. As little as possible. To build a strong ethical appeal, state your claim without using the words I, me, my, mine.

Example: I think that Individuals have a responsibility to use sustainable products.

Q. Should I use second person pronouns?

A. No. For the proper tone in your response, do not use the words you, your, or yours.

Example: These are the reasons that you members of society must use sustainable products

Answer 1

Title: The Impact of Decision-Making and Self-Advocacy on Self-Worth and Identity

In today's hyper-connected world, the intricacies of decision-making and self-advocacy significantly influence self-worth and identity, especially among adolescents. Learning about these concepts enables individuals to better navigate their surroundings, equipping them with tools to critique their environments and express their needs. Consequently, understanding one's decision-making process and learning self-advocacy can bolster a positive sense of self, enhancing overall mental well-being. However, when mismanaged or overlooked, these same elements can compromise self-worth, contributing to feelings of inadequacy and disconnection.

One relevant source, "Put Down the Phone: Study Links Screen Use and Teen Unhappiness," highlights the correlation between excessive screen time and increased feelings of unhappiness among teenagers. The article reveals that, “Teens who spend more than three hours a day on their phones are 28% more likely to experience depressive symptoms.” This evidence emphasizes that poor decision-making concerning screen use can negatively impact self-worth. By failing to critically assess their technology use, teens may unwittingly undermine their mental health, suggesting that self-advocacy—reflected in making discerning choices about technology—could help mitigate feelings of inadequacy and disconnection.

In a related context, the article "The Flip Phone is Back: Have People Had Enough of Constant Connection?" explores a growing trend among individuals choosing to downgrade to simpler mobile devices. The piece notes that “many find relief in having less constant connectivity,” pointing to a conscious decision to prioritize mental health over societal expectations of connection. This supports the notion that self-advocacy, particularly in the realm of technology use, can empower individuals to prioritize their well-being. By making informed choices about what technology to engage with, adolescents reclaim agency over their identity and self-worth, fostering a healthier relationship with themselves and their emotional landscape.

Additionally, the article "‘It Makes You Want to Throw Your Phone in the Bin’: The Film Turning Teens Off Social Media" discusses the juxtaposition teenagers face regarding social media's alluring yet damaging effects. The film conveys that “many teens feel a constant pressure to curate their online personas,” which leads to anxiety and low self-esteem. By acknowledging such pressures, teenagers can learn to advocate for their needs, choosing to disengage from harmful social comparisons and unrealistic standards. This self-advocacy reinforces a more authentic self-concept, where identity is shaped by intrinsic values rather than external validation.

In conclusion, learning about decision-making and self-advocacy plays a vital role in shaping self-worth and identity. The sources illustrate that while digital landscapes present challenges, they also offer opportunities for personal growth through conscious choices and self-advocacy. By equipping themselves with these essential skills, individuals can foster resilience and cultivate a more robust sense of self in an ever-connected yet often isolating world.

Works Cited:

“Put Down the Phone: Study Links Screen Use and Teen Unhappiness.” Newsela.

“The Flip Phone is Back: Have People Had Enough of Constant Connection?” Newsela.

“‘It Makes You Want to Throw Your Phone in the Bin’: The Film Turning Teens Off Social Media.” Newsela.