--- Reading Passage: In recent years, the influence of social media on academic performance has been a topic of considerable debate. Proponents of social media usage argue that it can have positive effects on students' academic achievements. First, social media platforms provide access to a vast array of educational resources and materials. Students can join academic groups, access tutorials, and engage with educational communities, facilitating enhanced learning opportunities. Second, social media fosters communication among students and between students and instructors. This increased interaction can lead to collaborative learning experiences, where students learn from one another and enhance their understanding of complex topics. Third, social media can increase students' motivation by providing a platform for academic recognition. Sharing academic achievements and receiving positive feedback can inspire students to maintain or improve their academic performance. As such, social media is perceived as a beneficial tool that supports academic success. --- Lecture Script: Now, while the reading passage highlights the potential benefits of social media for academic performance, there are significant counterarguments to consider. Firstly, although social media offers access to educational resources, it can also be a source of distraction. The constant influx of notifications and non-academic content can divert students' attention from their studies, ultimately hindering their academic progress. Secondly, the communication purportedly enhanced by social media might not always be productive. Online interactions can lead to miscommunication or superficial exchanges, which do not contribute to a deep understanding of academic material. Finally, while social media can provide motivation through academic recognition, it may also foster unhealthy competition and stress. The pressure to display academic success publicly can lead to anxiety and a decrease in intrinsic motivation, negatively impacting overall academic performance. Thus, while social media presents opportunities, it also poses challenges to students' academic achievements. --- Sample Essay: The reading passage and lecture present contrasting views on the impact of social media on academic performance. The reading suggests that social media can enhance academic success by providing educational resources, fostering communication, and increasing motivation through academic recognition. In contrast, the lecture challenges these points by highlighting the potential negative effects of social media. Firstly, the reading claims that social media offers valuable educational resources. However, the lecture argues that social media can be a significant distraction due to the influx of non-academic content, which can impede students' focus on their studies. Secondly, while the reading posits that social media enhances communication for collaborative learning, the lecture contends that online interactions may lead to miscommunication and superficial exchanges, not necessarily contributing to a deeper understanding of academic topics. Lastly, the reading states that social media can motivate students by allowing them to share achievements. In opposition, the lecture points out that this can create unhealthy competition and stress, potentially diminishing students' intrinsic motivation and negatively affecting their academic performance. In conclusion, the lecture provides a critical perspective on the reading's arguments, suggesting that while social media has potential benefits, it also presents challenges that must be carefully managed to support academic success.