Higher English - FREE Worksheet - 5-Mark Question Practice (RUAE)

As I mentioned previously on social media, I'm going to be posting more and more resources for National 5 and Higher students in the coming days, weeks and months in the build up to the exams. With that in mind, below is a downloadable copy of a worksheet to practice the 5-Mark Question in the RUAE (Reading, Understanding, Analysis & Evaluation) paper, i.e., paper 1 of the exam. I've also copy/pasted the worksheet into this blog post in case anyone has any problems downloading.

This example focuses on the question type where you have to look for areas of agreement in the texts. I will post another worksheet with different texts at a later date with practice for when the question asks you to find areas of disagreement.

Higher English - ruae - 5 mark question practice.docx

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Passage 1: The Dark Side of Social Media

Social media has woven itself into the fabric of daily life, but its impact is not entirely positive. While it was originally designed to connect people, it has become a source of anxiety, division, and manipulation. One of the most concerning aspects is its effect on mental health. Studies have shown that excessive use of platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat can lead to increased levels of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, particularly among young people. The constant exposure to carefully curated, unrealistic portrayals of other people’s lives fosters a toxic culture of comparison. It becomes easy to believe that everyone else is happier, more successful, and more attractive, leading to feelings of inadequacy and social alienation. The addictive nature of these platforms, designed to keep users scrolling endlessly, only exacerbates these issues, preventing people from engaging in real-world activities that could improve their mental well-being.

Beyond personal well-being, social media has also had a detrimental effect on communication. Online interactions, stripped of tone and nuance, often become breeding grounds for misunderstandings and hostility. Sarcasm and humor are frequently misinterpreted, while short-form communication encourages reactionary responses rather than thoughtful discussion. The rise of “cancel culture” has made civil discourse nearly impossible, as individuals are publicly shamed for past mistakes—sometimes without context or the opportunity for redemption. What was once meant to connect people has instead divided them into echo chambers of like-minded individuals, reinforcing existing biases rather than encouraging open discussion. Instead of fostering greater understanding, social media has become a platform where people seek validation rather than knowledge, and disagreement is met with aggression rather than debate.

Perhaps most alarming is the role social media plays in spreading misinformation. Algorithms prioritize sensational content over factual reporting, leading to the rapid spread of falsehoods. In the pursuit of clicks and engagement, many users share headlines without verifying their accuracy, contributing to a culture where misinformation spreads faster than the truth. This is particularly dangerous in areas such as politics and public health, where misleading narratives can have real-world consequences. Conspiracy theories, once confined to the fringes, now reach mainstream audiences with alarming ease, shaping public perception in ways that can be deeply harmful. Even when false claims are debunked, their impact lingers, as people are more likely to remember the initial claim than the correction. In an era where information is at our fingertips, the irony is that we are more misinformed than ever.

While social media is unlikely to disappear, its harmful effects must be acknowledged and addressed. Without regulation and greater awareness of its dangers, it risks continuing to erode mental health, civil discourse, and the very concept of truth itself.

Passage 2: Social Media – A Modern Necessity with Serious Risks

There is no denying that social media has become an essential part of modern life. It has revolutionized the way people communicate, provided platforms for activism, and created opportunities for businesses to thrive. However, these advantages come at a cost, as the darker aspects of social media are impossible to ignore. One of the most pressing concerns is its impact on mental well-being. Young people, in particular, are vulnerable to the pressures of social media, where unrealistic beauty standards and the pursuit of likes and shares create a distorted sense of self-worth. Instead of viewing themselves through their own eyes, many now rely on online validation to measure their success and attractiveness. This has contributed to a rise in body image issues, anxiety, and even eating disorders, as individuals go to extreme lengths to meet impossible expectations. The addictive nature of social media, with its endless scroll function and algorithm-driven content, keeps users hooked, often at the expense of their mental health.

Moreover, while social media has made communication faster and easier, it has not necessarily made it better. In fact, it has arguably made meaningful conversations more difficult. The anonymity offered by many platforms emboldens people to be more aggressive and confrontational than they would be in person. Online debates quickly descend into hostility, as insults replace reasoned arguments. Complex issues are often oversimplified into viral soundbites, removing the nuance necessary for productive discussions. Additionally, social media has fueled the rise of “call-out culture,” where individuals face severe backlash for their words or actions, sometimes based on out-of-context information. While holding people accountable is important, the internet’s tendency toward mob mentality means that punishment is often disproportionate, with little room for forgiveness or growth.

An even greater danger is the spread of misinformation. Fake news, conspiracy theories, and misleading headlines travel faster than ever, shaping public opinion in ways that can be damaging. Despite efforts to regulate content, social media companies often prioritize engagement over truth, allowing false information to thrive. Political propaganda, health misinformation, and sensationalized stories spread like wildfire, creating confusion and distrust. The algorithms that drive social media platforms are designed to keep users engaged, which means they often amplify the most emotionally charged content—regardless of its accuracy. This has created a dangerous feedback loop, where people are increasingly exposed only to viewpoints that confirm their existing beliefs, making it harder to discern fact from fiction.

While social media has become an integral part of modern life, its influence is not entirely beneficial. Its impact on mental health, the quality of communication, and the spread of misinformation are issues that cannot be ignored. Until greater steps are taken to mitigate these risks, social media will remain both a powerful tool and a potential threat to society.

5-Mark Comparison Question

Look at both passages. Both writers agree on the negative impact of social media on society. Identify three key areas on which they agree. You should support the points you make by referring to important ideas in both passages. You may answer this question in continuous prose or in a series of developed bullet points.