STEP 1 – read the question twice!

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Many people believe that quick forms of entertainment, like one-minute movies, create problems concentrating on long tasks for youngsters. Others feel that this is harmless fun and youth still have a good ability to focus and pay attention. Which do you believe and why? 

A lot of individuals ascertain that fast types of fun, such as 60 second flicks, cause difficulties focusing on prolonged responsibilities for youth. Opponents of this perceive that this is acceptable entertainment and kids are nonetheless able to concentrate on tasks. (*This is NOT an introduction!)

What side do you take and why?

Fun = entertainment = amusement

Long tasks = prolonged responsibility = lengthy tasks = longer periods

Attention span = the amount of time a person sustains focus (concentration)

Support your answers with explanations and examples from your experience.

Write AT LEAST 250 words 

STEP 2 – Paraphrase the question – rewrite it using your own words so that you understand the question 110%. *Also, you gather useful vocabulary. 

STEP 3 – Identify the TOPIC and the CONTROLLING IDEA of the question. 

TOPIC = quick forms of entertainment for youth

CONTROLLING IDEA = The effect of short forms of entertainment on young people’s concentration – harmful or not

STEP 4 – Apply critical thinking to the topic and controlling idea – ask “what” “why” and “how” about the T and CI. 

What are quick forms of entertainment?

Amusement that requires little time, in short bursts like a minute or two, or even just seconds. It often requires little effort. (Remember that time and effort are frequently related.)

Why do young people consume quick entertainment?

Because it is instant. It caters to young people’s nature, less patients and curious about many topics. Because it saves time. Relaxation in a short amount of time. 

It creates an instant physical satisfaction for the body, such as laughter, smiling, feeling good, a burst of serotonin, epinephrine, dopamine (neurotransmitters). 

It allows for common pop culture to discuss and share with peers, it satisfies interests.

*When we want to explain human behavior we can look at it from two dependent variables – physical and mental (body and the mind)

How does this work? *Examples

TikTok videos, IG reels, YT shorts, text messages, memes, quick jokes

Think Critically about the Controlling Ideas!

What is lack of concentration?

An inability to focus on the same task for long periods like hours or days.

Why do short forms of entertainment have a bad effect on concentration?

It interrupts other types of tasks that require a long attention span.

It becomes an addiction that interferes with other tasks (like smoking)

It takes up time and energy that should be used for longer tasks

It develops a nervous system that is stimulated by quick forms of fun and it requires this type of input.

***We can make an argument that quick forms of entertainment are bad for youths’ attention span because of A and B.

STEP 5 – Write a clear and powerful THESIS STATEMENT

I believe that short forms of amusement do have a negative impact on children’s attention spans as it (is both addictive and distracting) affects both their body and mind in ways that prevent long term concentration.

INTRODUCTION *HOOK + BACKGROUND + THESIS

(H) Millions of youth spend significant portions of their days with short forms of entertainment. (BG) Many companies produce short videos, pictures and other content to cater to children’s curious nature and desire for instant gratification. (T) I believe that short forms of amusement do have a negative impact on children’s attention spans as it is both addictive and distracting in ways that prevent long term concentration.

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