TSA Mock Test 1 - Critical Thinking

The government has recently announced plans to increase tuition fees for university students. The Minister of Education argues that this increase is necessary because universities are facing significant financial pressures. According to the Minister, without additional funding, universities will be unable to maintain the quality of education they provide. Furthermore, the Minister claims that students who benefit from higher education should contribute more towards the costs of their education. Critics of the policy argue that increasing tuition fees will create a barrier for students from lower-income families, potentially reducing social mobility. They point out that students from wealthier backgrounds will still be able to afford higher education, while those from disadvantaged backgrounds may be deterred from attending university altogether. The government responds to these criticisms by stating that the increase will be accompanied by a generous system of grants and loans for students from lower-income families. They argue that this will ensure that no student is prevented from attending university due to financial constraints.

Social media platforms have become an integral part of modern life, with billions of users worldwide. Proponents argue that social media has revolutionized communication, allowing people to connect with friends and family across vast distances instantly. Furthermore, social media has enabled the rapid spread of information, facilitating social movements and political activism. Businesses have also benefited from social media, using it as a tool for marketing and customer engagement. However, critics point out several negative consequences of social media usage. One major concern is the impact on mental health, with studies showing increased rates of anxiety and depression among heavy social media users. Another issue is the spread of misinformation, which can influence public opinion and even affect elections. Privacy concerns have also been raised, as social media companies collect vast amounts of personal data for targeted advertising. Despite these criticisms, social media companies argue that they are taking steps to address these issues. They have implemented fact-checking systems and are working on improving user privacy protections. Additionally, they claim that the benefits of connectivity and information sharing outweigh the potential drawbacks.