Question bank: Argumentative Text: Critique

The exponential growth of social networks in the contemporary context has provided a wide range of platforms for the expression of ideas and opinions. Many of these platforms become spaces where cultural and social criticism is constantly exercised, influencing the collective perception on various topics. In this scenario, the ability to formulate coherent and well-founded arguments is essential for those who wish to actively participate in public debate. The German philosopher Jürgen Habermas, in his work 'The Structural Transformation of the Public Sphere,' discusses the crucial role of the public sphere in the development of a democratic society, warning about the risks of a weakened public sphere, where dialogue and constructive criticism are replaced by unilateral and unfounded discourses. Considering the context of social networks and Habermas' thinking, evaluate the impact of using these platforms on the quality of public debate and the practice of argumentative criticism, highlighting how the ability to argue in a well-founded manner can contribute to maintaining a healthy public sphere.

The importance of criticism in journalism is undeniable, as through it, readers can form their opinions based on different points of view on a specific topic or situation. In this sense, analyze the opinion columns of two different print or digital communication vehicles. Identify and compare the arguments presented, the reliability of the information, and the authors' views on the chosen topic. Then, based on this analysis, reflect on the role of criticism in journalism and how it can influence public opinion.

During the 19th century, the publishing market witnessed the emergence of a profusion of periodicals that played a crucial role in disseminating ideas and developing critical thinking in society. In these publications, typical writings of an argumentative text, such as reviews and essays, often came with a marked critical position regarding the literary and artistic works of the time, engaging the reader in a reflection that went beyond entertainment. The ability to evaluate, analyze, and interpret was at the core of these texts, allowing for well-founded value judgments. In 'The Role of the Critic' (1850), the renowned writer and literary critic A. N. Another stated that 'criticism is the act of judging works and, consequently, the basis of literature and art, which are constantly refined and redefined by the scrutiny of contemporary perspectives.' Considering the mentioned historical-cultural context and the excerpt from A. N. Another's text, write an argumentative text that analyzes the role of literary criticism in the 19th century and discusses its relevance in the process of improving artistic and literary works, taking into account the need for argumentative foundation and the influence of contemporary perspectives.

The editorial team of a newspaper is responsible for selecting and organizing the news to be published. Among the factors that influence this choice is the reliability and relevance of the information. Considering this, which of the alternatives below represents an important characteristic in choosing news for publication in a newspaper?

Reference Text: "The Alienist" by Machado de Assis "Crazy world, senseless world! There is much talk about alienists and the alienated; but who will say that there is a man who does not deserve either of these names? Simão Bacamarte was now studying cases of temporary madness; they were the most common, and for them he invented a curative system, which was constant observation and incessant contradiction. Thus, a countryman was caught in flagrant delirium in the Matriz Square, shouting against the justice of the place; he was avenging the fine he had paid, cursing the justice and the judges." Considering the excerpt above and what we have learned about social criticism, construct your answer in two items: a) In what aspects does the author Machado de Assis criticize the society of his time and how does this transpire in this passage? b) Considering Machado de Assis's writing style, how is this criticism structured in the text and how do you believe this influences the reader's perception?