Diagnostic Writing Assignment

College composition students gain valuable early feedback through diagnostic paragraph essays that evaluate their ability to analyze social media influence implications and consequences in a single focused paragraph while maintaining strict third-person perspective and error-free prose.

Complete a diagnostic paragraph essay (13 or more sentences or approximately 250 words) on the following topic:

• Social Media: Its Influence, Implications, and Consequences

College faculty members across various institutions implement these assessments to establish a baseline for writing development throughout the semester.

Your response should be very specific and offer concrete examples. Do not research this topic.

Provide an opinion about the topic and offer enough support to convey your argument. Instructors appreciate arguments grounded in everyday observations from current platform interactions rather than external sources.

Take only one side: do not argue for two or more sides of the issue. Avoid using first person (I, me, we, our) and second person (you, your); instead, use third person throughout your essay.

With evolving features on major platforms since 2024, drawing from recent personal experiences adds relevance without violating the no-research rule.

A paragraph will only have one indention and will begin with a controlling topic sentence. Work to eliminate unnecessary repetition.

Carefully proofread this essay for run-ons, comma splices, fragments, incorrect verb forms, subject/verb agreement, and pronoun agreement because this effort is, after all, your opportunity to make a good impression.

If you are unsure about identifying these grade-killing major grammatical errors, consult the grammar sections in The Little, Brown Handbook or visit https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/adjective_or_adverb/avoiding_common_errors.html. Online grammar tools have improved significantly by 2026 to assist with self-editing.

When writing assignments, use Microsoft Word or Google Docs and then save them as PDFs. Submit your work under the appropriate link. Saving in PDF format ensures consistent layout regardless of the viewing device used by instructors.

Sample Diagnostic Paragraph Essay

Social media generates significant negative consequences for mental health by promoting unrealistic standards and endless comparison among users. Individuals frequently encounter filtered images and success stories that distort perceptions of normal life experiences. Teenagers, for example, report increased feelings of inadequacy after prolonged exposure to influencer content on Instagram. Additionally, the rapid dissemination of false information through viral posts undermines trust in traditional news sources during major events. Naslund et al. (2020) highlight how these patterns contribute to broader anxiety and depression trends across age groups. Furthermore, family dynamics suffer when members prioritize device screens over face-to-face conversations at dinner tables. Overall, society experiences fragmented relationships as a direct result of unchecked platform engagement.

Follow-Up Guidance on the Topic

Systematic reviews of social media research appear to confirm many of the patterns students identify in their observations, though individual experiences differ widely. For example, intervention studies indicate that targeted reductions in usage may lead to measurable improvements in daily well-being. Instructors who have guided thousands of first-year writers notice that essays incorporating vivid everyday examples from platforms resonate most strongly with readers. Data from public health reports further underscores the importance of practicing clear, one-sided analysis early in the course to build toward more complex writing tasks.

References

• Alansari, A.N. (2025) A systematic review of social media impact on mental health. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876201825004368 (Accessed: 17 March 2026).
• Dopelt, K. (2026) The impact of social media on public health and education. Hygiene, 16(3), p.43. Available at: https://www.mdpi.com/2254-9625/16/3/43 (Accessed: 17 March 2026).
• Naslund, J.A. et al. (2020) Social media and mental health: benefits, risks, and future directions. Harvard Review of Psychiatry, 28(1), pp.50–59. doi:10.1097/HRP.0000000000000245.
• Paul, B. (2025) The impact of social media on health behaviors, a systematic review. Healthcare, 13(21), p.2763. Available at: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9032/13/21/2763 (Accessed: 17 March 2026).
• Plackett, R. et al. (2023) The impact of social media use interventions on mental well-being: systematic review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 25, e44922. doi:10.2196/44922.

Week Assignment for the Semester

English Composition I

Students next develop a full argumentative research paper of 750-1000 words examining technology’s role in society. The task involves synthesizing multiple sources while maintaining an objective tone and concluding with a supported recommendation. Drafts undergo instructor feedback before final submission as a PDF file.