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Level A1 – BeginnerCEFR A1
2 min
82 words
- Some members of the US Congress use personal attacks.
- They attack other members' honesty, character or thinking.
- Television and online news give more attention to attacks.
- Social media posts with insults get far more reposts.
- Frequent attackers spend less time on policy work.
- They co-sponsor fewer bills and join fewer committees.
- Researchers studied many public statements in Congress.
- The authors say this trend can hurt democracy.
- Party leaders and media could change these incentives.
- The study suggests rewarding serious policy work.
Difficult words
- honesty — Telling the truth and being fair.
- insult — Words that are rude and hurt someone.insults
- policy — Plans and actions for government work.
- committee — A group of people who make decisions.committees
- democracy — A system where people vote for leaders.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you see personal attacks on social media?
- Do you think politicians should spend more time on policy work?
- Where do you usually get news, on TV or online?
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Researchers built a browser extension that scans an X feed for antidemocratic and partisan posts and reorders them without removing content or platform cooperation. Tests during the 2024 election showed small but measurable improvements in attitudes toward the other party.