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Reading Comprehension Tiktok

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Madalina Tiba
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131 views6 pages

Reading Comprehension Tiktok

Uploaded by

Madalina Tiba
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Tiktok: Round-The-Clock

Entertainment
Since President Cyril Ramaphosa announced strict Covid-19 protocols
and instituted hard lockdown measures in March of 2020, teenagers
across South Africa have been hit by another type of pandemic:
boredom. With uncertainty about the current state of affairs affecting
everything from school attendance to hanging out with friends,
teenagers did what they do best – use social media to entertain
themselves.

TikTok is the most recent social media fad to sweep the nation. It
offers hours of amusement for all; a creative outlet for some, and an
opportunity to learn different things for others.

A Brief History of Tiktok and Time-Passing


TikTok was first released to the public in 2017, after a successful launch in mainland
China in September 2016 under the moniker Douyin. Upon merging with what is
formerly known as a social media platform called Musical.ly on 2 August 2018, TikTok
became a worldwide phenomenon that has been made available to over 150 markets in
75 languages.

Tiktok in South Africa


According to studies conducted in 2020, TikTok had an estimated 6 million user
database in South Africa alone. However, while its usage is mostly driven by a youthful
market, lockdown has seen a surge of 25 – 44 age groups joining the platform, thereby
increasing TikTok subscription from 6 million in 2020, to 9 million in 2021.

Top Tiktok Tips


While TikTok has gained traction as a means
for escape and mindless entertainment, it is not
without its pitfalls and dangers. What could be
regarded as a platform for harmless fun by some
users can have devastating effects on others,
ranging from plummeting self-esteem, exposure
to age-inappropriate content and addiction.

Page 1 of 2 visit twinkl.co.za


Tiktok: Round-The-Clock Entertainment
In order to ensure that you get the most from TikTok while staying safe, follow these
guidelines:

1. Make sure you are the right age


To subscribe to TikTok, you must be 13 years old, or older.

2. Reset privacy
TikTok profiles are automatically set to Public. Change your settings to Private to
avoid exposure to inappropriate conduct.

3. Be mindful of your screen time


TikTok has a function that allows you to monitor how long you spend on the app.

4. Be thoughtful about your profile


Do not overshare personal information in your bio.

5. Enable Family Pairing for extra safety


Parents can set controls to Restricted Mode and Direct Messages.

Watching time tick by idly has found a cure in TikTok, but like
everything in life, must be used in moderation.

Page 2 of 2 visit twinkl.co.za


Tiktok: Round-The-Clock Entertainment
Questions
1. In what year and month did President Cyril Ramaphosa institute hard lockdown measures
for South Africans? Tick one:

a. July 2021

b. April 2019

c. March 2020

d. February 2020

2. Teenagers across South Africa have been hit by boredom. Name the actual pandemic
responsible for this boredom.

3. TikTok has become very popular in South Africa over the last year. Find one word in
Paragraph 2 that means the same as “popular”.

4. Refer to Paragraph 3 (A Brief History of TikTok and Time-Passing).


Fill in the missing words from the following sentence:


TikTok was released on 2 August 2018, after its initial release in

in 2016. It is available in over markets and has been

released in 75 . 

5. Give two possible reasons for the increase in subscriptions and usage of TikTok in South
Africa between 2020 and 2021.

6. Why do you think it is important for teenagers to be careful when using TikTok?

Page 1 of 2 visit twinkl.co.za


Tiktok: Round-The-Clock Entertainment Questions
7. Do you think that teenagers must be allowed to use social media at all? Give a reason for
your answer.

8. If you were one of the highest-paid creators on TikTok, what type of content do you think
would attract viewers? Explain your answer.

Page 2 of 2 visit twinkl.co.za


Tiktok: Round-The-Clock Entertainment
Answers
1. In what year and month did President Cyril Ramaphosa institute hard lockdown measures
for South Africans? Tick one:

a. July 2021

b. April 2019

c. March 2020

d. February 2020

2. Teenagers across South Africa have been hit by boredom. Name the actual pandemic
responsible for this boredom.
Covid-19/Coronavirus

3. TikTok has become very popular in South Africa over the last year. Find one word in
Paragraph 2 that means the same as “popular”.
fad

4. Refer to Paragraph 3 (A Brief History of TikTok and Time-Passing).


Fill in the missing words from the following sentence:

TikTok was released worldwide on 2 August 2018, after its initial release in China in 2016.
It is available in over 150 markets and has been released in 75 languages. 

5. Give two possible reasons for the increase in subscriptions and usage of TikTok in South
Africa between 2020 and 2021.
Hard lockdown rules causing boredom.
Adults being unable to go to work.
Teenagers being unable to go to school. [Any TWO]

6. Why do you think it is important for teenagers to be careful when using TikTok?
It can lead to low self-esteem.
It can expose you to harmful content.
It can be addictive.
Sharing too much private information can be dangerous.





Page 1 of 2 visit twinkl.co.za


Tiktok: Round-The-Clock Entertainment Answers
7. Do you think that teenagers must be allowed to use social media at all? Give a reason for
your answer.
Learner’s own response PLUS valid substantiation, FOR EXAMPLE:
Yes, it is a good way to pass time and keep us out of trouble in real life.
No. it is dangerous and addictive and takes our attention away from important things. 

8. If you were one of the highest-paid creators on TikTok, what type of content do you think
would attract viewers? Explain your answer.
Learner’s own response PLUS valid substantiation, FOR EXAMPLE:
Comedy, because I like making people laugh. Dance videos, because I am a good dancer.
Singing or lip-synching, because I think I have a good voice. 

Page 2 of 2 visit twinkl.co.za

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