Read the passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 1...

Read the passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 19 to 28.

The Power of Celebrity Influence

        Celebrity influence has long extended beyond the boundaries of entertainment. [I] In contemporary culture, public figures routinely shape consumer preferences, political opinions, and social attitudes through their visibility and symbolic status. With the rapid growth of digital platforms, celebrities are now able to communicate directly with vast audiences, bypassing traditional gatekeepers such as journalists, academics, or official institutions. Their endorsements and opinions are instantly amplified by algorithms, often granting them an authority that rivals—or even exceeds—that of experts and established organisations. As a result, celebrity voices increasingly participate in shaping public conversations across a wide range of issues.

        This influence depends not only on fame but also on perceived authenticity. Followers tend to trust celebrities who appear relatable and emotionally open, interpreting personal anecdotes and everyday experiences as signs of sincerity. However, this sense of intimacy is frequently strategic rather than spontaneous. [II] Carefully curated images, controlled narratives, and selective self-disclosure blur the boundary between genuine expression and calculated branding. Over time, repeated exposure to such content can make promotional messages feel personal, making it difficult for audiences to distinguish between honest belief and deliberate persuasion.

        The effects of celebrity endorsement are particularly visible in lifestyle and consumption trends. Products linked to famous figures can experience sudden and dramatic surges in popularity, regardless of their actual quality or long-term usefulness. This pattern extends beyond fashion and cosmetics to include fitness programmes, dietary habits, and even attitudes towards personal success. [III] Critics argue that this dynamic encourages superficial consumption, in which image and recognition outweigh careful evaluation. Supporters, however, maintain that celebrities simply reflect existing public interests rather than actively shaping them, acting as indicators of popular taste rather than its originators.

        Why should this concern society? When cultural influence becomes concentrated in the hands of a limited number of highly visible individuals, public discourse risks being distorted. [IV] Ideas gain attention not because of their evidence or merit, but because of their association with fame. While celebrity voices can raise awareness of social issues, uncritical acceptance of their messages may weaken independent judgement and marginalise less visible yet more informed perspectives.

                                                                            (Adapted from discussions on media and popular culture)

Question 19. According to paragraph 1, why do celebrities have increasing influence today?

        A. They can directly reach large audiences through digital platforms

        B. They are supported by traditional institutions

        C. They receive more formal education than experts

        D. They avoid discussing social issues