Discussing an issue Answer the questions together. 1 How many phone calls do you make and receive every day? What about messaging? 2 How often do you check your emails at home? What about at school? 3 Are you allowed to use your mobile phone at school? Do you think that this is a good thing? Read this extract from an article and discuss the questions. 1 Do you agree with the study that young people are addicted to their phones? 2 Can you think of any solutions to the problem? Reading 17 18 According to a study carried out by the University of Maryland, mobile phones are central to young people’s lives. In the ‘World Unplugged Project’ more than 1000 students from countries around the globe, among them Britain, tried to go without a mobile phone for 24 hours and monitor their feelings. Over half of the students did not manage to stay ‘unplugged’ for the whole day; those who went without digital technology reported withdrawal symptoms, like feelings of insecurity and distress and physical symptoms like heart palpitations. They had to admit that they were addicted to their phones, which psychologists call their ‘security blanket’. You have discussed the study about mobile phone use in class and you decide to write an email to the newspaper which published it. You should: ■■ state whether you agree with the conclusion of the study ■■ give reasons why you agree or don’t agree ■■ suggest ways of using mobile phones sensibly Write around 200 words. 1 Writing coach: A letter to the editor, p. 97. Listen to Eric and his mother discussing the new school policy on mobile phones. 1 What has the school decided to do? Why? 2 What does Eric say about the consequences of the school’s decision? Look at sentences 1–6 from the conversation. Which are arguments for the mobile phone ban? Which are against it? 1 We’ll have to look up new words in a book. 4 You’ll be able to focus on your work. 2 It’ll take longer to do everything. 5 It might be nice to talk to your classmates. 3 It might actually help you to concentrate. 6 I think it’ll cause problems. Your school is banning mobile phones. Work in two groups. Group A, you’re in favour of the ban. Group B, you’re against it. Think of at least three reasons to support your argument. Think about the language you need to: ■■ give your opinions I’d say … There’s no harm in … It’s important to … ■■ speculate about consequences It might help us to … It’ll cause … Get together in A/B pairs and discuss the issue. Writing 19 Listening 20 u8r6jv 8 Vocabulary Speculating about con- sequences 21 a Speaking 22 b c 24 Language skills Extras Explore 2 Good communication? Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODE3MDE=