## Step 2 - Reading

#### Advantages and Disadvantages of mobile phones

You are going to read a text about advantages and disadvantages of mobile phones.

- Read the text and do assignment 1.
- Read the text again and do assignment 2.

#### Assignment 1

Copy and fill in the grid (on your own) and discuss the answers in your group.

What are the: (use key words)
Advantages | Disadvantages | Do’s | Don’ts

Advantages and Disadvantages Anyone who uses a cell phone can tell you how convenient it is to have one. They are especially useful when you are on the road traveling. If you need emergency road service or if you find yourself in a dangerous situation, a cell phone can be your best friend. Cell phones are an effective way to keep in touch with family and friends. Cell phones are small and easy to carry around, and calls can be made anytime from any place. However, cell phones do have some disadvantages. One of the biggest disadvantages of using cell phones is that people are tempted to use them while driving. This causes a situation called “inattention blindness”. Studies have shown that drivers who use cell phones while driving were “blind” (because they did not pay attention) to roadside billboards, signs and other sources of important information around them. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, at any given moment of the day over 500,000 drivers are talking on cell phones while driving. This means that there are a large number of people who are not giving their full attention to driving. Everyone knows that in today’s traffic there should be as few distractions as possible. The Automobile Association (AAA) recommends that cell phones not be used while driving. But if there is an emergency reason for using a cell phone, the following safety tips are recommended: Position your cell phone within easy reach. Pull off the road and park in a safe place to make calls. Ask a passenger to make a call for you. Keep the phone conversation short and get off the phone as soon as possible. Use phone only when necessary. A driver who is injured in an automobile accident caused by a person who was using a cell phone has the right to sue the person for careless and negligent operation of his vehicle. In addition to problems related to driving, there are other disadvantages to cell phones. Cell phones can be disruptive in places such as churches, theaters, and other places where quietness is needed. It is thought that ringing cell phones cause distractions in classes. Many school districts have banned cell phones use in the schools. Some restaurant owners across the country are asking their customers to turn off the ringers on their cell phones when they enter the restaurant. Most cell phones have a vibrating feature that causes the phone to vibrate instead of ringing, and some have voice mail where messages can be stored so that they can be retrieved at more appropriate times. This makes it possible for cell phone users to continue to use their phones without disturbing the people around them. On any occasion, good manners are always the best way to go. It is important to be considerate of others and use good common sense all the time, including when using cell phones. According to USA Today, millions of cell phones in use in the United States ring in theaters, libraries, churches and other inappropriate places. Cell phone users are encouraged to turn off cell phones in places where quietness is needed. If for some reason the user cannot or will not turn off the phone, they should use the vibrating feature to alert them to incoming calls without disturbing others. Cell phone users should also consider the following rules of courtesy: If there is a rule against cell phones, respect it. Respect the personal space of those around you. Take your calls away from others. When speaking on the phone, speak as quietly as possible. Do not interrupt a face-to-face conversation to take a cell phone call. If you must take a call while with others, keep the call brief. Whenever possible, let voice mail take your calls. Keep your ring tones turned to a low volume. Perhaps more serious than damage to social relations, cell phones may have effects on the health of their users. It has been found that cell phones give off radiation. Radiation can damage the cells in the body. Scientists believe that this radiation can cause changes in brain cells which can cause nausea, dizziness, depression, early memory loss, and brain tumors. There is no certain connection between cell phone use and health problems. However, until further studies are done, most scientists suggest that people should limit the length of time spent talking on cell phones. Source: http://www.abcteach.com/free/r/rc_unit_cellphones_upperelem.pdf