You are going to read a text about advantages and disadvantages of mobile phones.
Copy and fill in the grid (on your own) and discuss the answers in your group.
What are the: (use key words) |
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Advantages |
Disadvantages |
Do’s |
Don’ts |
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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:
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 phone use in the schools. Some restaurant owners across the country are asking their customers to turn off the sound 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:
Perhaps more serious than damage to social relations, cell phones may have effects on the health of their users. Source: www.abcteach.com |