Life with Smartphones
Intermediate · Technology Use & Digital Balance
VOCABULARY
1. Device – (dih-VICE) /dɪˈvaɪs/
(noun) – electronic equipment used for a specific purpose
Synonyms: gadget, tool, machine
Sample sentence: A smartphone is a useful device for communication.
(noun) – electronic equipment used for a specific purpose
Synonyms: gadget, tool, machine
Sample sentence: A smartphone is a useful device for communication.
2. Download – (DOWN-lohd) /ˈdaʊn.ləʊd/
(verb) – to transfer data from the internet to a device
Synonyms: transfer, install, copy
Sample sentence: I downloaded a new music app last night.
(verb) – to transfer data from the internet to a device
Synonyms: transfer, install, copy
Sample sentence: I downloaded a new music app last night.
3. Internet – (IN-ter-net) /ˈɪn.tə.net/
(noun) – a global system for sharing information
Synonyms: web, online network
Sample sentence: He uses the internet to study and play games.
(noun) – a global system for sharing information
Synonyms: web, online network
Sample sentence: He uses the internet to study and play games.
4. Screen Time – (SKREEN tym) /ˈskriːn ˌtaɪm/
(noun) – time spent using screens
Synonyms: device usage, digital time
Sample sentence: Parents often limit their children’s screen time.
(noun) – time spent using screens
Synonyms: device usage, digital time
Sample sentence: Parents often limit their children’s screen time.
5. Addicted – (uh-DIK-tid) /əˈdɪk.tɪd/
(adjective) – unable to stop a harmful habit
Synonyms: hooked, dependent, obsessed
Sample sentence: He’s addicted to playing mobile games.
(adjective) – unable to stop a harmful habit
Synonyms: hooked, dependent, obsessed
Sample sentence: He’s addicted to playing mobile games.
STORY
Life with Smartphones
Kevin received his first smartphone
on his birthday
and was excited
to explore the device.
He learned how
to download apps,
watch videos,
and chat with friends
using the internet.
At first,
he used the phone
only after school.
Over time,
his screen time increased,
and he stayed up late
playing games.
His parents worried
that he was becoming addicted.
They agreed
on a two-hour daily limit,
and Kevin spent more time
studying
and enjoying hobbies.
KNOWLEDGE CHECK
1. What did Kevin receive on his birthday?
2. What did he use the device for?
3. How did Kevin’s screen time change?
4. Why were his parents worried?
5. What does “addicted” mean in the story?
6. What rule did Kevin and his parents agree on?
7. What did Kevin do after limiting screen use?
DISCUSSION
1. Do you have a smartphone? What do you use it for?
2. How many hours a day do you spend on your phone?
3. What is your favorite app or game?
4. Should screen time be limited? Why?
5. Have you ever felt addicted to technology?
6. What are the benefits of smartphones?
7. What are the negative effects of too much screen time?
8. How do you stay safe on the internet?
9. Do you prefer reading books or using your phone?
10. How does technology help you learn?
11. What would you do without the internet for a day?
12. Should children have smartphones?
13. What age is good to start using a smartphone?
14. Can smartphones affect sleep? How?
15. How can we use technology in a healthy way?