Pre-reading task

· Do you have a cellular phone?

· Why do/don’t you have one?

For many people today, it's difficult to imagine life without a cellular phone. Once the preserve of the rich, they have now become an indispensable part of modern day life.

The technology for cellular phones was patented in 1975, but it wasn't until 1982 that the first commercial cell phone network was established in the United States. Since that time, the cellular phone has changed from a bulky machine, to something that can fit into the palm of your hand.

The functions available in modern-day cell phones are increasing rapidly. E-mail access is now standard. Cellular phone cameras, which were once little more than a gimmick, now rival stand-alone digital cameras in terms of quality. With 'Third Generation' telephones, broadband access offers the possibility of video phones, television and full Internet access.

All this comes at a cost, however. Many people bemoan a society where people seem glued to their phone, but oblivious to all that is going on around them.

Reading

1. Do you agree with the writer that cell phones have become 'an indispensable part of modern day life’?

2. The text talks about the social cost of people using cell phones. Do you think it's a major problem?

Task 1

Match the word with the correct meaning.

Task 2

Change these sentences using the vocabulary from Task 1

1. Many people complain about the manners of today's youth.

2. Computers have changed a lot in recent years. Desktops used to be very big.

3. Many free software packages are as good as commercial ones.

4. Sumo wrestling used to be only for Japanese. Now many nationalities take part.

5. Microwave ovens are nowadays very important for cooking.

Task 3

1. Why did you choose your particular cell phone? Does it have any functions that you never use?

2. How do you think cellular phones will change in the coming years?

3. Do you think you have good 'cell phone manners'? Can you give any examples?

4. In what places is cell phone usage banned? Do you agree with this?

5. Would you like to buy a cellular phone in the future?

6. Do you ever get annoyed by cellular phone users?

7. From what age to you think it's acceptable for people to have cell phones?

Task4