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Reading text

(1) The mobile phone, also known as the cell phone, is one of the most significant inventions of modern times. It was first developed in the 1970s, but it became truly popular in the late 1990s when smaller and cheaper models reached the general public. Today, there are more than five billion mobile phone users in the world, and the number keeps growing every year.

(2) The advantages of the mobile phone are countless. First and foremost, mobile phones have revolutionised communication. People can now call, text or send pictures and videos to anyone, anywhere, instantly. In emergency situations such as accidents, fires or medical crises, the mobile phone can literally save lives by allowing victims and witnesses to call for help immediately. In addition, modern smartphones combine many functions in a single device: camera, calculator, calendar, GPS navigation, internet access, music player, dictionary and online banking β€” making them an indispensable tool for both work and leisure.

(3) However, the mobile phone also has serious drawbacks. The most worrying is addiction: a growing number of young people spend hours every day on their phones, neglecting their studies, their families and even their sleep. Furthermore, research has shown that excessive use of mobile phones may cause health problems such as eye strain, neck pain, anxiety and even depression. Some scientists also fear that long-term exposure to the electromagnetic waves emitted by phones could be harmful to the brain, although the evidence on this issue remains inconclusive.

(4) Another major problem is safety. Using a phone while driving is one of the leading causes of road accidents around the world. Moreover, mobile phones have created new opportunities for crime β€” from cyberbullying and identity theft to the spread of fake news on social networks. These issues affect young people in particular, who may not yet have the maturity to face them.

(5) In conclusion, the mobile phone is a remarkable invention that has profoundly transformed our lives. Whether it remains a blessing or becomes a curse depends entirely on how we choose to use it. As with all technologies, the key lies in moderation and responsibility.

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Comprehension questions

Question 1 β€” True or False? Justify
  1. The mobile phone is a recent invention from the year 2000. β†’ FALSE. "It was first developed in the 1970s."
  2. Mobile phones can help save lives. β†’ TRUE. "In emergency situations… the mobile phone can literally save lives by allowing victims and witnesses to call for help immediately."
  3. Scientists have definitely proven that phones harm the brain. β†’ FALSE. "The evidence on this issue remains inconclusive."
Question 2 β€” Answer the questions
  1. When did the mobile phone become popular among the general public? β†’ In the late 1990s, when smaller and cheaper models reached the general public.
  2. Give three advantages of modern smartphones. β†’ They allow instant communication; they can save lives in emergencies; they combine many functions (camera, GPS, internet, etc.) in a single device.
  3. What are two health problems linked to excessive phone use? β†’ Eye strain, neck pain, anxiety, or depression (any two).
  4. According to the text, what does the future of the mobile phone depend on? β†’ On how we choose to use it β€” with moderation and responsibility.
Question 3 β€” Reference words
  1. It (paragraph 1) β†’ the mobile phone
  2. this (paragraph 3) β†’ whether electromagnetic waves are harmful to the brain
  3. These (paragraph 4) β†’ the safety issues (accidents, cyberbullying, identity theft, fake news)
Question 4 β€” Synonyms
  1. important (paragraph 1) β†’ significant
  2. essential (paragraph 2) β†’ indispensable
  3. disadvantages (paragraph 3) β†’ drawbacks
Question 5 β€” Best title

Choose the best title for the text:

  1. The history of the mobile phone
  2. The mobile phone: advantages and disadvantages βœ“ (covers both positive and negative aspects, which is the main idea)
  3. Mobile phones and crime

❖ Key Takeaways ❖

β‘  The mobile phone is a double-edged tool

A revolutionary invention with both advantages (communication, safety, multifunction) and drawbacks (addiction, health, crime).

β‘‘ Vocabulary to retain

invention, smartphone, technology, communication, addiction, drawbacks, cyberbullying, social network, moderation.

β‘’ Key idea

Technology is neither good nor bad β€” it depends on how we use it. This central thesis is the basis for most argumentative essays on technology.

❖ Exam tip

Science and Technology texts often appear in Science and Technology streams. Master both vocabulary fields: positive (revolution, breakthrough, progress) and negative (addiction, harm, risk).