Read the Text
When computers first started to be used on a wide scale, some people predicted that we would spend so long staring at computer screens that we would en up forgetting how to talk to one another. But in fact, the rapid expansion of electronic communication in the 21st century has had the opposite effect. Rather than retreating into themselves, people are using new technology, in particular email and text massaging, to find more and more ways to expand their network of friends.
Jane Adams, 23, sends so many messages to her friends. She’s known as the Text Queen. ‘My friends and I take our phones out with us and send messages to other friends saying “we’re in this club and it’s really good. Come and meet us, “she said. It means we don’t have to spend ages planning an evening out. You can just send the same message to everyone;
Text messaging and email also help Jane keep in touch with old schoolmates she would probably have lost contact with otherwise. She finds that it’s easier to send a message saying ‘Hi! thinking of you, ‘rather than having to write a long letter.
It seems these forms of communication have filled a gap, offering something that face to face conversation does not. Professor Pam Briggs, a psychologist at the University of Northumbria, believes they have become popular because they people an opportunity to present themselves in the way that they want to. ‘People seem to really enjoy sending text messages and emails, she says. ‘They can take their time planning their message. They prefer it to speaking on the phone to each other- maybe also because this way they can choose when they want to respond to someone.’
The fact that text messages are so quick and easy is big part of the attraction. Many people also find text messaging more informal than making a phone call or writing a letter, and therefore simpler to use. Ann Rose, who teaches at a London school, uses email and text messaging to keep in touch with students. ‘I have always given my number out to students and told them to call me if they have any problems. But no one ever did. Now, they often email or text me with questions about their work. They don’t find it difficult to keep in touch that way, whereas they might feet that a phone call is more of an interruption, ‘she said.
So is all good, Ann has identified one negative result of text messaging. ‘The popularity of this way of writing among my students,’ she says ‘can cause a few difficulties as they have started using abbreviations such as ‘ruok’ for ‘are you okay? And ‘thx’ for thanks”
COMPREHENSION: 15 points
BASE ALL YOUR ANSWERS IN THE TEXT
A/ ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS IN YOUR AWN WORDS: 4 pts
1. What effect has been caused by the expansion of electronic communication?
…………………………………………………………………………
2. Why is Jane Adams called the “Text Queen”?
…………………………………………………………………………
3. In what ways are text messaging and e-mailing different from face to face conversation according to Pr Briggs?
a. ………………………………………………………………
b…………………………………………………………………
B/ ARE THESE SENTENCES TRUE OR FALSE? JUSTIFY: 3 pts
1. Jane Adams and her friends find that txt messaging saves time in organising meetings.
……………………………………………………………………….
2. Jane keeps contact with her old school friends thanks to email and text messaging.
………………………………………………………………………
3. Ann Rose used to receive phone calls from her students.
C/ COMPLETE THESE SENTENCES: 3 pts
1. Some people thought that the expansion of the use of computers would stop them from ………………………………………………………………….
2. To ask questions about their work, Ann Rose’s students. …………………………………………….
3. According to Ann Rose, the negative effect of text messaging on students’ writing is …………………………………………………
D/ FIND IN THE TEXT WORDS OR EXPRESSIONS THAT MEAN THE SAME AS: 2 pts
1. to increase (pph1) : ……………………………..
2. a chance (pph 4) : ………………………………
E/ WHAT DO THE UNDERLINED WORDS IN THE TEXT REFER TO? 3 pts
1. We: ………………………………………..
2. They: …………………………………………..
3. This way of writing: …………………………….
LANGUAGE: 15 points
A/ FILL IN THE GAPS WITH THE APPROPRIATE WORDS FROM THE LIST: 1,5 pt
who – whom – whose – which – where – when
Adil Imam, ____________ sense of humour is appreciated by many people, is an Egyptian actor ____________ has played funny roles in many plays and movies. He often acts out simple situations ____________ can make you laugh for hours.
B/ REWRITE THE SENTENCES BEGINNING WITH THE WORDS GIVEN: 3 pts
1. Swimming and fishing aren’t allowed in this lake.
People ………………………………………………………
2 “Please stop arguing and listen to me, “Mrs Williams said.
Mrs Williams told the two students ………………………………
3. I Can’t see my friends while chatting because I don’t have a webcam.
If only ………..…………………………………………………
C/ PUT THE VERBS BETWEEN BRACKETS IN THE CORECT TENSE: 1,5 pt
The Simons (to live) ……………………………..in Marrakesh for ten years when I first (to meet)……………………….. them in 1988. By the end of 2008, they (to be) ….. .…………………….in Morocco for thirty years.
D/ FILL IN THE CAP WITH AN APPROPRIATE PHRASAL VERB: 3 pts
1. I’m ……………………our trip to France. We’re leaving next month.
a) bringing about b) coping with c) looking forward to
2. Bill proposed to marry Sue but she …………………………..his proposal.
a) broke down b) turned down c) calmed down
3. That little boy always ………………………..excuses for being late.
a) makes up b) takes up c) looks up
E/ FILL IN THE GAPS WITH THE APPROPRIATE WORDS FROM THE LIST: 3 pts
disagreement – exclude – pace – empower – status – development
The best way to ____________ women and improve their _____________ is to educate them. It’s also useful to help them become financially independent. Thus, they can participate in the _______________ of their society.
F/ JOINS THE PAIRS OF SENTENCES WITH The LINKING WORDS.
1. Many people still use plastic bags. They are dangerous for the environment. (although)
……………………………………………………………
2. Some skilled workers emigrate. They aren’t satisfied with low salaries in their home countries. (therefore).
………………………………………………………………
3. We rarely play music at night. We don’t want to disturb our neighbours. (so as not)
………………………………………………………………
WRITING: 10 points
The editor of your school magazine is organising a competition on the importance of education in people’s lives. Write a short article about your experience as a student and the benefits you get from school in general.
(Approximately 250 words)
Here are some suggestions to help you:
- Your favourite school subjects / the skills learn
- Your school life experience (class/schoolmates, teachers, relationships, projects, extra-curricular activities, etc.)
- Your future projects (carry on your studies or look a job)
- The effects of school or education on your own and your family’s life.
