Communication

Read the following comments on personal electronic devices. Which sounds most reasonable? Why?

a. Personal electronic devices can be very distracting, to you and to others. You may not be able to concentrate on your studies. If your smartphone rings in class, it will be very annoying and disruptive.
b. Electronics are bad for your eyes, and radiation from electronics could harm your body and cause permanent damage.
c. Not all students are able to buy personal electronics. They may feel sad and bad about themselves. This might affect their performance at school.

Culture

Read the text about how electronic devices are used among children in the United States and answer the questions that follow.

US children learning with electronic devices
Like children elsewhere, children in the United States have greatly benefited from modern technology. School students in all grades know how to use electronic devices to look up and store information, do assignments and projects, do calculations and play games.
According to a new survey, about 2 out of 5 children in the USA have used a tablet, a smartphone or a similar mobile device before they could speak in full sentences.
For very young children, the devices may help promote listening and speaking ability. The devices may also help improve older children's critical thinking, reading, writing, and maths skills.
However, children's use of electronic devices has two sides. These devices can be great learning tools, but the wrong use may also cause very bad effects.

1. What do school children in the United States use electronic devices for?

2. How many US children have used mobile devices before they could speak in full sentences?

3. How may the devices help very young children?

4. How may they help older children?

5. What are the two sides of the children's use of electronic devices?