English- Year 8

Home Assignment AK

Name: ________________ Date: __________________

Read the text and answer the following questions:

Screen Time

In this technological era, screen time has become an integral part of everyday life. From
smartphones to laptops to televisions, screens have become ubiquitous in our daily
routines. While screens have brought about immense convenience and opportunities, they
have also raised concerns about the potential negative effects on individuals, particularly
children.

On one hand, limiting screen time can have several advantages. Firstly, excessive screen
time can lead to physical health issues, such as poor posture and eye strain. Secondly, it can
also have adverse effects on mental health, such as depression, anxiety, and sleep
disorders. Thirdly, excessive screen time can lead to a lack of physical activity, which can
result in obesity, heart diseases, and other health issues.

On the other hand, screens can also provide numerous benefits, particularly in the field of
education. With the rise of e-learning, screens have become a vital tool for students to
access information and enhance their learning experience. Additionally, screens have also
become a platform for entertainment, socialization, and communication, which can
improve mental well-being.

In conclusion, while screen time can have several benefits, it is essential to maintain a
balance and limit its usage. Parents and individuals should be mindful of the amount of
time spent on screens and ensure that it does not have any adverse effects on their
physical and mental well-being. By doing so, individuals can reap the benefits of screens
and prevent any potential harm they may bring.

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Answer the following questions:

Look at this part of the text:

“"Screens have become a double-edged sword, providing convenience and opportunities, but also raising
concerns about negative effects."

1. How does this quotation encapsulate the writer's perspective on screen time?

The quotation encapsulates the writer's perspective on screen time by acknowledging that screens have
both positive and negative aspects. It recognizes that screens provide convenience and opportunities, but
at the same time, raise concerns about potential negative effects. The writer acknowledges that screens
have become a double-edged sword, highlighting the need to strike a balance and be mindful of the
potential harm they may bring. This perspective suggests that while screens have their benefits, there is a
need to approach screen time with caution and moderation to avoid any adverse effects on physical and
mental well-being.

2. Which answer best describes the writer's main purpose in writing this text? Tick ONE box.
A) To argue that screen time should be completely eliminated.

B) To highlight the benefits of screen time and encourage its unlimited usage.

C) To present both the advantages and disadvantages of screen time and emphasize the

importance of maintaining a balance. √

D) To advocate for increased screen time and its positive impact on physical and mental

well-being.

Look at the following phrase:

“screens have become ubiquitous in our daily routines”

3. Explain the meaning of “ubiquitous” as used in the text.

found or existing everywhere ; constantly encountered ; common

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 4. How does the writer organize his text to effectively convey the message?
the writer organizes their text in a structured manner to effectively convey the message. The text follows a
logical organization with clear paragraphs and transitions. The writer introduces the topic of screen time
and its prevalence in modern life, highlighting both the convenience and concerns associated with screens.
The writer presents the advantages of limiting screen time, focusing on three main points: physical health
issues, mental health effects, and the lack of physical activity. The writer acknowledges the benefits of
screens, particularly in education and mental well-being, emphasizing their role as tools for accessing
information, entertainment, socialization, and communication. The writer concludes by summarizing the
main points and emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balance and limiting screen time to avoid
potential harm while still enjoying the benefits.

Look again at this section of the text:

“On the other hand, screens can also provide numerous benefits, particularly in the field of education.
With the rise of e-learning, screens have become a vital tool for students to access information and
enhance their learning experience. Additionally, screens have also become a platform for
entertainment, socialization, and communication, which can improve mental well-being.”

5. Besides education, what are some other purposes screens serve?

Entertainment: Screens provide a platform for various forms of entertainment, such as streaming movies,
TV shows, and online content, playing video games, and accessing music and books.
Socialization: Screens enable social interaction through social media platforms, messaging apps, and video
conferencing tools, allowing people to connect with others, regardless of geographical distances.
Communication: Screens facilitate communication through email, instant messaging, and video calls,
enabling individuals to stay connected and exchange information in real-time.
Access to information: Screens serve as gateways to a vast amount of information available on the
internet, allowing users to search for news, research topics, access online databases, and stay updated
with current events.
Mental well-being: Screens can provide a platform for relaxation, leisure, and enjoyment, contributing to
improved mental well-being.

6. Explain the potential impact of excessive screen time on an individual's physical and mental well-
being.

Physical Health Effects:

Poor Posture, Eye Strain and Vision Problems, Sedentary Lifestyle, Sleep Disruptions
Mental Well-being Effects:
Depression and Anxiety, Social Isolation, Addiction and Dependency, Impaired Cognitive Function,
Disrupted Sleep Patterns

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Look at the conclusion of this text:
“In conclusion, while screen time can have several benefits, it is essential to maintain a balance and limit
its usage. Parents and individuals should be mindful of the amount of time spent on screens and ensure
that it does not have any adverse effects on their physical and mental well-being. By doing so, individuals
can reap the benefits of screens and prevent any potential harm they may bring.”

7. how can one infer the importance of maintaining a balanced approach to screen usage from the
writer's conclusion?

From the writer's conclusion, it is evident that they emphasize the significance of maintaining a balanced
approach to screen usage. The writer stresses the need to limit screen time and be mindful of any
potential adverse effects on physical and mental well-being. This emphasis on balance implies that
excessive screen usage can have detrimental consequences.
By highlighting the importance of maintaining a balance, the writer suggests that unrestricted and
excessive screen time can negatively impact an individual's health and well-being. They imply that
prolonged exposure to screens can lead to physical health issues such as eye strain, sedentary behavior,
and disrupted sleep patterns. Mentally, excessive screen time can contribute to decreased attention span,
increased anxiety, and social isolation.
In addition to the potential risks, the writer acknowledges that screens offer several benefits. However,
they emphasize that to fully reap these benefits, it is crucial to exercise moderation and limit screen time.
By doing so, individuals can prevent any potential harm that excessive screen usage may bring.
Overall, the writer's conclusion underscores the importance of finding a balance between utilizing screens
for their benefits and safeguarding physical and mental well-being. By maintaining this balance, individuals
can make the most of screens while minimizing the potential risks and ensuring a healthier and more
fulfilling lifestyle.

8. Give one example of persuasive techniques used by the writer in the text and explain its effect.

One example of a persuasive technique used by the writer in the text is the appeal to consequences. The
writer highlights the potential negative effects of excessive screen time on physical and mental health,
such as poor posture, eye strain, depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, lack of physical activity, obesity, and
heart diseases. By presenting these consequences, the writer aims to persuade the reader to limit their
screen time and be mindful of the potential harm it can cause.
The effect of this persuasive technique is to create a sense of urgency and concern in the reader. By
emphasizing the negative consequences of excessive screen time, the writer appeals to the reader's desire
to protect their own well-being or the well-being of their children. This technique aims to evoke a fear or
concern that motivates the reader to take action and make changes in their screen usage habits.
Furthermore, by presenting the potential negative consequences, the writer establishes credibility and
expertise on the topic. They demonstrate an understanding of the potential risks associated with excessive
screen time, which can further persuade the reader to trust their advice and guidance.
Overall, the appeal to consequences in the text serves to persuade the reader to maintain a balanced
approach to screen usage by highlighting the potential harm that can arise from excessive screen time.

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 9. Reread the sentences in the table and decide whether they are used by the writer to support the
Advantages of Limiting Screen Time or the Disadvantages of Excessive Screen Time and tick the
box.

Writer’s sentence Advantages of Limiting Disadvantages of

Screen Time Excessive Screen Time

Prevention of physical health

issues such as poor posture and √
eye strain.
Adverse effects on mental
health, including depression, √
anxiety, and sleep disorders
Lack of physical activity due to
excessive screen time, leading to √
potential health problems.
Opportunities for engaging in
non-screen activities, hobbies, √
and outdoor pursuits.

Writing:

Imagine you have been tasked with creating a leaflet to the local newspaper aiming to spread the

awareness about the importance of recycling and how to reduce waste in your community .

Write the leaflet “The importance of Recycling: How to reduce waste in your community”

Students’ answers may vary