The Impact of Smartphones: Pros and Cons

Part 1: Introduction to the Topic

Warm-Up Discussion:

1. Do you use your smartphone every day? What do you mainly use it for?

2. Can you imagine a day without your smartphone? How would it be di erent?

3. What do you think are the biggest benefits and drawbacks of smartphones?

Part 2: Reading – The Impact of Smartphones: Pros and Cons

Instructions: Read the following article about the impact of smartphones on our lives. As you read, think about
how these devices a ect you personally.

The Impact of Smartphones: Pros and Cons

Introduction:

Smartphones have become a vital part of our daily lives. Whether it’s staying connected with friends,
accessing information, or managing our tasks, these small devices hold a powerful influence over how
we live. However, with great power comes great responsibility. Let's explore both the positive and
negative impacts of smartphones on modern society.

1. The Positive Impact of Smartphones

Connectivity and Convenience

“Smartphones have revolutionized how we connect with others, making the world a smaller place,”
says Dr. Sarah Johnson, a technology analyst. With just a few taps, we can communicate with people
around the globe, access endless information, and complete everyday tasks like shopping, banking,
and even learning. The convenience smartphones o er is unmatched, making our lives more e icient
and organized.

Educational and Professional Benefits

“With apps and online resources, smartphones are powerful tools for learning and professional
development,” explains Professor Mark Evans, an educational technologist. These devices provide
access to a wealth of knowledge through educational apps, online courses, and professional networks,

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allowing users to learn new skills, advance their careers, and stay
informed about the latest industry trends.

Part 4:
2. The Negative Impact of Smartphones
Vocabulary
Mental Health Concerns
Matching
“Excessive smartphone use has been linked to anxiety, depression,
Exercise
and sleep disorders,” warns Dr. Emily Clark, a clinical psychologist.
Instructions: Match the words on the
While smartphones keep us connected, they can also lead to left with their correct definitions on the
addiction and mental health issues. Constant notifications, the right. Write the letter of the correct
pressure to stay updated on social media, and the habit of checking definition next to each word.
our phones late into the night can disrupt our mental well-being and
sleep patterns. 1. Convenience _____

2. Disrupt _____

3. Isolation _____
Social and Physical Impacts
4. Strain _____
“Smartphones are creating a generation that is more connected
online but disconnected in real life,” notes Dr. John Spencer, a 5. Ubiquity _____
sociologist. While we may feel more connected through social 6. Mitigate _____
media, real-life interactions often su er. Many people report
7. Revolutionize _____
spending less time with family and friends in person, leading to a
sense of isolation. Additionally, the physical e ects of prolonged 8. Addiction _____
smartphone use, such as eye strain, poor posture, and reduced
physical activity, are becoming increasingly common.
Definitions:

a) The state of being separated from

Conclusion: others, often leading to loneliness.

b) To cause something to be interrupted

Smartphones are undeniably a double-edged sword. They o er
or to stop working smoothly.
incredible benefits but also pose significant challenges. The key lies
in using these powerful tools mindfully, ensuring that we maximize c) Something that makes life easier or
more comfortable.
their positive aspects while mitigating the negatives. How will you
choose to use your smartphone? d) Physical pressure or tension.

e) The quality of being everywhere or very

common.

f) To make something less severe or

harmful.

g) To change something in a fundamental

or dramatic way.

h) A strong and harmful need to regularly

do or have something.

rt 3: Comprehension Questions

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Instructions: Answer the following questions based on the article
you just read. Provide full sentences where required.

Part 5: Exploring Opinions – Interview Responses

1. What are two positive impacts of smartphones mentioned Instructions: Below are excerpts from interviews where di erent people shared their thoughts on smartphones. Each
in the article? person gives their view on whether smartphones are good or bad for society. Read the responses and pay attention to
the use of Present Perfect Simple and Continuous.

-
Interviewer: "How do you feel about the role smartphones play in our society?"
________________________________________________________
_______ 1. Emily (24 years old, Graphic Designer):

- "I’ve been using my smartphone daily for the past five years. It’s become essential for
________________________________________________________ managing my work and staying connected with my family. However, I think we’ve
_______ become too dependent on them, and they’re making us less productive."

Verdict: Bad for society.

2. Jason (32 years old, Marketing Manager):

2. How do smartphones contribute to mental health issues,
according to Dr. Emily Clark? "I use my smartphone to keep up with news and manage my schedule. Honestly, I think
smartphones have made us more disconnected from real-life interactions, even though
- we’re more connected online."
________________________________________________________
_______ Verdict: Bad for society.

3. Sofia (19 years old, University Student):

-
________________________________________________________ "I use my smartphone for studying and staying in touch with friends. It’s definitely made
_______ learning easier and brought people closer together, but I’m concerned about how much
time we waste on unnecessary things like social media."

Verdict: A mix of good and bad for society.

3. What does Dr. John Spencer say about the impact of
smartphones on real-life interactions? 4. Mark (65 years old, Retired Teacher):

"I only use my smartphone to stay in touch with my children and grandchildren. Back in
-
my day, we didn’t have these distractions, and I worry that the younger generation is
________________________________________________________ becoming too addicted to their screens. They’re missing out on real experiences."
_______
Verdict: Bad for society.
-
________________________________________________________ 5. Alicia (28 years old, Social Worker):
_______ "I rely on my smartphone to communicate with the families I work with. It’s a great tool
for connecting people and sharing important information quickly, but I’ve noticed it’s
also increasing stress and anxiety, especially with constant notifications."
4. According to the article, what is the key to benefiting from Verdict: A mix of good and bad for society.
smartphones while avoiding their drawbacks?
6. David (37 years old, Entrepreneur):
-
________________________________________________________ "My smartphone is crucial for running my business. It’s helped me grow my company
_______ by staying connected and organized. However, I do worry that we’re never really able to
disconnect from work, which isn’t healthy."
- Verdict: A mix of good and bad for society.

7. Margaret (70 years old, Retired Nurse):

"I use my smartphone mostly for keeping up with family. I’m amazed at how quickly we
can share information, but I’m concerned that it’s also spreading a lot of fake news and
misinformation. Back in my day, we relied on trustworthy sources, and I think that’s
missing today."

Verdict: Bad for society.

8. Nina (22 years old, Blogger):

"As a blogger, my smartphone is my main tool for content creation and social media
interaction. It’s fantastic for building communities and sharing ideas, but I’ve realized
that it’s easy to get lost in it and forget about the world around you."

Verdict: A mix of good and bad for society.

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Part 8: Pronunciation Practice – Contractions and Linking Sounds
Instructions: Listen to the sentences from the interview responses, paying special attention to the contractions and how the sounds
link together. Then, practice reading the sentences out loud, focusing on the natural rhythm and intonation.

1. "I’ve been using my smartphone daily for the past five years."

 Pronunciation Focus: “I’ve” and “been” should flow smoothly, with a slight linking of sounds.

2. "I’ve noticed that I’ve been spending too much time on social media."

o Pronunciation Focus: Notice the contraction "I’ve" and how "been spending" is linked.

3. "I’ve always appreciated how convenient smartphones are."

o Pronunciation Focus: Practice the linking between "I’ve" and "always," and between "appreciated"
and "how."

4. "I’ve been running my business through my smartphone for years now."

- Pronunciation Focus: Practice the contraction "I’ve been" and ensure smooth linking in "through my
smartphone."

Part 9: Writing Activity – Reflecting on Smartphones

Instructions: Now that you’ve explored di erent opinions on smartphones and practiced the Present Perfect
Simple and Continuous, it’s time to put your thoughts into writing. Follow the steps below to complete the activity.

Step 1: Organize Your Thoughts

Before you start writing, consider the following questions:

1. How have smartphones impacted your life personally?

2. What do you think are the biggest benefits of smartphones?

3. What do you believe are the most significant drawbacks of smartphone use?

4. Do you think smartphones are good or bad for society as a whole? Why?

Tip: Use examples from your own experience or from the interviews you read earlier to support your
points.

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 Step 2: Write a Reflective Paragraph

On a separate piece of paper write a paragraph (150-200 words) discussing your perspective on
smartphones. Make sure to:

- Use the Present Perfect Simple and Continuous where appropriate.

- Include at least three vocabulary words from the matching exercise earlier in the worksheet
(e.g., convenience, disrupt, addiction, etc.).
- Structure your paragraph clearly with a topic sentence, supporting details, and a concluding
sentence.

Example Paragraph:

"Smartphones have significantly changed the way I live and work. I’ve been using my smartphone for
almost ten years now, and it’s hard to imagine my life without it. The convenience it o ers, like
managing my schedule and staying in touch with friends, is unparalleled. However, I’ve also noticed
that I’ve been spending more time on social media, which has sometimes disrupted my productivity.
While I believe smartphones are incredibly useful tools, I am concerned about the dependency we’ve
developed on them. Overall, I think smartphones are both a blessing and a curse, and it’s up to us to
use them mindfully."

Step 3: Peer Review (Optional)

If time allows, exchange your paragraph with a classmate. Provide feedback on the following:

- Grammar: Did they use the Present Perfect Simple and Continuous correctly?

- Vocabulary: Did they e ectively incorporate the vocabulary words?

- Clarity: Is the paragraph well-organized and easy to understand?

Part 10: Review and Self-Assessment

Instructions: Reflect on your learning experience in this worksheet by answering the following
questions:
What new grammar rules did you learn or reinforce?

Which vocabulary words do you feel more confident using now?

How will you apply what you’ve learned about smartphones to your own use of technology?

Is there anything you found particularly challenging in this worksheet? How can you work on this?

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