CHAPTER 1 - Cell Phone Etiquette

Reading Comprehension - Check Your Understanding

A. Choose the correct answers for the following questions.

1. Why did Amber decide to write this letter?
A) She wanted to talk about the good points of cell phones.
B) She thought the bad points of cell phones weren’t included in the article.
C) She thought the Sunday Globe should not be writing about cell phones.

2. According to Amber, it is polite to ______ when taking a phone call.
A) keep your calls short
B) speak slowly and clearly
C) move away from other people

3. According to Amber, you should only answer your phone when ______
A) it's an emergency
B) you're having lunch with a friend
C) you're in a crowded room

4. Amber thinks that if you talk on your cell phone while doing something else, you ______.
A) will save a lot of time
B) will enjoy yourself more
C) might not pay attention to what you're doing

B. Choose the number of the paragraph (1-4) that best matches each statement.

1. Never make a call in a car full of people.
     1   2   3   4 
2. If the call is going to be long, do it at another time.
     1   2   3   4 
3. Don't talk on your phone and pay for something at the same time.
     1   2   3   4 
4. Turn off your phone.
     1   2   3   4 

C. Discuss the following questions with a partner.

1. Do you agree with the rules in the letter? Which of them do you follow?
   Answer

   Students should give examples from their daily life.

2. Think of other examples of why cell phones makes, things more convenient.
   Answer

   Possible answers include: being able to meet up with friends and/or changing plans more easily, being able to make calls in places with no public phones, staying in contact easily with friends and family, quick access to a camera if you would like to take photos, being able to access the Internet for entertainment or information like maps and bus or train timetables, having GPS functionality, etc.

Cell Phone Etiquette

Dear Sunday Globe,

I am writing to you about your article in last Sunday's newspaper, "Cell Phones Make Life Easier." You did an excellent job explaining the good points of cell phones: they're convenient, we feel safer always being able to call someone; and they are very helpful in business. On the other hand, you didn't talk about their bad points at all. I hope you'll let me give your readers some advice on cell phone etiquette.

The first point I'd like to address is when not to use your phone. It's polite to switch off your phone or turn off the sound when you're in class or in a meeting. If you get an important call, you should ask for permission to leave the room and then don't talk for too long. Furthermore, for conversations that need more time, it is best to ask the person· to call back at amore convenient time. Cell phones ·can also cause you to neglect¹ the peoplEtyou are with. I find it really annoying when my friends constantly check their messages on their phone. In fact, I want to tell them to turn off the cell phone and enjoy my company!

Another point that needs to be made has to do with personal space. I think it is very impolite to make calls in small spaces .'or crowded rooms. This makes others uncomfortable and forces them to listen to your personal conversations. Additionally, it disturbs other face-to-face conversations; that's why I never use my cell phone within a few meters of other people except in emergencies

Lastly, I would like readers to pay attention to the dangers of using your phone while doing something else. For instance, driving and texting is a bad combination. Likewise, using your phone or texting when walking can make you careless. You don't want to get hit by a car. Pay attention to where you're going!

Sincerely,
AmberJala

¹ When you neglect someone or something, you don't notice or take care of them.