A. Modern technology is changing the way we live our lives. Clever gadgets make everyday activities easier and enable people to use their time effectively. But what impact will this change have in the future and is it really a positive thing? People are busier than ever before. Technological advances mean that things are often possible with the touch of a button. A hundred years ago, however, things were very different. Everyday jobs, like doing the laundry, would take a whole day, and the telephone was a new invention! Nowadays, almost every household has a washing machine and a dishwasher, and there are more than 70 million mobile phones in use in the United Kingdom alone.

b. Research shows that around 28% of children in the UK are overweight or obese. Some people are concerned that this is because young people spend too much time online and not enough time socialising with their friends and playing outside. In the past, nearly all children walked to school because their parents didn’t have a car. They didn’t have all the luxuries that many children have now, so they used their imaginations and played outdoors in the fresh air.

c. Years ago, when people wanted to stay in touch with their friends and family, they wrote letters. These days, however, E-mail communication and social networking sites, such as Facebook, allow instant, free international communication.

d. Online banking and shopping make essential activities possible from the comfort of our own homes. But what effect will this have on town centres and shops? In some towns and cities, many shops are now empty, and a lot of people think this is because more and more people choose to use the Internet for shopping.

e. There are many benefits of using technology but we need to be responsible in the choices we make. Modern equipment is often very expensive and does not last a long time. It is important to consider how much we really need these things and the impact they have on our health, the environment and society.

Match paragraphs a – e to the topic sentences below.

Task 1:

1. Our responsibility when choosing to use modern technology.

2. The impact of modern technology on everyday life over the past century.

3. How modern technology has changed communication.

4. The effect of modern technology on young people.

5. Modern technology in relation to shopping and retail

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