Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have mobile phones been used by people in your family for a long time? If so, who was the first to use one? If not, when did they start using one?
- Have mobile phones ever been used by you to do more than just call? If so, what was it for? If not, what else do you think phones can do?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- symbol /SIM-buhl/
- advanced /ad-VANST/
- contribute /kuhn-TRIB-yoot/
- invention /in-VEN-shuhn/
- unrealized /uhn-REE-uh-lahyzd/
[noun] – a sign, shape, or object that is used to represent something else
The heart is a symbol of love.
[adjective] – modern and well developed
This car has advanced safety features.
[verb] – to help by providing money, ideas, or support
Students contribute ideas in class projects.
[noun] – something that has never been made before
The computer is a famous invention.
[adjective] – not achieved or made real
The artist had many unrealized dreams.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
In 1973, a telecommunications engineer from Chicago made the first mobile phone call in public while standing on a street in Manhattan. This event was a very important moment in communication history. The engineer worked for Motorola and used a heavy phone that weighed about four pounds. This phone later became the first mobile phone sold to people. Since that day, mobile phones have changed a lot. Today, over 4.6 billion people use smartphones around the world. Phones are now used for calls, texting, internet access, and even entertainment. In 2023, a mobile network group reported that about 60% of people around the world had mobile internet. In many places, phones are not only tools—they are a symbol of staying connected.
Today’s mobile phones are becoming more advanced. The engineer who made the first call said phones in the future may check health and use body energy instead of batteries. Some experts believe this can make big changes in medicine. But there are also problems. Many teachers and psychologists say too much screen time can affect learning and social life, especially for children. In the U.S., seven states have already started school phone bans. Twenty more states are talking about similar rules. Some believe mobile phones can also contribute to learning by helping students explain their ideas. Still, the mobile phone is seen as a formidable invention. It has fundamentally changed the way people live. Its full power may still be unknown or unrealized.
Today’s mobile phones are becoming more advanced. The engineer who made the first call said phones in the future may check health and use body energy instead of batteries. Some experts believe this can make big changes in medicine. But there are also problems. Many teachers and psychologists say too much screen time can affect learning and social life, especially for children. In the U.S., seven states have already started school phone bans. Twenty more states are talking about similar rules. Some believe mobile phones can also contribute to learning by helping students explain their ideas. Still, the mobile phone is seen as a formidable invention. It has fundamentally changed the way people live. Its full power may still be unknown or unrealized.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- When was the first public mobile phone call made?
- Where was the first public mobile phone call made?
- Who made the first mobile phone call?
- What company did the engineer work for?
- How much did the first mobile phone weigh?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have mobile phones helped you in school? If so, how did they help? If not, what would you use them for?
- Have you ever used a phone to play games or watch videos? If so, what do you like to watch? If not, what would you like to try?
- Do you agree that phones can help students explain their ideas in class?
- Why do you think phones became popular around the world?
- Why do some people believe mobile phones are a symbol of connection?