Some people are too busy texting to talk. With the huge rise of mobile phones in recent decades, communicating by text has become more and more popular. Neil and Georgina talk about why people often choose to text, instead of talk to the people in their lives.
This week’s question
Young people are often the biggest users of mobile phones, but in a 2016 study, what percentage of British teenagers said they would prefer to send a text rather than speak to someone, even if they were in the same room? Is it…
a) 9 percent?
b) 49 percent?
c) 99 percent?
Listen to the programme to find out the answer.
Vocabulary
intonation
musical way someone’s voice rises and falls when speaking; vocal changes which often effect the meaning of what is said
intention
idea or plan of something you are going to do
phrase
small group of words often with a particular meaning
in person
actually physically present or face to face, instead of via email, telephone or text
get annoyed
become angry, upset or irritated
minefield / treading on mines
situation full of hidden problems and dangers where people need to act carefully
To download the audio and a transcript, go to: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-201203