CSEC Summary Writing + Letter- Nov. 20

Summary Writing

Summarize the passage below in no more than 100 words. Before beginning your summary, make 3 points which give a general idea of what the passage is about. 

1. People who...

2. The cause is...

3. The effect is...

Being glued to your smartphone could be causing you to make impulsive decisions and crave immediate gratification. In fact, people who spend more time on their phones are more likely to reject large, delayed rewards in favor of smaller, immediate rewards. 

Research has long shown that a preference for smaller, immediate rewards -- what researchers call delay discounting -- is an indicator for negative behaviors, such as drug addiction, excessive gambling, and alcohol abuse. People with low self-control tended to use their smartphone more.

The study also found that a preference for immediate rewards was linked to heavier use of two types of apps: social media and gaming.

"Both types of apps offer quick gratification in the form of likes or entertaining content.

It is surprising just how much time some people spent on social media and gaming apps -- more than 10 hours a day in some cases.

The new study seems to support existing research that indicates excessive screen time has negative impacts. Previous studies have shown that smartphone use can make headaches worse, can disrupt sleep patterns and can negatively impact mental health.

Meanwhile, American teens spent an average of seven hours and 22 minutes on screens each day last year — not including screens used for school work. And that was before the coronavirus pandemic pushed people's social lives onto screens.

Activity 2

You have realised that in your community, there is the need for a recreational centre where the youth can go to relax or learn a new skill. Write a letter to the editor asking for the authorities to pay attention to this need. You must give at least 3 reasons why.