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The essay discusses the impact of smartphones on intelligence, arguing that while they provide unprecedented access to information, they may also diminish our cognitive skills. It highlights concerns about reliance on technology for basic tasks and memory, suggesting that smartphones should enhance rather than replace intelligent thought. The author calls for manufacturers to redesign products to support cognitive functions.

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r.mokhtari
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2 views

109 (2)

The essay discusses the impact of smartphones on intelligence, arguing that while they provide unprecedented access to information, they may also diminish our cognitive skills. It highlights concerns about reliance on technology for basic tasks and memory, suggesting that smartphones should enhance rather than replace intelligent thought. The author calls for manufacturers to redesign products to support cognitive functions.

Uploaded by

r.mokhtari
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Language Development: Grammar

The essay contains gaps. Try to fill each gap with the best alternative: a), b) or c). The
correct answers are written below.
The first smartphone was invented in 1992. By the year 2023 there may be as many as 2.5
billions smartphones in the world. The use of smartphones is decreasing our intelligence
because we are reliant on the technology and not our own minds. To what extent do you
agree or disagree?
Nobody could deny that smartphones have revolutionized our lives, ______ (1) us to
access information and interact socially in a way which our grandparents’ generation
would have considered unthinkable. The question of ______ (2) these devices have
actually made us smarter or diminished our thinking skills is certainly worthy of debate.
On balance, I would argue that their influence ______ (3) malign.
Technophiles point to the fact that smartphones can offer ______ (4) opportunities to be
cleverer. They allow unprecedented access to a vast array of data ______ (5) which we can
learn, as well as giving us the chance to engage with individuals whose wisdom and
thought-provoking ideas can stimulate us. Furthermore, users can take advantage of
brain-training apps and programs which let them discover ______ (6) the most obscure
information by merely ______ (7) a screen.
However, I would contend that ______ (8) precisely this ease of access which should
concern us. We ______ (9) need to be able to do mental arithmetic, recall the name of the
discoverer of penicillin or even remember our ______ (10) birthday. Our brains are
effectively becoming redundant and humans are rapidly losing basic cognitive functions
and memory skills. This ______ (11) obvious whenever you spot a person who has
forgotten their electronic gadget and is incapable ______ (12) the shopping bill or
planning and carrying out routine and basic tasks. We should all be alarmed that, as a
species, we struggle ______, (13) retain and retrieve valuable information without the aid
of a piece of technology.
It would be ridiculous to argue that the influence of smartphones has been entirely
negative. Yet, to some extent, it is fair ______ (14) them as insidious. I accept that
smartphone technology is here to ______ (15) but would urge manufacturers to re-design
their products so that they complement intelligent thought rather than replacing it.
Choose the correct answer:
1. A) enable B) enabled C) enabling
2. A) whether B) why C) how
3. A) has been B) has been being C) is being
4. A) our B) us C) to us
5. A) on B) in C) from
6. A) also B) at least C) even
7. A) tapping B) tap C) having tapped
8. A) it is B) there is C) there are
9. A) no sooner B) no longer C) no later
10. A) cousins’ B) cousin’s C) cousins
11. A) becomes B) became C) becoming
12. A) of calculate B) of calculating C) to calculating
13. A) store B) to store C) to be storing
14. A) describe B) to describe C) describing
15. A) stay; B) stay C) stay,
ANSWER
The first smartphone was invented in 1992. By the year 2023 there may be as many as 2.5
billions smartphones in the world. The use of smartphones is decreasing our intelligence
because we are reliant on the technology and not our own minds. To what extent do you
agree or disagree?
Nobody could deny that smartphones have revolutionized our lives, enabling (1) us to
access information and interact socially in a way which our grandparents’ generation
would have considered unthinkable. The question of whether (2) these devices have
actually made us smarter or diminished our thinking skills is certainly worthy of debate.
On balance, I would argue that their influence has been (3) malign.
Technophiles point to the fact that smartphones can offer us (4) opportunities to be
cleverer. They allow unprecedented access to a vast array of data from (5) which we can
learn, as well as giving us the chance to engage with individuals whose wisdom and
thought-provoking ideas can stimulate us. Furthermore, users can take advantage of
brain-training apps and programs which let them discover even (6) the most obscure
information by merely tapping (7) a screen.
However, I would contend that it is (8) precisely this ease of access which should concern
us. We no longer (9) need to be able to do mental arithmetic, recall the name of the
discoverer of penicillin or even remember our cousin’s (10) birthday. Our brains are
effectively becoming redundant and humans are rapidly losing basic cognitive functions
and memory skills. This becomes (11) obvious whenever you spot a person who has
forgotten their electronic gadget and is incapable of calculating (12) the shopping bill or
planning and carrying out routine and basic tasks. We should all be alarmed that, as a
species, we struggle to store, (13) retain and retrieve valuable information without the aid
of a piece of technology.
It would be ridiculous to argue that the influence of smartphones has been entirely
negative. Yet, to some extent, it is fair to describe (14) them as insidious. I accept that
smartphone technology is here to stay, (15) but would urge manufacturers to re-design
their products so that they complement intelligent thought rather than replacing it.

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