Reading and speaking

Before reading the text discuss the following words and word combinations with your teacher then make your own sentences [5.109].

-interested in smth.

- can`t afford

- to work extra hours

- become very good at doing smth.

- to turn off the electricity

- a computer addict

- a dangerous obsession

- to study computer science

- like to find a job

- family doctor

You are going to read a short story about computer addict. Try to predict what problems he could have[5.110].

When David was eight, he seemed to be very interested in computers. His parents knew that he would love to have one, but they couldn’t afford to buy one.

He learned how to use his friend’s computer, but he couldn’t wait to get one of his own.

His father decided to work extra hours to buy him computer. At first his father let him use it four an hour a day. He didn’t wait it to damage his eyes.

By the time David was fourteen he had become very good at using his computer, but it was his only hobby. His parents wanted him to go out, but he had very few friends and he didn’t want to. Nobody persuade him to do anything and nothing could make him turn his computer off.

In the end, his father threatened to turn off the electricity. David went to bed and pretended to be asleep, but at midnight he got up to work at the computer again. He didn’t want to sleep or to eat. He just couldn’t bear to be away from his computer.

His parents didn’t know what to do. Their son had become a computer addict. Even the family doctor didn’t know how to help. One morning David’s mother found him lying on the floor. He had collapsed exhaustion. A fortnight in hospital finally made David realize that his computer had become a dangerous obsession. Now David is sixteen. He had lots of friends and hobbies. He hopes to study computer science at university and would like to find a job in computer research.