English Core > Reading Skills > Case Based Passage

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(1) Introduction: Humans are social creatures with a deep desire to interact with one another. Recent developments in technology have made it possible for billions of people worldwide to use cell phones to satisfy this need. The current study aims to analyse the impact of smartphone use among various categories of people in Kerala, India. The present study will provide an insight into the extent and magnitude of people's reliance on smartphones to communicate in this modern age and the dwindling nature of social relationships. (2) Methodology: A google form created questionnaire was used to gather information on the subject from a sample of participants who were from various districts in Kerala, India. (3) Survey Examination: Among the 131 study participants, 66 were men and the remaining 65 were women. For convenience, the study considered only the main purpose for which a smartphone is used by any given individual. (4) Results:

Individuals differed in their interests and preferences regarding their choice of communication medium. Some preferred direct conversation, while others conveyed their messages through virtual mediums of communication, that did not involve any face-to-face interaction. (5) Implications for Interventions: It was observed that individuals were interested in using their smartphones even when they were dining. This constant use can have several disadvantages such as reckless use of mobile phones, including prolonged hours of radiation exposure, over-calorie intake due to binge eating, leading to obesity, and other health problems. It is also a vital tool to achieve social progress. The use of phones while travelling can sometimes detract from an individual's enjoyment of the serenity of the environment, the scenic beauty of picnic spots, and affect the way an individual behaves and interacts with his or her co-travellers. (6) Conclusion: It is true that most of the population under different age and gender categories use smartphones every day, but there is no significant fall in the duration spent in direct face-to-face conversation with fellow beings, except in very few individuals. The majority of people agree that traditional face-to-face communication is more comfortable, reliable, and expressive than text messages, phone calls, or electronic mail.

Answer the following questions, based on the given passage. (i) Complete the following suitably. In paragraph (1), the author highlights the use of smartphones to ________. (1 mark) (ii) How does the author validate the fact that smartphones take away the joy of beauty around us? (1 mark) (iii) Paragraph (4) includes the phrases, direct communication and virtual communication. Classify the following sentences as direct and virtual communication: (1 mark) Sentence 1: Most of the students attend online classes on mobile phones. Sentence 2: He arranged for a get-together to meet his school friends. (iv) In paragraph (5), 'By reckless use of mobile phones' the author blames: (1 mark) (A) binge eating (B) mobile phones (C) responsibility of man (D) demands of society (v) Give two points to support how smartphones make a major impact on man's life. (2 marks) (vi) What would the following be classified as? There is no significant fall in the duration spent in direct face-to-face conversation. Select the appropriate response: (1 mark) (A) Primary purpose (B) Secondary objective (C) Method of analysis (D) Research outcome (vii) 'Technological development is a double-edged sword.' Analyse the above statement with reference to the text. (2 marks) (viii) The study is very relevant in the contemporary times, because: (1 mark) (A) we are living in the 21st century. (B) it is an era of IT revolution. (C) mobile phones have penetrated everyone's life. (D) mobile phones are used by students for academic purposes.