1 Read the quote from Arthur Miller. What do you think he means about technology and relationships in the modern times? Can you guess what the text is about?

(Đọc trích dẫn của Arthur Miller. Bạn nghĩ ý của ông ấy về công nghệ và các mối quan hệ trong thời hiện đại là gì? Bạn có đoán được nội dung văn bản là gì không?)

Power of connection 

I can understand an article about relationships. 

POWER OF CONNECTION

“They tried to escape technology, to stay away from that and still have relationships with fellow humans. Very difficult.” Arthur Miller 

Technology can exert its power on almost every aspect of our lives, and personal relationships are no exception. We are now becoming more attached to technological devices and less connected to the people around us or even our loved ones. 

We work longer hours on computers, meet fewer friends, text more often, and watch more videos than have a true conversation with friends or family members. Technology enhances relationships at home and at work. Social media link us all together, but we mistake them for a perfect replacement for relationships. It is time we realised that the power of connections is built from our own efforts. Whether we choose to stay technologically or socially connected, we have to spend a considerable amount of time doing activities together, listening, understanding and sharing feelings. This helps strengthen our mind and body, keeping us away from isolation and loneliness. 

It is not difficult to balance between connections through technology and those through real interactions. We can start by nurturing the relationships within our family. We should spend more time visiting our parents and siblings, besides keeping in touch with them on social media. We should learn to cherish the moments we spend with them. It is never too late to strengthen the bonds with school friends and teachers. Don't hesitate to participate in sports clubs or a hiking trip where we can build up true friendships. And above all, remember that time commitment counts in relationships, so running short of time for connections is impossible. 

2 Scan the text. What is the purpose of the reading?

(Đọc lướt văn bản. Mục đích của bài đọc là gì?)

a To tell the difference between technological and social bonds

(Để phân biệt sự khác biệt giữa mỗi liên kết công nghệ và xã hội)

b To list all of the advantages of technology to social connections

(Liệt kê tất cả những lợi ích của công nghệ đối với các kết nối xã hội)

c To give advice on how to develop relationships in technological era

(Đưa ra lời khuyên về cách phát triển mối quan hệ trong thời đại công nghệ)

3 Read the Reading Strategy. Then find the words below in the text and decide whether each one is a verb, noun, adjective, etc.

(Đọc Chiến lược đọc. Sau đó tìm các từ bên dưới trong văn bản và quyết định xem mỗi từ đó là động từ, danh từ, tính từ, v.v.)

4 Look again at the context of the words in exercise 3. Choose the correct definition (a or b) for each one.

(Xem lại ngữ cảnh của các từ ở bài tập 3. Chọn định nghĩa đúng (a hoặc b) cho mỗi từ.)

1

a any form of written material

b send somebody a written message using a mobile phone

2

a not understand or judge somebody/something correctly

b a word, figure, etc. that is not said or written down correctly

3

a contact

b put your hand onto something

4

a strong connections

b join two things strongly together

5

a having something to do with sports

b the activity of going for long walks in the country for pleasure

5 Read the text. Choose the correct answers (a-d).

(Đọc văn bản. Chọn câu trả lời đúng (a-d).)

1 The text mainly discusses

a practical ways to nurture connections in the world of technology.

b the causes of worsened relationships in the modern world.

c the values of technological advancements in personal relationships.

d the role of social media in maintaining relationships.

2 All of the following are examples of our strong attachment to technology except

a texting friends.

b working on computers.

c listening to others.

d watching videos.

3 We wrongly perceive social media as

a a wonderful replacement for relationships.

b a valuable tool of working life.

c time-saving means of communication.

d misguided ways of contact.

4 The first step to empower connections is

a joining a sports club.

b saving more time for family members.

c keeping in touch with different people.

d going hiking with friends.

5 Time commitment is

a necessary in balancing connections.

b the first requirement for strengthening one's mind.

c impossible in the modern time.

d essential in maintaining relationships.

6 VOCABULARY Match the underlined words with the highlighted words in the text.

(Nối những từ được gạch chân với những từ được đánh dấu trong đoạn văn.)

Connections

1 Despite the convenience of electronic gadgets, some argue that excessive screen time can have negative impacts on mental and physical health.

2 Lisa is so close to her hometown that she does not want to move to a big city for a better job opportunity.

3 Engaging in meaningful conversations improves interpersonal relationships and fosters emotional connections.

4 Empathy is important in building trust and confidence between friends.

5 We quite often spend a lot of time making a decision, but it rarely turns out to be the best choice.

7 SPEAKING Work in pairs. Look at the ideas below. Which three ideas do you think are the most important in helping people maintain relationships? Then compare your answers with your partner's.

(Làm việc theo cặp. Hãy nhìn vào những ý tưởng dưới đây. Bạn nghĩ ba ý tưởng nào là quan trọng nhất trong việc giúp mọi người duy trì mối quan hệ? Sau đó so sánh câu trả lời của bạn với câu trả lời của các bạn.)

1 Have regular get-togethers

(Gặp gỡ thường xuyên)

2 Eat out with family members

(Đi ăn cùng các thành viên trong gia đình)

3 Join sports activities

(Tham gia các hoạt động thể thao)

4 Keep contact on social networks

(Giữ liên lạc trên mạng xã hội)

5 Take part in social organisations

(Tham gia các tổ chức xã hội)