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Facebook "selfies" can harm relationships (18th August, 2013)

A study from the U.K. indicates that people who post too many "selfies" (photos of themselves) on Facebook and similar social networks risk damaging their real-life relationships. Wikipedia says a selfie is "a genre of self-portrait photograph…typically taken either with a camera held at arm's length or in a mirror." The report, from Birmingham University, analysed the impact of these photos on the relationships of 508 participants. The study found that excessive photo sharing and sharing certain types of photos makes almost everyone like you less. Head researcher Dr David Houghton said: "People, other than very close friends and relatives, don't seem to relate well to those who constantly share photos of themselves."


 

Wikipedia explains the rise in popularity of selfies. It says: "In December 2012, Time magazine noted that selfie was among its top 10 buzzwords of 2012." Celebrities such as singers Rihanna and Justin Bieber are famous for uploading hundreds of pics of themselves. Many people who post selfies will be surprised, perhaps shocked, by the Birmingham research. Wikipedia explains: "The appeal of selfies comes from…the control they give self-photographers over how they present themselves. Many selfies are intended to present a flattering image of the person, especially to friends whom the photographer expects to be supportive. The research may suggest the exact opposite is true.

Try Level 4 or Level 5

Sources:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2392610/Could-selfies-spell-social-suicide-Oversharing-photos-face-make-unpopular-real-life-friends.html#ixzz2c7VRmgk8
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/13/too-many-facebook-photos-study_n_3749053.html?utm_hp_ref=mostpopular
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selfie



 

WARM-UPS

WARM-UPS

1. SELFIES: Students walk around the class and talk to other students about selfies. Change partners often and share your findings.

2. CHAT: In pairs / groups, decide which of these topics or words from the article are most interesting and which are most boring.

 

study / social networks / relationships / photograph / photo sharing / close friends / Wikipedia / popularity / buzzword / shocked / control / flattering / supportive / opposite

Have a chat about the topics you liked. Change topics and partners frequently.

3. RULES: What "rules" should there be about uploading photos on Facebook? Complete this table with your partner(s). Change partners often and share what you wrote.

Photos of…

Dos and Don'ts

Why?

yourself

 

 

babies

 

 

cats/kittens

 

 

holidays

 

 

food

 

 

parties

 

 

4. FACEBOOK: Students A strongly believe Facebook makes relationships stronger; Students B strongly believe the exact opposite.  Change partners again and talk about your conversations.



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5. PHOTOS: Rank these and share your rankings with your partner. Put what you like photographing most at the top. Change partners often and share your rankings.

  • yourself

  • flowers

  • sights

  • beaches

  • your family

  • people

  • food

  • your hobby

6. SOCIAL NETWORK: Spend one minute writing down all of the different words you associate with the word 'social network'. Share your words with your partner(s) and talk about them. Together, put the words into different categories.

BEFORE READING / LISTENING

1. TRUE / FALSE: Read the headline. Guess if  a-h  below are true (T) or false (F).

a.

An American study looked at the phenomena of selfies posted online.

T / F

b.

A study says posting selfies on Facebook does no harm.

T / F

c.

Researchers looked at the relationships of 508 people.

T / F

d.

The study suggested close friends are OK with looking at selfies.

T / F

e.

"Selfie" was Time magazine's word of the year in 2012.

T / F

f.

The research won't surprise people who upload lots of selfies.

T / F

g.

People like selfies because they can control how they look in the photo.

T / F

h.

People think others will like the photos of themselves they upload.

T / F

2. SYNONYM MATCH: Match the following synonyms from the article.

1.

study

a.

attraction

2.

risk

b.

too much

3.

genre

c.

always

4.

excessive

d.

meant

5.

constantly

e.

jeopardize

6.

rise

f.

report

7.

appeal

g.

encouraging

8.

intended

h.

complimentary

9.

flattering

i.

category

10.

supportive

j.

increase

3. PHRASE MATCH:  (Sometimes more than one choice is possible.)

1.

risk damaging their

a.

held at arm's length

2.

a genre of self-

b.

opposite is true

3.

with a camera

c.

share photos of themselves

4.

excessive

d.

popularity of selfies

5.

those who constantly

e.

photo sharing

6.

the rise in

f.

buzzwords of 2012

7.

among its top 10

g.

real-life relationships

8.

The appeal

h.

image of the person

9.

present a flattering

i.

portrait photograph

10.

research may suggest the exact

j.

of selfies

 

GAP FILL

A study from the U.K. indicates that people who (1) ____________ too many "selfies" (photos of themselves) on Facebook and similar social networks (2) ____________ damaging their real-life relationships. Wikipedia says a selfie is "a (3) ____________ of self-portrait photograph…typically taken either with a camera held at arm's (4) ____________ or in a mirror." The report, from Birmingham University, analysed the (5) ____________ of these photos on the relationships of 508 participants. The study found that (6) ____________ photo sharing and sharing certain types of photos makes almost everyone like you less. Head researcher Dr David Houghton said: "People, (7) ____________ than very close friends and relatives, don't seem to relate well to those who (8) ____________ share photos of themselves."

 

 

excessive
risk
other
length
post
constantly
genre
impact

Wikipedia explains the (9) ____________ in popularity of selfies. It says: "In December 2012, Time magazine noted that selfie was among its top 10 (10) ____________ of 2012." Celebrities such as singers Rihanna and Justin Bieber are famous for (11) ____________ hundreds of pics of themselves. Many people who post selfies will be surprised, perhaps (12) ____________, by the Birmingham research. Wikipedia explains: "The (13) ____________ of selfies comes from…the control they give self-photographers over how they present themselves. Many selfies are intended to present a (14) ____________ image of the person, especially to friends whom the photographer (15) ____________ to be supportive. The research may suggest the (16) ____________ opposite is true.

 

appeal
expects
buzzwords
exact
uploading
rise
flattering
shocked

LISTENING - Guess the answers. Listen to check.

1)

Facebook and similar ______

 

a.  socialise network
b.  social networks
c.  socially networks
d.  social network

2)

taken either with a camera held ______ or…

 

a.  at arm's length
b.  at arm's long
c.  at arm's lengthy
d.  at arm's lengthier

3)

analysed the impact of these photos on the relationships ______

 

a.  of 508 participant
b.  of 508 participates
c.  of 508 participate
d.  of 508 participants

4)

excessive photo sharing and sharing ______ photos

 

a.  certainly types of
b.  certain type of
c.  certain types of
d.  certainly type of

5)

People, other than very close friends and relatives, don't ______

 

a.  seem to related well
b.  seem to relates well
c.  seem to relate well
d.  seem to relayed well

6)

Time magazine noted that selfie was among its top 10 ______

 

a.  buzzword of 2012
b.  biz-words of 2012
c.  buzz worlds of 2012
d.  buzzwords of 2012

7)

The appeal of selfies comes from…the control they give ______

 

a.  shelve-photographers
b.  shelf-photographers
c.  self-photographers
d.  surf-photographers

8)

Many selfies are intended to present ______

 

a.  a fluttering image
b.  a flittering image
c.  a flattering image
d.  a flattening image

9)

…especially to friends whom the photographer expects ______

 

a.  to be support it
b.  to be support if
c.  to be supportive
d.  to be sport if

10)

The research may suggest ______ is true

 

a.  the exact opposite
b.  the extant opposite
c.  the exult opposite
d.  the extract opposite

LISTENING – Listen and fill in the gaps

A study from the U.K. (1) ___________________ who post too many "selfies" (photos of themselves) on Facebook and similar social networks risk damaging their real-life relationships. Wikipedia says a selfie is "a genre of self-portrait photograph… (2) ___________________ with a camera held at arm's (3) ___________________ mirror." The report, from Birmingham University, analysed the impact of these photos on the relationships of 508 participants. The study found that (4) ___________________ and sharing certain types of photos makes almost everyone like you less. Head researcher Dr David Houghton said: "People, (5) ___________________ friends and relatives, don't seem to relate well to (6) ___________________ share photos of themselves."

Wikipedia explains the (7) ___________________ selfies. It says: "In December 2012, Time magazine noted that selfie was among its top 10 buzzwords of 2012." Celebrities such as singers Rihanna and Justin Bieber are famous for uploading hundreds (8) ___________________. Many people who post selfies will be (9) ___________________, by the Birmingham research. Wikipedia explains: "The appeal of selfies comes from…the control they give self-photographers (10) ___________________ themselves. Many selfies are intended to present (11) ___________________ of the person, especially to friends whom the photographer expects to be supportive. The research may suggest (12) ___________________ is true.

COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

1.

Who risks damaging their real-life relationships?

2.

What genre of photograph is a selfie?

3.

Who do people usually hold the camera for a selfie?

4.

How many people took part in the research?

5.

Who doesn't mind looking at selfies?

6.

What accolade did Time magazine give the word "selfie"?

7.

Who is famous for uploading hundreds of selfies?

8.

What is the appeal of selfies?

9.

What kind of images do people want from selfies?

10.

How are friends expected to be about selfies?

MULTIPLE CHOICE - QUIZ

1.

Who risks damaging their real-life relationships?

6.

What accolade did Time magazine give the word "selfie"?

 

a) photographers
b) people who upload self-portratits
c) Facebook users
d) U.K. researchers

 

a) one of the 2012 buzzwords
b) tech word of the year
c) neologism of the decade
d) top word for the next decade

2.

What genre of photograph is a selfie?

7.

Who is famous for uploading hundreds of selfies?

 

a) digitally-enhanced
b) an ego-booster
c) non-landscape
d) a self-portrait

 

a) two sports stars
b) two supermodels
c) two singers
d) two actors

3.

Who do people usually hold the camera for a selfie?

8.

What is the appeal of selfies?

 

a) hand to hand
b) shoulder to shoulder
c) at arm's length
d) by the skin of their teeth

 

a) control over the image
b) colour
c) Photoshop
d) you can become famous

4.

How many people took part in the research?

9.

What kind of images do people want from selfies?

 

a) 508
b) 805
c) 850
d) 580

 

a) ones that flitter
b) ones with fluttering eye lashes
c) flattened ones
d) flattering ones

5.

Who doesn't mind looking at selfies?

10.

How are friends expected to be about selfies?

 

a) researchers
b) family and friends
c) new Facebook fans
d) colleagues

 

a) always press the "Like" icon
b) critical
c) be supportive
d) always share them

ROLE PLAY

Role  A – Selfie poster

You love taking photos of yourself and uploading them on Facebook. Tell the others three reasons why. You don't understand why people don't like selfies. You think the research in the article is totally untrue. You think everyone should upload hundreds of selfies.

Role  B – Researcher

You are worried about people who upload hundreds of selfies. Tell the others three reasons why. You think Facebook should limit the daily number of photos people can upload. You want to set up a help group for selfie posters. Ask the selfie poster to join to recover from his/her illness.

Role  C – Facebook owner

You love selfies. Tell the others three reasons why. You're happy if everyone uploads thousands of selfies a day. You think it's great people like themselves and want to share their photos. It makes the world a happier place. Tell the researcher that the exact opposite of the research is true.

Role  D – Ex-selfie poster

You used to post thousands of selfies. Now you regret it. Tell the others three reasons why. Warn the selfie poster he/she will lose many friends. Tell the Facebook owner he only wants more people to look at Facebook ads. Tell the researcher the help group is a great idea. Posting selfies is an illness.

AFTER READING / LISTENING

1. WORD SEARCH: Look in your dictionary / computer to find collocates, other meanings, information, synonyms … for the words 'social' and 'network'.

social

network

 

 

 

  • Share your findings with your partners.
  • Make questions using the words you found.
  • Ask your partner / group your questions.

2. ARTICLE QUESTIONS: Look back at the article and write down some questions you would like to ask the class about the text.

  • Share your questions with other classmates / groups.
  • Ask your partner / group your questions.

3. GAP FILL: In pairs / groups, compare your answers to this exercise. Check your answers. Talk about the words from the activity. Were they new, interesting, worth learning…?

4. VOCABULARY: Circle any words you do not understand. In groups, pool unknown words and use dictionaries to find their meanings.

5. TEST EACH OTHER: Look at the words below. With your partner, try to recall how they were used in the text:

  • indicates
  • genre
  • length
  • impact
  • less
  • relate
  • rise
  • 10
  • shocked
  • control
  • image
  • suggest

SELFIES SURVEY

Write five GOOD questions about selfies in the table. Do this in pairs. Each student must write the questions on his / her own paper.

When you have finished, interview other students. Write down their answers.

 

STUDENT 1

_____________

STUDENT 2

_____________

STUDENT 3

_____________

Q.1.

 

 

 

 

Q.2.

 

 

 

 

Q.3.

 

 

 

 

Q.4.

 

 

 

 

Q.5.

 

 

 

 

  • Now return to your original partner and share and talk about what you found out. Change partners often.
  • Make mini-presentations to other groups on your findings.

SELFIES DISCUSSION

STUDENT A's QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student B)

a)

What did you think when you read the headline?

b)

What springs to mind when you hear the word 'photo'?

c)

What do you think about selfies?

d)

How often do you take selfies?

e)

Are selfies a good idea?

f)

Do you get fed up with looking at other people's selfies on Facebook?

g)

Is taking and uploading many selfies a sign of being vain?

h)

Do you think people could like other people less because of selfies?

i)

What's your favourite pose for a photo?

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

STUDENT B's QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student A)

a)

Did you like reading this article? Why/not?

b)

Do you think constant uploading of selfies could be a form of illness?

c)

What do you think of the word 'selfie'?

d)

Is it OK for celebrities to upload hundreds of selfies?

e)

Is it better to take a selfie or get a friend to take a photo of you?

f)

Do flattering selfies give a false image of a person?

g)

What would you like to say to some?

h)

Do you have a favourite photo of yourself?

i)

What questions would you like to ask the researcher?

DISCUSSION (Write your own questions)

STUDENT A's QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student B)

1.

________________________________________________________

2.

________________________________________________________

3.

________________________________________________________

4.

________________________________________________________

5.

________________________________________________________

6.

________________________________________________________

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

STUDENT B's QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student A)

1.

________________________________________________________

2.

________________________________________________________

3.

________________________________________________________

4.

________________________________________________________

5.

________________________________________________________

6.

________________________________________________________

LANGUAGE - CLOZE

A study from the U.K. (1) ____ that people who post too many "selfies" (photos of themselves) on Facebook and similar social networks risk damaging their real-life relationships. Wikipedia says a selfie is "a (2) ____  of self-portrait photograph…typically taken either with a camera held at arm's (3) ____ or in a mirror." The report, from Birmingham University, analysed the impact of these photos (4) ____ the relationships of 508 participants. The study found that excessive photo sharing and sharing (5) ____ types of photos makes almost everyone like you less. Head researcher Dr David Houghton said: "People, (6) ____ than very close friends and relatives, don't seem to relate well to those who constantly share photos of themselves."

Wikipedia explains the rise (7) ____ popularity of selfies. It says: "In December 2012, Time magazine noted that selfie was among its top 10 (8) ____ of 2012." Celebrities such as singers Rihanna and Justin Bieber are famous for uploading hundreds of pics of themselves. Many people who post selfies will be surprised, perhaps shocked, (9) ____ the Birmingham research. Wikipedia explains: "The appeal (10) ____ selfies comes from…the control they give self-photographers over how they present themselves. Many selfies are intended to present a (11) ____ image of the person, especially to friends whom the photographer expects to be supportive. The research may suggest the (12) ____ opposite is true.

Put the correct words from the table below in the above article.

1.

(a)

predicates

(b)

indicates

(c)

inculcates

(d)

dedicates

2.

(a)

generous

(b)

genuine

(c)

genie

(d)

genre

3.

(a)

longest

(b)

length

(c)

long

(d)

longing

4.

(a)

of

(b)

at

(c)

on

(d)

to

5.

(a)

certain

(b)

sure

(c)

positive

(d)

strange

6.

(a)

other

(b)

another

(c)

others

(d)

the others

7.

(a)

at

(b)

of

(c)

for

(d)

in

8.

(a)

buzzwords

(b)

antonyms

(c)

neologism

(d)

slang

9.

(a)

in

(b)

by

(c)

so

(d)

of

10.

(a)

as

(b)

at

(c)

of

(d)

if

11.

(a)

flattening

(b)

fluttering

(c)

flattering

(d)

flittering

12.

(a)

exactness

(b)

exact

(c)

exacted

(d)

exactly

SPELLING

Paragraph 1

1.

a egner of self-portrait

2.

lypyctila taken either with a camera…

3.

the relationships of 508 isacriatptpn

4.

xecesesiv photo sharing

5.

close friends and sitlrevae

6.

those who nysltntaoc share photos

Paragraph 2

7.

the rise in lpiaurtpyo

8.

top 10 zwbzosudr of 2012

9.

the paplea of selfies

10.

present a aelgtfintr image of the person

11.

expects to be vppuesrtio

12.

the exact ieotspop

PUT THE TEXT BACK TOGETHER

Number these lines in the correct order.

(    )

mirror." The report, from Birmingham University, analysed the impact of these photos on the relationships of 508

(    )

among its top 10 buzzwords of 2012." Celebrities such as singers Rihanna and Justin Bieber are famous

(    )

almost everyone like you less. Head researcher Dr David Houghton said: "People, other than very close

(    )

for uploading hundreds of pics of themselves. Many people who post selfies will be surprised,

(    )

perhaps shocked, by the Birmingham research. Wikipedia explains: "The appeal of selfies comes from…the control

(    )

Wikipedia explains the rise in popularity of selfies. It says: "In December 2012, Time magazine noted that selfie was

(    )

participants. The study found that excessive photo sharing and sharing certain types of photos makes

(    )

to present a flattering image of the person, especially to friends whom the photographer

(    )

they give self-photographers over how they present themselves. Many selfies are intended

(    )

and similar social networks risk damaging their real-life relationships. Wikipedia says a selfie is "a genre

(    )

of self-portrait photograph…typically taken either with a camera held at arm's length or in a

(    )

friends and relatives, don't seem to relate well to those who constantly share photos of themselves."

1  )

A study from the U.K. indicates that people who post too many "selfies" (photos of themselves) on Facebook

(    )

expects to be supportive. The research may suggest the exact opposite is true.

PUT THE WORDS IN THE RIGHT ORDER

1.

portrait - self of genre a is selfie a says Wikipedia.

2.

with held length either camera arm's Taken a at.

3.

photos The on impact the of relationships these.

4.

photos everyone less of almost you types makes like . Certain

5.

themselves of photos share constantly who Those.

6.

in Wikipedia popularity explains of the selfies rise.

7.

was top of Selfie its buzzwords among 10 2012.

8.

uploading themselves hundreds of Famous pics for of.

9.

of control selfies comes The from appeal the.

10.

opposite may exact true research the is The suggest.

CIRCLE THE CORRECT WORD (20 PAIRS)

A study from the U.K. indicates / dedicates that people who post too many "selfies" (photos of themselves) in / on Facebook and similar social networks risk damaging / damages their real-life relationships. Wikipedia says a selfie is "a genre of self-portrait photograph…typically / typical taken either with a camera held at arms / arm's length or in a mirror." The report, from Birmingham University, analysed the compact / impact of these photos on the relationships of 508 participants. The study found that exclusive / excessive photo sharing and sharing certain / sure types of photos makes almost everyone like you minus / less. Head researcher Dr David Houghton said: "People, other than very close friends and relatives, don't seem to relate / relay well to those who constantly share photos of themselves."

Wikipedia explains the raise / rise in popularity of selfies. It says: "In December 2012, Time magazine noted / denoted that selfie was among its top 10 buzzwords / neologism of 2012." Celebrities such as / was singers Rihanna and Justin Bieber are famous for uploading hundreds of pics of themselves. Many people who post selfies will be surprising / surprised, perhaps shocked, by the Birmingham research. Wikipedia explains: "The appeal / repeal of selfies comes from…the control they give self-photographers over / above how they present themselves. Many selfies are intended to gift / present a flattering image of the person, especially to friends whom the photographer expects / expect to be supportive. The research may suggest the exact / exactly opposite is true.

Talk about the connection between each pair of words in italics, and why the correct word is correct.

INSERT THE VOWELS (a, e, i, o, u)

_ st_dy fr_m th_ _.K. _nd_c_t_s th_t p__pl_ wh_ p_st t__ m_ny "s_lf__s" (ph_t_s _f th_ms_lv_s) _n F_c_b__k _nd s_m_l_r s_c__l n_tw_rks r_sk d_m_g_ng th__r r__l-l_f_ r_l_t__nsh_ps. W_k_p_d__ s_ys _ s_lf__ _s "_ g_nr_ _f s_lf-p_rtr__t ph_t_gr_ph…typ_c_lly t_k_n __th_r w_th _ c_m_r_ h_ld _t _rm's l_ngth _r _n _ m_rr_r." Th_ r_p_rt, fr_m B_rm_ngh_m _n_v_rs_ty, _n_lys_d th_ _mp_ct _f th_s_ ph_t_s _n th_ r_l_t__nsh_ps _f 508 p_rt_c_p_nts. Th_ st_dy f__nd th_t _xc_ss_v_ ph_t_ sh_r_ng _nd sh_r_ng c_rt__n typ_s _f ph_t_s m_k_s _lm_st _v_ry_n_ l_k_ y__ l_ss. H__d r_s__rch_r Dr D_v_d H__ght_n s__d: "P__pl_, _th_r th_n v_ry cl_s_ fr__nds _nd r_l_t_v_s, d_n't s__m t_ r_l_t_ w_ll t_ th_s_ wh_ c_nst_ntly sh_r_ ph_t_s _f th_ms_lv_s."

W_k_p_d__ _xpl__ns th_ r_s_ _n p_p_l_r_ty _f s_lf__s. _t s_ys: "_n D_c_mb_r 2012, T_m_ m_g_z_n_ n_t_d th_t s_lf__ w_s _m_ng _ts t_p 10 b_zzw_rds _f 2012." C_l_br_t__s s_ch _s s_ng_rs R_h_nn_ _nd J_st_n B__b_r _r_ f_m__s f_r _pl__d_ng h_ndr_ds _f p_cs _f th_ms_lv_s. M_ny p__pl_ wh_ p_st s_lf__s w_ll b_ s_rpr_s_d, p_rh_ps sh_ck_d, by th_ B_rm_ngh_m r_s__rch. W_k_p_d__ _xpl__ns: "Th_ _pp__l _f s_lf__s c_m_s fr_m…th_ c_ntr_l th_y g_v_ s_lf-ph_t_gr_ph_rs _v_r h_w th_y pr_s_nt th_ms_lv_s. M_ny s_lf__s _r_ _nt_nd_d t_ pr_s_nt _ fl_tt_r_ng _m_g_ _f th_ p_rs_n, _sp_c__lly t_ fr__nds wh_m th_ ph_t_gr_ph_r _xp_cts t_ b_ s_pp_rt_v_. Th_ r_s__rch m_y s_gg_st th_ _x_ct _pp_s_t_ _s tr__.

PUNCTUATE THE TEXT AND ADD CAPITALS

a study from the uk indicates that people who post too many "selfies" (photos of themselves) on facebook and similar social networks risk damaging their real-life relationships wikipedia says a selfie is "a genre of self-portrait photograph…typically taken either with a camera held at arm's length or in a mirror" the report from birmingham university analysed the impact of these photos on the relationships of 508 participants the study found that excessive photo sharing and sharing certain types of photos makes almost everyone like you less head researcher dr david houghton said "people other than very close friends and relatives don't seem to relate well to those who constantly share photos of themselves"

wikipedia explains the rise in popularity of selfies it says "in december 2012 time magazine noted that selfie was among its top 10 buzzwords of 2012" celebrities such as singers rihanna and justin bieber are famous for uploading hundreds of pics of themselves many people who post selfies will be surprised perhaps shocked by the birmingham research wikipedia explains "the appeal of selfies comes from…the control they give self-photographers over how they present themselves many selfies are intended to present a flattering image of the person especially to friends whom the photographer expects to be supportive the research may suggest the exact opposite is true

PUT A SLASH ( / ) WHERE THE SPACES ARE

AstudyfromtheU.K.indicatesthatpeoplewhoposttoomany"selfies"(photoso
fthemselves)onFacebookandsimilarsocialnetworksriskdamagingtheirreal-
liferelationships.Wikipediasaysaselfieis"agenreofself-portraitphoto
graph…typicallytakeneitherwithacameraheldatarm'slengthorinamirror."T
hereport,fromBirminghamUniversity,analysedtheimpactofthesephotoson
therelationshipsof508participants.Thestudyfoundthatexcessivephotoshar
ingandsharingcertaintypesofphotosmakesalmosteveryonelikeyouless.He
adresearcherDrDavidHoughtonsaid:"People,otherthanveryclosefriendsan
drelatives,don'tseemtorelatewelltothosewhoconstantlysharephotosofthe
mselves."Wikipediaexplainstheriseinpopularityofselfies.Itsays:"InDecem
ber2012,Timemagazinenotedthatselfiewasamongitstop10buzzwordsof20
12."CelebritiessuchassingersRihannaandJustinBieberarefamousforupload
inghundredsofpicsofthemselves.Manypeoplewhopostselfieswillbesurprise
d,perhapsshocked,bytheBirminghamresearch.Wikipediaexplains:"Theap
pealofselfiescomesfrom…thecontroltheygiveself-photographerso
verhowtheypresentthemselves.Manyselfiesareintendedtopresentaflatteri
ngimageoftheperson,especiallytofriendswhomthephotographerexpectsto
besupportive.Theresearchmaysuggesttheexactoppositeistrue.

FREE WRITING

Write about selfies for 10 minutes. Comment on your partner's paper.

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ACADEMIC WRITING

People who post too many photos of themselves online have a problem.   Discuss.

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HOMEWORK

1. VOCABULARY EXTENSION: Choose several of the words from the text. Use a dictionary or Google's search field (or another search engine) to build up more associations / collocations of each word.

2. INTERNET: Search the Internet and find out more about selfies. Share what you discover with your partner(s) in the next lesson.

3. SELFIES: Make a poster about selfies and social networks. Show your work to your classmates in the next lesson. Did you all have similar things?

4. RELATIONSHIPS: Write a magazine article about selfies and how they affect relationships. Include imaginary interviews with people who are for and against selfies.

Read what you wrote to your classmates in the next lesson. Write down any new words and expressions you hear from your partner(s).

5. WHAT HAPPENED NEXT? Write a newspaper article about the next stage in this news story. Read what you wrote to your classmates in the next lesson. Give each other feedback on your articles.

6. LETTER: Write a letter to a mental health expert. Ask him/her three questions about selfies. Give him/her three of your opinions on selfies and how many photos of yourself it's OK to upload. Read your letter to your partner(s) in your next lesson. Your partner(s) will answer your questions.

ANSWERS

TRUE / FALSE (p.4)

a

F

b

F

c

T

d

T

e

F

f

F

g

T

h

T

SYNONYM MATCH (p.4)

1.

study

a.

report

2.

risk

b.

jeopardize

3.

genre

c.

category

4.

excessive

d.

too much

5.

constantly

e.

always

6.

rise

f.

increase

7.

appeal

g.

attraction

8.

intended

h.

meant

9.

flattering

i.

complimentary

10.

supportive

j.

encouraging

COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS (p.8)

1.

People who upload many selfless

2.

A self-portrait

3.

Held at arm's length

4.

508

5.

Close friends and relatives

6.

It was one of the buzzwords for 2012

7.

Rihanna and Justin Bieber

8.

The control they give self-photographers

9.

Flattering ones

10.

Supportive

MULTIPLE CHOICE - QUIZ (p.9)

1.

b

2.

d

3.

c

4.

a

5.

b

6.

a

7.

c

8.

a

9.

d

10.

c

ALL OTHER EXERCISES

Please check for yourself by looking at the Article on page 2.
(It's good for your English ;-)

 

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