The Reading / Listening - Phone Zombies - Level 3

Honolulu in Hawaii has become the first major American city to ban pedestrians from walking across the road while looking at mobile phones or other digital devices. The new law will start on October the 25th. It says: "No pedestrian shall cross a street or highway while viewing a mobile electronic device." This includes mobile phones, tablets, laptop computers and digital cameras. Anyone breaking this law for the first time will get a fine of $15-$35. People who break the law for a second or third time will get a $99 fine. The new bill is called the Distracted Walking Law. Honolulu's mayor Kirk Caldwell said the law was because of the high number of accidents, injuries and deaths because of pedestrians using mobile devices.

Some lawmakers called people who text while walking, "phone zombies". Mr Caldwell said the ban was necessary to make people more aware of the dangers of texting while walking. He said: "We hold the unfortunate distinction of being a major city with more pedestrians being hit in crosswalks, particularly our seniors, than almost any other city in the county." He added: "Sometimes I wish there were laws we did not have to pass, that perhaps common sense would [exist], but sometimes we lack common sense." Another lawmaker said: "As technology has advanced, we sometimes forget about the real issue, and that’s about safety." The new law is similar to one that bans texting while driving.

Try the same news story at these easier levels:

    Phone Zombies - Level 0 Phone Zombies - Level 1   or  Phone Zombies - Level 2

Sources
  • http://www.govtech.com/policy/Honolulu-Distracted-Walking-Law-Outlaws-Texting-within-Crosswalks.html
  • http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/07/29/540140824/its-now-illegal-to-text-while-crossing-the-street-in-honolulu
  • http://www.marketwatch.com/story/honolulu-bans-texting-while-crossing-the-street-2017-07-29


Make sure you try all of the online activities for this reading and listening - There are dictations, multiple choice, drag and drop activities, crosswords, hangman, flash cards, matching activities and a whole lot more. Please enjoy :-)

Warm-ups

1. MOBILE PHONES: Students walk around the class and talk to other students about mobile phones. Change partners often and share your findings.

2. CHAT: In pairs / groups, talk about these topics or words from the article. What will the article say about them? What can you say about these words and your life?

       Hawaii / major / pedestrians / digital devices / highway / computers / fine / injuries /
       zombies / necessary / distinction / seniors / common sense / technology / texting

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

3. BAN: Students A strongly believe walking while texting should be banned; Students B strongly believe it shouldn't.  Change partners again and talk about your conversations.

4. TALKING: When is it not OK to talk on a mobile phone and why? Complete this table with your partner(s). Change partners often and share what you wrote.

 

OK?

Why?

While crossing a road

 

 

On the street

 

 

In a shopping mall

 

 

On a train

 

 

In a restaurant

 

 

In a movie theatre

 

 

MY e-BOOK
ESL resource book with copiable worksheets and handouts - 1,000 Ideas and Activities for Language Teachers / English teachers
See a sample

5. PHONE: Spend one minute writing down all of the different words you associate with the word "phone". Share your words with your partner(s) and talk about them. Together, put the words into different categories.

6. ELECTRONIC DEVICES: Rank these with your partner. Put the best electronic devices at the top. Change partners often and share your rankings.

  • television
  • Nintendo Wii
  • iPad
  • mp3 music players
  • mobiles phones
  • digital cameras
  • electronic dictionaries
  • laptop computers

 

Before reading / listening

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

  1. Honolulu is the first major US city to ban texting while crossing roads.     T / F
  2. The new law came into force last month.     T / F
  3. The fine for a first offence could be $15.     T / F
  4. Honolulu's mayor said there was a high number of pedestrian deaths.     T / F
  5. Lawmakers said zombie phones should be banned.     T / F
  6. The mayor said old people in particular were being hit at crosswalks.     T / F
  7. The mayor said there was no lack of common sense.     T / F
  8. The new law is nothing like the ban on texting while driving.     T / F

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

  1. major
  2. devices
  3. breaking
  4. because of
  5. deaths
  6. necessary
  7. dangers
  8. particularly
  9. issue
  10. similar
  1. hazards
  2. contravening
  3. looks like
  4. needed
  5. due to
  6. big
  7. especially
  8. matter
  9. gadgets
  10. fatalities

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

  1. the first major
  2. digital
  3. cross
  4. break the
  5. the high number
  6. make people more
  7. pedestrians being
  8. common
  9. technology has
  10. similar to one that bans texting
  1. aware of the dangers
  2. a street
  3. law
  4. sense
  5. hit in crosswalks
  6. American city
  7. advanced
  8. of accidents
  9. while driving
  10. devices

Gap fill

Put these words into the spaces in the paragraph below.
cross
break
other
number
device
ban
mayor
fine

Honolulu in Hawaii has become the first major American city to (1) ____________ pedestrians from walking across the road while looking at mobile phones or (2) ____________ digital devices. The new law will start on October the 25th. It says: "No pedestrian shall (3) ____________ a street or highway while viewing a mobile electronic (4) ____________." This includes mobile phones, tablets, laptop computers and digital cameras. Anyone breaking this law for the first time will get a (5) ____________ of $15-$35. People who (6) ____________ the law for a second or third time will get a $99 fine. The new bill is called the Distracted Walking Law. Honolulu's (7) ____________ Kirk Caldwell said the law was because of the high (8) ____________ of accidents, injuries and deaths because of pedestrians using mobile devices.

Put these words into the spaces in the paragraph below.
major
sense
who
similar
seniors
issue
dangers
pass

Some lawmakers called people (9) ____________ text while walking, "phone zombies". Mr Caldwell said the ban was necessary to make people more aware of the (10) ____________ of texting while walking. He said: "We hold the unfortunate distinction of being a (11) ____________ city with more pedestrians being hit in crosswalks, particularly our (12) ____________, than almost any other city in the county." He added: "Sometimes I wish there were laws we did not have to (13) ____________, that perhaps common sense would [exist], but sometimes we lack common (14) ____________." Another lawmaker said: "As technology has advanced, we sometimes forget about the real (15) ____________, and that’s about safety." The new law is (16) ____________ to one that bans texting while driving.

Listening — Guess the answers. Listen to check.

1) walking across the road while looking at mobile phones or other ______
     a.  digitally devices
     b.  digital devices
     c.  digital device
     d.  digital device is

2) No pedestrian shall cross a street or highway while viewing a ______ device.
     a.  mobile electronics
     b.  mobile electrical
     c.  mobile electronica
     d.  mobile electronic

3)  This includes mobile phones, tablets, laptop computers and ______
     a.  digital camera
     b.  digitals cameras
     c.  digitals camera
     d.  digital cameras

4)  People who break the law for a second or third time will ______
     a.  get a $99 fine
     b.  get a $99 find
     c.  get a $99 fined
     d.  get a $99 fin

5)  the law was because of the high number of accidents, injuries ______
     a.  and death
     b.  and deaths
     c.  end deaths
     d.  end death

6)  Some lawmakers called people who text while walking, "______"
     a.  phoned zombies
     b.  phones zombies
     c.  phone zombies
     d.  phoney zombies

7)  Mr Caldwell said the ban was necessary to make people more ______ dangers
     a.  beware of the
     b.  unaware of the
     c.  aware of the
     d.  adware of the

8)  the unfortunate distinction of being a major city with more pedestrians ______
     a.  being hit
     b.  been hit
     c.  be in hit
     d.  being in hit

9) I wish there were laws we did not have to pass, that perhaps common ______ exist
     a.  senses would
     b.  sensed would
     c.  sensory would
     d.  sense would

10)  As technology has advanced, we sometimes forget about ______
     a.  the real issues
     b.  the really issue
     c.  the real issue
     d.  the real tissue

Listening — Listen and fill in the gaps

Honolulu in Hawaii has become (1) ___________________ American city to ban pedestrians from walking across the road (2) ___________________ mobile phones or other digital devices. The new law will start on October the 25th. It says: "No pedestrian shall (3) ___________________ or highway while viewing a mobile electronic device." This includes mobile phones, tablets, laptop computers and digital cameras. Anyone breaking this law for the first time (4) ___________________ of $15-$35. People who break the law for a second or third time will get a $99 fine. The (5) ___________________ called the Distracted Walking Law. Honolulu's mayor Kirk Caldwell said the law was because of the (6) ___________________ accidents, injuries and deaths because of pedestrians using mobile devices.

Some lawmakers called people (7) ___________________ walking, "phone zombies". Mr Caldwell said the ban (8) ___________________ make people more aware of the dangers of texting while walking. He said: "We hold the unfortunate distinction (9) ___________________ major city with more pedestrians being hit in crosswalks, particularly our seniors, than almost any other (10) ___________________ county." He added: "Sometimes I wish there were laws we did not have to pass, that perhaps common sense would [exist], but sometimes we (11) ___________________." Another lawmaker said: "As technology has advanced, we sometimes forget about the real issue, and that’s about safety." The new (12) ___________________ to one that bans texting while driving.

Comprehension questions

  1. How many other American cities have banned texting while walking?
  2. When will the new law start?
  3. How much is the fine for the first time you break the law?
  4. How much is the fine for texting while walking for the second time?
  5. What is the job of Kirk Caldwell?
  6. What do some people call those who text while crossing the street?
  7. Who in particular is being hit in crosswalks?
  8. What did Mr Caldwell say we sometimes lack?
  9. What did a lawmaker say was the real issue?
  10. What other law is the new law similar to?

Multiple choice quiz

1) How many other American cities have banned texting while walking?
a) 3
b) 0
c) 2
d) 1

2) When will the new law start?
a) October 27
b) October 23
c) October 21
d) October 25

3) How much is the fine for the first time you break the law?
a) $15-$35
b) $15-$25
c) $25-$35
d) $15-$99

4) How much is the fine for texting while walking for the second time?
a) $100
b) $199
c) $99
d) $99.99

5) What is the job of Kirk Caldwell?
a) street designer
b) mayor
c) mobile phone maker
d) journalist

6) What do some people call those who text while crossing the street?
a) phone zombies
b) phone bombers
c) phoney zombies
d) phoney phoners

7) Who in particular is being hit in crosswalks?
a) police
b) infants
c) seniors
d) juniors

8) What did Mr Caldwell say we sometimes lack?
a) common sense
b) dollars and cents
c) nonsense
d) common scents

9) What did a lawmaker say was the real issue?
a) safety
b) traffic lights
c) bans
d) walking

10) What other law is the new law similar to?
a) texting while eating
b) texting while drinking
c) texting while working
d) texting while driving

Role play

Role  A – Mobile Phones

You think mobile phones are the best electronic devices. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them what is wrong with their devices. Also, tell the others which is the least useful of these (and why): television, iPads or laptops.

Role  B – Television

You think televisions are the best electronic devices. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them what is wrong with their devices. Also, tell the others which is the least useful of these (and why): mobile phones, iPads or laptops.

Role  C – iPad

You think iPads are the best electronic devices. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them what is wrong with their devices. Also, tell the others which is the least useful of these (and why): television, mobile phones or laptops.

Role  D – Laptop

You think laptops are the best electronic devices. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them what is wrong with their devices. Also, tell the others which is the least useful of these (and why):  television, iPads or mobile phones.

After reading / listening

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

'mobile'

  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • and 'phone'.

  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • • 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:

    • necessary
    • dangers
    • hit
    • pass
    • lack
    • similar
    • major
    • new
    • cross
    • first
    • get
    • high

    Student survey

    Write five GOOD questions about this topic 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.

    (Please look at page 12 of the PDF to see a photocopiable example of this activity.)

    Discussion - Mobile phone ban while crossing roads in Honolulu

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

    1. What did you think when you read the headline?
    2. What images are in your mind when you hear the word 'phone'?
    3. What do you know about Hawaii?
    4. What do you think of texting while walking?
    5. How important are mobile phones to you?
    6. Have people looking at mobile phones bumped into you?
    7. What do you think of the mobile phone ban?
    8. What do you think of the size of the fine?
    9. Do people spend too much time looking at mobile phones?
    10. How can we stop people walking while texting?

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

    1. Did you like reading this article? Why/not?
    2. What do you think of when you hear the word 'zombie'?
    3. What do you think about what you read?
    4. What other dangers are there of mobile phones?
    5. What do you think of the term "phone zombie"?
    6. What would life be like without mobile phones?
    7. Do people who text while walking have common sense?
    8. What other dangers are there with mobile phones?
    9. What makes you angry about people using mobile phones?
    10. What questions would you like to ask Honolulu's mayor?

    Discussion — Write your own questions

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

    (a) ________________

    (b) ________________

    (c) ________________

    (d) ________________

    (e) ________________

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

    (f) ________________

    (g) ________________

    (h) ________________

    (i) ________________

    (j) ________________

    Language — Cloze (Gap-fill)

    Honolulu in Hawaii has become the (1) ____ major American city to ban pedestrians from walking (2) ____ the road while looking at mobile phones or other digital devices. The new law will start on October the 25th. It says: "No pedestrian shall cross a street or highway while (3) ____ a mobile electronic device." This includes mobile phones, tablets, laptop computers and digital cameras. Anyone breaking this law for the first time will get a fine of $15-$35. People who (4) ____ the law for a second or third time will (5) ____ a $99 fine. The new bill is called the Distracted Walking Law. Honolulu's mayor Kirk Caldwell said the law was because of the high number of accidents, injuries and deaths because (6) ____ pedestrians using mobile devices.

    Some lawmakers called people who text (7) ____ walking, "phone zombies". Mr Caldwell said the ban was necessary to make people more (8) ____ of the dangers of texting while walking. He said: "We hold the unfortunate distinction of being a major city with more pedestrians being hit in crosswalks, particularly our (9) ____, than almost any other city in the county." He added: "Sometimes I wish there were laws we did not have to (10) ____, that perhaps common sense would [exist], but sometimes we lack common sense." Another lawmaker said: "As technology has (11) ____, we sometimes forget about the real issue, and that’s about safety." The new law is similar (12) ____ one that bans texting while driving.

    Which of these words go in the above text?

    1. (a)     firstly     (b)     firsts     (c)     first     (d)     firsthand    
    2. (a)     across     (b)     cross     (c)     crossed     (d)     crosses    
    3. (a)     viewing     (b)     viewable     (c)     views     (d)     viewed    
    4. (a)     break     (b)     breaking     (c)     broken     (d)     breakable    
    5. (a)     be     (b)     get     (c)     do     (d)     up    
    6. (a)     off     (b)     for     (c)     from     (d)     of    
    7. (a)     were     (b)     that     (c)     while     (d)     which    
    8. (a)     wear     (b)     swear     (c)     beware     (d)     aware    
    9. (a)     seniors     (b)     seniority     (c)     senior     (d)     senator    
    10. (a)     pass     (b)     path     (c)     parse     (d)     past    
    11. (a)     forwarded     (b)     advanced     (c)     leapt     (d)     risen    
    12. (a)     for     (b)     of     (c)     to     (d)     for

    Spelling

    Paragraph 1

    1. the first aomjr American city
    2. digital veicsde
    3. No aidtspnere shall cross a street
    4. This sleindcu mobile phones
    5. the high number of cintsedca
    6. inrseiuj and deaths

    Paragraph 2

    1. the ban was sscnaryee
    2. the ruatuoetfnn distinction
    3. particularly our nossire
    4. mmnoco sense
    5. technology has acvnddae
    6. The new law is siamlir

    Put the text back together

    (    )     distinction of being a major city with more pedestrians being hit in crosswalks, particularly our

    (    )     Some lawmakers called people who text while walking, "phone zombies". Mr Caldwell said the ban was

    (    )     not have to pass, that perhaps common sense would [exist], but sometimes we lack common

    (    )     of the high number of accidents, injuries and deaths because of pedestrians using mobile devices.

    (    )     device." This includes mobile phones, tablets, laptop computers and digital cameras. Anyone breaking this

    (    )     issue, and that’s about safety." The new law is similar to one that bans texting while driving.

    (    )     necessary to make people more aware of the dangers of texting while walking. He said: "We hold the unfortunate

    (    )     seniors, than almost any other city in the county." He added: "Sometimes I wish there were laws we did

    (    )     sense." Another lawmaker said: "As technology has advanced, we sometimes forget about the real

    (    )     start on October the 25th. It says: "No pedestrian shall cross a street or highway while viewing a mobile electronic

    (    )     law for the first time will get a fine of $15-$35. People who break the law for a second or third time will get a $99

    (  1  )     Honolulu in Hawaii has become the first major American city to ban pedestrians from walking

    (    )     across the road while looking at mobile phones or other digital devices. The new law will

    (    )     fine. The new bill is called the Distracted Walking Law. Honolulu's mayor Kirk Caldwell said the law was because

    Put the words in the right order

    1. to   city   American   major   first   The   pedestrians   ban   .
    2. looking   across   at   the   mobile   road   phones   while   Walking   .
    3. a   get   will  time   first   the   for   law   this  breaking   Anyone   fine  .
    4. third   break   second   the   time   law   People   for   who   a   or   .
    5. of   law   of   number   The   because   high   accidents   was   the   .
    6. called   lawmakers   Some   walking   while   text   who   people   .
    7. The   make   ban   people   was   more   necessary   aware   to   .
    8. major   being   city   hit   with   Being   more   a   pedestrians   .
    9. we   did   I   not   wish   have   there   to   were   pass   laws   .
    10. law  one  new  while  that  similar  driving  bans  to   The   texting  is   .

    Circle the correct word (20 pairs)

    Honolulu in Hawaii has become / became the first major American city to ban pedestrians from walking crossing / across the road while looking at mobile phones or another / other digital devices. The new law will start on October the 25th. It says: "No pedestrian shall crossing / cross a street or highway while views / viewing a mobile electronic device." This includes mobile phones, tablets, laptop computers and digital cameras. Anyone breaking / broken this law for the first time will get a fine of $15-$35. People who break the law for a second or thirdly / third time will get a $99 fine. The new bill is called the Distracted Walking Law. Honolulu's major / mayor Kirk Caldwell said the law was because of the high / height number of accidents, injuries and deaths because of pedestrians used / using mobile devices.

    Some lawmakers called / called people who text while walking, "phone zombies". Mr Caldwell said the ban was necessary to make people more awareness / aware of the dangers / dangerous of texting while walking. He said: "We hold the unfortunate distinction of being a majors / major city with more pedestrians being hit in crosswalks, particularly our seniors, than almost any another / other city in the county." He added: "Sometimes I wish there were laws we did not have to past / pass, that perhaps common sense would [exist], but sometimes we lack commons / common sense." Another lawmaker said: "As technology has advancing / advanced, we sometimes forget about the real issue, and that’s about safety / safer." The new law is similar to one that bans texting while driven / driving.

    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)

    H_n_l_l_ _n H_w___ h_s b_c_m_ th_ f_rst m_j_r _m_r_c_n c_ty t_ b_n p_d_str__ns fr_m w_lk_ng _cr_ss th_ r__d wh_l_ l__k_ng _t m_b_l_ ph_n_s _r _th_r d_g_t_l d_v_c_s. Th_ n_w l_w w_ll st_rt _n _ct_b_r th_ 25th. _t s_ys: "N_ p_d_str__n sh_ll cr_ss _ str__t _r h_ghw_y wh_l_ v__w_ng _ m_b_l_ _l_ctr_n_c d_v_c_." Th_s _ncl_d_s m_b_l_ ph_n_s, t_bl_ts, l_pt_p c_mp_t_rs _nd d_g_t_l c_m_r_s. _ny_n_ br__k_ng th_s l_w f_r th_ f_rst t_m_ w_ll g_t _ f_n_ _f $15-$35. P__pl_ wh_ br__k th_ l_w f_r _ s_c_nd _r th_rd t_m_ w_ll g_t _ $99 f_n_. Th_ n_w b_ll _s c_ll_d th_ D_str_ct_d W_lk_ng L_w. H_n_l_l_'s m_y_r K_rk C_ldw_ll s__d th_ l_w w_s b_c__s_ _f th_ h_gh n_mb_r _f _cc_d_nts, _nj_r__s _nd d__ths b_c__s_ _f p_d_str__ns _s_ng m_b_l_ d_v_c_s.

    S_m_ l_wm_k_rs c_ll_d p__pl_ wh_ t_xt wh_l_ w_lk_ng, "ph_n_ z_mb__s". Mr C_ldw_ll s__d th_ b_n w_s n_c_ss_ry t_ m_k_ p__pl_ m_r_ _w_r_ _f th_ d_ng_rs _f t_xt_ng wh_l_ w_lk_ng. H_ s__d: "W_ h_ld th_ _nf_rt_n_t_ d_st_nct__n _f b__ng _ m_j_r c_ty w_th m_r_ p_d_str__ns b__ng h_t _n cr_ssw_lks, p_rt_c_l_rly __r s_n__rs, th_n _lm_st _ny _th_r c_ty _n th_ c__nty." H_ _dd_d: "S_m_t_m_s _ w_sh th_r_ w_r_ l_ws w_ d_d n_t h_v_ t_ p_ss, th_t p_rh_ps c_mm_n s_ns_ w__ld [_x_st], b_t s_m_t_m_s w_ l_ck c_mm_n s_ns_." _n_th_r l_wm_k_r s__d: "_s t_chn_l_gy h_s _dv_nc_d, w_ s_m_t_m_s f_rg_t _b__t th_ r__l _ss__, _nd th_t’s _b__t s_f_ty." Th_ n_w l_w _s s_m_l_r t_ _n_ th_t b_ns t_xt_ng wh_l_ dr_v_ng.

    Punctuate the text and add capitals

    honolulu in hawaii has become the first major american city to ban pedestrians from walking across the road while looking at mobile phones or other digital devices the new law will start on october the 25th it says "no pedestrian shall cross a street or highway while viewing a mobile electronic device" this includes mobile phones tablets laptop computers and digital cameras anyone breaking this law for the first time will get a fine of $15-$35 people who break the law for a second or third time will get a $99 fine the new bill is called the distracted walking law honolulu's mayor kirk caldwell said the law was because of the high number of accidents injuries and deaths because of pedestrians using mobile devices

    some lawmakers called people who text while walking "phone zombies" mr caldwell said the ban was necessary to make people more aware of the dangers of texting while walking he said "we hold the unfortunate distinction of being a major city with more pedestrians being hit in crosswalks particularly our seniors than almost any other city in the county" he added "sometimes i wish there were laws we did not have to pass that perhaps common sense would [exist] but sometimes we lack common sense" another lawmaker said "as technology has advanced we sometimes forget about the real issue and that’s about safety" the new law is similar to one that bans texting while driving

    Put a slash (/) where the spaces are

    HonoluluinHawaiihasbecomethefirstmajorAmericancitytobanpedes
    triansfromwalkingacrosstheroadwhilelookingatmobilephonesoroth
    erdigitaldevices.ThenewlawwillstartonOctoberthe25th.Itsays:"Nop
    edestrianshallcrossastreetorhighwaywhileviewingamobileelectroni
    cdevice."Thisincludesmobilephones,tablets,laptopcomputersanddi
    gitalcameras.Anyonebreakingthislawforthefirsttimewillgetafineof$
    15-$35.Peoplewhobreakthelawforasecondorthirdtimewillgeta$99f
    ine.ThenewbilliscalledtheDistractedWalkingLaw.Honolulu'smayorKi
    rkCaldwellsaidthelawwasbecauseofthehighnumberofaccidents,inju
    riesanddeathsbecauseofpedestriansusingmobiledevices.Somelaw
    makerscalledpeoplewhotextwhilewalking,"phonezombies".MrCald
    wellsaidthebanwasnecessarytomakepeoplemoreawareofthedanger
    softextingwhilewalking.Hesaid:"Weholdtheunfortunatedistinctionof
    beingamajorcitywithmorepedestriansbeinghitincrosswalks,particul
    arlyourseniors,thanalmostanyothercityinthecounty."Headded:"So
    metimesIwishtherewerelawswedidnothavetopass,thatperhapscom
    monsensewould[exist],butsometimeswelackcommonsense."Anoth
    erlawmakersaid:"Astechnologyhasadvanced,wesometimesforgeta
    bouttherealissue,andthat’saboutsafety."Thenewlawissimilartoonet
    hatbanstextingwhiledriving.

    Free writing

    Write about phone zombies for 10 minutes. Comment on your partner’s paper.

    _____________________________________________________________________________

    _____________________________________________________________________________

    _____________________________________________________________________________

    _____________________________________________________________________________

    _____________________________________________________________________________

    _____________________________________________________________________________

    _____________________________________________________________________________

    _____________________________________________________________________________

    _____________________________________________________________________________

     

    Academic writing

    Texting while walking should be illegal. Discuss.

    _____________________________________________________________________________

    _____________________________________________________________________________

    _____________________________________________________________________________

    _____________________________________________________________________________

    _____________________________________________________________________________

    _____________________________________________________________________________

    _____________________________________________________________________________

    _____________________________________________________________________________

    _____________________________________________________________________________

     

    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 this news. Share what you discover with your partner(s) in the next lesson.

    3. MOBILE PHONES: Make a poster about mobile phones and walking. Show your work to your classmates in the next lesson. Did you all have similar things?

    4. BAN: Write a magazine article about the ban on mobile phones while texting. Include imaginary interviews with people who are for and against it.

    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 an expert on mobile phones. Ask him/her three questions about them. Give him/her three of your opinions on banning texting while walking. Read your letter to your partner(s) in your next lesson. Your partner(s) will answer your questions.

    A Few Additional Activities for Students

    Ask your students what they have read, seen or heard about this news in their own language. Students are likely to / may have have encountered this news in their L1 and therefore bring a background knowledge to the classroom.

    Get students to role play different characters from this news story.

    Ask students to keep track of this news and revisit it to discuss in your next class.

    Ask students to male predictions of how this news might develop in the next few days or weeks, and then revisit and discuss in a future class.

    Ask students to write a follow-up story to this news.

    Students role play a journalist and someone who witnessed or was a part of this news. Perhaps they could make a video of the interview.

    Ask students to keep a news journal in English and add this story to their thoughts.

    Also...

    Buy my 1,000 Ideas and Activities for Language Teachers eBook. It has hundreds of ideas, activity templates, reproducible activities for:

    • News
    • Warm ups
    • Pre-reading / Post-reading
    • Using headlines
    • Working with words
    • While-reading / While-listening
    • Moving from text to speech
    • Post-reading / Post-listening
    • Discussions
    • Using opinions
    • Plans
    • Language
    • Using lists
    • Using quotes
    • Task-based activities
    • Role plays
    • Using the central characters in the article
    • Using themes from the news
    • Homework

    Buy my book

    $US 9.99

    Answers

    (Please look at page 26 of the PDF to see a photocopiable example of this activity.)

    Help Support This Web Site

    • Please consider helping Breaking News English.com

    Sean Banville's Book

    Thank You