B1 – Intermediate
Excessive usage of technology, especially, our gadgets can be harmful to our health. However, a recent study suggests that spending time online may be beneficial to the mental health of older people.
Read the article to learn more about this new research on how internet use reduces the risk of dementia in older people.
https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2305/230508-daily-internet-use.html
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “plethora” mean, “There is a plethora of research on the potential harm of the Internet.“? Use this word in your own sentence.
- What does “exacerbate” mean, “The research also found that excessive Internet use (of 6 to 8 hours a day) may exacerbate the risks of developing dementia.“? Give 2 synonyms of this word and use them in a sentence.
- What is the meaning of “compensate” in this context, “Online engagement may help to develop and maintain cognitive reserve, which can in turn compensate for brain aging and reduce the risk of dementia.“”? Use it in a sentence in the same context.
Discussion Questions:
- According to the article, what are some of the benefits of using the internet frequently?
- Do you think that older people should use the Internet as a way to maintain cognitive function? Explain.
- Do you believe that spending time online can benefit your mental health? Explain.
- What steps do you take to balance your online and offline activities to ensure optimal mental health?
- How do you think society as a whole is affected by the prevalence of internet use?
2 replies on “Internet Use Lowers Risk of Dementia”
**Vocabulary Questions:**
1. What does “**plethora**” mean, “_There is a **plethora** of research on the potential harm of the Internet._“? Use this word in your own sentence.
– It is a large number of.
– There are a plethora of plants in the amazon
2. What does “**exacerbate**” mean, “_The research also found that excessive Internet use (of 6 to 8 hours a day) may **exacerbate** the risks of developing dementia._“? Give 2 synonyms of this word and use them in a sentence.
– Intensify and aggravate
– Intense unprepared exercise increases risk of heart attack
3. What is the meaning of “**compensate**” in this context, “_Online engagement may help to develop and maintain cognitive reserve, which can in turn **compensate** for brain aging and reduce the risk of dementia._“”? Use it in a sentence in the same context.
– it is a synonym of balance
– You have to compensate the type of food you eat if you want to have good health
**Discussion Questions:**
1. According to the article, what are some of the benefits of using the internet frequently?
Online engagement may help to develop and maintain cognitive reserve, which can in turn compensate for brain aging and reduce the risk of dementia.
2. Do you think that older people should use the Internet as a way to maintain cognitive function? Explain.
Perhaps. Although I do not trust studies that may have hidden interests
3. Do you believe that spending time online can benefit your mental health? Explain.
In my opinion do sport, eat healthy and keep the brain busy making it work no matter how, is the best formula to get healthier to old age
4. What steps do you take to balance your online and offline activities to ensure optimal mental health?
I try to do sport. read books offline and mental calculations whenever I can
5. How do you think society as a whole is affected by the prevalence of internet use?
I think it’s less harmful than television but still you have to be careful with the evil minds that dominate the world
Good job continuing with your writing skills.
Here is how to write this sentence better:
Keep it up!