Discussion text

Everywhere you go nowadays, you see people using mobile phones. From school children to the people, you see them talking in the supermarket, on trains, in the street, everywhere!

So what are the advantages of mobile phones?

First of all, they are very convenient because you can phone from nearly everywhere. Another advantage is that they are really useful in emergency situations.

For example, if you are alone in your car and it breaks down, you can get help quickly. In addition, you can also use mobile to text your friends or connect to the net.

However, there are disadvantages such as the cost. Mobile phone calls cost more than normal calls. Furthermore, it can be annoying if you are on the train or a bus, and you have to listen to someone else’s boring conversation. It happens because people can contact you anywhere, at anytime, unless you switch your phone off!

In conclusion, there are both advantages and disadvantages. Personally, I feel mobile phones are a good thing because they give us more freedom and make communication easier.

What the text is about?

• Mobile phone calls cost

• How people use their mobile phone

• How people communicate nowadays

• The advantages and disadvantages of having mobile phones

• The reasons why people have a mobile phone

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Ecologists commented that H5N 1 virus still remains a bird virus and has no scientific evidences of human‑to‑human transmission. They said there are billions of people across Asia which only 118 are reported being affected by avian flu. So, how do they calculate to show that 150 million or more deaths will come from avian flu. The global panic, according to the Ecologist, is the result of “scare tactics" created by politicians, medical officers, and the media.

The underlined word refers to ....

• Human

• Scare tactics

• ecologists

• Bird viruses

• Medical officers

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There are differences of opinions on the Avian Flu. Some said this disease may claim 150 million deaths but there are others who said current alarm on avian flu is unwarranted as there is no proof of spreading between humans.

According to United Nation's chief coordinator on bird flu said 150 million or more could die from the disease, if a pandemic strike. One of the frightening issues for a human flu pandemic arising from avian influenza is its unpredictability.

It is difficult to estimate the death toll should H5N1 virus mutates into a form. Which can be easily transmitted between human. It is not possible to predict whether a pandemic would occur once or it would repeat. However, an epidemiologist recommended that Government should take every possible precaution the threat of bird flu, seriously.

Contrary to all dire talks about avian flu pandemic coming, an Ecologist dismissed the current panic as unsubstantiated and guess work.

Ecologists commented that H5N 1 virus still remains a bird virus and has no scientific evidences of human‑to‑human transmission. They said there are billions of people across Asia which only 118 are reported being affected by avian flu. So, how do they calculate to show that 150 million or more deaths will come from avian flu. The global panic, according to the Ecologist, is the result of “scare tactics" created by politicians, medical officers, and the media.

It is premature to predict the outcome of avian flu. Health scientist could confirm the possibility of human‑to‑human transmission. The advice is to keep calm and stay alert because if you do, you will weaken your resistance and reduce your immune system.

What does the text discuss?

• Controversies over the Avian Flu

• Unpredictability of of Avian Flu

• Negative effect of Avian Flu

• Precaution against Avian Flu

• The outcome of Avian Flu

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