Two generations online: connect, include, in common
A text about two age groups often shows what is different and what is the same. Look for words that show a difference, such as but and while, and words that show similarity, such as both, also and in common. When two people have something in common, they share it: both of them like cooking. When people live far apart, for example in different cities, technology helps them connect. When we include someone, we make them part of the group, for example when a family group chat includes the grandparents. To answer multiple-choice questions, find the sentence in the text first, then choose the option with the same meaning, not just the same words. Remember that texts about generations use words like many and some: they never say all people.
| Word | Meaning | Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| connect | join or link | A video call connects us with our cousin. |
| include | make part of a group | We include Grandma in the family chat. |
| in common | shared | They have football in common. |
| far apart | a long way from each other | The sisters live far apart. |
Mariam is thirteen and lives in Cairo. Her grandmother, Teta Sherine, lives in a village near Minya, so they are far apart. Every Friday evening they have a video call. Mariam shows her school work, and Teta Sherine shows the vegetables in her garden. At first Teta Sherine did not know how to start the call, but Mariam’s mother taught her. Now the whole family includes her in a group chat. Both of them love baking, so they often share recipes. They are very different in age, but they have many things in common.
Interview and compare. Ask a grown-up about the first time they used a phone or a computer. Write three differences between their childhood and yours, and two things you have in common.