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Books or e-books?
Textbook: p. 34
GoalBooks and e-books: comparing advantages and disadvantages; expressions of agreement and disagreement.
New words
e-book · elektron kitobscreen · ekranlight / heavy · yengil / og‘irlend / borrow · qarz bermoq / olmoq
Explanation
Printed book advantages: the smell of paper, easy on the eyes, no battery, simple to put on a shelf and lend to a friend. E-book advantages: hundreds of books on one device, light weight, adjustable text size, quick download. Disadvantages: you must charge the battery and a screen can tire your eyes. The first e-book appeared in 1971 through Project Gutenberg. To give an opinion: I think ... In my opinion ... Agreeing: I quite agree. I couldn’t agree more. You are quite right. Disagreeing: I don’t think so. Not necessarily. I’m afraid I disagree. I totally disagree.
Worked examples
A: In my opinion, e-books are better for travelling. B: I quite agree. One reader can hold a hundred books. A: But printed books never run out of battery. B: That’s true, but I don’t think they are practical for a long trip.
Statement: In the future nobody will read paper books. Reply 1: I’m afraid I disagree. Many people love paper. Reply 2: Not necessarily. Both kinds can live together.
Class activity
“Debate”: groups split into two sides (printed / electronic), give arguments for three minutes, then use agreeing and disagreeing phrases.
Practice
1
Choose the agreement phrase: a) I couldn’t agree more. b) I totally disagree.
a) I couldn’t agree more.
2
Name one advantage of an e-book.
It is light and holds many books.
3
Name one advantage of a printed book.
It needs no battery.
4
Why do some people still prefer paper books?
They like the feel and smell of paper and reading without screen tiredness.