Lesson Overview
This free GEPT Elementary handout helps students practice A2 reading and speaking through the topic: Short Videos and Screen Time: Finding a Better Balance.
Each lesson includes three readings, vocabulary, short dialogs, speaking frames, quiz questions, and an answer key for classroom use.
Reading 1 | Five More Minutes
After dinner, Jason watches short videos on his phone. He says, 'Only five more minutes.' But five minutes becomes thirty minutes. When his mother asks about homework, Jason is surprised by the time.
Jason likes short videos because they are funny and quick. Some videos also teach him useful things, like drawing and cooking. But when he watches too many, he feels tired and cannot focus.
That night, Jason makes a small rule. He will finish homework first and watch videos for twenty minutes after that. He also turns off notifications during study time.
Reading 2 | What Teens Say
Many teenagers use social media and video apps every day. Some teens say these apps help them feel connected to friends. They can share ideas, jokes, music, and creative work.
However, many teens also say they spend too much time online. Too much screen time may hurt sleep, productivity, or grades. It can also make students compare their lives with other people.
A better plan is not always to stop using phones. Students can set limits, follow useful accounts, and take breaks. They can also choose one phone-free time, such as dinner or the hour before bed.
Reading 3 | A Class Challenge
Ms. Lin gives her class a one-week screen time challenge. Students do not have to stop using their phones. They only need to write down when and why they use them.
At first, Jason thinks the challenge is boring. But after three days, he sees a pattern. He often opens video apps when he is tired or bored, not because he really wants to watch something.
On Friday, students share ideas. Some put their phones outside the bedroom. Some study with a timer. Jason says, 'I still like videos, but now I choose when to watch them.'
Speaking Practice
I use my phone to ____.
Too much screen time can ____.
One good phone rule is ____.
I can use short videos in a better way by ____.
Teacher Notes
Use the warm-up questions before Reading 1.
Ask students to role-play the dialogs in pairs, then change one detail and practice again.
Use the quiz as a quick review or homework check.
Source Notes
Pew Research Center teens and social media: https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/07/10/10-facts-about-teens-and-social-media/
Dialog 口說對話
Mom: Are you still watching videos?
Jason: Just five more minutes.
Mom: You said that twenty minutes ago.
Jason: Really? I lost track of time.
Mom: Finish homework first, then relax.
Amy: How do you stop watching?
Jason: I set a twenty-minute timer.
Amy: Does it work?
Jason: Most of the time. I also turn off notifications.
Amy: I should try that.
Teacher: Are all short videos bad?
Student: No. Some teach useful skills.
Teacher: Good. What is the problem?
Student: Watching too many without thinking.
Teacher: Exactly. Balance is important.