English Unlimited HTL 4/5, Schulbuch mit Audio-CD und CD-ROM

27 Digital jungle 02 LANGUAGE SKILLS EXPLORE EXTRAS Mini research project. Research the following questions using the internet. 1 What percentage of Austrians have: a   an internet connection at home? b   a mobile phone? 2 What other interesting figures about Austrians’ use of new technologies can you find? Present your findings in class. a 27 b Read the blog post by RealGuy about virtual gaming. Then talk in groups. 1 Do you agree with RealGuy? Why? /Why not? 2 Imagine you had to argue against him. What points would you make? 28 RealGuy 12 September, 12.33 pm Get a life! I just don’t understand why people waste time in a virtual world. If you’re trying to escape from problems, they’ll still be waiting for you when you turn off the computer. If you’re just playing for fun, you could have fun in a much more constructive, creative way in the real world. If you want friends, then get to know the people in your community or join a group with similar interests to yours. Virtual friends are empty. Grow up and start REALLY living! Read Merlynda’s response to RealGuy’s blog post. How many of her arguments are the same as the ones you discussed above? a 29 Merlynda 14 September, 6.01 pm (1) In response to RealGuy’s post I can only say that I couldn’t disagree more. He claims that virtual worlds are a waste of time and we should give up our ‘empty’ friends and start living. RealGuy’s not the only one who has that point of view, and while I know I probably can’t change his mind, (2) I’d like to present the other side of the story. (3) Psychologists have long recognised that there are many forms of ‘experience’. There’s real- life experience, experience through dreams, experience through imagination (like daydreaming) and now experience through virtual reality games. (4) It’s important to remember that gamers interact with people from around the world, learn new technological and social skills and work together to build things, fight enemies and tackle challenges. Thinking back, I’m astonished at how much I’ve learned about myself and others in virtual worlds, and all this has had a very positive influence on my real-world life. (5) Another benefit is you won’t be judged on the basis of your real-world age, health, appearance, job or financial status. You present the image you want and people will respond to that. Maybe they’ll like you, maybe they won’t, but at least your image is your own choice. (6) Many gamers have claimed that because of this, they’ve felt free to express themselves better, make decisions more confidently and become more independent. (7) All in all, you have to admit that’s not a bad result! Explore writing: Putting forward an argument in a blog comment Read Merlynda’s blog comment again. In what ways does she think virtual worlds can: 1   add to people’s life experience?   2   make people equal?   3   make them stronger? Look at the three paragraphs. What’s the main purpose or theme of each one? b c Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv