Marcia’s Phone

Marcia says that all of her friends have a cell phone, but Marcia’s mom doesn’t want to buy her one. Marcia’s mom doesn’t want Marcia to play video games either. What is more, the Internet scares her. Marcia’s mom says, “If Marcia has a cell phone, how do we know whom she is talking to? Video games are bad for you. The Internet is dangerous and uncontrolled. It’s like having a gun in the house. We should just ban her from using the computer, and I’m not buying her a cell phone until she is eighteen. This is the only way we can be sure that Marcia is safe.”

Marcia’s dad disagrees with Marcia’s mom. Although he agrees that there are some dangers to it, he likes the Internet, and finds it to be very useful. “The trouble is,” he says, “We just can’t stop Marcia from using the Internet, as this would put her at a disadvantage. What is more, I like video games. I think that, when played in moderation, they are fun. Obviously, it is not good to play them without restraint or self-control. Finally, I think Marcia needs a cell phone. We can’t take these things away.”

Read the sentences below. Decide if the sentence describes Marcia’s mom or Marcia’s dad. Write Mom or Dad on the line.

1. This person thinks video games are fun if you don’t play too much. __________
2. This person is scared of the Internet and thinks it’s dangerous. __________
3. This person wants to ban Marcia from using the computer. ______ _____
4. This person thinks Marcia needs a cell phone. __________
5. This person believes not using the Internet would be a disadvantage for Marcia. _______

## Vocabulary Check

Match the word from the story on the left with its correct meaning on the right.