Central Idea: Phone Zombies

What is the central or main idea of a text?

• It is the author's attitude toward the subject matter.

• The main point that the author is trying to make.

• Drawing a conclusion, based on details from the text.

• Language that paints a picture in the reader's mind.

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What is the central idea of this text?

• Phones have improved our lives overall, but they can also trap us as they are addictive.

• Throughout human history, few inventions have transformed our lives as profoundly as the smartphone.

• How phones have changed our lives but have caused us to be addicted to them.

• Phones are amazing inventions that have enabled us to communicate and entertain ourselves more effectively.

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"Phones can offer us many benefits, but their addictive nature should be taken seriously. "

Which of the following details best support this central idea?

(CHOOSE THREE)

• "They allow us to buy movie tickets, pay our bills, and listen to Ed Sheeran’s latest hit whenever we want—wherever we are."

• "...few inventions have transformed our lives as profoundly as the smartphone."

• "...The iphone debuted in 2007, and was invented by Steve Jobs..."

• "Your brain likes this rush of dopamine and wants to re-create it again and again, so you check your phone again and again."

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What is the central idea of this section?

• The parts of your brain that control pleasure and emotion are more developed than the parts that control logic and reasoning.

• How teen brains can become easily addicted to phones.

• Teen brains are hyper-focused on seeking out pleasurable experiences, the lure of a device can overpower everything else

• Teens are more susceptible to phone addiction, so it is important for them to pay attention to the warning signs of addiction.

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Teens are more susceptible to phone addiction, so they should be made aware of the warning signs of addiction.

Which of the following details best supports the central idea? (CHOOSE TWO)

• The parts of your [teen] brain that control pleasure and emotion are more developed than the parts that control logic and reasoning.

• Sometimes you may have trouble completing your math homework because it is too difficult.

• When the need to constantly check your phone begins to interfere with your life in this way, it may mean the obsession has gone too far.

• Teens need more sleep if they are to be able to compete both academically and athletically.

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Which TWO choices could be central ideas for this section?

• It takes your brain about 23 minutes to achieve the state of concentration you need to write an essay or read a novel.

• Smartphones can interfere with a student's success because it damages their ability to concentrate for long periods.

• Interruptions from smartphones can affect a student's state of concentration, so this prevents him/her from being successful.

• Distraction can happen even when your phone isn’t near you, which can be just as harmful.

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Phones can negatively affect a student's level of concentration, so they cannot focus in school and have poor grades.

Which of the following best support the central idea?

(CHOOSE THREE)

• Indeed, when kids are studying, they tend to be interrupted by their phones every three to five minutes,

• It takes your brain about 23 minutes to achieve the state of concentration you need to write an essay or read a novel.

• Each time you check your phone (or hear it buzz or spot an alert out of the corner of your eye), your brain is pulled out of its state of concentration.

• Other distractions, like peer-pressure and athletics, can also have negative effects on scholastic performance.

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Which of the following could be a central idea for this article? (Choose TWO)

• Smartphones can cause sleep deprivation in teens, so it negatively affects their overall health and academics.

• Lack of sleep in teens has been associated with anxiety, depressions, and low academic performance.

• Sleep deprivation is another effect of smartphones because it can negatively affect your health and academics.

• Blue light from your phone can cause you to not get enough sleep.

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Sleep deprivation is another danger of smartphones because it can negatively affect a teen's health and academics.

Which of the following answers are suitable supporting details for this central idea? (CHOOSE THREE)

• Many applications (apps) encourage peer pressure 24/7, which is very unhealthy.

• As a result of getting too little sleep, you may experience moodiness, anxiety, and depression.

• Teens need about nine hours of sleep each night to stay healthy.

• According to a study conducted by psychologist Jean Twenge, 43 percent of teens are getting fewer than seven hours.

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Select TWO possible central ideas from the choices below that are based on the text.

• How you can reduce your screen time so you don't become addicted to your phone.

• One day you may even choose to make that trip to Grandma’s house without your phone if you implement screen-free time now.

• Screen-free time is essential because it helps to make sure a smartphone addiction does not develop.

• Phones are addictive, so teens should strive to limit their phone use throughout the day.

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