XIII. Read the article about the pros and cons of using the Internet and fill in the gaps with words and phrases from the list. Then answer the questions after the text.

But, finally, firstly, for example, however, in conclusion; also, what is more, on the other hand

Advertisements for the Internet promise you a world of information, entertainment, on-line shopping and e-mail services. (1) …, the real world of the Internet may not be as perfect as the advertisements suggest.

Using the Internet offers many advantages. (2) …, all of the latest information is available to you, in your home, at any hour of the day or night. It is much faster and easier to surf the net in search of information from all over the world than to travel to libraries in dozens of countries. (3) …, on-line shopping makes it possible to search through catalogues to find exactly what you want at the best price, saving both time and money. By joining a newsgroup or chat group, you can share your hobbies and special interests, and perhaps make friends all over the world. (4) …, e-mail is popular because it is faster than sending a letter and cheaper than a telephone conversation.

(5) …, the Internet has several disadvantages. (6) …, with so much information available, finding what you want can take you hours. Multimedia web pages with photographs, music and video are attractive, (7) … they make downloading slow and boring. (8) …, there is too much advertising instead of real information. As for Internet friendships, sitting at home in front of a computer making ‘chat friends’ is not the same as actually meeting people.

(9) …, the Internet obviously has both good and bad points. Fortunately, the system is improving all the time, and any problems which still exist can be solved. Whether we like it or not, the Internet is here to stay, so we have to make the best possible use of it.

1. Which paragraph is about the advantages of using the Internet?

2. Which paragraph is about the disadvantages of using the Internet?

3. In which paragraph does the writer sum up the pros and cons? How does this paragraph start?

4. Which paragraph introduces the topic?

5. Is the article for or against using the Internet?

XIV. Use the notes below to talk about the Internet: