Get Off the Phone
Did you know the average person spends over 4 hours a day on their phone? That's nearly 60 days a year staring at a screen. In a world where notifications never stop, knowing how to talk about technology habits is more relevant than ever.
In this activity, you will practise listening comprehension through a catchy song about phone addiction. You will work on understanding natural spoken language, picking up vocabulary related to technology and everyday habits, and following meaning even when the language moves fast.
By the end, you will be able to understand the song's message, discuss technology habits, and give advice on difficult situations related to phone use.
Your phone habits
Before we start, think about how you use your phone. Reflect on these questions:
- Do you usually take pictures of your food before eating?
- Do you record videos at concerts, parties, or special events?
- Do you check your phone while eating with friends or family?
Phone use conversation
Rhett and Link are having a conversation about phones. Listen and complete the missing gaps with the words from the box.
Rhett
"Hey man, I've recently been doing some about people's upon cellular telephones"
Link
"Yeah man, me too. I've really that everyone always seems to be on their mobile device of really being in the moment."
Rhett
"Exactly, and I feel like this is a very significant that needs to be immediately."
Link
"Yes, immediately."
BOTH
"We really do something about this."
Making predictions
Based on the conversation, which of the following predictions seem accurate? More than one answer may be correct.
Matching vocabulary
Match the phrases to the images. Drag and drop each phrase under the picture that best describes it.
Getting the Main Idea
Listen to the song for the first time. Choose the alternative that best describes the main idea of the song.
True or False
Listen again and decide if the following statements are True or False.
1. The man's dessert was ruined because he spent too much time choosing filters for his photo.
2. The crowd watching the street performer decided to put their phones away and enjoy the show.
3. The unreasonably attractive couple at the restaurant turned out to be siblings.
4. The stereotypical teen is excited to be part of family game night.
5. The baby's father prefers spending time with his son rather than posting him on social media.
6. The man eating a hotdog actually needed to use his phone to call for emergency assistance.
Complete the Sentences
Based on the video you just watched, choose the correct verb form to complete each sentence.
1. The man didn't eat his dessert because he was choosing chose an Instagram filter first.
2. The crowd was deciding decided to make a documentary instead of enjoying the street performer’s show.
3. The couple at the restaurant were enjoying enjoyed a reasonably priced Italian dinner together.
4. The mother was demonstrating a carousel ride, but her son wasn't paying didn't pay attention.
5. The dad wasn't participating didn't participate in his baby’s birthday because he was posting pictures to Facebook.
6. The young man needed was needing medical attention but Rhett and Link misinterpreted the situation.
Giving Advice
Read each problem and match it with the most appropriate advice.
Problems
My phone always runs out of battery because I spend hours on TikTok and Instagram.
I always miss the best moments at concerts because I'm too busy trying to get the perfect shot.
My neck and shoulders hurt every evening after a long day of looking down at my screen.
My partner says I'm not present during our dates because I keep checking my notifications.
I can't fall asleep easily because I spend hours scrolling through social media at night.
Advice
You should do some stretching exercises and try holding your device at a higher position.
You should set a daily limit for social media apps to save power.
You should put your phone on the other side of the room at least 30 minutes before going to bed.
You should just enjoy the show and leave your phone in your pocket.
You should put your phone on silent when you go out with someone special.
Activity Complete!
You've completed "Get Off the Phone". Here's what you've practised:
Before you continue:
Try to complete the listening exercises first. Only use the lyrics if you really need extra help.
Get Off the Phone
Rhett & Link
Intro
"Hey man, I've recently been doing some contemplation about people's dependency upon cellular telephones" "Yeah man, me too. I've really noticed that everyone always seems to be on their mobile device instead of really being in the moment." "Exactly, and I feel like this is a very significant issue that needs to be addressed immediately." "Yes, immediately." "We really should do something about this."
Verse 1
Here we have a man Who's chosen to Instagram His apple pie, a la mode. While he fumbles through the filters His ice cream has gotten "a la hot" And the pie "a la cold." As you can see This street performer's drawn a crowd To watch him do his thing. But instead of just enjoying the show it seems everyone's decided To make a documentary. Notice this unreasonably attractive couple Enjoying a reasonably priced Italian dinner together. Social networking instead of working On getting to know each other better
Bridge 1
How does that filtered picture taste Since your dessert has gone to waste? When do you think you ever will Wanna watch this portrait juggling film? You know you want to touch each other Doesn't that feel good? "He's my brother."
Chorus
Get off the phone now! It's gonna be okay There's no need to be afraid. (Get off the phone now!) It doesn't love you It's gonna die one day. The government is probably Spying on you with it anyway.
Verse 2
Here we have a stereotypical teen Forced to endure "Family Game Night." He's stereotypically texting And missing his mom Demonstrate a carousel ride. Little Ethan here Is celebrating being the center of the universe For one year. But "The World's Greatest Dad" Is more worried about 'Facebooking' it Than actually being here.
Bridge 2
Let's listen in and see if we can get some context. "Please hurry! We're at 382 Pine." He has the nerve to make a phone call At such a pivotal moment in his friend's life. How could you be so disengaged? While precious memories are being made? Do you really think your friends need Another baby picture in their feed? Don't be such a self-centered guy. Now isn't that better? "I think he just died."
Chorus
Get off the phone now! It's gonna be okay. There's no need to be afraid. (Get off the phone now!) It doesn't love you It's gonna die one day. It's crawling with e-coli bacteria anyway. (Get off the phone now!) It's gonna be okay.
Outro
Hey guys, I'm on the set of a music video, uh, there's Rhett. "Seriously?" "What?"