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📕 A2: Grades 10-12 • SMARTPHONES & TECHNOLOGY

Smartphones & Technology: Settings and Basic Functions

Learn how to describe smartphone features and settings using present simple and can for ability. Practice vocabulary for everyday phone use.

Smartphones & Technology: Settings and Basic Functions
💬 Warm-up
1 What do you use your smartphone for every day?
2 Can you name five things you do on your phone?
3 What is your favorite app and why?

🎯 Objectives

  • Use present simple to describe phone functions and settings.
  • Use 'can' to talk about abilities and features of a smartphone.
In this block:

📚 Vocabulary

1.
smartphone
"My smartphone is very useful for school and games."
A mobile phone that can connect to the internet and run apps.
2.
app
"I use a weather app to check if it will rain."
A program or application on a smartphone.
3.
download
"Please download the new game from the app store."
To get something from the internet and save it on your phone.
4.
notification
"I get a notification when someone sends me a message."
A message or alert that appears on your screen.
5.
charge
"I need to charge my phone every night."
To put electricity into your phone so it works.
6.
screen
"The screen on my phone is big and bright."
The part of the phone where you see pictures and text.
🗓️ Friday, 9th October 2026
smartphone
A mobile phone that can connect to the internet and run apps.
app
A program or application on a smartphone.
download
To get something from the internet and save it on your phone.
notification
A message or alert that appears on your screen.
charge
To put electricity into your phone so it works.
screen
The part of the phone where you see pictures and text.

✍️ Practice

Guess the missing word.
1. The screen is dirty, so I clean it with a cloth.
2. You can find almost any app in the app store.
3. I turn off notifications when I study for a test.
4. I use my smartphone to call my friends and play games.
5. I usually charge my phone before I go to bed.
6. Don't forget to download the latest update for your phone.
🗓️ Friday, 9th October 2026
1. The screen is dirty, so I clean it with a cloth.
2. You can find almost any app in the app store.
3. I turn off notifications when I study for a test.
4. I use my smartphone to call my friends and play games.
5. I usually charge my phone before I go to bed.
6. Don't forget to download the latest update for your phone.

📖 Reading

My Smartphone Settings Guide

My name is Leo, and I like to keep my smartphone organized. First, I check my screen brightness. I set it to automatic, so it changes in different light. Then I control my notifications. I don't want every app to send me pings. I only allow messages and calendar alerts. That helps me focus in class.

I also manage my downloads. I download music and podcasts for offline listening. But I always check storage space before I download big files. For my games, I turn off background data to save battery. I make sure to charge my phone every night. I use a fast charger, so it's ready in the morning.

I also use 'Do Not Disturb' mode during homework. My phone can block calls and messages. I can set a schedule for this. The screen time feature shows me how many hours I use my phone. It helps me find a balance. My smartphone is a tool, not a toy - and I like to use it smartly.

Comprehension Questions

1.
What does Leo do to control his notifications?
He only allows messages and calendar alerts and doesn't want every app to send him notifications.
2.
Why does Leo check storage space before downloading big files?
To make sure he has enough space on his phone.
3.
When does Leo use 'Do Not Disturb' mode?
During homework, so the phone blocks calls and messages.
4.
How does Leo save battery on his phone?
He turns off background data for games and charges his phone every night.
5.
What does the screen time feature show Leo?
How many hours he uses his phone every day.

🎧 Listening Practice

Setting Up My Phone

0:00 / 0:00
Listening context

Comprehension Questions

1.
How does Jessica set her screen brightness?
She sets it to auto so it adjusts in the sun.
2.
Why does Jessica only allow messages and calendar alerts?
Because too many apps send pings and distract her.
3.
What does Jessica check before downloading large files?
She checks her storage space.
4.
How does Jessica charge her phone at night?
She uses a fast charger and makes sure it is at least eighty percent in the morning.
5.
What does the screen time feature help Jessica with?
It shows her how many hours she spends on her phone and helps balance her day.

🗣️ Pair Work

Phone Features Show and Tell

"Work in pairs or small groups. Take turns showing and telling about three features of your phone. Use the vocabulary words and the grammar structures: present simple and 'can' for ability. For example: 'My phone can take good photos. I use the camera app every day.'"

👉 Choose three features of your phone (e.g., camera, flashlight, voice assistant, screen settings).

👉 Describe each feature using 'can' and present simple. Say what you like or don't like.

👉 After each person speaks, the group asks one question about the feature.

🚀 EnglishDee Tasks

KEYWORDS: smartphone app download notification charge screen
✍️ WRITING

App Review

Write a short review (80-100 words) of your most used app. First, say what the app does. Then explain why you like it. Finally, suggest 1 thing to improve.

✅ Checklist:
  • Minimum 80 words.
  • Use at least 4 vocabulary words (smartphone, app, download, notification, charge, screen).
  • Use present simple and at least one sentence with 'can'.
  • Structure: introduction (what the app does), reasons you like it, one improvement suggestion.
🎙️ SPEAKING

Phone Tour

Record a 45-second talk showing a friend around your phone’s most useful features. Start with a greeting and introduce your phone. Then describe 3-4 features using present simple and 'can'. End with a closing sentence. Speak at a natural pace.

✅ Checklist:
  • Recording duration: 40-50 seconds.
  • Use at least 4 vocabulary words.
  • Speak clearly and use simple sentences.
  • Focus on fluency, not speed.
  • Include an opening and closing.
Helpful Phrases
  • I use my smartphone to...
  • My phone can... which is useful because...
  • One feature I like is...
  • In my phone settings, I can...
  • I usually charge my phone...
  • The best app for me is...