VSTEP B1, B2, C1 Speaking Part 2: Solution Discussion

- Question:

A friend asks for your advice on mobile phone usage. Would you suggest limiting screen time, using productivity apps, or turning off notifications?

- Answer:

I would suggest using productivity apps. These can help manage time more effectively, ensuring that the phone becomes a tool for efficiency rather than a distraction. Applications that block distracting sites or set study/work intervals can aid in focusing and managing tasks efficiently.

Limiting screen time is beneficial for health reasons. However, in today's world, where most tasks, from work to education to entertainment, are tied to our devices, it might not be practical.

Turning off notifications can reduce distractions, but it also risks missing important updates. With productivity apps, you can allow only necessary notifications during focus periods, striking a balance between staying informed and avoiding distractions.

So, productivity apps encompass the benefits of the other two options, making our smartphone usage healthier and more efficient without sacrificing its advantages. They enable us to control our phone use, rather than letting it control us, hence making it the most comprehensive solution in my view.