Key Vocabulary
| Word | Definition | Usage (Sentence) |
|---|---|---|
| addicted | Unable to stop doing or using something as a habit. | He is addicted to playing video games and plays for hours every day. |
| constantly | All the time or very often. | She is constantly checking her phone for new messages. |
| stressed | Feeling worried and unable to relax. | I feel very stressed before a big exam. |
| suggested | To mention an idea or plan for someone to consider. | My friend suggested we go to the cinema this weekend. |
| anxious | Feeling worried, nervous, or uneasy. | He was anxious about his first day at his new job. |
| isolated | Feeling alone and separate from other people. | When she moved to the new city, she felt very isolated at first. |
| reluctantly | In a way that shows you are not willing to do something. | She reluctantly agreed to help her brother with his homework. |
| scenery | The natural features of a landscape. | The mountain scenery was breathtaking. |
| noticed | Became aware of something by seeing, hearing, or feeling it. | I noticed you were wearing a new coat. |
| discovered | Found information, a place, or an object for the first time. | She discovered an old box of letters in the attic. |
| peaceful | Quiet and calm; without any worry or disturbance. | We had a peaceful afternoon by the lake. |
| instead | In place of something or someone else. | There was no coffee, so I drank tea instead. |
| genuine | Real; exactly what it appears to be; not artificial. | He showed genuine concern for his friend’s health. |
| communication | The activity of expressing ideas and feelings. | Good communication is important in any relationship. |
| enjoyed | Got pleasure from something. | She really enjoyed the concert last night. |
| realized | To understand a situation, sometimes suddenly. | I suddenly realized I had forgotten my keys. |
| valuable | Very useful or important. | My grandfather gave me some valuable advice. |
| balance | A situation in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions. | It’s important to find a balance between work and life. |
| promise | To tell someone that you will certainly do something. | Can you promise to be on time tomorrow? |
| refreshed | Feeling less tired and having more energy. | I felt refreshed after a good night’s sleep. |
The Story
Maya was practically addicted to her phone. She was constantly scrolling through social media, watching videos, and messaging her friends. She often felt stressed and tired, but she didn’t know why. Her parents noticed she was unhappy and suggested a family weekend trip to a cabin in the woods, with one important rule: no phones allowed.
The first day was a challenge for Maya. Without her phone, she felt bored and anxious. She didn’t know what to do with herself. While her parents and younger brother were happily playing outside, she sat on the porch, feeling isolated from her digital world. She complained that there was “nothing to do” and missed her online friends.
On the second day, her dad asked her to join them for a hike. Maya reluctantly agreed. As they walked through the forest, she started to look up from her feet and take in the beautiful scenery. For the first time in a long time, she noticed the details of the world around her: the different shades of green on the trees, the sound of a bird singing, and the cool breeze on her face. She discovered a peaceful feeling she hadn’t felt in months.
That evening, instead of staring at screens, the family played board games by the fireplace. Maya laughed more than she had all week. The conversation was full of jokes and stories. It was a genuine connection, something she missed when their family communication was mostly through text messages. She truly enjoyed spending quality time with her family.
On the drive home, Maya realized how much she needed that break. She understood the valuable lesson of finding a healthy balance between her online life and the real world. She made a promise to herself to have “digital detox” time every week. She felt completely refreshed and ready to face the world, without needing her phone in her hand at all times.
Comprehension Quiz
Type the correct long-form answer (e.g., “Yes, it is” or “No, they are not”). You’ll get instant feedback!
Correct Answers Key
1. No, she was not.
2. No, they did not.
3. No, she was not.
4. Yes, she did.
5. No, she did not.
6. Yes, she did.
7. No, they did not.
8. Yes, it was.
9. Yes, she did.
10. No, she did not.
