(p54)

Task 1 

Task 2

Lily:  Hi, Tommy. I’m starting to chat with friends online. Do you often do it?

Tommy:  Yes. Almost every day. It’s so interesting.

Lily:  Can you tell me how you do it?

Tommy:  Be more informal and casual when chatting online. For example, say “Hey” instead of “Hello”. Ask your friend:  “How’s it going?” or “What’s up?”

Lily:  What shall I talk about?

Tommy:  Tell your friend anything about your day, even if it was stupid. That would make him/her laugh and think you have a good sense of humor!

Lily:  But what if I say “nothing”?

Tommy:  If you say “nothing”, that could make it a dead-end conversation.

Lily:  What are some good topics then?

Tommy: Talk about anything: your friend’s favorite band or color. Just don’t talk about yourself all the time. Otherwise, you may come off as self-centered and self-obsessed.

…

…

(p55)

Task 1 

Task 2

Judy:   Hey, Bruce. How’s it going?

Bruce: Fine. I’m playing the World of Warcraft all day long.  How about you, Judy?

Judy:  I did a lot of shopping online today. I bought, among other things, a new T-shirt and a pair of new shoes.

Bruce: What brand?

Judy:   Nike.

Bruce: You must look fantastic with the new T-shirt and the new shoes. Perhaps it’s good for us to meet this evening.

Judy:  OK. Where shall we meet?

Bruce:  How about the McDonald’s near the post office?

Judy:  Good. How about arriving at 6:00 this evening?

Bruce:  Great! See you then.

(p54)

     The Internet is a place to make new friends. It is easy to just chat with someone. However, you have to be careful and listen carefully to what is being said. After a while, you can tell if someone is lying or is really becoming a friend. You also have to listen to the questions that are asked, because many adults pretend they are young and friendly just to lure the unsuspecting into traps. Be careful and watch the information that you give online.

     If they start asking personal or private questions about you, like where you live or if you are at home alone, then they are not trying to be friends but predators. They are trying to find out personal information so that they can easily harm you. Stay away from these people. 

     Suppose someone starts talking to you, and tells you about school. You can chat back and forth without getting personal. They make you laugh and you kid around with them. You talk about teachers, homework, and movies. This is the start of a healthy friendship. Continue with this type of person, but again, be aware of warning signs. This is called a “red flag” on the Internet. Once you sense a red flag, tell them you are uncomfortable and request to change the topic of the conversation. If you continue to find red flags, discontinue the conversation.