APIEWriting: Phones, Apps, and the Internet
Phones, apps and the internet
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Smart Tech & Healthy Habits
Learn essential vocabulary for phones and the internet, then write a helpful advice message to a friend.
Use this 25-minute lesson to teach digital vocabulary and practical advice writing. Check student answers in Module 1 together before they write.
First, complete the 4 quick word activities in Module 1. Next, write your short message in Module 2 and read the sample in Module 3.
Word Gym: Phones, Apps & Internet
Review key digital words and practice sentence patterns before writing your advice.
A modern flat vector illustration of a smartphone screen showing colorful app icons, a battery charger with power cord,Task A: Word Order
Unscramble the words to make complete, correct sentences.
1. Put the words in order: [keep / secret / your / password / always]
____2. Put the words in order: [this / visit / useful / website / to / learn / English]
____3. Put the words in order: [later / a / send / message / me / text]
____4. Put the words in order: [delete / photos / old / should / you / the]
____Task B: Fill in the Blanks
5. My phone battery is at 5%. Can I borrow your ___?
____6. I cannot call you right now because there is no phone ___ in the mountains.
____7. You can ___ this fun new language game from the store onto your phone.
____8. If you do not know the answer, ___ for it on the internet.
____9. I use a fitness ___ every morning to count my daily steps.
____Task C: Choose the Correct Word
10. I installed a timer ___ to stop spending hours on my phone.
11. When your phone storage is full, you should ___ videos you don't need.
12. Do not write down your secret ___ in a public place.
13. My teacher posted our project instructions on the school ___.
Task D: Match Question to Answer
Match each question about tech habits to the most logical answer.
Task: A Helpful Message to a Friend
"Write a short message to a friend who uses his or her phone too much. Give your friend some advice." (60-80 words)
✍️ Required Sentence Starters
Include these starter frames in your message:
- 👉 You should ...
- 👉 You shouldn't ...
- 👉 Why don't you ...?
- 👉 It is a good idea to ...
- 👉 Then you can ...
- 👉 I hope ...
✅ Message Checklist
Automated Grading Rubric:
Type your response below. Be sure to use the required frames and cover all points from the checklist.
____ (Hi Sam, You should keep your charger outside your bedroom...)Read the Model Message
Review this full sample message. Notice how the sentence frames connect naturally with everyday vocabulary.
Hi Sam! You should keep your charger outside your bedroom so you can sleep better. You shouldn't check social media late at night. Why don't you install a screen time app to track your daily phone use? It is a good idea to turn off notifications during study hours. Then you can focus easily on your homework. Finally, delete games you do not play anymore. I hope these simple tips help you feel less tired!
💡 Why These Phrases Work Well
keep your charger outside
A simple idea you can do tonight. It helps you stop using your phone in bed.
a screen time app
A useful phrase for phones: an app that shows how long you use your phone.
turn off notifications
A common phrase for phones. It means to stop alerts from coming to your phone.
delete games
A short, clear piece of advice that uses the word "delete".
Top Tip: When writing friendly advice, keep your sentences short and positive. Using connectors like "Then you can..." explains the clear benefit of your suggestion!
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