B2Reading and Use of EnglishPartie 6
Gapped text
You are going to read an article. Six sentences have been removed from the article. Choose from the sentences A-G the one which fits each gap (1-6). There is one extra sentence which you do not need to use.
Last month I realised I was checking my phone before I even said good morning to anyone. On the bus, in the supermarket queue and even while watching films, my hand kept reaching for it as if it were a remote control for my life. I told myself it was normal, because everyone does it, but the constant notifications were making it hard to focus. So I decided to do a seven-day digital detox: no social media apps, no endless scrolling, and no phone in my bedroom at night.
Instead, I removed the apps that tempted me most and turned off all non‑essential alerts. That way, I could still use technology as a tool without letting it control the day. I also told my friends what I was doing, because I didn’t want them to think I was ignoring them.
The first morning felt strangely quiet. At breakfast I kept looking at the table as if something was missing, and at that point I noticed how automatic the habit was. Later, on my way to work, I caught myself reaching for my pocket every few minutes. However, without a screen to hide behind, I began to observe things I usually missed, such as the changing light in the streets and the expressions on people’s faces.
By lunchtime I had already spoken to two colleagues I normally only message. One of them told me a funny story about her commute, and it made me realise that quick online chats aren’t always the best way to connect.
In the evenings the challenge was different. I was used to relaxing by scrolling, so I needed a replacement that felt equally easy. At first I tried reading, but my attention jumped around, and I kept thinking about what I might be missing online.
Afterwards I slept better, probably because I wasn’t staring at bright light just before bed.
Of course, the detox was not all calm and perfect. On day three a friend organised a last-minute meet‑up and sent the details in a group chat. I didn’t see the message for hours, and as a result I arrived late and felt embarrassed.
So I adjusted my rules: I would check messages at set times, rather than pretending communication didn’t matter.
By the weekend I noticed another change: I had more time, but I also had to decide how to use it. Without scrolling, there were empty moments, especially while waiting for trains or standing in line. Instead of filling those gaps instantly, I started carrying a small notebook.
Then, when I got home, I could choose what to do next rather than falling into another hour online.
The biggest surprise came on the final day. I expected to feel proud and immediately reinstall everything, but I didn’t. I missed some things, like sharing photos, yet I didn’t miss the pressure to react to every post.
As a result, I decided to bring back only two apps and keep the rest off my phone.
A week is not enough to change a whole lifestyle, but it is enough to notice patterns. If you are thinking about a digital detox, start small: turn off alerts, keep the phone out of your bedroom, and tell people how to reach you. Most importantly, replace the habit with something you genuinely enjoy, because willpower alone doesn’t last. When you do return to your normal routines, you may find, as I did, that you don’t need to be online to feel connected.
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