Teens and Computers
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Jeanna
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Todd
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Todd: OK, Jeanna, you like the computer!
Jeanna: Yes, I do.
Todd: OK. Talk to us about computers.
Jeanna: Well, I go on the computer a lot and I talk with friends through AOL instant messenger. And I just moved from my hometown to Sacremento so it's a good way to keep in touch with old friends.
Todd: Yeah. Do you learn about computers at school or on your own?
Jeanna: I picked most of what I know, I've picked it up, through, ya know, the years, and some at school, like keyboarding and such.
Todd: OK. Do you have a laptop or a PC?
Jeanna: I have a PC. A Compac.
Todd: Do you like your computer or do you want a new one?
Jeanna: I want a new one cause I think I screwed mine up and it's a little bit slow now.
Todd: OK. How long have you had your computer?
Jeanna: I've had it for about 3 or 4 years.
Todd: Oh, yeah, that's pretty old for a computer. Yeah, so do you talk to your friends every night by e-mail?
Jeanna: Yeah, yes I do.
Todd: OK.
Jeanna: See going on and you know the gossip.
Todd: So nowadays, do high school kids talk by e-mail more than phone?
Jeanna: Most people talk by either e-mail or cellular phone. You know a lot of people don't use their house phones as much, and a lot of people have cellular phones.
Todd: OK. Thanks a lot Jeanna.
go on
I go on the computer a lot.
In this example 'go on the computer' is similar to 'use the computer.' Notice the following:
- My kids go on the computer for one hour after school.
- I need to go on the internet.
keep in touch
I keep in touch with friends from my hometown.
When you 'keep in touch' with someone you continue to be in contact with them. Notice the following:
- She isn't good at keeping in touch.
- We can keep in touch through e-mail.
old friends
Using the computer is a good way to keep in touch with old friends.
'Old friends' are people that you maybe don't see or talk to very much, but they have been your friends for a long time. Notice the following:
- They are old friends. They've known each other since elementary school.
- I am going out with some old friends tonight.
pick up
I've picked up most of what I know through the years.
In this case 'pick up' is similar to 'learn.' We can use 'pick up' when we learn something without taking special classes, when it happens naturally. Notice the following:
- Where did you pick up that phrase?
- We picked up a little Italian when we were living there.
screw up
I want a new computer because I think I screwed up mine.
When we 'screw up' we make a mistake. In this case it means that the mistake has caused problems for the computer. Notice the following:
- She screwed up her back playing volleyball.
- I screwed up the recipe for the cake.
Vocabulary Quiz
picks up • screwed up
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