RSRobince Studio

Using a Smartphone in Old Age

Rahul, now a grandfather, learns to use a smartphone with his grandchild's help, making video calls and sending voice messages to family.

Rahul, Grandchild, Son

Key words and phrases

smartphonea mobile phone that can access the internet and run appsHis son gifted him a new smartphone.
video calla call in which both people can see each other on screenHe makes a video call to his grandchildren every evening.
voice messagea spoken message recorded and sent through an appShe sent a voice message instead of typing.
font sizethe size of text displayed on a screenHe increased the font size to read messages easily.
contact lista saved list of phone numbers and namesHis grandson saved all family numbers in the contact list.
appa program installed on a phone for a specific purposeHe learned to use a messaging app for the first time.
passworda secret code needed to unlock a phone or accountHe forgot his phone password twice this week.
screenshotan image captured of whatever is showing on the screenHe took a screenshot of the train ticket.
notificationan alert shown on the phone screen for a new message or updateHe didn't notice the notification at first.
tech-savvycomfortable and skilled with using technologyHe's becoming quite tech-savvy for his age.
Wi-Fia wireless technology used to connect to the internetHe connected his phone to the home Wi-Fi.
chargera device used to fill a phone's battery with powerHe couldn't find his charger this morning.
batterythe part of the phone that stores powerHis battery was almost empty by evening.
muteto turn off the soundHe tapped mute during the meeting.
updateto install the newest version of an appHis grandson helped him update the app.
downloadto save data or an app from the internet onto a phoneHe downloaded a photo his daughter had sent.
gallerythe app where photos and videos are storedAll his grandchildren's photos are in the gallery.
keypadthe on-screen buttons used to dial numbers or typeHe tapped the keypad slowly to dial the number.
missed calla phone call that was not answeredHe noticed a missed call from his son.
settingsthe menu where phone options can be changedHe went into settings to change the ringtone.

Useful sentences

Dialogue

RahulBeta, can you teach me how to video call your mother?

GrandchildOf course, Dada. Just tap on her name and then this icon.

RahulOh, it's ringing! This is easier than I thought.

GrandchildYou're getting quite tech-savvy, Dada!

RahulCan you also show me how to send voice messages?

GrandchildSure, just press this button and speak clearly.

RahulThank you, beta. What about this photo folder here?

GrandchildThat's your gallery. All your photos are saved there.

RahulWonderful! And how do I update this messaging app?

GrandchildI'll show you in the settings menu right now.

Common mistakes

Quick quiz

1. What is a "voice message"?

2. Being comfortable and skilled with technology is described as ___.

3. Complete: "He took a ___ of the train ticket."

4. What do you use to charge your phone's battery?

5. Complete: "They're all saved in the ___ app."

6. What word means a phone call that was not answered?

Practise speaking and listening

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