Understanding the Text
According to Luke Johnson, what are the two best ways to do business?
Face to face, and if not possible, by phone.
What does “recipient” mean?
The person who receives something.
What is the author’s main attitude toward email?
Mixed — useful but also harmful.
To put it in a ..........
nutshell
To fail to understand anything
Can’t make head nor tail of it
Why does the author say email can be “dangerous” when you’re emotional?
Because written messages stay permanent and can offend others.
What does “festered” mean?
Became worse or more intense over time.
Why is the secretary-printing method “mad”?
It’s outdated and inefficient.
To get straight to the ..........
point
To share similar opinions and ideas
To be on the same wavelength
What does the author mean by “e-mail is forever”?
Unlike spoken words, written emails leave a permanent record.
Identify one modal verb in the text.
Could / must / should.
What does the text suggest about technology and interaction?
It can make communication less personal.
To hear it on the ..........
grapevine
To give the main facts briefly
To put it in a nutshell
Why was the writer reprimanded during a meeting?
For checking his BlackBerry during a board meeting.
Change this sentence to passive: “He sent an irritable response.”
“An irritable response was sent by him.”
What does “uncivil” mean in this context?
Rude or impolite.
Can’t make head nor .......... of it
tail
To misunderstand something
To get the wrong end of the stick
What positive aspects of email does the author mention?
It’s fast, economical, good for sending documents, and convenient for staying in touch.
What tense is used in “I have now vowed to switch off my BlackBerry”?
Present perfect tense.
Why does the author call email a “corrupted medium”?
Because of spam and misuse of “reply to all.”
To talk at cross-..........
purposes
To delay talking about something
To beat about the bush