A Time You Were Not Allowed to Use Your Mobile Phone

🗂️ Part 2 – Cue Card

🗣️ Sample Answer

A time I wasn’t allowed to use my mobile phone was during a university examination last year. The test was held in a large hall with over 100 students. Before we entered, the invigilators told us to switch off our phones and keep them outside in the lockers provided by the staff.

Phones were not allowed for obvious reasons—mainly to prevent cheating and to maintain silence during the test. I had no issue with the rule, but it felt strange not having my phone nearby since I usually check the time on it or use it for quick notes when I study.

Instead, I focused on calming myself and reviewing a few last-minute concepts in my notebook before the test started. During the exam, I was actually more focused than usual. Without the constant buzz or temptation to check my phone, I was able to concentrate better.

At first, I felt a bit uncomfortable and even anxious without it, but by the end of the experience, I realised how dependent I had become on technology, even for simple tasks like checking the time.

This experience made me more aware of my screen time and encouraged me to keep my phone away during study sessions. It was a small but eye-opening moment of clarity.

🔁 Part 3: Follow-Up Questions

1. Why do people use mobile phones so much these days?
Because they’re multifunctional—used for communication, entertainment, work, learning, and even daily planning. Phones have become an integral part of modern life.

2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of mobile phones?
They increase convenience, improve connectivity, and offer instant information. However, they can also cause distractions, reduce face-to-face interaction, and lead to addiction.

3. In what places are phones commonly restricted?
Phones are restricted in schools, hospitals, religious places, during flights, and in examination halls to maintain discipline, ensure silence, and ensure safety.

4. How do mobile phones affect face-to-face communication?
They sometimes reduce the quality of real conversations. People may be physically present but mentally distracted, which can harm relationships.

5. Should young children be allowed to use mobile phones?
Only in moderation. While they can be educational, excessive use can affect attention span, sleep patterns, and social development. Parental control is essential.

6. What can people do when they are not allowed to use their phones?
They can talk to others, read, observe their surroundings, or simply relax. Sometimes, being without a phone helps people reconnect with the present moment.

7. Why do people feel uncomfortable without their phones?
Many people have developed a psychological dependence. Phones offer comfort, security, and a constant stream of stimulation, so being without them can cause anxiety.

8. Has phone addiction become a serious issue?
Yes, especially among teenagers and young adults. It affects sleep, productivity, and mental health, often going unnoticed until it becomes a significant problem.

9. What are some good habits for managing phone usage?
Setting screen time limits, turning off non-essential notifications, using focus modes, and having phone-free zones or times can promote healthier usage.

10. Will mobile phones continue to dominate our lives in the future?
Likely, unless replaced by new technology like smart wearables or augmented reality. However, how we use them can still be guided by awareness and discipline.

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