Apple launched its new cell phone last week—the iPhone5.
Although the iPhone5 has some new features, it’s essentially the same phone with a longer screen (see the picture that accompanies this article).
The new phone is thinner, lighter and faster than its predecessors.
It’s less than 8 mm thick.
The screen is now a bit longer, at 4” (measured diagonally), or 10.2 cms. The iPhone4 screen is 3.5” (8.9 cms).
The new iPhone is also faster than the other iPhones.
And, it comes with earbuds (earphones) that some people are saying are a lot better; they are called “earpods.”
The new phone also has a new type of connector that is narrower.
The iPhone5 will be available in stores throughout North America, the UK and Japan on Sept. 21. A week later, it will be available in many other countries.
Apple expects to sell tens of millions of the iPhone5 before the end of the year.
The launch of the new phone was highly anticipated. Many people eagerly awaited its launch.
Many people will stand in line to get it when it comes out (even though if they wait a week or two, or just order it online, they will be able to get the exact same phone without waiting in line).
CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS
By Kathleen Tilly
Writing/Discussion Prompt
The iPhone 4 and 4S came on to the market recently, yet many people were very excited for the launch of the iPhone 5. Even thought it is similar to the iPhone 4, millions of people will buy the new phone. Why do you think people always want the newest and latest product? In your opinion, does newer always equal better?
Reading Prompt: Text Forms
The photo that accompanies this article is an “Internet meme.” An “Internet meme” is a concept (or in this case, a photo) that has spread widely through the Internet–or “gone viral.” Another one is the LOL Catz or the Dentist Kid.
Can you think of any other Internet memes? Why do you think they are so popular?
Primary
Identify and describe the characteristics of a variety of text forms, with a focus on literary texts such as a fable or adventure story, graphic texts such as a comic book, and informational texts such as a nature magazine (OME, Reading: 2.1).
Junior
Analyse a variety of text forms and explain how their particular characteristics help communicate meaning, with a focus on literary texts such as short stories, graphic texts such as a logo, and informational texts such as a movie review (OME, Reading: 2.1).
Intermediate
Analyse a variety of text forms and explain how their particular characteristics help communicate meaning, with a focus on literary texts such as a novel, graphic texts such as a photo essay, and informational texts such as a manual (OME, Reading: 2.1).
Grammar Feature: Comparative Adjectives
Adjectives are words that describe a noun. Adjectives are sometimes used to compare two things. Comparative adjectives have a suffix, such as -er or -est. For example, in the article, the comparative adjective “faster” is used to compare the old and the new iPhones.
Find the other comparative adjectives that are used in this article.
