B2 First Writing: test de práctica 1

Smartphones have become part of almost every moment of a young person's day. But is the time we spend on them really a problem?

On the one hand, phones help us stay in touch with friends. We can share news, organise plans and keep friendships alive even when people move to another city. However, many teenagers spend hours scrolling instead of meeting their friends face to face, which can make relationships more superficial.

Studying is another important area. Phones give students instant access to information and useful apps. On the other hand, notifications constantly interrupt concentration, and it is easy to waste an evening watching videos instead of revising.

Finally, there is the question of health. Using a phone late at night can affect sleep, and lack of sleep has a direct impact on mood and performance at school.

In my opinion, the problem is not the phone itself but how we use it. Young people would benefit from setting clear limits, such as turning notifications off while studying, so that technology helps them rather than controls them.

The village that taught me to slow down

Have you ever been somewhere where nobody seems to be in a hurry? Two summers ago I spent a week in a tiny village in the mountains of northern Portugal, and it changed the way I think about time.

I arrived with a long list of things to see, but the bus only ran twice a day and the only shop closed for three hours at lunchtime. At first I was frustrated. Then an elderly neighbour invited me to help her pick tomatoes, and we spent the whole afternoon talking in a mixture of Spanish, Portuguese and gestures.

That afternoon I realised that I always rush from one activity to the next without really enjoying any of them. In the village, people took time to cook, to chat and simply to sit outside in the evening.

Back home, I try to keep a little of that calm. I still have a busy life, but now I leave space in my day for doing nothing at all. Believe me, it's harder than it sounds!

Hi Sam,

That's fantastic news! I'm so happy you're coming, and of course I'll help you get settled.

If I were you, I'd look for a room in the old town or near the university. Both areas are lively and full of students, and rents are more reasonable than in the city centre. Avoid the area around the stadium, though, because it's noisy at weekends.

As for getting around, you won't need a car at all. The metro is quick and cheap, especially if you buy a monthly student pass, and most places are within walking distance anyway. You could also rent a bike, as there are lots of cycle lanes.

The best way to meet people is to join a club at the university. There are language exchanges every Thursday, where you can practise your Spanish and make friends at the same time. And, obviously, you can count on me to introduce you to my friends!

Let me know when you've booked your flight.

Best wishes,

Iker

The Lighthouse Keepers: impossible to switch off

I started watching The Lighthouse Keepers on a Sunday afternoon, thinking I'd see one episode. Six hours later, I was still on the sofa.

The series follows three strangers who are sent to look after a lighthouse on a remote island for a winter. At first it seems to be a quiet drama about loneliness, but when one of them discovers a diary hidden in the walls, the story turns into a gripping mystery.

What makes it so addictive is the way each episode ends with a small but shocking revelation. The acting is also excellent, especially the youngest keeper, who manages to be funny and frightening at the same time. The stormy island, filmed in beautiful grey light, almost becomes a character in itself.

Would I recommend it to everyone? Not quite. The pace is slow in the first two episodes, and some viewers may find the ending confusing. But if you enjoy mysteries that make you think, this is a series you won't forget.