XI. Read the text, and match the headings (A-F) with paragraphs (1-5). There is one extra
heading that you do not need.
A – Why do “friends” websites seem dangerous?
B – How do “friends” websites work?
C - What’s the best advice for people who want to use “friends” websites?
D – Where do Millie’s friends live?
E – How can I find “friends” websites?
F – Why are “friends” websites popular?
1. _______ Millie is 14 years old and lives in Miami. She has 204 friends – and she makes two
or three more friends every week. About 20 of her friends also live in Miami. Some go to the
same school, and others go to the same music clubs and sports centers. She often sees them. The
others live in other cities and other countries: England, Canada, Japan … She never meets these
friends, but she talks to them on the Internet. They are her “MySpace Friends”.
2. _______ Because of websites like MySpace, Yahoo 360 and Bebo, people can make friends
online. These websites are very popular all over the world, especially with young people. Users
have their own homepage. They give information about themselves. They write letters for their
webpage, show photos and give opinions. They write about their favourite films, music and TV
programmes.
3. _______ For many young people, a good homepage is an important part of their image. It
says: “This is me! I have something to say. These things – and these people – are important in
my life.” And these websites are also an easy way to talk to a lot of different people. That is
why teenagers likes these “friends” websites.
4. _______ But some people are worried that these websites aren’t safe. For example, it is
impossible to know that the information on a homepage is true. Perhaps the 14-year-old girl you
talk to online is really a 40-year-old man. So here is some advice.
5. _______ Keep your webpage private. (only friends can see a private homepage). Do not put
photos of yourself on your homepage. Do not meet people that you only know because of the
website. And finally, remember that online friends are fun, but they are not the same as real
friends.
