‘How my son went from gamer to compulsive gambler’

This is a list of key vocabulary and expressions from the article in order of how useful they are. The student must choose 6 items from the list to study in the lesson.

To be allowed (to do something) 

To encourage (someone to do something)

To ban (something/ someone) 

A bench

To set up

To be into something

To join in

To tackle (something)

Appealing

A youngster

To go through (something) (meaning to experience something bad)

Subtle

To spark (something)

Mate (meaning friend)

A great deal of (something)

Odd

Let alone

To pay off debt

Out of the ordinary

A glitch

Wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy

Distraught

Flutter (meaning a small bet)

Downfall

A barrage (of something) 

15 conversation-provoking questions related to the article.

1. Who is Steve and what is his story?

2. What does Steve believe sparked his son’s addiction?

3. What does Steve do now?

4. ‘Steve and his wife should never have paid off their son’s debt, this was a huge mistake.’ Do you agree?

5. ‘All gambling adverts should be banned immediately.’ Do you agree?

6. ‘Gambling should be banned.’ Do you agree?

7. ‘Watching sport without gambling is boring.’ Do you agree?

8. ‘Anyone could become addicted to gambling.’ Do you agree?

9. ‘Generally speaking, when children aren't studying, they are wasting their time.' Do you agree?

10. 'I never waste my time or money.' Is this true for you?

11. ‘All computer games are extremely harmful to children.’ Do you agree?

12. ‘I used to spend hours playing computer games when I was younger.’ Is this true for you?

13. ‘There is a clear link between playing violent computer games and violent behaviour among teenagers.’ Do you agree?

14. ‘Parents should use technology to spy on their children.’ Do you agree?

15. ‘The younger generation would rather spend time on the computer than do sport.’ Do you agree?