Computers

Computers are a very important part of our lives. They tell us about delays to transport. They drive trains, analyse evidence and control buildings. For many young people, playing computer games is their favourite way of spending spare time. Computers are a very important part of most areas of life in Britain.

The smart home is now a real possibility. It will become very common. And of course you will be able to give new instructions to the computer from your mobile phone. Many homes have got lots televisions and several computers. If the temperature outside changes, the smart home will adjust temperature levels inside.
In a survey, 44 per cent of young people between 11 and 16 said their PC was a trusted friend. Twenty per cent said they were happier at their computer than spending time with family or friends. Another survey found that people in Britain spend so much time on the phone, texting and reading e-mails that they no longer have time for conversation.

Reading

British people read a lot. They read books, newspapers and magazines. And of course they read text messages on their mobile phones. A quarter of the population reads more than 20 books each year.

In this library you can borrow books but you can also buy a cup of coffee, look at an art exhibition, sit in a quiet study area or connect to the Internet. You can also borrow CDs, videos and DVDs of films and television programmes. There are often reference rooms where you can go to look something up or go to study. Libraries are very important in schools and universities both for study and for reading for pleasure.

The British Library is one of the world's greatest libraries. The Queen opened its new building in 1998. People predicted that radio, then television, then the Internet would kill reading, but it is still a very popular activity.