IN THIS UNIT YOU WILL LEARN HOW TO

match features of the passage
identify the writer's views
write first conditional sentences.

01. How much do you know about the internet?

1. Name two search engines.

2. Name two news websites.

3. Name two social media sites.

4. Name a website that has factual information on many topics.

02. What do you use the internet for?

SKIM READING

03. Skim read the passage in ONE MINUTE.

What is the purpose of the passage?

A. to give the advantages and disadvantages of the internet
B. to advise people how to become famous on the internet
C. to explain how beginners can start to use the internet

BECOME RICH AND FAMOUS THROUGH THE INTERNET

In the past, to become famous you needed a talent: singing, playing an instrument, dancing or writing books. Nowadays, it is much easier to become famous. This is because of the internet. All you need is a camera or webcam, computer, internet connection and a bit of creativity.

First of all, you need to decide what you are going to write or speak about: hair and makeup, comedy, sport, news and current affairs, raising money for a charity or something specialist like keeping tropical fish. Then choose a site to post on. Some sites are international and some may be particular to one country, such as Weibo in China. YouTube is a good site to choose if you make your own videos. It is easy to upload your short films, and many people use it.

If you want to become famous on YouTube, you should make lots of videos and release one every day. YouTubers who become popular are often those who present tips, advice, 'how to' guides and opinions on entertainment or stories in the news. If you allow advertisements in your videos, you will make money when people view the adverts. Facebook is a good platform for those who want to make money, but not for those who want to be famous. To earn money through Facebook, you need a very original and/or funny page, with interesting photos which can get you a few hundred thousand 'likes'. If you achieve fame on Facebook, it probably won't last.