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Reading Comprehension: Online Dating

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Would you be willing to try online dating? Recent research shows that it is an excellent way of meeting people, but it is still considered a 'taboo' by many. Read the article below and then decide whether the following statements are true or false.
By Caroline Devane

Reading Comprehension on Online Dating

It has long been seen as a less romantic way of meeting Mr Right. But finding love over the internet is a good way of meeting a marriage partner, research has showed. It found that one in five of those who have used dating sites to find their perfect partner have gone on to marry someone they met over the web.

The study, by consumer group Which?, also revealed that more than half of the 1,504 people questioned had been on a date with someone they met in cyberspace.  Sixty-two per cent agreed that it was easier to meet someone on a dating site than in other ways, such as in a pub or club, or through friends.  At the same time, the under-35s were more likely to know someone who had been on a date or had a long-term relationship with someone they met through online dating.

Jess Ross, editor of which.co.uk, said: 'Online dating is revolutionising the way people meet each other. Switching the computer on could be the first step to success.'

According to industry surveys, more than 22million people visited dating websites in 2007, and more than two million Britons are signed up to singles sites.

Of the 147 couples who took part in the study, 61 per cent said their relationships had high levels of these three components. The researchers also found that men were more likely to find true love on the internet than women.

Dr Jeff Gavin, who led the team, said: 'To date, there has been no systematic study of love in the context-of relationships formed via online dating sites. 'But with the popularity of online dating, it is imperative we understand the factors that influence satisfaction in relationships formed in this way.'

Charlotte Harper, of Match.com, said: 'We were thrilled to find so many of our former members have found love. 'It supports our belief that the internet does in fact encourage old-fashioned courtship.'

Read the full article at http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1144129/Online-dating-CAN-help-perfect-partner-research-shows.html

Useful Vocabulary

Mr. Right - (slang) The man who would make the perfect husband.
Consumer group - (noun) Organisation that works to protect consumers. To make sure people are treated fairly by businesses.
Revolutionising - (Verb) Changing something in a short period of time. The noun is 'revolution'.
Britons - (collective noun) People who live in Great Britain.
Component - (noun) A small part of a large thing.
Systematic - (adjective) Using a fixed and organized plan.
Imperative - (adjective) Extremely important.
Courtship - (noun) The time when people have a romantic relationship with the intention of getting married.

Now decide if the statements are true or false:

  • 1. Online dating is seen as modern romance.



  • 2. Research has shown that online dating is not a good way of meeting people.



  • 3. Most people who took part in the survey said it is easier to meet people online than elsewhere.



  • 4. Jess Ross thinks online dating is changing the way people meet each other.



  • 5. Less than 20 million people visited dating websites in 2007.



  • 6. Women are more likely to find their ideal partner online than men.



  • 7. Many members of match.com have found love.