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EF p 99. Science and technology. Speaking
TOPIC 5: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Preparation time: 5 minutes
PART 1. CONVERSATION
Talk to each other about some or all of the following. (8 minutes approx.)
How has technology changed teaching and learning ?
Is phubbing bad for our relationships?
Advantages and disadvantages of social media?
What will technology be like in the next 10 years?
PART 2. MONOLOGUE
Talk about at least two of the following ideas. (4 minutes approx.) The examiner may ask you further questions about the topic.
CANDIDATE A
Positive and negative effects of technology on people’s health.
At what age should children be allowed to have their first smartphones? Why?
What major technological breakthroughs do you think have had the greatest impact on society?
CANDIDATE B
In what ways has technology improved our lives? In what ways has it made life worse?
What are the pros and cons of AI?
What are the benefits and drawbacks of working from home via a computer?
EF p 196. A Discursive Essay: Do Smartphones Really Improve Our Lives? Cloze
Smartphones dominate the field of personal communications
and nowadays virtually everyone owns (1)_____________. They have many clear
benefits, (2)________ do they really make our lives better?
Perhaps the greatest benefit of smartphones is that they (3)___________ us
to access an incredible amount of information. They are not just
phones – we can also use them (4)_________ maps, encyclopaedias, novels,
entertainment systems, and much (5)____________. We live in an age of
information, and smartphones help us to make the (6)__________ of it all.
In (7)_____________, they allow us to live our lives spontaneously. (8)__________ you need a taxi, have to book a restaurant table, or want to
identify stars in the night sky, you can do it straight away.
(9)_____________,
they keep us in touch with our friends and family, and the social
role they play in a fast-moving society is hugely important.
(10)______________, there are strong arguments to suggest that what
appear to be the advantages of smartphones can also have
downsides. One drawback is the cost – monthly contracts are (11)______________ from cheap and smartphones tend to become obsolete quickly, (12)_____________ people feel they need to buy the latest model.
What is (13)______________,
they are a constant distraction, (14)___________ they encourage people to
spend hours checking social networking sites (15)____________ they could be
doing something more useful.
But perhaps the (16)____________ significant
downside is for working people. (17)___________ the one hand, smartphones
offer great convenience, (18)___________ they also mean that employees can (19)__________ contacted by their boss or by customers at any time, (20)________ while they are on holiday.
On the (21)______________, smartphones are a wonderful tool, but they
have both (22)_____________ and cons and they have to be (23)__________ wisely. It is
very important that we control (24)___________, and not the other way (25)_____________.
KEY
1. one
2. but
3. allow
4. as
5. more
6. most
7. addition
8. Whether
9. Finally
10. However
11. far
12. so
13. more
14. as
15. when
16. most
17. On
18. but
19. be
20. even
21. whole
22. pros
23. used
24. them
25. round
EF p 99. Science and Technology. Monologue. Sample Answer. Word Formation
Questions:
1. Advantages and disadvantages of social media.
2. Advantages and disadvantages of AI.
3. How has technology changed teaching and learning?
Sample answer:
Have you ever wondered how different our lives would be without social media, AI, or modern technology in education? Today, I’m going to delve into these three pivotal issues. Firstly, I'll explore the benefits and drawbacks of social media. Then, I'll move on to the pros and cons of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Finally, I will discuss how technology has transformed teaching and learning.
First of all, I'd like to start by giving my opinion on the impact of social media, (1)__________(SPECIFIC) its upsides and downsides. Social media has (2)_____________(REVOLUTION) the way we communicate and share information. On one hand, it offers (3)____________(NUMBER) opportunities. For instance, it allows us to connect with friends and family across the globe, share experiences in real time, and access a vast amount of information. Social media platforms are also (4)___________(POWER) tools for raising awareness about important issues and (5)____________(MOBILE) communities. In fact, they have been a (6)_________________(GAME) in how movements and causes gain (7)___________(TRACTOR).
However, there are also significant challenges to consider. One major (8)___________(WEAK) is the impact on mental health. Studies have shown that (9)____________(EXCESS) use of social media can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and (10)______________(LONELY). (11)___________(ADD), many people live in a social media bubble, or even an echo chamber, where they are only exposed to information that reinforces their existing beliefs. (12)______________(FAR) the spread of (13)____________(INFORM) and fake news is a serious concern, as it can bring about public (14)_____________(UNDERSTAND) and panic. (15)_____________(PRIVATE) issues are another critical pitfall, as personal data can be easily exploited by third parties. (16)_____________(BULL) and (17)______________(TROLL) are also rampant, causing (18)______________(EMOTION) distress to many users.
Moving on to the next point, let’s now discuss the merits and demerits of Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI has the potential to (19)_____________(SIGNIFY) enhance our daily lives and various industries. For example, AI can perform tasks more efficiently and accurately than humans, such as analysing large datasets, which is incredibly useful in fields like healthcare and finance. This (20)______________(EDGE) technology can also (21)______________(AUTOMATIC) repetitive tasks, allowing people to focus on more creative and strategic work. AI-powered personal assistants and (22)_____________(STATE) technology like self-driving cars are becoming more (23)_____________(FRIEND) and accessible, changing the way we live and work.
On the flip side, there are notable disadvantages. One of the main concerns is job (24)_______________(PLACE). As AI continues to advance, it is likely to replace many jobs, particularly those involving routine tasks. This could result in significant (25)____________(EMPLOY) and (26)_____________(ECONOMY) disruption. Moreover, there are ethical considerations, including the potential for bias in AI algorithms and the lack of (27)__________________(TRANSPARENT) in decision-making processes. (28)______________(SURE) that AI systems are fair and (29)______________(COUNT) is a major challenge. The unchecked development of AI might lead us down a (30)___________(SLIP) slope or be seen as the thin end of the wedge in terms of privacy and control.
Finally, let’s turn to how technology has changed teaching and learning. In the past decade, recent technological advances have had a profound impact on education. First of all, it has made learning more (31)_______________(ACCESS). Online platforms and digital resources mean that students can learn from anywhere in the world, often at their own pace. This has been especially beneficial during the COVID-19 pandemic, where traditional classroom learning was disrupted. M-learning, or mobile learning, allows students to access educational materials on their smartphones and tablets. Besides, technology has enhanced the interactivity and (32)______________(ENGAGE) of learning. Tools like interactive simulations, educational games, and virtual reality can make learning more dynamic and (33)_______________(ENJOY). (34)____________(GAME) and (35)_____________(WEAR) technology are examples of how tech can make learning experiences more engaging. On top of that, technology allows for (36)______________(PERSON) learning experiences, where educational content can be tailored to meet the individual needs of each student. The (37)_______________(FLIP) classroom model, where students review materials at home and do practical work in class, is a perfect example of how technology can innovate traditional teaching methods.
However, there are also disadvantages. One of the main challenges is the digital divide, where not all students have equal access to technology and the internet, which can exacerbate educational (38)_______________(EQUAL). Moreover, the (39)_____________(RELY) on technology can sometimes detract from traditional teaching methods that are still valuable, in particular face-to-face interaction and hands-on learning. (40)____________(SAVVY) students might adapt quickly, but those who are less familiar with technology might struggle to keep up, creating an (41)_____________(BALANCE) in learning.
In conclusion, while social media, AI, and technology in education all offer (42)____________(SUBSTANCE) benefits, they also come with significant challenges that must be carefully managed. By recognising and addressing these issues, we can make the most of these technologies to improve our lives and society. This (43)______________(THINK) topic certainly gives us food for thought as we continue to navigate the digital age.
KEY
1. specifically
2. revolutionised
3. numerous
4. powerful
5. mobilising
6. game-changer
7. traction
traction: the extent to which an idea, a product, etc. becomes popular or gains support. Sp. ganar terreno.
E.g.The president's message is gaining traction among undecided voters.
8. weakness
9. excessive
10. loneliness
11. Additionally
12. Furthermore,
13. misinformation
14. misunderstanding/-s (U, C)
15. Privacy
16. Cyberbullying
17. trolling
18. emotional
19. significantly
20. cutting-edge
21. automate
22. state-of-the-art
state-of-the-art: using the most modern or advanced techniques or methods; as good as it can be at the present time. Sp. última generación.
E.g. The system was state of the art. a state-of-the-art system.
23. user-friendly
24. displacement
25. unemployment
26. economic
27. transparency
28. Ensuring
29. accountable
30. slippery
the/a slippery slope a course of action that is difficult to stop once it has begun, and can lead to serious problems or disaster. Sp. terreno resbaladizo.
E.g.
She realized he was on the slippery slope towards a life of crime.
the thin end of the wedge (especially British English) an event or action that is the beginning of something more serious and/or unpleasant. Sp. el principio de algo peor.
E.g.
The introduction of a tax on workplace parking is seen by many as the thin end of the wedge.
31. accessible
32. engagement
33. enjoyable
34. Gamification
35. wearable
Wearable Technology:
clothing and accessories incorporating computer and advanced electronic technologies.
E.g. Wearable Technologies like Google Glass and Smartwatches are on the rise in personal and business use.
36. personalised
37. flipped
Flipped classroom:
In a flipped classroom model, students watch online lectures, collaborate in online discussions, or carry out research at home and engage in concepts in the classroom with the guidance of the instructor. Flipped Learning is a pedagogical approach in which direct instruction moves from the group learning space to the individual learning space, and the resulting group space is transformed into a dynamic, interactive learning environment where the educator guides students as they apply concepts and engage creatively in the subject matter. In a flipped classroom students are doing the lower levels of cognitive work (gaining knowledge and comprehension) outside of class, and focusing on the higher forms of cognitive work (application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation) in class, where they have the support of their peers and instructor. This model contrasts from the traditional model in which “first exposure” occurs via lecture in class, with students assimilating knowledge through homework; thus the term “flipped classroom.”
E.g. In a flipped classroom problems may arise if students come unprepared.
38. inequalities
39. over-reliance
over-reliance: excessive dependence on or trust in someone or something.
"an over-reliance on technology"
detract from: detract from something | detract something from something (not used in the progressive tenses) to make something seem less good or fun SYNONYM take away from Sp. quitar mérito/valor a.
E.g.
He was determined not to let anything detract from his enjoyment of the trip.
40. Tech-savvy
tech-savvy: well informed about or proficient in the use of modern technology, especially computers. E.g. today’s tech-savvy consumers. Kids are pretty tech-savvy these days.
41. imbalance. Sp. desequilibrio.
42. substantial
43. thought-provoking
EF p 85. The Conversation: Stress. Listening
Do you think life today is more stressful than it used to be?
Sample answer:
I Do you think life today is more stressful than it used to be?
J I (1)____________ think it’s more stressful than it used to be, and I think a big part of that is, sort of, online culture and social media. (2)______________, everything you do is online, everyone can comment on what you’re doing. You’re, sort of, seeing yourself against – you’re pitted against everyone else in your career field, doing everything, the same things as you and, and you never, sort of, get satisfaction anymore, because you’ll do something and think you’ve done really well, and then you’ll go online, share it, look at what other people have done and then suddenly everyone else seems to be doing so much more than you.
Id I think it’s – using that phrase ‘pitted against other people’ is really interesting, because it, it sort of highlights the fact that life at the moment is more about being in competition with other people (3)_________ than achieving things for yourself. And I think you’re (4)_____________ right, it’s all about comparing yourself, this constant comparing, (5)____________ consciously or unconsciously, with other people. I (6)____________, I remember a time – I imagine you do as well – where things were slower, as well. The pace of life and the things that you did were slower so that was a different kind of stress. So, you know if you’d write a letter to achieve something you’d have to wait for that response and there was nothing you could do in between, (7)_______________ now you send an email, you’re expected to do a million things before you get a response and you’re expected to be reachable at all times, whereas before it was more about doing things because of need, rather than want, I think.
Jo Sure, sure. There’s no hiding place nowadays, that’s the problem, and you are so easily exposed to everybody around you and there’s reality shows and all sorts of things. People want to succeed so quickly, whereas many, many times, years ago, you, you (8)____________ never succeed that quickly, you would begin to build a career for yourself, or, um, meet people and, and then open yourself out to the outside world. But nowadays it’s like ‘Now. I want it now.’
Id Yeah.
Jo And it’s a need, rather than a want.
Id And I think the definition of success has changed as well.
Jo (9)_________________.
KEY
1. definitely
2. So
3. rather
4. absolutely
5. whether
6. mean
7. whereas
8. would
9. Absolutely
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