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EF p 99. Social Media. Speaking Monologue. Cloze

The Influence of Social Media on Young People

Questions:

How has social media changed the way young people communicate?
What are some of the positive and negative effects of social media on mental health?
Do you think schools should play a role in educating students about responsible social media use?

Sample answer:

Right, so to kick things off, it’s fair to say that social media has become a central part of daily life for most young people. (1)______________ we like it or not, it’s transformed not (2)______________ the way they communicate but also the way they view the world and themselves. What I’ll do is address each of the questions (3)____________ turn, beginning with how communication has been affected.

To begin with, it’s clear that social media has drastically altered the way young people interact. Communication nowadays is often instantaneous, highly visual, and heavily mediated through apps like Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok. While this enables people to stay in touch effortlessly, it has also contributed (4)______________ a decline in face-to-face interaction and arguably, in the depth of conversations. One could even argue that communication has become more performative than personal, with many prioritising image over authenticity.

Turning now to the issue of mental health, there’s no denying that social media is something of a double-edged (5)______________. On the positive side, it provides a sense of community, enables self-expression, and can be empowering, particularly for individuals who feel marginalised. (6)______________, these benefits often come at a cost. It’s well documented that excessive use of social media can exacerbate feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and low self-worth, particularly when young users become caught up in unrealistic comparisons and the pursuit of validation through likes and shares. (7)______________, being constantly 'online' can lead to digital fatigue and a sense of emotional burnout.

(8)_______________ for whether schools should get involved, I’d argue that they most definitely should. Given the pervasive nature of social media, it’s no longer enough to leave these conversations to families or expect young people to figure it out on their own. Schools have a duty to equip students with the tools they need to navigate the digital world responsibly. This could include lessons on online safety, critical thinking, recognising misinformation, and managing their digital footprint. (9)______________ we want students to thrive both online and offline, then digital literacy should be embedded into the curriculum just as firmly as traditional academic subjects.

All things (10)________________, social media isn’t inherently negative—it’s a tool, and like (11)_______________ tool, its impact depends on how it's used. With the right guidance, particularly from schools, young people can learn to harness its benefits while avoiding some of its more harmful effects. In the end, the aim shouldn’t be to discourage social media altogether, but (12)_____________ to encourage more thoughtful, balanced, and responsible use.

KEY

1. Whether

2. only

3. in

in turn 

1. one after the other in a particular order.

E.g. The children called out their names in turn.

2. as a result of something in a series of events.

E.g. Increased production will, in turn, lead to increased profits

4. to

5. sword

6. However

7. Furthermore

8. As

9. If

10. considered

11. any

12. rather

EF p 162. The Impact Of Food and Exercise On Our Health. Speaking Interaction Sample. Cloze

Tom: Hi, Emily! Lovely to see you—how have you been?

Emily: Hi, Tom! I’m doing really well, thanks. Just wrapped up a session at the gym, actually.

Tom: Oh really? Good for you! I must admit, I’ve been meaning to get back into exercising, but somehow I keep putting it (1)__________________. Has it made much of a difference for you?

Emily: Absolutely! It’s been transformative, both physically and mentally. Not only (2)_____________ I feel fitter, butI’ve also noticed a boost in my mood and energy levels. To be honest, I never expected it to have such a wide-ranging impact.

Tom: Wow, that’s impressive. I’ve been feeling sluggish lately, and frankly, a bit out of shape. If I’d known it would make such a difference, I might (3)_____________ started sooner! Any suggestions for getting back into it?

Emily: Definitely. First and foremost, start small—setting unrealistic goals only leads to frustration. For instance, even going for a brisk walk every (4)_____________ day can be a great place to begin.

Tom: That seems doable. I always thought I needed to go all in from the start, but your way sounds more sustainable.

Emily: Exactly. And another thing—choose activities you actually enjoy. Were you to pick something dull just for the sake of fitness, chances (5)_____________ you won’t stick with it. Dancing, swimming, football—whatever keeps you moving and smiling.

Tom: That’s a good point. I’ve always loved playing football, so perhaps I should join a casual team or have a kickabout with some friends.

Emily: That’s the spirit! And finally, consistency is key. (6)_______________ missing a session now and then is no disaster, making exercise a habit is what really brings results.

Tom: Thanks for the encouragement, Emily. I genuinely feel more motivated now. Speaking of health, I suppose food plays an equally important role, doesn’t it?

Emily: It certainly does! In fact, even if you exercise regularly, a poor diet can seriously undermine your efforts. You know what they say— you are (7)______________ you eat!

Tom: I’ve heard that one before. I must confess, though, my diet’s been rather dreadful lately—too much fast food and not enough greens.

Emily: Don’t beat yourself up—we all fall into bad habits sometimes. The good news is, making even a few changes can have a big impact. For starters, try to prioritise whole, unprocessed foods—think fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

Tom: Right, makes sense. And I suppose cutting back (8)______________ snacks is part of the plan too?

Emily: Spot on. Portion control is another game-changer. All (9)____________ often, we eat mindlessly, especially when we’re stressed or distracted. Smaller plates, conscious eating—it all helps.

Tom: Guilty as charged! I definitely snack more when I’m anxious or bored.

Emily: You’re not alone. Being aware of that is already a step in the right direction. Oh, and one more thing—stay hydrated. People often underestimate how vital water is for everything from digestion to concentration.

Tom: I always forget that! I’ll start keeping a bottle of water on me more often.

Emily: That’s a great idea. Remember, making lasting changes isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being consistent. Small, manageable steps will get you there.

Tom: Thanks, Emily. I really appreciate all the advice—you’ve given me a lot to think about!

Emily: Anytime, Tom. I’m rooting (10)_______________ you! Let me know how it goes—I’d love to hear about your progress.

KEY

1. off

2. do

3. have

4. other

5. are

6. Although

7. what

8. on

9. too

10. for

EF C1.1 p 129. Health and Medicine

EF p 129. Health and Medicine. Speaking Monologue. Sample Answer. Cloze

Health. Extra Speaking

EF p 129. Health and Medicine. Speaking Mock Exam

TOPIC 4: HEALTH Preparation time: 5 minutes

PART 1. CONVERSATION

Talk to each other about some or all of the following. (8 minutes approx.)

What do you think about our health care system?
How can we help teens to develop healthy eating habits?
What are the negative effects of not living a healthy lifestyle?
Traditional versus alternative medicine. Which one do you prefer? Why?

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

Health benefits of regular physical activity.
Ways to cope with work stress and avoid burnout
What do you think about new diet trends? Are they all healthy?

CANDIDATE B

Health benefits of social interaction .
What advice do you hear about getting and staying healthy?
What do you think are the benefits or potential dangers of online medical advice? Would you consult a medical service on the Internet?

EF p 129. Health and Medicine. Monologue. Sample Answer. Cloze

1. To what extent should alternative medicine be integrated into conventional healthcare systems? What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of such integration?

2. Although mental health is just as important as physical health, it is often neglected. Why do you think this is the case, and what measures could be taken to address the imbalance?

3. With increasing access to online health information, many people are experiencing 'cyberchondria' — excessive health anxiety fuelled by internet searches. What are the causes and consequences of this trend, and how might it be managed?

Sample answer:

Health in the Modern World: A Holistic Approach

To begin (1)____________, health – in all its forms – is absolutely fundamental to our well-being, both as individuals and as a society. In today’s fast-paced and highly connected world, we’re no longer just focused on curing illness. We’re increasingly looking at how to integrate alternative therapies, prioritise mental health, and cope with the overwhelming (2)______________ of online health information. So today, I’d like to explore these three key aspects and how they interconnect.

1. Alternative Medicine: A Complementary Approach?

First and (3)________________, let’s take a look at the integration of alternative medicine into conventional healthcare systems. It is generally accepted that treatments (4)________________ acupuncture, herbal remedies, and chiropractic care have grown in popularity in recent years. From my (5)_____________ of view, there is value in incorporating some of these therapies – but only when they’re backed by scientific evidence and properly regulated.

For example, mindfulness programmes and acupuncture are now used alongside traditional treatments for stress and chronic pain – a sign that collaboration can work. However, there can be no (6)______________ that many alternative therapies still lack the rigorous testing that conventional medicine requires. What’s (7)_________________, inconsistent regulation could lead to confusion or even exploitation of patients.

(8)____________ short, I believe we need a balanced approach: openness to new ideas, but always grounded in solid, evidence-based research.

2. Mental Health: Ending the Stigma

(9)________________ examining that, let’s now (10)_______________ on to the topic of mental health – something which, as everyone (11)________________, is just as important as physical health, yet still often neglected.

Why is this the case? I strongly (12)______________ that the stigma surrounding mental illness plays a major (13)_____________. To my (14)______________, many people still feel embarrassed or even ashamed to seek help. On (15)_____________ of that, healthcare systems often prioritise physical conditions, leaving mental health services chronically underfunded.

So what can be (16)_______________? First of (17)______________, we must educate people from an early age – mental health should be (18)_______________ about as openly as physical health. Besides, governments need to invest more heavily in accessible support services. Let’s not forget workplaces either – they can play a crucial role in promoting well-being through supportive workplace practices and mental health days.

All things (19)___________________, a healthy society requires both body and mind to be equally (20)________________ for.

3. Cyberchondria: The Perils of Dr Google

This (21)________________ directly to my next point – cyberchondria, or the anxiety caused by compulsively searching for symptoms online. Have you ever (22)______________ why something so simple can cause so much distress?

It (23)_______________ to me that the combination of easy access to information and a lack of medical training creates the perfect (24)______________. People want answers quickly, and the internet often shows the most extreme possibilities first. As a (25)______________, a mild headache can suddenly seem life-threatening.

The consequences are serious – unnecessary panic, self-diagnosis, wasted resources, and sometimes even delaying proper medical treatment.

So how do we manage this? Firstly, public education is vital – people need to learn how to distinguish between reliable and (26)_______________ sources. In (27)________________, healthcare providers should offer vetted online tools to help guide patients. And finally, tech platforms must take more responsibility (28)________________ how they present health content.

Conclusion

All things (29)_______________, health today is about much more than medication or hospital visits. It’s about finding balance – between traditional and alternative approaches, between body and mind, and between knowledge and anxiety in the digital age.

As I (30)_____________ it, the future of health depends on three key principles: open-mindedness, critical thinking, and collaboration – between medical professionals, policymakers, and the public.

To put it simply: take care of your body, nurture your mental health, and use technology wisely – to empower us, not to overwhelm us.

To (31)_________________ up, health is no longer just a medical issue — it’s a human one.

Well, I truly appreciate you (32)______________ the time to listen, it’s been a pleasure sharing these thoughts with you.

KEY

1. with

2. amount

3. foremost

4. like

5. point

6. doubt

7. more

8. In

9. After

10. move

11. knows

12. believe

13. role

14. mind

15. top

16. done

17. all

18. talked

19. considered

20. cared

21. leads

22. wondered

23. seems

24. storm

25. result/ consequence

26. unreliable

27. addition

28. for

29. considered

30. see

31. sum

32. taking

EF C1.1 p 133. HOLIDAYS AND TRAVEL. Speaking Mock Exam

TOPIC 7: HOLIDAYS AND TRAVEL Preparation time: 5 minutes