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 77. Being Busy. Mediation. Word Formation

TASK 1: 

You come across an infographic about people's addiction to being busy. You find it so interesting that you decide to write a blog entry about it.

Addiction to being busy

People struggle to juggle friends, family, work and fitness

Reasons for busyness:

Feeling anxious when missing an event.

To take your mind off your troubles.

To become successful.

Sample answer:

TEXT 1 

Are you (1)______________ (ADDICTION) to being busy? 

‘Let me check my diary and get back to you’, is a phrase we’ve all (2)_______________ (UTTERANCE). We are constantly on the go, trying to squeeze friends and family, work, and fitness into our (3)________________ (INCREASE) demanding lifestyles. And while we have all struggled with a jam-packed week at some stage, it’s possible some people have developed an actual addiction to ‘busyness’. 

Many busy people suffer from FOMO, which stands for ‘fear of missing out’, and is (4)______________ (DEFINITION) as anxiety, often caused by social media, that an exciting or interesting event is happening somewhere which they are not part of. Others pack their schedules in order to avoid dealing with other things in their lives. ‘When our mind isn’t occupied with a task, we are left with our thoughts and our emotions,’ says psychologist Jaimie Bloch. ‘This makes many people feel (5)______________ (COMFORT) and anxious. For example, those who have recently left relationships might use (6)________________ (EXCESS) activity as a way to keep their minds off the (7)_____________ (BREAK). Others may have a fear of being (8)_________________ (PRODUCE), so busyness feels like a way to achieve success. When these people aren’t busy, it’s a form of (9)_____________ (FAIL).’ Ms Bloch also says that in a society obsessed with (10)______________ (PRODUCE) and achievement, being busy can be a way to elevate your social status. ‘Being busy creates a sense of importance and value. The idea of relaxing, not doing anything, is linked to emotions such as (11)______________ (GUILTY) and shame.’

KEY

1. addicted

2. uttered

3. increasingly

4. defined

5. uncomfortable

6. excessive

7. break-up

8. unproductive

9. failure

10. productivity

11. guilt/ guiltiness

TASK 2: 

You come across an infographic about the effects of being busy on our health. You find it so interesting that you decide to write a blog entry about it.

Being busy and our health

Helps us live longer lives and sleep better

Keeps us physically and mentally stronger

Keeps us socially active

Prevents mental illness 

Don't retire early!

Do volunteer work!

Sample answer:

TEXT 2

What keeps you (1)____________ (HEALTH) is being busy, busy, busy! 

We all dream of leading a life of leisure. Often that dream just keeps (2)_____________ (RECESSION) from our grasp. Pension ages are going up, and smartphones and social media mean we’re never really ‘switched off’. But now, emerging (3)___________ (MEDICINE) research suggests that staying busy helps us to live longer, keeps us strong, and could even keep dementia at bay. 

(4)______________ (RECENT), American researchers revealed that we sleep better when we have lots of reasons to jump out of bed in the morning. (5)____________ (NEUROLOGY) in Chicago reported that people who are (6)_____________ (BUSY) purposeful − in particular, having a packed agenda of future plans − are less troubled by insomnia. And psychologists at the University of Texas reported that the busier people are, the stronger their mental powers, (7)___________ (REGARD) of age or education. 

It appears that keeping busy as we age is (8)____________ (PARTICULAR) beneficial – even if it means working beyond retirement age. Italian neuroscientists have warned that people aged over 50 who retire early are more likely to lose muscle (9)______________ (STRONG) and become ill. Last year, another report found that people who retired later were (10)_______________ (SIGNIFY) less likely to develop cognitive difficulties like loss of memory. Voluntary work has a similar effect. Professor Yannick Griep, a psychologist at Canada’s University of Calgary, says that seniors who volunteer are more  mentally, (11)__________ (PHYSICAL), and socially active, which helps to ward off dementia.

KEY

1. healthy

2. receding

3. medical

4. Recently

5. neurologists

6. busily

7. regardless

8. particularly

9. strength

10. significantly

11. physically

EF C1.1 p 61. Spoilers. Word Formation

Spoilers actually enhance your enjoyment 

I am one of those people who can’t read a book without flicking to the end to check what’s going to happen. It turns out that, actually, I am very (1)___________ (WISDOM). Psychologists at the University of California in San Diego gave students 12 short stories, by authors (2)____________ (INCLUDE) Agatha Christie and Roald Dahl. Some stories were in their original form and others had spoiler paragraphs added at the beginning. And do you know what? The readers of ‘spoiled’ stories actually had more fun. 

According to the psychologists who carried out the research, ‘students (3)_____________ (SIGNIFY) preferred the spoiled versions of the stories. For instance, knowing in advance in an Agatha Christie story that Poirot will discover that the ‘victim’ of the attempted murder is, in fact, the real murderer, not only didn’t hurt the (4)______________ (ENJOY) of the story, but actually improved it.’ 

As a huge reader of crime and thrillers, this (5)___________ (DEFINITE) rings true for me. When I’m reading horror novels, I need to check the hero or heroine is still alive at the end of the book. And I usually take a (6)___________ (SNEAK) look at the end of a romantic novel, just to make sure who is going to end up with whom. ‘It could be,’ says psychologist Jonathan Leavitt, ‘that once you know how the story turns out, you’re more comfortable processing the information and can focus on a deeper (7)_______________ (UNDERSTAND) of the story.’ 

I will also admit that, even when I know full well what is going to happen in a book, either because I’ve read it a million times before, or because I’ve read the end, I often find myself hoping that, this time, it’s going to be different, that the sad (8)__________ (END) will turn into a happy one! Adapted from The Guardian

 

 

 

KEY

 

 

 

1. wise

 

 

 

 

 

2. including 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. significantly 

 

 

 

 

4. enjoyment 

 

 

 

 

 

5. definitely  

 

 

 

 

 

6. sneaky

 

 

 

 

 

7. understanding 

 

 

 

 

 

8. ending 

EF p 47. History Brought To Life. Word Formation

A 

Gladiator, which won five Oscars, tells the story of a Roman general, Maximus Decimus Meridius, a favourite of Marcus Aurelius, Emperor in the second century AD. The Emperor wants Maximus (Russell Crowe at his best) to succeed him, but Commodus, the Emperor’s weak and (1)_______________ (TREACHERY) son ((2)____________________ (WONDER) played by Joaquin Phoenix), has other plans. Commodus kills his father and becomes Emperor himself, and arranges for Maximus and his wife and child to be executed. Maximus escapes, but cannot save his family. He is captured and sold as a gladiator, and eventually makes his way to the Colosseum in Rome, where he becomes a hero by (3)_________________ (ENGINEER) a spectacular victory against (4)________________ (OVERWHELM) odds. In this (5)_______________ (GRIP) scene, Emperor Commodus descends to the arena to congratulate him – not knowing his true identity. Maximus confronts the Emperor in one of the most (6)________________ (STIR) speeches in modern cinema: ‘My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius, commander of the armies of the north, general of the Felix Legions, loyal servant to the true Emperor, Marcus Aurelius, father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife, and I will have my (7)________________ (VENGEFUL) in this life, or the next.’ And somehow, we just know he’s going to get it! 

B 

The Darkest Hour is set in May 1940, early in World War II. German forces are winning the battle for Europe, and British soldiers are trapped in northern France. Winston Churchill, the new Prime Minister, is faced with a (8)______________ (DESPERATION) decision – to continue the fight against Hitler and the Nazis, or to (9)______________ (NEGOTIATION) a peace treaty. 

(10)_______________ (ABILITY) to decide what to do, and under pressure from Parliament to reach an (11)_________________ (AGREE), Churchill decides that he needs to find out what the people want. For the first time in his life, he travels on the London Underground, where he asks his (12)_______________ (STARTLE) fellow passengers two questions. First, he asks, ‘What would you do if the enemy (13)____________________ (INVASION)?’ and they answer ‘Fight!’ Then he asks them, ‘Should I negotiate with Hitler?’ and their answer is a very clear ‘Never!’ Churchill is inspired by their (14)__________________ (CERTAIN), and goes on to use their words in one of his most famous speeches: ‘We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender.’ 

This is the key scene in the whole film, but unlike almost all the rest of the film, it has been criticized for its historical (15)________________ (ACCURATE) – Churchill’s ride on the Tube never happened. The director, Joe Wright, has defended the scene as ‘a (16)__________________ (FICTION) of an (17)___________________ (EMOTION) truth’. Does it matter? Not to the awards committees, who gave the film two Oscars and (18)_________________ (NUMBER) other awards.

KEY

1. treacherous

treacherous: that cannot be trusted; intending to harm you.

E.g.

He was weak, cowardly and treacherous. 

lying, treacherous words

treachery: behaviour that involves hurting somebody who trusts you, for example by telling their secrets to other people; an example of this.

E.g.

an act of treachery 

He was punished for his treacheries.

2. wonderfully

3. engineering

engineer: to make something happen by skilful secret planning.

E.g.

powerful enemies who engineered his downfall 

Perhaps she could engineer a meeting between them?

4. overwhelming

impossible/overwhelming odds

making success seem extremely unlikely

E.g.

They face impossible odds simply trying to get an education. 

They face overwhelming odds in their struggle to preserve the park.

to fight against overwhelming odds

Sp. luchar con todo en contra

5. gripping

gripping: exciting or interesting in a way that keeps your attention. Sp. apasionante

E.g.

a gripping story 

His books are always so gripping. 

The film was absolutely gripping.

6. stirring

stirring: causing strong feelings; exciting. Sp. emocionante

E.g.

a stirring performance 

stirring memories 

listening to stirring accounts of their heroic history

7. vengeance/revenge

vengeance 

the act of punishing or harming somebody in return for what they have done to you, your family or friends.

Synonym: revenge 

E.g. 

a desire for vengeance

8. desperate

9. negotiate

10. Unable

11. agreement

12. startled

13. invaded

14. certainty

15. inaccuracy

16. fictionalization

17. emotional

18. numerous

EF C1.1 p 43. Share the Hate, Ruin the Date. Word Formation

Victoria Coren Mitchell

Hater promises to bond potential lovers over things they loathe. (1)____________ (TURN) the traditional cheery positives, Hater allows eager singletons to form relationships based on their mutual (2)_______________ (AVERT) instead. Boy, let's really get that negativity out there! More openly expressed (3)____________ (HATE) in the world- just what we need!

Nevertheless, like most apps, it would pass the time (4)___________ (HAPPY) enough at a bus stop. If someone else at the same bus stop were also on the app, (5)________________ (SIMULTANEITY) swiping their own (6)_______________ (LIKE) of cat calendars or people who walk too (7)______________ (SLOW) in the street, that would make a decent start for (8)________________ (FLIRT). 

And yet, and yet. One of the key dangers of the internet is that it (9)______________ (COURAGE) us to give everything an immediate verdict, a thumbs up or down (and usually down). It’s easy for our first thoughts on anything to be negative, and we forget to be kind. 

The search for love has always motivated us to make an effort; on first dates, we are usually our best selves. Our hair is at its (10)_______________ (CLEAN), our interest its (11)_______________ (SHARP), our smiles their (12)______________ (READY). That’s why dating (13)_______________ (QUESTION) (14)_______________ (TRADITION) list the things we enjoy: it’s a shop window for the happy life we are offering a (15)__________________ (PROSPECT) partner. And (16)_________________ (SURE), the longer you keep trying to be your best and most (17)_________________ (CHEER) self, the happier life will be? It can’t be wise to start (18)__________________ (COMPLAINT) before you’ve even had your first date. When it comes to finding a partner, (19)_____________ (COVER) the things you both love is a far (20)________________ (HEALTH) start. 

Adapted from The Guardian

KEY

1. Overturning

2. aversions

3. hatred

4. happily

5. simultaneously

6. dislike

7. slowly

8. flirtation

9. encourages

10. cleanest

11. sharpest

12. readiest

13. questionnaires

14. traditionally

15. prospective

16. surely

17. cheerful

18.complaining

 

19. discovering

20. healthier

EF C1.1 p 26. Roald Dahl: Boy. Open Cloze and Word Formation

Open Cloze

Part 1 

Every (1)_____________ and again, a plain grey cardboard box was dished (2)__________ to each boy in our House, and this, (3)____________ it or not, was a present from the great chocolate manufacturers, Cadbury. Inside the box there were twelve (4)___________ of chocolate, all of different shapes, all with different fillings, and all with numbers from one to twelve stamped on the chocolate underneath. Also in the box there was a (5)__________ of paper with the numbers one to twelve on it as well as two blank columns, one for giving marks to each chocolate from nought to ten, and the other for comments. 

Word formation

All we were required to do in return for this (6)___________ (SPLENDOUR) gift was to taste very (7)_____________ (CARE) each bar of chocolate, give it marks, and make an intelligent comment on why we loved or (8)___________ (LIKE) it. 

It was a clever stunt. Cadbury’s were using some of the (9)____________ (GREAT) chocolate-bar experts in the world to test out their new inventions. We were of a sensible age, between thirteen and eighteen, and we knew (10)___________ (INTIMACY) every chocolate bar in (11)_____________ (EXIST), from the Milk Flake to the Lemon Marshmallow. Quite (12)____________ (OBVIOUS) our opinions on anything new would be (13)___________ (VALUE). All of us entered into this game with great gusto, sitting in our studies and nibbling each bar with the air of connoisseurs, giving our marks and making our comments. ‘Too subtle for the common palate’ was one note that I remember writing down.

Part 2 

For me, the (14)_____________ (IMPORTANT) of all this was that I began to realize that the large chocolate companies (15)_____________ (ACTUAL) did possess inventing rooms and they took their inventing very (16)_____________ (SERIOUS). I used to picture a long white room like a laboratory with pots of chocolate and fudge and all sorts of other delicious fillings bubbling away on the stoves, while men and women in white coats moved between the bubbling pots, tasting and mixing and concocting their wonderful new (17)_____________ (INVENT). I used to imagine myself working in one of these labs and suddenly I would come up with something so (18)________________ (BEAR) delicious that I would grab it in my hand and go rushing out of the lab and along the corridor and right into the offices of the great Mr Cadbury himself. ‘I’ve got it, Sir’ I would shout, putting the chocolate in front of him. ‘It’s fantastic! It’s fabulous! It’s marvellous! It’s (19)_______________ (RESIST)!’ 

Slowly, the great man would pick up my newly-invented chocolate and he would take a small bite. He would roll it round his mouth. Then all at once, he would leap up from his chair, crying, ‘You’ve got it! You’ve done it! It’s a miracle!’ He would slap me on the back and shout, ‘We’ll sell it by the million! We’ll sweep the world with this one! How on earth did you do it? Your salary is doubled.’ 

It was lovely dreaming those dreams, and I have no doubt at all that thirty-five years later, when I was looking for a plot for my second book for children, I remembered those little cardboard boxes and the (20)____________ (NEW) invented chocolates inside them, and I began to write a book called Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

KEY

1. now

(every) now and then/again: sometimes, but not very often. From time to time. Occasionally.

E.g.

We meet up for lunch now and then, but not as often as we used to.

2. out

dish something out ​(informal): to give something, often to a lot of people or in large amounts. Sp. repartir.

E.g. 

Students dished out leaflets to passers-by. 

She's always dishing out advice, even when you don't want it 

3. believe

believe it or not ​(informal): used to introduce information that is true but that may surprise people.

E.g.

 Believe it or not, he asked me to marry him!

4. bars

a bar of chocolate

5. sheet

a sheet of paper

6. splendid

7. carefully

8. disliked

9. greatest

10. intimately

11. existence

12. obviously

13. valuable/ invaluable

14. importance

15. actually

16. seriously

17. inventions

18. unbearably

19. irresistible

20. newly