Advanced C1.1: 2024

They won’t achieve anything without popular support.
UNLESS
____________________________, they won’t achieve anything.
I’m in favour of the idea as long as it’s not too expensive.
PROVIDED
I basically support the idea, _____________________ too much money.
It doesn’t matter if you don’t like it, it doesn’t stop it happening. Does it?
WHETHER
It’s going to happen anyway, ____________________ not!
The problem with nuclear power is that if an accident happens, it could totally devastate the area.
SUPPOSING
____________________________ at a nuclear power plant. Can you imagine the damage it could cause?
The economy’s still doing badly so it’s easy for the opposition to attract new supporters.
LONG
The opposition will continue to win new supporters _______________ fails to improve.
There’s no way the situation will improve without immediate action being taken.
OR
They need to do something pretty soon _______________ worse and worse.
I know opinion polls aren’t entirely reliable, but it doesn’t look like they’ll win an overall majority.
ASSUMING
____________________________ reliable, they’re going to have to form a coalition with someone.
If Maria doesn’t come soon, we’ll have to go without her.
NOT
I hope Maria ____________________________ we’ll have to go without her.
Without your help, we wouldn’t have been able to deal with this.
HAD
If ____________________________ your help, we wouldn’t have been able to deal with this.
If lectures are boring, students will not want to attend.
OTHERWISE
Lectures ____________________________ students will not attend.

KEYS:

1. They won’t achieve anything without popular support.
UNLESS
____________________________, they won’t achieve anything.

KEY

Unless they win political support, they won’t achieve anything.

2. I’m in favour of the idea as long as it’s not too expensive.

PROVIDED
I basically support the idea, _____________________ too much money.

KEY

I basically support the idea, provided they do not spend too much money.

3. It doesn’t matter if you don’t like it, it doesn’t stop it happening. Does it?
WHETHER
It’s going to happen anyway, ____________________ not!

KEY

It’s going to happen anyway, whether you like it or not!

4. The problem with nuclear power is that if an accident happens, it could totally devastate the area.
SUPPOSING
____________________________ at a nuclear power plant. Can you imagine the damage it could cause?

KEY

Supposing an accident happens at a nuclear power plant. Can you imagine the damage it could cause?

5. The economy’s still doing badly so it’s easy for the opposition to attract new supporters.
LONG
The opposition will continue to win new supporters _______________ fails to improve.

KEY

The opposition will continue to win new supporters as long as the economy fails to improve.

6. There’s no way the situation will improve without immediate action being taken.
OR
They need to do something pretty soon _______________ worse and worse.

KEY

They need to do something pretty soon or things will get worse and worse.

7. I know opinion polls aren’t entirely reliable, but it doesn’t look like they’ll win an overall majority.
ASSUMING
____________________________ reliable, they’re going to have to form a coalition with someone.

KEY

Assuming opinion polls are reliable, they’re going to have to form a coalition with someone.

8. If Maria doesn’t come soon, we’ll have to go without her.
NOT
I hope Maria ____________________________ we’ll have to go without her.

KEY

I hope Maria does not come late, otherwise we’ll have to go without her.

I hope Maria comes early, if not we’ll have to go without her.

9. Without your help, we wouldn’t have been able to deal with this.
HAD
If ____________________________ your help, we wouldn’t have been able to deal with this.

KEY

If it hadn’t been for your help, we wouldn’t have been able to deal with this.

10. If lectures are boring, students will not want to attend.
OTHERWISE
Lectures ____________________________ students will not attend.

KEY

Lectures should be entertaining, otherwise students will not attend.

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

Advanced C1.1

Hub

EF p 100. Conditionals. Extra Grammar and Exercises

Conditionals. Grammar

EF p 100. CONDITIONAL SENTENCES WITH OTHER WORDS. Key Word Transformations

Conditionals. Speaking

Conditionals: Grammar, Speaking and a Story

Conditionals and Regrets. Extra Exercise

Conditionals. Extra Exercise: Verb Tenses

Conditionals. Extra Cloze

Conditionals. Extra Multiple Choice Cloze

Conditionals. Extra Rephrasing

Conditionals. Extra Cloze

Conditionals. Extra Exercise: Complete

Conditionals. Extra Exercise: Match to Make Sentences

Conditionals. Extra Exercise: Choose the Correct Word or Phrase

Conditionals. Rudyard Kipling's If. Extra Listening

Brain Teasers. Extra Listening.

Snow Patrol - Chasing Cars. Extra Song

Conditionals. Extra Songs

EF p 100. CONDITIONAL SENTENCES WITH OTHER WORDS. Key Word Transformations

KEYS:

EF p 99. Science and technology. Speaking

EF p 196. A Discursive Essay: Do Smartphones Really Improve Our Lives? Cloze

EF p 99. Science and Technology. Monologue. Sample Answer. Word Formation