Part 1: Introduction & Interview (2-3 Minutes)

1. How often do you use technology in your daily life?
   Sample Answer:
   “I use technology quite frequently throughout the day. From checking my smartphone in the morning to using a laptop for work, it’s an integral part of my routine. I also rely on technology for entertainment, like streaming music or movies, and for staying connected with friends and family.”

2. Do you think technology makes life easier or more complicated?
   Sample Answer:
   “I think technology does both. It makes life easier by providing convenience and improving efficiency in things like communication, work, and accessing information. However, it can also make life more complicated, as we often face issues like information overload, screen addiction, and the need to constantly keep up with new updates.”

3. How has technology changed the way we communicate?
   Sample Answer:
   “Technology has transformed communication by making it much faster and more accessible. With instant messaging, social media, and video calls, it’s now possible to connect with anyone, anywhere, at any time. However, while it’s made staying in touch easier, it has also reduced the need for face-to-face conversations, and sometimes people may feel less emotionally connected when communicating digitally.”

Part 2: Long Turn (4 Minutes)

Prompt:
Describe a piece of technology you couldn’t live without.

• You should say:
  • What the technology is
  • How you use it
  • Why it is important to you
• And explain how it has improved your life.

Sample Answer:
“A piece of technology I couldn’t live without is my smartphone. It’s more than just a device for making calls; I use it for messaging, social media, navigation, and even as a portable camera. The smartphone has become an all-in-one tool that I rely on daily. It’s particularly important to me because it helps me stay connected with the world, access information quickly, and organize my schedule. What I find most beneficial is that it has made my life more efficient. Whether it's keeping in touch with family across the globe or working remotely, it has improved both my productivity and convenience.”

Follow-up Question:
Do you think people are too dependent on their smartphones these days?

Part 3: Collaborative Task (4 Minutes)

Task Prompt:
Here are some ways technology has impacted different aspects of life. Talk together about how important each of these impacts is and decide which has had the most significant influence on society.

• Education and learning
• Work and remote working
• Healthcare and medical advances
• Social connections and networking
• Shopping and e-commerce

Sample Discussion Points:
“I believe technology has had a huge impact on education, making learning resources more accessible through online courses and educational platforms. However, the influence on work is also massive, especially with the rise of remote working. What’s your view on how these compare?”
“I agree that both education and work have been greatly influenced, but I think healthcare has been transformed significantly. Medical technology has advanced diagnosis and treatment capabilities, improving quality of life. How do you think the role of technology in social connections compares to its role in these other areas?”

Part 4: Discussion (5 Minutes)

1. How do you think technology will continue to change in the next 10 years?
   Sample Answer:
   “I think technology will evolve even more rapidly in the next decade, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and automation. We might see more integrated smart devices that make daily life easier, as well as advancements in robotics that could revolutionize industries like healthcare and manufacturing. However, I also believe that as technology progresses, there will be an increased focus on privacy and data security to protect users.”

2. Do you think all technological developments are positive?
   Sample Answer:
   “Not necessarily. While many technological developments have beneficial outcomes, like improving efficiency and quality of life, they can also have negative consequences. For example, while social media allows for global connection, it can also contribute to mental health issues, like anxiety and depression, due to social comparison and cyberbullying. Additionally, over-reliance on technology can lead to a decrease in physical activity and face-to-face interactions.”

3. To what extent do you think technology has improved education?
   Sample Answer:
   “Technology has had a profound impact on education by making it more interactive and flexible. Tools like online platforms, virtual classrooms, and educational apps have made learning more engaging and have provided access to a wide range of resources. It has also allowed for more personalized learning, where students can learn at their own pace. However, the challenge lies in ensuring equal access to technology for all students, as not everyone has the same resources or internet connectivity.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

1. Integral: Necessary and essential for completeness.

   • "Technology is an integral part of my daily life."

2. Convenience: The state of being able to proceed with something easily and efficiently.

   • "Technology provides great convenience in our daily activities."

3. Information overload: Exposure to too much information, making it difficult to process.

   • "With so much available online, many people face information overload."

4. Face-to-face: In direct contact with someone, in person.

   • "Technology has reduced the frequency of face-to-face interactions."

5. All-in-one: Combining multiple functions into a single unit.

   • "A smartphone is an all-in-one tool for communication, entertainment, and work."

6. Productivity: The ability to produce more output in a given period of time.

   • "Technology has greatly increased my productivity."

7. Remote working: Working from a location other than a traditional office environment.

   • "The rise of remote working has changed the way people approach their jobs."

8. E-commerce: The buying and selling of goods and services online.

   • "E-commerce has made shopping more convenient and accessible."

9. Virtual reality (VR): A simulated experience that can be similar to or completely different from the real world.

   • "Virtual reality is expected to change the way we experience entertainment and education."

10. Automation: The use of technology to perform tasks without human intervention.

    • "Automation is transforming industries and reducing the need for manual labor."

11. Privacy: The state of being free from unwanted attention or not having one's information shared.

    • "As technology advances, privacy concerns become more important."

12. Data security: Protection of data from unauthorized access or corruption.

    • "Ensuring data security is crucial in the digital age."

13. Beneficial: Producing good results or helpful effects.

    • "While technology can be beneficial, it also has its downsides."

14. Social comparison: Evaluating oneself in relation to others, often seen on social media.

    • "Social comparison on platforms like Instagram can impact mental health."

15. Cyberbullying: Bullying that takes place over digital devices and platforms.

    • "Cyberbullying has become a serious issue with the rise of technology."

16. Interactive: Involving active participation.

    • "Educational apps make learning more interactive and fun for students."

17. Personalized learning: Tailoring education to meet the individual needs of each student.

    • "Technology allows for personalized learning based on a student's pace and interests."

18. Equal access: Ensuring that everyone has the same opportunity to access resources.

    • "Not all students have equal access to technology for their education."