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

1. How do you usually get your news?
   Sample Answer:
   “I usually get my news online, primarily through news websites and social media. I find that using apps like Twitter and news aggregator platforms helps me stay updated on the latest headlines quickly. Occasionally, I also listen to news on the radio when I’m commuting.”

2. Do you think traditional media, like newspapers and television, are still important today?
   Sample Answer:
   “Yes, I think they still play an important role, especially for older generations who are more comfortable with traditional media. Newspapers and TV often have more in-depth reporting and are seen as more reliable sources compared to some online content. However, they might not be as fast in delivering news as digital platforms.”

3. How do you think the way people communicate has changed over the last 20 years?
   Sample Answer:
   “The way we communicate has changed drastically due to advancements in technology. With the rise of smartphones, social media, and instant messaging, communication has become much faster and more accessible. We can now connect with people across the globe in real-time, whereas 20 years ago, people relied more on phone calls, letters, or emails.”

Part 2: Long Turn (4 Minutes)

Prompt:
Describe a form of social media that you use regularly.

• You should say:
  • What the platform is
  • Why you use it
  • How it affects your daily life
• And explain if you think this platform will continue to be popular in the future.

Sample Answer:
“The social media platform I use the most is Instagram. I use it to stay connected with friends and family, as well as to follow pages related to my interests, such as travel, fitness, and photography. Instagram has become a part of my daily routine; I usually check it several times a day, especially during breaks, to see what others are posting and to share updates from my own life. I think it’s very engaging because it’s all about visual content—photos and videos—which makes it easy to quickly consume information. As for its popularity, I believe it will continue to be popular in the future as long as it keeps evolving with new features and adapting to users' needs, but there’s always a chance another platform could take its place.”

Follow-up Question:
Do you think social media is more beneficial or harmful to society?
Sample Answer:
“I think social media can be both beneficial and harmful. On one hand, it allows for instant communication, helps spread awareness on important issues, and provides a space for people to connect and share experiences. On the other hand, it can lead to issues like cyberbullying, the spread of misinformation, and sometimes creates a culture of comparison that negatively affects mental health. It really depends on how people use it.”

Part 3: Collaborative Task (4 Minutes)

Task Prompt:
Here are some effects that media and communication can have on society. Talk together about how significant each of these effects might be and decide which has had the biggest impact on society.

• Spreading information quickly
• Influencing people's opinions
• Connecting people from different places
• Providing entertainment
• Creating unrealistic expectations

Sample Discussion Points:
“I think the ability to spread information quickly has had a huge impact. News spreads in seconds across the world, which can be powerful for raising awareness, but it can also lead to the rapid spread of misinformation. What do you think?”
“That's true, but I believe that influencing opinions is one of the most significant effects. Media has a huge impact on shaping people’s views on politics, culture, and even lifestyle choices. For instance, the rise of influencers and targeted ads can sway people’s purchasing decisions and opinions. However, connecting people globally is also crucial as it builds cross-cultural understanding. How do you think providing entertainment compares to these?”

Extended Answer:
“Providing entertainment is definitely one of the more positive aspects of media. It brings people joy, helps them relax, and offers a way to escape the pressures of daily life. But it can also contribute to creating unrealistic expectations—whether it's about body image, lifestyle, or material wealth. This is especially prevalent on social media, where people tend to post only the best aspects of their lives. I think the key impact depends on how individuals consume media and how they interpret what they see.”

Part 4: Discussion (5 Minutes)

1. Do you think that news reporting should always be completely objective?
   Sample Answer:
   “In an ideal world, news reporting should be objective and unbiased, as it allows readers to form their own opinions based on the facts. However, it’s often difficult for reporters to be entirely neutral, as the way a story is framed or even which stories are covered can reflect editorial bias. While striving for objectivity is important, I think transparency about potential biases is key, so that readers are aware of the perspective from which the news is presented.”

2. How has social media influenced the way people view news and information?
   Sample Answer:
   “Social media has completely transformed the way people view news and information. On the one hand, it provides a platform for breaking news and citizen journalism, allowing people to access news instantly from multiple sources. However, it also leads to the spread of fake news, as information can go viral without being verified. Additionally, the algorithms of social media platforms often show users content that aligns with their existing views, creating echo chambers where people are exposed to limited perspectives.”

3. What are some of the challenges that come with communicating through technology rather than face-to-face?
   Sample Answer:
   “One of the main challenges is the lack of non-verbal cues like body language and tone of voice, which are important for fully understanding someone’s message and intention. Text-based communication can easily be misinterpreted, and it lacks the emotional depth of face-to-face interactions. Additionally, technology can sometimes create a sense of distance between people, making it easier to miscommunicate or have misunderstandings. While it offers convenience, it’s important to use it carefully and understand its limitations.”

Follow-up Question:
Do you think that face-to-face communication will ever become less important because of technology?
Sample Answer:
“I don’t think face-to-face communication will ever become completely obsolete. Although technology offers many benefits in terms of convenience and global connectivity, there’s a human element to face-to-face interactions that technology can’t replace. Things like eye contact, a handshake, or a smile convey warmth and build trust in a way that digital communication simply can’t match. So while we might rely on technology more for day-to-day interactions, face-to-face communication will always have a unique value, especially in personal relationships and important discussions.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

1. News aggregator platforms: Websites or apps that compile news from various sources in one place.

   • "I use news aggregator platforms to get a variety of perspectives on current events."

2. Reliable sources: Trustworthy and credible sources of information.

   • "It’s important to verify news from reliable sources before sharing it."

3. Instant messaging: A type of communication where messages are sent and received immediately.

   • "Instant messaging has become the most popular way to communicate with friends."

4. Misinformation: False or inaccurate information that is spread unintentionally or deliberately.

   • "Social media can often be a source of misinformation if not carefully monitored."

5. Cyberbullying: Bullying or harassment that takes place over digital devices like phones, computers, and social media.

   • "Cyberbullying is a growing concern with the rise of social media use."

6. Echo chambers: Situations in which information, ideas, or beliefs are amplified and reinforced within a closed system.

   • "Social media algorithms can create echo chambers by showing users content similar to their existing beliefs."

7. Editorial bias: The tendency of a journalist or news organization to lean towards certain opinions or viewpoints.

   • "Editorial bias can influence how news stories are reported."

8. Influencers: Individuals who have the power to affect the purchasing decisions of others through social media platforms.

   • "Many companies collaborate with influencers to promote their products."

9. Visual content: Information that is conveyed through images or videos.

   • "Instagram focuses mainly on visual content, making it engaging for users."

10. Non-verbal cues: Forms of communication without words, such as gestures, facial expressions, and body language.

    • "Non-verbal cues are important for understanding someone's emotions."

11. Breaking news: Newly received information about current events that is urgent and is reported immediately.

    • "Breaking news about the event spread quickly across social media."

12. Cross-cultural understanding: Recognizing, understanding, and respecting cultural differences.

    • "Social media can promote cross-cultural understanding by connecting people from different countries."

13. Transparency: Openness and honesty about one's actions, intentions, and information.

    • "Transparency in news reporting builds trust with the audience."

14. Editorial framing: The way in which news stories are presented and organized, which can influence perception.

    • "Editorial framing can change the way a story is interpreted."

15. Body language: The non-verbal signals that are communicated through posture, gestures, and facial expressions.

    • "Understanding body language is crucial for effective communication."

16. Spread of awareness: Efforts to increase knowledge or consciousness about a specific topic or issue.

    • "Social media is an effective tool for the spread of awareness about social issues."

17. Citizen journalism: News reporting and distribution of information by the general public, especially through digital platforms.

    • "Citizen journalism has grown with the accessibility of smartphones and social media."

18. Unrealistic expectations: Beliefs or standards that are difficult or impossible to achieve, often influenced by media portrayal.

    • "Social media can sometimes create unrealistic expectations about lifestyle and success."