Reading
Text:
"Technology has transformed the way we communicate. Social media platforms, for instance, have
allowed us to stay connected with friends and family regardless of distance. However, some argue that
excessive use of these platforms can lead to decreased face-to-face interactions and even mental
health issues. Balancing online and offline communication is key to maintaining healthy relationships."
Tasks:
1. Comprehension Questions:
- What is the main benefit of social media mentioned in the text?
- What are the potential negative effects of social media?
- What solution does the author suggest?
2. Vocabulary Task: Match these words from the text to their meanings:
- Transform
- Excessive
- Interactions
3. Discussion Prompt: "Do you agree with the idea that social media affects mental health? Why or
why not?"
Writing
Task: Write an opinion essay (150-200 words) on the following topic:
"Technology has made life easier but less personal. Do you agree or disagree?"
Model Outline:
1. Introduction: Present your opinion (agree/disagree).
2. Body Paragraph 1: Discuss how technology simplifies life (e.g., faster communication, online
services).
3. Body Paragraph 2: Discuss how it reduces personal connections (e.g., less face-to-face interaction).
4. Conclusion: Summarize and restate your opinion.
Listening
Audio Content: A podcast about working from home:
"Many employees now prefer remote work because it offers flexibility and saves commuting time.
However, it can also lead to challenges such as difficulty separating work from personal life and
feelings of isolation. Employers should find ways to support remote workers by fostering
communication and encouraging regular breaks."
Tasks:
1. *Multiple-Choice Questions:*
- What is one benefit of working from home?
a) It’s more social
b) It saves time
c) It requires less communication
- What is one challenge of working from home?
a) Poor internet connection
b) Feeling isolated
c) Lack of flexibility
2. Gap-Fill Exercise:
- Working from home offers _____ and saves _____ time.
- Employers should _____ regular breaks.
3. Discussion Prompt: "What do you think are the pros and cons of working from home?"
---
### *Speaking Example*
*Task:* Debate with a partner: "Online education is better than traditional education."
*Steps:*
1. Prepare your arguments for or against the statement.
2. Each person speaks for 1-2 minutes to present their ideas.
3. Have a short discussion to counter each other's points.
*Example Points:*
- *For*: Flexible, accessible from anywhere, cost-effective.
- *Against*: Lack of personal interaction, technology issues, less hands-on experience.
---
### *Grammar Example*
*Task:* Practice complex sentence structures.
*Exercise:*
1. *Complete the sentences using relative clauses:*
- This is the book _____ (win) the award last year.
- The person _____ (speak) to me yesterday works at Google.
2. *Transform these sentences using conditionals:*
- If you exercise regularly, you (be) healthier. (Type 1)
- If I (study) harder, I would have passed the test. (Type 3)
3. *Answers:*
- that won
- who spoke
- will be
- had studied
Would you like help creating tasks for a specific skill or context?
Entrer
Sa
Here are *model answers* for some of the speaking tasks:
---
### *1. Role-Play Scenario: Planning a Weekend Trip*
*Student A:*
"I think a beach destination would be perfect. It’s relaxing, and we can spend time swimming or
sunbathing. Plus, it’s usually cheaper because we don’t have to spend a lot on activities. What do you
think?"
*Student B:*
"I see your point, but I’d prefer a city trip. There’s so much to do, like visiting museums or going
shopping. Even though it might cost a bit more, it would be worth it because we could explore new
places."
*Compromise:*
"How about we choose a city near the coast? We can explore the city during the day and relax at the
beach in the evening. That way, we get the best of both worlds!"
---
### *2. Debate Topic: "Social media does more harm than good."*
*For:*
"I believe social media does more harm than good because it often causes people to compare their
lives to unrealistic standards. This can lead to anxiety and low self-esteem. Additionally, excessive use
of social media reduces real-life interactions, making relationships less meaningful."
*Against:*
"I disagree. Social media allows people to stay connected with friends and family, even across long
distances. It also provides a platform for sharing ideas and learning about important issues. If used
responsibly, social media can be a positive influence."
---
### *3. Picture-Based Discussion*
*Picture Description (e.g., a busy street):*
"In this picture, I see a busy street in a city. There are many people walking, some carrying shopping
bags. On the left, there’s a café with people sitting outside enjoying their drinks. In the background, I
can see tall buildings and traffic. This reminds me of my last trip to New York, where the streets were
always crowded and full of energy."
---
### *4. Storytelling Prompt: "A package arrives at your door with no sender’s address."*
"Last week, I received a mysterious package with no sender’s address. At first, I thought it might be a
gift from a friend, but when I opened it, I found an old map and a note that said, ‘Follow the clues.’ It
felt like something out of a movie! I decided to give it a try, and the map led me to different places in
my city, each with a small riddle to solve. At the end of the journey, I found a small box with a key
inside. I still don’t know what the key opens, but it was one of the most exciting days of my life!"
---
### *5. Problem-Solving Task: Organizing a Charity Event*
*Plan:*
"Our team decided to organize a charity concert. The event will target young people and families, so
we’ll invite local bands and performers to make it fun and engaging. To advertise, we’ll use social media
platforms and put up posters around the city. The event will take place in a community park to keep
costs low, and we’ll sell tickets online to make it accessible. We also plan to include food trucks and
small activities for kids to attract more attendees."
---
### *6. Conversation Prompt: "If you could live in any country, where would it be and why?"*
"If I could live in any country, I would choose Japan. I love the mix of traditional and modern culture
there. For example, you can visit ancient temples and then explore futuristic cities like Tokyo. The food
is also amazing, especially sushi and ramen. Additionally, Japan is known for being very safe and clean,
which makes it a comfortable place to live. I also admire the Japanese work ethic and their respect for
nature. It’s a place where I think I could learn a lot and enjoy life."
---
### *7. Comparing and Contrasting: City Life vs. Countryside Life*
"City life is exciting because there’s always something happening. You have access to restaurants,
museums, and entertainment, and it’s easier to find job opportunities. However, it can be noisy and
stressful due to traffic and crowds.
On the other hand, countryside life is peaceful and offers a slower pace. It’s perfect for people who
enjoy nature and outdoor activities. However, it might lack some conveniences like public
transportation or big shopping malls.
Personally, I prefer city life because I enjoy the energy and opportunities it provides, but I wouldn’t
mind spending weekends in the countryside to relax."
---
### *8. Interview Practice: Mock Job Interview*
*Question:* "Why do you want this job?"
*Answer:*
"I’m very passionate about this field, and I believe this job aligns perfectly with my skills and career
goals. For example, my experience in project management has prepared me to handle the challenges
of this role. Additionally, I admire your company’s commitment to innovation, and I’m excited about
contributing to your team’s success."
*Question:* "What are your strengths and weaknesses?"
*Answer:*
"My greatest strength is my ability to adapt to new situations quickly. I’ve worked in diverse
environments and always found ways to overcome challenges. As for my weakness, I tend to be a
perfectionist, which sometimes slows me down. However, I’m learning to balance attention to detail
with meeting deadlines."
---
### *9. Expressing Opinions: "Money can’t buy happiness."*
"I agree that money can’t buy happiness, but it can provide security and opportunities that contribute
to happiness. For example, having enough money allows you to afford education, healthcare, and
travel, which can make life more fulfilling.
However, true happiness comes from relationships, personal growth, and meaningful experiences,
which money alone can’t provide. There are many wealthy people who feel lonely or unfulfilled. In my
opinion, money is a tool, but it’s not the ultimate source of happiness."
---
### *10. Group Discussion: Skills for Success in the 21st Century*
"I think communication is one of the most important skills for success today. With so many global
connections, being able to express ideas clearly and listen to others is crucial. For example, in team
projects, good communication can prevent misunderstandings and improve collaboration.
Another essential skill is adaptability. Technology and industries are changing so quickly that people
need to learn new skills and adjust to new environments. Being flexible and open to change is key to
staying relevant in the 21st century."
---