Topic 3 – Technology

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 28 Computers
E-mail and the Internet
Look at these conversations where people are
asking for assistance at an Internet cafe,
Customer: H o w do I go online?
Assistant: You're already connected to the
Internet. Do you want to send e-mail?
Customer: N o , I just want to browse the web for a while.
Assistant: OK, just open the search engine or enter the w e b address and press *enter\
Customer: I can't access my company's website. Can you help?
Assistant: Have you put in the correct address?
Customer: Yes, I'm sure I have.
Customer: H o w do I reply to this e-mail? Sorry, I'm not very good with computers.
Assistant: That's O K . Just hit 'reply', then compose your message, then press 'send'.
Customer: Then can I forward the message to myself at my h o m e address?
Assistant: Yes. M a k e sure you enter the right address, or the e-mail will bounce (come
back]. Let me k n o w if you would like a hard copy of your e-mail and I'll show
you h o w to print o u t your work, [a copy on paper]
Customer: W h a t do I do if I w a n t to d o w n l o a d this picture?
Assistant: You have to save it to a disk. I can sell you one if you d o n ' t have o n e .
Customer: Can I send an attachment with this e-mail?
Assistant: Yes, you click here and then attach the file.
Customer: I'd like to visit a chat r o o m . Is that OK?
Assistant: No problem. Select this option here. Then just ask if you need my help.

S o m e advantages and disadvantages of computers today

+ On the web you can access information on any subject you w a n t to.
- As well as getting useful e-mails, you also receive a lot of spam, [junk e-mails)
+ Good w e b design is making it easier to navigate websites, [find your way r o u n d ]
- Computer criminals are getting better at hacking into other people's computers.
[illegally going into other people's computer files]
+ People are maintaining their web pages better, so information is kept up-to-date.
- C o m p u t e r s still crash and you have to waste time re-installing your p r o g r a m s .
+ Broadband connections are widely available now. This makes online shopping much easier.
- Whenever you need to do something really important at w o r k , the computers seem to
be down, [not be working)
+ Burning a CD is a quick and easy way to back up your work.
- It is very easy to accidentally delete or erase a file, [get rid of/ destroy a file)
+ Being able to hold records on c o m p u t e r makes it much easier for businesses to keep
track of customers and of orders.

Mobile phone technology

My new mobile's great. I love using predictive text now. T h e screen is small but it displays
images brilliantly. I've got some fantastic ring tones. I can record short video clips and send
them to my friends and I can access my e-mails on it. I've downloaded some new games
with great graphics on it. I use it all the time but I hardly ever make calls on it!

60 English Collocations in Use

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 Exercises

28.1 Look at A. M a t c h the words on the left with their collocations on the right.
1 browse a file
2 be connected online
3 enter to the Internet
4 access a chat room
5 compose the web
6 attach a website
7
go an option
8 visit the web address
9 select a message
28.2 Choose the correct collocation.
1 It is very important for websites to be maintained I hacked into.
2 Sam spends hours every evening accessed / connected to the Internet.
3 I d o n ' t crash I receive as much spam as I used to.
4 Is it an easy website to navigate I reinstalls
5 H o w can I burn I enter a CD on this computer?
6 It's a good idea to keep a hard I fast copy of all important documents.
7 Be very careful not to select I delete your w o r k .
8 Do you do a lot of computer I online shopping?
28.3 Answer this computer quiz using collocations from the opposite page.
1 W h a t may you have to do with your computer programs if your c o m p u t e r crashes?
2 W h a t must you do regularly so you don't lose the document you are working on?
3 W h a t must you be careful not to do accidentally?
4 W h a t should you check if you're not able to access a web page you w a n t to look at?
5 W h a t is Google?
6 If you don't put the right address on an e-mail, w h a t will happen?
7 H o w do you reply to an e-mail that you have received?
8 If you w a n t to get a picture from the Internet and save it to your own computer, w h a t
do you have to do?
9 If you w a n t to send a message you have received on to someone else, w h a t do you do?
10 If you w a n t to e-mail a document to someone, w h a t do you normally do?
11 If you w a n t to w o r k on a document at home, where will you e-mail the document?
12 W h a t feature on a mobile phone allows you to text someone more rapidly?
28.4 Complete these sentences.
1 Her phone has got a very irritating tone.
2 H a s your computer got a b r o a d b a n d ?
3 Some people think that too many records a b o u t us are on c o m p u t e r these
days.
4 Did you read about that teenager w h o into the Pentagon's main computer?
5 I want a mobile phone that will let me my e-mails when I am away from home.
6 My sister e-mailed me this wonderful video of her new baby.
7 This computer screen has great resolution and so displays very well.
8 In this computer exercise you have to the right answer, A, B, C or D.

Go to the website of the make of computer or mobile phone that you use. Select a page that

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interests you - perhaps something about a new product. Make a note of any interesting
collocations that you see there.

English Collocations in Use 6I

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 topic-specific vocabulary
Science & technology
1. Replace the words and phrases in bold in the sentences with a suitable alternative from the box.

advances   analysed   breakthrough   combined   cybernetics   
development   discovered   experimented   genetic engineering   
innovations   invented   life expectancy   molecular biology   
nuclear engineering   proliferated   react   research   safeguards   
a technophile   a technophobe

1. The company is carrying out scientific study to find a cure for Aids. ..............................

2. The planning and production of the new computer system will take some time. ..............................

3. Modern home entertainment systems and other modern inventions are changing everyone’s lives.
..............................

4. Some elements change their chemical composition when mixed with water. ..............................

5. The scientists have created a new machine to automate the process. ..............................

6. Who was the person who found penicillin? ..............................

7. When the food was examined closely and scientifically, it was found to contain harmful bacteria.
..............................

8. Rain joined together with CO2 gases produces acid rain. ..............................

9. Ron is terrified of modern technology. ..............................

10. Geoff is very interested in modern technology. ..............................

11. Protection against accidents in this laboratory are minimal. ..............................

12. The companies performed scientific tests with different types of glue before they found one that
worked properly. ..............................

13. Brian is studying the techniques used to change the genetic composition of a cell so as to change
certain characteristics which can be inherited. ..............................

14. Sarah is studying the things which form the structure of living matter. ..............................

15. Christine is studying how information is communicated in machines and electronic devices in
comparison with how it is communicated in the brain and nervous system. ..............................

16. Neil is studying the different ways of extracting and controlling energy from atomic particles.
..............................

17. There has been a sudden success in the search for a cure for cancer. ..............................

18. The number of years a person is likely to live has increased a great deal thanks to modern medicine
and technology. ..............................

19. The number of schools offering computer programming courses has quickly increased in the last
ten years. ..............................

20. In spite of all the progress it has made in the last 50 years or so, medical science still knows little
about the brain. ..............................

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topic-specific vocabulary
Science & technology
2. The person describing their computer in this passage is not very familiar with computer terminology.
Replace the phrases in bold with more appropriate words and phrases from the box.

base unit   chat rooms   components   crashed   download   email   

files   gaming   hardware   Internet   keyboard   laptop   load   
log on   monitor   mouse   PC   printer   scanner   software   stream   
virus   websites   wireless

OK, here’s my new desktop computer which has been designed to be used by just one person
(1).................................................... . As you can see, it has five parts which make up the whole thing
(2) .................................................... . Now, the large box with the slots and sliding disc carrier
(3) .................................................... is the most important part. It carries all the stuff that makes the
computer work (4) .................................................... . You can also put in (5) ....................................................
your own games and other programs used by computers for doing particular jobs
(6) ...................................................., like photo processing and office suites. Next to it there is the thing
that looks like a small television (7) .................................................... so you can see what the computer is
doing. To the right of that, there is the machine that lets you make colour copies of the documents and
other things that you create on the computer (8) .................................................... (this particular one
incorporates a machine you can use to copy pictures on to your computer, a bit like a photocopier
(9) ....................................................). You control the computer using the rectangular flat thing with all the
letters and numbers on (10) ...................................................., or the object with the little wheel on the top
which you can move across the desk (11) .................................................... . These usually have a lead
connecting them to the computer, but as you can see, mine is not physically connected to the computer,
and instead sends electronic signals through the air (12) .................................................... .

It’s a very useful machine, of course. Once you start using it by entering a password
(13) .................................................... ,you can create information that you store under a particular name
(14) .................................................... and documents, move (15) .................................................... pictures
from your camera and, well, loads of things really. The best thing, however, is that you can access the
thing that links computers from around the world (16) .................................................... . You can check
out millions of special computer pages created by companies, organisations and individuals all over
the world (17) ...................................................., go shopping, play games (I really enjoy playing games
on my computer (18) ....................................................), play (19) .................................................... music
and videos, and send electronic letters to (20) .................................................... your friends and family.
It’s also great for contacting people using online places where people communicate with each other in
real time (21) .................................................... and other social networking sites.

Unfortunately, I can’t let you use it at the moment because it stopped working
(22) .................................................... at the weekend, and I can’t get it to work again. I’m rather worried
that it’s got a technical fault that someone created on purpose to affect my computer
(23) .................................................... . However, you can have a go on my small computer that I can carry
around with me (24) .................................................... if you like. If I can find it. The last time I remember
seeing it was last night on the bus, when I was coming home from my office at the Ministry of Defence.
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 topic-specific vocabulary
Science & technology
3 Now look at this essay and fill in the gaps with one of the words or phrases from Exercises 1 and 2.
In some cases, more than one answer will be possible. You may need to change some of the word forms.

‘Technology has come a long way in the last 50 years, and our lives have become better as a result. Or
have they?’

The last 50 years have seen more changes than in the previous 200. There have been many remarkable
advances in medicine and medical technology that have helped to increase our
average 1.................................................... way beyond that of our ancestors. Incredible
2.................................................... such as satellite television have changed the way we spend our
leisure hours. Perhaps the most important 3.................................................... , however, has been the
microchip. Nobody could have imagined, when it was first 4.................................................... ,
that within a matter of years, this tiny piece of silicon and circuitry would be found in almost
every household object from the kettle to the video recorder. And nobody could have predicted
the sudden proliferation of computers that would completely change our lives, allowing us to
access information from the other side of the world via the 5.................................................... or
send messages around the world by 6.................................................... at the touch of a button.
Meanwhile, 7.................................................... into other aspects of information technology is
making it easier and cheaper for us to talk to friends and relations around the world. Good
news for 8.................................................... who love modern technology, bad news for the
9.................................................... who would prefer to hide from these modern miracles.

But everything has a price. The development of 10.................................................... led to mass

automation in factories, which in turn led to millions losing their jobs. The genius of Einstein led
indirectly to the threat of nuclear war and the dangerous uncertainties of 11..............................
(we hear of accidents and mishaps at nuclear power stations around the world, where
12.................................................... to prevent accidents were inadequate). The relatively new science of
13.................................................... has been seen as a major step forward, but putting modified foods
on to the market before scientists had properly 14.................................................... them was perhaps
one of the most irresponsible decisions of the 1990s. Meanwhile, pharmaceutical companies continue
to 15.................................................... on animals, a move that many consider to be cruel and unnecessary.

Of course we all rely on modern science and technology to improve our lives. However, we need to
make sure that we can control it before it controls us.

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Lesson 3: Technology

Part 1-style questions

Examiner: Do you enjoy using technology?

Stephan: Well … I wouldn’t call myself a techie or a computer buff but I enjoy using
computers … I’d like to find out more about how they work … when my computer crashes I
never know what to do.

Examiner: Do you use the Internet for your studies?

Sophie: Yes … I’d be lost without it … I do lots of video conferencing to practise speaking
andsocial media like Facebook is a good way to meet up with other students … and I download
podcasts that teach English vocabulary and grammar.

Examiner: Do you have your own computer?

Tania: Yes … I have a Macbook Pro … I use it all the time … for word processing … browsing
websites and catching up with TV programmes I’ve missed.

Part 2-style task

Describe an item of technology you have that is very important. You should say:

 what the technology is

 when you got it
 how often you use it

and say how different your daily life would be without it.

Mattie: I don’t have many gadgets … just a computer … a laptop and my mobile phone … but
I’ll talk about my computer as it’s so useful … it’s funny really … 2 years ago I was still
learning to use computers … how to use email … send attachments how to access websites …
then I decided to do a digital editing course for video and photography … and so I bought the
laptop when I started the course … my husband had a desktop PC but it was very slow so I
decided to upgradeto a powerful one because we do a lot of video editing on the course … it’s
a high-spec laptop … very fast … the latest operating system … it boots up really quickly and
it’s fun to use so it makes working a pleasure … I’ve become a competent computer user now
… if I didn’t have it I daresay I’d have to spend more time at college using their computers …
but on the positive side I suppose I’d read a lot more if I didn’t have it … I probably waste a lot
of time surfing the web … but hopefully I won’t have to be without it …

Part 3-style questions

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Examiner: What do you think are the important things people need to learn when they start using
computers?
Alejandro: Well … there are things like how to use the Internet … how to enter a web
address … how to navigate websites … that kind of thing but it’s also important to know
how to back upyour files in case your computer crashes … and all about Internet security.

Examiner: What kind of technological developments have made the biggest impact on our lives?
Faydene: In my lifetime it has to be the Internet of course but I also think wifi has made a huge
difference to how we interact with the Internet … wireless networks at home and public wifi
hotspots mean we can go online easily … access our mail … log into our work intranet and
basically be connected wherever we are.

Examiner: Do computers make it much easier to study?

Jane: Definitely yes … researching information is much easier with the Internet .. you
canbookmark webpages for future reference and writing essays is much easier … being able to
cut and paste sections of text means you can experiment with organisation … so yes …
compared to years ago when you had a pile of books on your desk and a pen and paper … it’s
now much easier.

Definitions

 to access websites/email: to locate

 to back up files: to make a copy of files in case of a computer problem
 to boot up: to start a computer
 to bookmark a webpage: to mark a webpage for future reference
 to browse websites: to look at websites
 a computer buff: an expert computer user
 to crash: to suddenly stop working
 to cut and paste: to move text or images from one place in a document to another place
 a desktop PC: a computer that isn’t portable and remains in situ on a desk
 digital editing: to edit digital materials like audio or video files
 download (podcasts): to save a copy of a file from the internet to your own device
 to enter a web address: to type the address of a website into the address bar of your
browser
 a gadget: a technological tool like a mobile phone or camera
 to go online: to start using the Internet
 high-spec (laptop): powerful computer with top quality components
 Internet security: Internet safety

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  intranet:: a network of connected computers within an organisation that is not accessible
by unauthorised visitors
 to navigate a website:: to find your way around a website
 operating system: thehe software that tells the computer how to work
 send an attachment:: send an email with an accompanying file
 social media:: media used to interact with other people such as Facebook or Twitter
 to surf the web:: to look at a series of websites one after the other
ot
 a techie:: somebody who has an interest in technology
 to upgrade:: to obtain a more powerful or feature-rich
feature rich computer or piece of software
 video conferencing:: to see and hear people from different locations using the Internet
 wireless hotspot:: a public place
p where you can access the Internet
 wireless network:: a network where users can access the Internet without the use of fixed
cables
 word processing; producing written texts on a computer

Progress words
When you write and speak about computers and technology, very often you will be asked to say
how technology has changed or progressed.

notes
Progress is an uncountable word, while advance is countable. So you say that “digital technology
is an advance” but you cannot say that “digital technology is a progress”
Impact words

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Another common topic is to talk about what effect computer technology has had on our lives

notes
Be careful with the difference between “affect” (generally a verb) and “effect” (generally a
noun). Just to confuse you, in English they sound exactly the same.
“impact” and “influence” are often used with the preposition “on”
Technology and computer words
It is very easy to keep on repeating the same word without knowing it. One way not to do this is
to change the form of the word or to use it in a different phrase.

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notes
Be careful with the spelling of technology.
te
A “technophile” loves technology and a “technophobe” hates it. In speaking, you could use the
less formal word “geek” for technophile, but I would avoid it writing.
There is no great difference between “ICT” and “IT”. However, as my example shows ICT is
most frequently used as the name of an academic subject.
Adjectives

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notes
It is normal to use hyphens (-)) in adjective phrases such as “state-of-the-art”
“state when they are used
before nouns (“state-of-the-art
art technology”), but you do not always need them when they are
used without a noun (“this technology is state of the art”).
“obsolete” is similar in meaning to “outdated”, but is a stronger word to show that the
technology is so old that it cannot be used any longer.
It is normal to write “high tech” rather than “high technology”.
Device words
This is a rather confusing set of words to describe different kinds of objects.

notes

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A “device” is often something fairly small that allows you to complete a task. There is a strong
collocation (very common phrase): “labour-saving
“labour device”.
“Equipment” is an uncountable word so you need to say “a piece of equipment”. It is a very
general use word that can be used to describe
des almost anything mechanical.
“Gadget” is a word often used to describe objects that are either small or have a less serious
purpose.
“Appliance” is typically used in the phrase “electrical appliances” (eg irons and kettles) that are
less advanced technology.
Other useful words
This is a selection of other words that may come in useful when discussing technology

Useful Vocabulary
Uses of internet for communication
sending emails
sending text messages
tele-conferencing
video conferencing
online chatting
social networking
blogging
posting messages on forums
using an intranet system
Advantages
offers immediate communication

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cheaper than telephone calls / face-to-face meetings
allows global communication without the need to travel
more convenient / people can communicate on-the-move
allows friends and family overseas to stay connected
gives everybody the chance to have a public voice
Disadvantages
people may lose “real” social skills
people may spend less time socialising face-to-face
people may become more introverted
people may become adicted to social network sites
people spend too much time in front of a screen
Technology and Education
interactive whiteboards
e-learning
online degrees
self-access centres / study
online tutor
blended learning (online + face-to-face)
Advantages
offers more flexibility for the learner
allows people in rural areas the same study opportunities
cheaper for students (no travel / accmmodation costs)
students & teachers are less bound by time and space
Technology and Work
automated processes
automated manufacturing
automated customer services
high-tech computer systems
computerised filing / administrative systems
huge databases
intranet system / internal emailing
Disadvantages
has made some jobs redundant
gives customers less personal service
requires staff to be technically skilled
may cause security issues /files may be lost
requires a lot of investment
breakdowns in the system may cause severe problems

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 Sample questions with answer

What age group do you think is interested more in mobile phones? Why?
Interested? I guess it would be younger people probably late teens to late twenties who would be
most interested in mobile phones. While people of all age groups use them, I believe that
younger people pay more attention to the latest features and apps that smartphones come with
and older people just use them for calling or texting without thinking so much about if they have
all the latest features or apps loaded.

Do you think the technology will make international travel unnecessary? Why?
Yes and no. It might someday make international business travel less necessary or common than
it is at the moment, because there are so many business internet services and applications
available these days, but I don’t think that technology will replace what people like about
traveling to another country when they are on vacation. That whole experience of seeing and
experiencing a different place and culture is very difficult to replicate using only technology.

Do you think translation applications on mobiles will make learning another language
unnecessary?
They might, but it’s probably more likely that we will learn to use more languages naturally in
the future as we integrate more and more with other people from different places. We may never
become perfect at speaking all the languages, but we might become competent at speaking five
or six different languages, those of the people we interact with on a regular basis either for work
or pleasure. Translation apps on mobile phones would probably work well in situations where
you have no idea of the language and need simple instructions and directions, maybe if you are
visiting a country for a few days only – then a simultaneous translation app on your phone might
be extremely useful.

How often do you use maps? Why?

Honestly, almost never. I can’t remember the last time I actually needed a map. Usually if I go
someplace I don’t know I use the train or bus or just take a taxi so I don’t usually need to use a
map.

Do you know how to use them well?

Well, I used to be able to read a map well when I was a child. I used to go hiking with my
grandfather and when we went to a place we’d never been to before we would always check the
map. Nowadays though I just don’t need to do it as a regular activity – but I could probably use
one again easily if I needed to find a place.

What do you prefer, using maps or asking people for directions? Why?

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I don’t have a problem asking for directions and most people seem to be happy to help you find a
place. Overall, I think it’s quicker just to ask someone than try and navigate around a strange
place on your own only using a map.
Do you often use computers?
Yes, I do, very often, in fact every day I use my laptop. I use it for studying, researching,
entertainment and also for shopping sometimes.

When did you start using computers?

I guess I was in elementary school when I first started to use them regularly. My parents had a
computer at home, but I wasn't allowed to use it in those days. So I suppose I would have been
about six years old when I first started using computers to do things.

What do you use computers for?

Nowadays, pretty much everything. I send and receive emails, use apps like Skype and Hangouts
to chat with people, use the internet to do research as part of my studies and then of course
there's all the entertainment available on the internet. I'm a big YouTube fan, sometimes I can
spend hours watching stuff online.

Would you say computers are important?

Absolutely! They are irreplaceable now - I mean they're used in banks, business, airplanes, cars,
virtually everything has some kind of computer which helps it operate - I don't know what we
would do without them.

Would you say computers are important in your life?

Personally, I'd say yes, my life would be totally different if I didn't use computers every day. I
grew up using computers and they're an integral part of most of the daily activities I do - so
obviously, yes, they're very important for me.

Do computers have much impact on your life?

They certainly make my life a lot easier most of the time- I mean banking and shopping online is
so much quicker and more convenient than having to actually go to a bank or shop and do it all
physically. I can achieve more in my life thanks to computers - all that information is instantly
accessible on the internet, which makes so many things easier and I suppose the biggest impact
of all is the way computers have really changed the way we live, the way we intereact with each
other and how we do things.

What effect do computers have on children?

Some people used to think that children spending a lot of time in front of a computer screen was
not a good thing for them - but now you just look at the adults who are doing exactly the same
and you have to laugh. Basically, children spending hours in front of a computer screen is like

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learning a life skill or work skill, becasue when they grow up and become adults and start
working many of them , if they work in an office or simialr environemnt, will spend many hours
using comuters to do their work - so overall, I think it's only natural that children spend quite a
lot of time with computers. I really don't think there are any serious negative effects caused by
computers which apply specifically for children.

How do you think parents could minimize (or avoid) the negative effects of computers on their
children?
Okay,so if parents are convinced that their child is spending too much time using a computer -
then they could always try and put a limit on the number of hours their child uses the computer
each week. They could also make sure that their child is involved in other activities outside,
maybe playing sports and things like that. It's good to have a balance of activities - things you
can do alone and also with other people.

What computer skill(s) would you like to learn?

Yeah, I'd really like to learn computer animation and graphics someday, but I think it takes a
long time to learn all the necessary techniques and then practice creating such things. It would be
nice though, because it looks so interesting when you see someone elese doing it
How often do you use the internet?

Why do people use the internet?

People use the internet for communication, education, games, movies, news, and information.

Why do you use the internet?

I usually use the internet to communicate with my friends and family. I also use the internet to
watch and download movies.

Do you think internet is gaining more popularity than TV?

Yes, I agree with you. I think that internet is gaining popularity day by day. I personally believe
that internet is more convenient. For instance, if I want to watch a program on internet then I can
watch it at anytime. But if I want to watch a program on TV then I will have to wait for it.

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 Question bank
1. What modern technological devices are most common in your country?
2. Do you think modern technology is useful?
3. Do you think people rely too much on technology?
4. Do you think men and women view technological devices differently?
5. Why do you think people spend so much money buying the latest devices?
6. What technology or equipment is used in most workplaces nowadays?
7. Does technology help workers, or does it make their lives more difficult?
8. What effect does new technology have on employment?
9. What is your opinion about technology?1
10. What is some new technology?2
11. For modern technology, I think that...
12. What is some old technology?3
13. What are the pros and cons of technology?4
14. What is a new gadget you want to see invented?5
15. Is there a current gadget that you would like to buy?6
16. How has the internet changed the world?7
17. Is it better to have no technology?8
18. How has technology changed in the last 5-25 years?9
19. How will it change in the next 5-25 years?

Computer-using habits

Do you use computers very much?

When do you use a computer?
What do you use computers for?
What part do computers play in your life?

Computer usage

When did you start using computers?

When was the first time you used a computer?
When did you learn how to use a computer?
What was your impression (or feeling) when you used a computer the first time?
How did you learn to use a computer?

Value of computers

Have computers changed (influenced) your life in any way? (If yes, how?)
Are computers used much in your country?

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Do you think computers are useful (or important) in everyday life? (How?)
Do you find computers very useful in your everyday life?
What role do computers play in modern life?
Do you think computers are important in everyday life?
How are computers useful to people?
What do you think are the benefits of (using) a computer?
Do you think computers have changed our lives for the better? (How? Compare today & our
lives in pre-computer times.)
Do you think a computer can give you better access to knowledge?
Do you think there there are any disadvantages (or, drawbacks) to using computers?

Children and computers/computers in education

Computers are now used a lot in education. What do you think of this?
In your country, when do children at school use a computer?
Computers are now used a lot in the education of children. What do you think are the
advantages of this? Do you think computers are good or bad for children?
Do you think it's a good or a bad thing to teach children how to use a computer?

Computer games

Do you play computer games?

How often do you play computer games?
Problems with computers
What do you do when your computer has problems?

The future of computers

Do you think computers are perfect now or do they still need to be improved?
Do you think computers help society?
Do you think computers are bad for health?
How do you think computers have changed the world?
Good things about mobile / cellular / cell phones
They are the most popular type of gadget in the world today
The way we communicate has been revolutionized by cellular phones
We can stay in contact with everyone no matter where we are

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They allow users to communicate by text messages, making calls,and sending emails
Mobile phones provide easy access to the Internet and users can also take photos and listen to
music all on one gadget

Bad things about mobile / cellular phones

Mobile phones may cause some problems in certain public areas
When they ring in public places like cinemas and schools they create a disturbance
Some people seem not to be aware that other people can hear the conversation
Mobile or cellular phones can interfere with the operation of other electronic equipment
Excessive use of mobile phones can cause brain damage due to radiofrequency (RF) waves they
emit
Using a mobile or cellular phone can be a dangerous distraction when trying to certain other
activities
Talking or texting on a mobile or cell phone while driving is very dangerous
Mobile phones are easy targets for thieves in many places
Opinions about mobile / cellular / cell phones
The benefits of cell phones are greater than the drawbacks
Mobile phones have more advantages than disadvantages
If we use cellular phones with care, they cause very few problems
Mobile phones / cell phones are essential nowadays
Many mobile phones have become a fashion accessory for some people

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 SAMPLE TEST

Part 1 – sample questions

 Do you use a computer at work or at home?

 What do you use a computer for?
 Do you like using computers?
 When did you learn to use a computer?
 What is the importance of computers nowadays?
 What jobs do computers do better than people?

Part 2 – sample task card

Describe a piece of technology that you find useful.

You should say:

 what it is
 what you can do with it
 how often you use it

and explain why you find it so useful

Part 3 – sample questions

1. What are some of the main uses of technology for communication?

2. Do you agree that some people use technology for communication too much?
3. What differences are there between the attitudes of older and younger people to
technology for communication?
4. Do you think that the advance of technology has improved standards of education in
schools?
5. Would you agree that the rapid development of digital technology has had a positive
impact on the world of work?
6. Do you think that the rate of technological expansion will slow down in the years to
come?

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