Topic: Technology and Social Media
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Directive for Part 1:
- Preparation Time: None (Answer immediately)
- Speaking Time: 4–5 minutes
- Kind of Answer Expected: Short, direct answers with personal experiences or opinions.
Questions:
- How often do you use social media?
- What social media platforms do you use?
- Do you think social media has a positive or negative influence on people?
- Have you ever used social media for work or business purposes?
Sample Answers for Part 1:
- Band 9 (Expert User):
“I use social media every day, mostly to stay in touch with friends and keep updated on news. I use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to connect with people and follow various topics I’m interested in. I think social media can be both positive and negative. On one hand, it’s great for staying connected and sharing ideas, but on the other, it can sometimes cause problems like cyberbullying or misinformation. I have used social media for business purposes as well, promoting my YouTube channel and engaging with my audience.” - Band 7 (Good User):
“I use social media almost every day, mostly to chat with friends and see what’s happening in the world. I mostly use Instagram and Facebook. Social media can be good because it helps people stay connected, but it also has some bad sides, like spreading fake news. I have used social media for work before to promote my business and share updates with customers.” - Band 5 (Modest User):
“I use social media every day, mainly Facebook and Instagram. It’s good because I can see what my friends are doing, but sometimes it makes people argue. I’ve used social media for business too to show my products.”
Explanation for Part 1:
- Band 9: The answer is clear, detailed, and well-structured, offering an insightful view of both the positive and negative sides of social media, with relevant examples.
- Band 7: The response is relevant and generally well-developed but lacks the depth and complexity of a Band 9 answer. The speaker provides personal experiences and opinions but with less elaboration.
- Band 5: The answer is simple and lacks detail. The speaker gives basic information but doesn’t elaborate or give much insight into the topic.
Part 2: Long Turn (Individual Speech)
Directive for Part 2:
- Preparation Time: 1 minute
- Speaking Time: 1–2 minutes
- Kind of Answer Expected: Detailed, well-organized speech on the given topic.
Task:
Describe a piece of technology that you find helpful. You should say:
- What the technology is
- How you use it
- Why you find it helpful
And explain how this technology has changed your life.
Sample Answer for Part 2:
- Band 9 (Expert User):
“The piece of technology I find most helpful is my smartphone. I use it for so many things, from communication to entertainment and even work. I rely on it for making calls, sending messages, using social media, and even managing my schedule through various apps. It’s incredibly convenient because it helps me stay organized and connected no matter where I am. This technology has really changed my life because it allows me to work remotely, communicate instantly, and access any information I need on the go. Without it, I’d feel disconnected from the world.” - Band 7 (Good User):
“I think the technology I find most useful is my laptop. I use it every day for work, browsing the internet, and sometimes for entertainment. It’s really helpful because I can do everything on it, like checking my email, writing documents, and even watching videos. This technology has made my life easier because I can work from home and stay in touch with people online.” - Band 5 (Modest User):
“I use my phone a lot. I use it to talk to people and check the internet. It’s helpful because I can do things quickly, like texting or finding information. It’s changed my life because I don’t need a computer all the time now.”
Explanation for Part 2:
- Band 9: The answer is detailed, organized, and fluent, with a thorough explanation of how the technology is used and its impact. The response shows clear thought and personal reflection.
- Band 7: The response is clear and relevant, but the speaker provides fewer details and examples. The explanation of how the technology is used is good but less developed compared to Band 9.
- Band 5: The answer is basic with minimal elaboration. The speaker mentions the technology and how it is used but lacks depth and does not provide much insight.
Part 3: Discussion
Directive for Part 3:
- Preparation Time: None
- Speaking Time: 4–5 minutes
- Kind of Answer Expected: Longer, more analytical responses that explain and justify opinions.
Questions:
- How has technology changed the way we communicate?
- Do you think people rely too much on technology these days? Why or why not?
- What do you think the future of social media will look like?
- What are the benefits and risks of technology in education?
Sample Answers for Part 3:
- Band 9 (Expert User):
“Technology has fundamentally changed the way we communicate. It has made communication faster, more efficient, and accessible to people all over the world. Through platforms like WhatsApp and Zoom, people can communicate in real-time, no matter their location. However, I do think people rely too much on technology these days. While it’s very convenient, it can also create a sense of dependence, reducing face-to-face interactions and leading to issues like social isolation. In the future, I think social media will become even more integrated into our daily lives, with new platforms focusing on virtual reality and artificial intelligence. In education, technology offers a huge advantage by allowing for personalized learning and making information more accessible, but it can also be distracting and lead to a lack of personal connection with teachers.” - Band 7 (Good User):
“Technology has made communication much quicker and easier, especially with social media and messaging apps. But I think people might rely too much on technology because sometimes it’s hard to communicate face to face. Social media will probably keep growing, with more features to connect people. In education, technology can help students learn better by providing more resources, but it can also distract them if not used properly.” - Band 5 (Modest User):
“Technology has made talking to people faster and easier, like using phones or computers. But people use it too much and don’t talk in person sometimes. Social media will grow in the future, but it can be bad for people’s health. Technology in education is good because it can help students, but they can get distracted by it.”
Explanation for Part 3:
- Band 9: The answer is detailed, well-organized, and shows critical thinking. The speaker discusses both the positive and negative impacts of technology, providing examples and giving an insightful opinion.
- Band 7: The response is clear and relevant, though less in-depth than a Band 9 answer. The speaker discusses technology’s effects but doesn’t elaborate on all aspects or provide as much critical insight.
- Band 5: The response is simple and lacks depth. The speaker provides basic answers but doesn’t offer much detail or analytical thought.