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Conversation Advance · Module 11 · Unit 51

Technology at Home and Work

C1 Advanced Upper

Learning Objectives

In this lesson, you will discuss the pros and cons of social media and learn practical vocabulary for daily communication.

Discussion

Direction: Answer these questions.
  1. How much time do you spend on social media every day?
  2. Do you think social media has a positive impact on your work?
  3. Have you ever considered taking a break from digital platforms?

New Words & Expressions

Direction: Listen and repeat these words with your teacher.

  • Algorithm

    noun

    /ˈælɡərɪðəm/

    Meaning:A set of rules used by computers to solve problems or decide what to show users.

    The social media algorithm keeps showing me dog videos.

    Real Life Tip:

    A very common term in discussions about digital privacy and media consumption.

  • Authentic

    adjective

    /ɔːˈθentɪk/

    Meaning:Genuine or real; not fake or copied.

    I try to keep my social media posts authentic to who I am.

    Real Life Tip:

    Highly valued quality in personal branding.

  • Log on

    phrasal verb

    /lɒɡ ɒn/

    Meaning:To enter a password and username to access a computer or network.

    I try not to log on to social media before noon.

    Real Life Tip:

    The standard way to start an online session.

  • Get the word out

    idiom

    /ɡet ðə wɜːrd aʊt/

    Meaning:To make information known to many people.

    We used Instagram to get the word out about our new project.

    Real Life Tip:

    Common in marketing and community announcements.

  • Doomscrolling

    slang

    /duːmˈskroʊlɪŋ/

    Meaning:The act of continuously scrolling through bad news online.

    I lost an hour to doomscrolling last night.

    Real Life Tip:

    Very relevant term for modern digital health.

Conversation

Direction:

  • Listen carefully as your teacher reads the conversation aloud.
  • Role-play the conversation with your teacher
Michael and Emma talk about using social media for their new side project.
  • Michael
    I think we should use social media to get the word out about our project.
  • Emma
    I agree, but we have to be careful with the algorithm.
  • Michael
    True. It seems like it only pushes controversial content.

Q&A

Direction: Answer the questions based on the conversation.
  1. Why does Michael want to use social media?
  2. What does Emma want to keep the brand?
  3. What bad habit does Michael admit to?

Exercise

Direction: Choose the correct answer to complete each sentence, then read it aloud. Each question gives you 5 Points.

  1. What is an algorithm?

  2. What does authentic mean?

  3. I need to ____ on to my account.

  4. Stop that doom____ right now!

  5. word / the / get / out

  6. on / I / social / media / log

Ask Your Teacher

Direction: Ask your teacher these questions.
  1. How can a brand stay authentic when the algorithm favors specific types of content?
  2. What are the best techniques to avoid doomscrolling during your day?
  3. Do you think social media is the most effective way to get the word out today?

Your Time To Speak

Direction: Answer using the language you have learned in this lesson. Talk about yourself!
  1. How does the algorithm actually know what I like?
  2. Can a social media presence truly be authentic?
  3. What are the biggest dangers of doomscrolling?
  4. How do you decide which platforms to log on to?
  5. Is social media better for business or for personal connection?
  6. How do I protect my privacy while using these platforms?
  7. Do you think social media has made us less social?
  8. What is the best way to get the word out without being spammy?
  9. How can I set boundaries with social media usage?
  10. What would the world be like without social media?
Emma
Exactly. I want to keep our brand authentic and not just chase trends.
  • Michael
    That makes sense. I find myself doomscrolling too much if I stay on too long.
  • Emma
    I do the same thing. I need to stop logging on after 8 PM.
  • Michael
    Good rule. Let us plan a schedule for our content instead.
  • Emma
    Perfect. That is a much healthier approach.