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Conversation Advance · Module 11 · Unit 52

Pros and Cons of Social Media

C1 Advanced Upper

Learning Objectives

Today, you will explore smart devices and daily life and discover useful words and expressions for everyday situations.

Discussion

Direction: Answer these questions.
  1. How many smart devices do you have in your home?
  2. Do you ever feel like your devices are listening to you?
  3. What is the most helpful smart device you own?

New Words & Expressions

Direction: Listen and repeat these words with your teacher.

  • Automation

    noun

    /ˌɔːtəˈmeɪʃən/

    Meaning:The use of largely automatic equipment in a system of manufacturing or other production process.

    Home automation makes my morning routine much faster.

    Real Life Tip:

    Refers to the 'smart home' trend.

  • Connectivity

    noun

    /ˌkɒnekˈtɪvɪti/

    Meaning:The state or extent of being connected.

    Poor connectivity is the main reason I switched to fiber internet.

    Real Life Tip:

    Crucial for smart devices to function properly.

  • Sync up

    phrasal verb

    /sɪŋk ʌp/

    Meaning:To make things work together at the same time.

    I need to sync up my phone with my car.

    Real Life Tip:

    Very common for wearable devices.

  • At the touch of a button

    idiom

    /æt ðə tʌtʃ ɒv ə ˈbʌtən/

    Meaning:Very easily.

    Everything in my house is controlled at the touch of a button.

    Real Life Tip:

    Highlights the convenience of modern tech.

  • Smartify

    slang

    /ˈsmɑːrtɪfaɪ/

    Meaning:To make something smart by adding technology.

    I want to smartify my old curtains so they open automatically.

    Real Life Tip:

    Playful, modern slang used in tech hobbyist circles.

Conversation

Direction:

  • Listen carefully as your teacher reads the conversation aloud.
  • Role-play the conversation with your teacher
Michael and Emma discuss the pros and cons of using smart home devices.
  • Michael
    I am finally trying to smartify my apartment.
  • Emma
    That is cool! Does it involve a lot of home automation?
  • Michael
    Yes, I have lights and a thermostat I can control at the touch of a button.

Q&A

Direction: Answer the questions based on the conversation.
  1. What is Michael doing to his apartment?
  2. What can Michael control at the touch of a button?
  3. What is Emma worried about regarding smart devices?

Exercise

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

  1. What is automation?

  2. What does connectivity mean?

  3. I need to ____ up my watch.

  4. It is done at the ____ of a button.

  5. apartment / smartify / my / I

  6. up / devices / sync / the / all

Ask Your Teacher

Direction: Ask your teacher these questions.
  1. How can we balance home automation with privacy concerns?
  2. What do you think is the limit of our need for connectivity?
  3. Would you ever want to smartify your entire life?

Your Time To Speak

Direction: Answer using the language you have learned in this lesson. Talk about yourself!
  1. Is home automation actually making our lives better?
  2. How do you handle connectivity issues when devices fail?
  3. Do you think smart devices will eventually replace humans for tasks?
  4. What is the easiest way to sync up new devices?
  5. Are you comfortable with everything being at the touch of a button?
  6. What does it mean to smartify a space?
  7. Do you worry about the security of your smart home?
  8. What is the most annoying smart device you have ever used?
  9. How do you choose which smart devices to buy?
  10. What do you think is the next big step in home automation?
Emma
That sounds great, but does the connectivity stay stable?
  • Michael
    It has been fine so far. I just had to sync up all the devices.
  • Emma
    I would be worried about security with all that data.
  • Michael
    I agree, but the convenience is hard to give up.
  • Emma
    True, I guess I am just a bit old-school.