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Ready for C1 p 23. Information and New Technologies. High-level Nouns. Speaking

C1 Discussion Questions: Information & New Technologies

Digital Privacy & Data Protection

1. Do you express your strong disapproval of how tech companies handle personal data, or do you accept it as the consequence of using free services? What assurances should companies provide to users?

2. Is there a notable discrepancy between what users think they're sharing online and what companies actually collect? Who should take responsibility for educating the public about digital privacy?

3. What's your contention regarding government surveillance programmes? Can we reach a consensus on balancing national security with individual privacy rights?

Social Media & Online Communication

4. Has there been a downturn in the quality of public discourse since the proliferation of social media platforms? What represents the biggest impediment to constructive online dialogue?

5. Do you think the inadequacy of content moderation policies has serious ramifications for democracy? What would be your proposal for addressing misinformation without compromising free speech?

6. Some people conceal their disappointment about how social media has affected their relationships. Is there the viability of returning to more meaningful, offline connections in our digital age?

Artificial Intelligence & Automation

7. What's the importance of establishing ethical guidelines for AI development now, before the technology becomes more advanced? Is our current adherence to responsible innovation principles sufficient?

8. Do you believe companies' failure to consider the social impact of automation represents negligence? Should there be greater commitment to retraining displaced workers?

Digital Literacy & Education

9. Has there been a considerable improvement in digital literacy education, or are we still failing to prepare people adequately? What's your suggestion for integrating technology skills into curricula?

10. Do you express your dissatisfaction with the current state of online education? Is there a notable discrepancy between the promise of e-learning and its actual effectiveness?

11. What are the ramifications of the digital divide for social equality? Should internet access be considered a basic right, and who should take responsibility for ensuring universal access?

Misinformation & News Credibility

12. Given the prevalence of fake news, how can individuals develop better critical thinking skills? Is the simplicity of fact-checking tools enough to combat misinformation?

13. Do you think there's been a reduction in trust in traditional media outlets? What's the consequence of this erosion of institutional credibility for society?

14. Some argue that platform negligence in addressing misinformation has contributed to political polarisation. Do you agree with this assertion? What's the prospect of effectively regulating content without censorship?

Technology Addiction & Mental Health

15. Is there sufficient awareness of how technology affects mental health, particularly amongst young people? What would be your request to tech companies regarding addictive design features?

16. Do you express your strong disapproval of social media algorithms that prioritise engagement over wellbeing? What are the ramifications of the attention economy for human psychology?

17. Has there been a considerable improvement in how we discuss technology addiction, or is there still stigma preventing people from expressing their inability to disconnect?

Cybersecurity & Digital Threats

18. What's the importance of cybersecurity literacy in the modern world? Should individuals take responsibility for their own online security, or is this primarily a corporate and governmental duty?

19. Is there a notable discrepancy between the sophistication of cyber threats and the average person's ability to protect themselves? What represents the biggest impediment to better security practices?

Remote Work & Digital Transformation

20. Has the shift to remote work resulted in a considerable improvement in work-life balance, or has it created new problems? Is there the viability of fully remote work for most industries long-term?

Big Tech & Market Power

21. Should we express our strong disapproval of tech monopolies, or are they the consequence of natural market forces? What's your proposal for addressing concerns about market concentration?

22. What are the ramifications of a few companies controlling so much of our digital infrastructure?

Sample Answer

Question:

There's ongoing contention about whether artificial intelligence represents the prospect of unprecedented progress or poses existential risks. Where do you stand on this debate?

Sample Answer:

I believe this debate suffers from a lack of compatibility between the two extremes being presented. Rather than viewing AI as purely beneficial or catastrophic, I think we need to reach a consensus on a more nuanced position that acknowledges both the (1)____________ (VIABLE) of transformative benefits and the legitimate concerns about potential harms.

On one hand, I can't express my strong (2)__________ (APPROVE) of the optimistic view entirely, because there's already been a considerable (3)_____________ (IMPROVE) in healthcare diagnostics, scientific research, and accessibility tools thanks to AI. The importance of these advances shouldn't be (4)______________ (STATE)—they represent genuine progress in addressing human challenges. However, my main contention with unbridled techno-optimism is its failure to adequately address the immediate risks we're already witnessing, such as the proliferation of deepfakes and (5)_____________ (INFORM).

What truly causes me to express my (6)_______________ (SATISFY) with the current trajectory is the (7)_____________ (ADEQUATE) of existing regulatory frameworks. There's a notable discrepancy between the pace of AI development and our governmental adherence to safety protocols. This represents a significant impediment to responsible innovation. The (8)________________ (NEGLECT) shown by some tech companies in rushing products to market without sufficient testing has serious ramifications—we're already seeing consequences of biased algorithms in hiring, lending, and criminal justice.

My proposal would be to establish international standards that ensure (9)______________ (COMMITTED) to ethical AI development without stifling innovation entirely. This isn't just a suggestion; it's an urgent request for coordinated action. We need assurances from developers that they're taking responsibility for the systems they create, including their inability to predict all outcomes.

Rather than conceal our disappointment about AI's shortcomings or deny the prospect of its benefits, we should maintain (10)_____________ (AWARE) of both possibilities. The simplicity of framing this as a binary choice—progress versus doom—lacks originality and prevents productive dialogue. The real challenge is managing the fluctuation in public opinion while building robust safeguards that don't result in a downturn in innovation. Ultimately, the (11)_____________ (PREVAIL) of fear-mongering on both sides only creates embarrassment for serious researchers trying to navigate this complex terrain responsibly.

KEY

1. viability

2. disapproval

3. improvement

4. understated (underestimated)

5. misinformation

6. dissatisfaction

7. inadequacy

8. negligence

9. COMMITMENT

10. awareness

11. prevalence

Ready for C1 p 175. Shopping and Consumerism. Speaking Interview. Cloze

Sample dialogue on online shopping:

Student A: I think online shopping has completely transformed my buying habits. The convenience is hard -1- resist - I can browse dozens -2- stores without leaving my couch! But I've noticed I definitely spend more money this way. Those personalized recommendations keep tempting me -3- things I didn't even know I wanted.

Student B: I agree -4- the convenience, but I've become more cautious about my online spending. Those flash sales and limited-time offers create this false sense of urgency -5- makes you buy things impulsively. I've started to resist those marketing tactics by keeping a wishlist instead -6- purchasing immediately.

Student A: That's smart. I'm terrible with impulse purchases, especially -7- I see free shipping offers. And those one-click ordering systems make it dangerously easy to spend money! I've actually had to unsubscribe from store emails -8- the constant promotional messages were too tempting.

Student B: Exactly! -9- have you noticed how physical stores are struggling to compete with online retailers? There's been a real decline in traditional shopping, which is sad in some ways. I miss the social aspect of going shopping -10- friends.

Answers:

1. to

2. of

3. with

4. about

5. that

6. of

7. when

8. because

9. And

10. with

____________________________________________________________

1. How has online shopping changed the way we buy things? Do you think it makes us spend more money than shopping in physical stores?

2. What influences your decision when buying clothes - brand names, price, quality, or current trends? How do advertisers try to persuade you to buy their products?

3. Have you noticed how some products don't seem to last as long as they used to? Why do you think companies might design things to break or become outdated quickly?

Alex: So, shall we start with how online shopping has changed the way we buy things?

Sam: Absolutely. To be honest, it’s revolutionised shopping for me. Not only is it more convenient, but it also gives you access to a wider variety of products. Never before have I been able to compare so many options so quickly.

Alex: I couldn’t agree more. Had it not been for online shopping, I would have spent countless hours in crowded shopping centres. But don’t you think it’s made us spend more, almost without realising it?

Sam: That’s a good point. Because everything is just a click away, it’s easy to lose track. Plus, when you’re not physically handing over money, it feels less like you’re actually spending.

Alex: Exactly! If we were forced to use cash, we’d probably think twice before buying things we don’t really need. Also, have you noticed how websites use flash sales and countdown timers?

Sam: Yes! That creates this sense of urgency. It’s clever, though somewhat manipulative. Were they not using these tactics, I doubt people would buy as impulsively.

Alex: True. Moving on, what usually influences your decisions when buying clothes?

Sam: For me, it’s mainly quality and comfort. I mean, what’s the point in buying something trendy if it feels like sandpaper?

Alex: Ha! I totally get that. Although I have to admit, I do sometimes get drawn in by brand names—probably more than I’d like to admit.

Sam: Same here. To be influenced by branding is something I try to avoid, but it’s everywhere. And the way advertisers work—honestly, it's fascinating. They don’t just sell a product; they sell a lifestyle.

Alex: Right? They use celebrities, catchy slogans, emotional appeals… Sometimes it feels like they know us better than we know ourselves.

Sam: Speaking of which, have you noticed how certain products just don’t last like they used to?

Alex: Definitely. My phone started acting up just after the warranty expired. Coincidence? I doubt it.

Sam: I think companies deliberately design products to become obsolete. It’s called planned obsolescence, isn’t it?

Alex: Yes! If things lasted forever, people wouldn’t need to replace them. However, it’s incredibly wasteful. Not only does it affect our wallets, but it also harms the environment.

Sam: Couldn’t agree more. If companies prioritised sustainability over profit, we’d all be better off.

Alex: Well said. Let’s hope more people start demanding change—otherwise, this cycle will never end.

Ready for C1 p 104. Health and Medicine. Speaking Monologue. Sample Answer. Cloze

1. To what extent should alternative medicine be integrated into conventional healthcare systems? What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of such integration?

2. Although mental health is just as important as physical health, it is often neglected. Why do you think this is the case, and what measures could be taken to address the imbalance?

3. With increasing access to online health information, many people are experiencing 'cyberchondria' — excessive health anxiety fuelled by internet searches. What are the causes and consequences of this trend, and how might it be managed?

Sample answer:

Health in the Modern World: A Holistic Approach

To begin (1)____________, health – in all its forms – is absolutely fundamental to our well-being, both as individuals and as a society. In today’s fast-paced and highly connected world, we’re no longer just focused on curing illness. We’re increasingly looking at how to integrate alternative therapies, prioritise mental health, and cope with the overwhelming (2)______________ of online health information. So today, I’d like to explore these three key aspects and how they interconnect.

1. Alternative Medicine: A Complementary Approach?

First and (3)________________, let’s take a look at the integration of alternative medicine into conventional healthcare systems. It is generally accepted that treatments (4)________________ acupuncture, herbal remedies, and chiropractic care have grown in popularity in recent years. From my (5)_____________ of view, there is value in incorporating some of these therapies – but only when they’re backed by scientific evidence and properly regulated.

For example, mindfulness programmes and acupuncture are now used alongside traditional treatments for stress and chronic pain – a sign that collaboration can work. However, there can be no (6)______________ that many alternative therapies still lack the rigorous testing that conventional medicine requires. What’s (7)_________________, inconsistent regulation could lead to confusion or even exploitation of patients.

(8)____________ short, I believe we need a balanced approach: openness to new ideas, but always grounded in solid, evidence-based research.

2. Mental Health: Ending the Stigma

(9)________________ examining that, let’s now (10)_______________ on to the topic of mental health – something which, as everyone (11)________________, is just as important as physical health, yet still often neglected.

Why is this the case? I strongly (12)______________ that the stigma surrounding mental illness plays a major (13)_____________. To my (14)______________, many people still feel embarrassed or even ashamed to seek help. On (15)_____________ of that, healthcare systems often prioritise physical conditions, leaving mental health services chronically underfunded.

So what can be (16)_______________? First of (17)______________, we must educate people from an early age – mental health should be (18)_______________ about as openly as physical health. Besides, governments need to invest more heavily in accessible support services. Let’s not forget workplaces either – they can play a crucial role in promoting well-being through supportive workplace practices and mental health days.

All things (19)___________________, a healthy society requires both body and mind to be equally (20)________________ for.

3. Cyberchondria: The Perils of Dr Google

This (21)________________ directly to my next point – cyberchondria, or the anxiety caused by compulsively searching for symptoms online. Have you ever (22)______________ why something so simple can cause so much distress?

It (23)_______________ to me that the combination of easy access to information and a lack of medical training creates the perfect (24)______________. People want answers quickly, and the internet often shows the most extreme possibilities first. As a (25)______________, a mild headache can suddenly seem life-threatening.

The consequences are serious – unnecessary panic, self-diagnosis, wasted resources, and sometimes even delaying proper medical treatment.

So how do we manage this? Firstly, public education is vital – people need to learn how to distinguish between reliable and (26)_______________ sources. In (27)________________, healthcare providers should offer vetted online tools to help guide patients. And finally, tech platforms must take more responsibility (28)________________ how they present health content.

Conclusion

All things (29)_______________, health today is about much more than medication or hospital visits. It’s about finding balance – between traditional and alternative approaches, between body and mind, and between knowledge and anxiety in the digital age.

As I (30)_____________ it, the future of health depends on three key principles: open-mindedness, critical thinking, and collaboration – between medical professionals, policymakers, and the public.

To put it simply: take care of your body, nurture your mental health, and use technology wisely – to empower us, not to overwhelm us.

To (31)_________________ up, health is no longer just a medical issue — it’s a human one.

Well, I truly appreciate you (32)______________ the time to listen, it’s been a pleasure sharing these thoughts with you.

KEY

1. with

2. amount

3. foremost

4. like

5. point

6. doubt

7. more

8. In

9. After

10. move

11. knows

12. believe

13. role

14. mind

15. top

16. done

17. all

18. talked

19. considered

20. cared

21. leads

22. wondered

23. seems

24. storm

25. result/ consequence

26. unreliable

27. addition

28. for

29. considered

30. see

31. sum

32. taking

Ready for C1 p 84. Education. Speaking Mock Exam

TOPIC 9: EDUCATION Preparation time: 5 minutes

PART 1. CONVERSATION

Talk to each other about some or all of the following. (7 minutes approx.)

How would you tackle problems like bullying or other serious problems which might arise in schools?
What is the best way to learn a language?
When it comes to rewards and punishments, which is more effective -- the carrot or the stick?
Do schools and universities prepare people for the real world? Why? Why not? How might school and university education be improved?

PART 2. MONOLOGUE

Talk about at least two of the following ideas. (4 minutes approx.) The examiner may ask you further questions about the topic.

CANDIDATE A

What are the benefits and drawbacks of taking a gap year?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of homeschooling?
“It takes a village to raise a child”. Do you agree with this African proverb? To what extent are we all responsible for the actions and behaviour of our children?

CANDIDATE B

Advantages and disadvantages of online learning
What will the school of the future be like?
What makes a good teacher?