The document discusses technology and its uses for communication, education, and work. It provides examples of how technology is used for communication like emailing, texting, video chatting, and social media. It also discusses both the advantages of technology improving communication through connectivity and convenience, as well as disadvantages like reduced social skills or addiction. The document then covers how technology is used in education through interactive whiteboards, online learning, and blended models, providing more flexibility and access. Finally, it addresses technology in work through automation, databases, and intranets, though this has also led to some job loss or security issues.

1. Technology
Part 2 – sample question
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?
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

2.  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

3.  breakdowns in the system may cause severe problems
Useful Linking Expressions
Giving reasons
- due to (the fact that) …
- because of …
- because …
- as a result of …
- … that’s why …
Sample Answer
Qu. Do you think that the advance of technology has improved standards
of education in schools?
I think the growth of the internet has had a major impact on current
teaching methods and I’m sure general standards have improved as a
result. I strongly believe that the motivation for both learning and teaching
has increased because of the phenomenal amount of information now
available to both students and teachers. On the other hand, due to a
danger of information overload, some people may be put off using
technology in the classroom, wishing for a return to more traditional
methods.