### English Learning Module: Communication and Technology
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### **B1-Level Module: Exploring Digital Communication**
#### **Objective:** Help learners discuss the topic of digital communication, social media, and the impact of technology on relationships and privacy at a basic intermediate level.
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**Section 1: Vocabulary**
(1) Advantages/Disadvantages:
– Instant messaging, video calls, online meetings (Advantage)
– Cyberbullying, misinformation, lack of face-to-face interaction (Disadvantage)
(2) Social Media:
– Profile, followers, post, like, comment
(3) Technology and Communication:
– Text message, email, smartphone, app, notifications
(4) Privacy Concerns:
– Data, information, hacking, identity theft
(5) Relationships:
– Family, friends, colleagues, connection
(6) Future and Technology:
– Innovation, improvement, artificial intelligence (AI), robots, VR (virtual reality)
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**Section 2: Grammar Structures**
1. Comparative and Superlative Forms:
Example:
– Digital communication is **faster** than face-to-face communication.
– Smartphones are the **most popular** tool for communication right now.
2. Talking about Advantages and Disadvantages:
Useful phrases:
– **One advantage of… is that…**
– **However, one disadvantage is…**
– **Another benefit is…**
3. Future Predictions with “will” and “going to”:
Example:
– I think technology **will improve** relationships in the future.
– People **are going to use** more apps for communication.
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**Section 3: Conversation Phrases and Practice Questions**
**Phrases to Use:**
– “What do you think about…?”
– “In my opinion, …”
– “I agree/disagree because…”
– “Can you give an example of…?”
**Questions to Practice:**
1. What apps do you use to communicate? Why?
2. Do you think social media makes people less social in real life?
3. Can you tell me about a time when technology made communication easier for you?
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**Section 4: Practical Communication Skills – Small Talk**
**Good Phrases to Get to Know Someone:**
– “Hi, how are you doing?”
– “What do you do in your free time?”
– “Have you tried any new technology recently?”
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### **B2-Level Module: Analytical Communication**
#### **Objective:** Help learners provide more detailed opinions, examples, and arguments about digital communication, social media reliance, and privacy concerns.
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**Section 1: Vocabulary**
1. Technology: Digital footprints, encryption, chatbots, cloud, connectivity
2. Relationships: Bonding, disconnect, intimacy, misunderstandings
3. Privacy: Surveillance, privacy breaches, cybersecurity, algorithms
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**Section 2: Grammar Structures**
1. Expressing Opinions:
Useful phrases:
– “Personally, I believe that…”
– “It’s clear that…”
– “From my perspective…”
2. Conditional Sentences for Hypotheses:
Example:
– “If people rely too much on social media, real relationships **will suffer**.”
– “If technology becomes smarter, it **could completely change** how we live.”
3. Using Modal Verbs for Possibility:
Example:
– “Technology **might** solve many communication problems in the future.”
– “People **should be** more careful with their online privacy.”
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**Section 3: Vocabulary-Driven Exercises**
Match the word to the sentence:
1. _______ (Encryption, connection) is necessary to protect data online.
2. We can’t ignore our _______ (digital footprints, video calls) while using social media.
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**Section 4: Conversation Practice – Scenario Discussions**
**Useful Questions to Dive Deeper:**
1. What are the biggest challenges with digital communication today?
2. How do you manage your privacy online?
3. Do you agree that technology impacts personal relationships negatively? Why or why not?
**Role-play Exercise:**
A friend is worried about how much time they spend on social media. What advice would you give them?
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### **C1-Level Module: Evaluative Communication**
#### **Objective:** Help learners form sophisticated arguments, analyze issues like privacy and moral challenges, and engage in discussions with advanced vocabulary and grammar.
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**Section 1: Advanced Vocabulary**
1. Technology: Innovation, disruptive technology, dependency, digital transformation
2. Moral Challenges: Ethics, accountability, bias, exploitation
3. Relationships: Emotional disconnect, fulfilment, vulnerability
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**Section 2: Grammar Structures**
1. Complex Sentences:
Example:
– “While technology enhances communication, it **raises concerns** about over-reliance on social media.”
– “Although digital tools are efficient, they **compromise privacy** in many cases.”
2. The Passive Voice:
Example:
– “Data is often collected without users being aware.”
– “Personal relationships are negatively affected by constant phone use.”
3. Modal Verbs with Degrees of Certainty:
Example:
– “It **must be** difficult for some people to disconnect from social media.”
– “The ethical implications **could** be serious in the long term.”
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**Section 3: Advanced Practical Communication – Debating Skills**
**Key Phrases to Express Opinions at C1 Level:**
– “On the one hand… on the other hand…”
– “Another perspective to consider is…”
– “The evidence suggests that…”
**Debate Practice Questions:**
1. How does technology impact human creativity?
2. Is privacy more important than convenience?
3. Can moral responsibility keep up with technological advancements?
**Critical Thinking Exercise:**
Analyze the impact of AI-powered communication tools on the job market.
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**Section 4: Real-World Small Talk and Professional Introductions**
**Small Talk in Professional Settings:**
– “Have you read about the latest trends in AI communication tools?”
– “It’s amazing how technology is shaping our industries, don’t you think?”
– “What’s your take on the balance between tech development and ethical concerns?”
**Practice Role-Play:**
You’re at a technology conference. Start a conversation with a stranger and ask their opinion.
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**B1/B2/C1 Expansion Idea:**
Add **Climate Change** and **Self-Introduction** as bonus topics using similar structures!
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