Dictation is essential for students who are learning English as a second language.
This premium podcast is available on Spotify; listen to the sentences and write down what you hear. Answers are provided so that you can check your work.
Dictation is essential for students who are learning English as a second language for several reasons:
Improved Listening Skills
Dictation exercises require students to listen carefully and accurately transcribe spoken words or sentences. This helps them develop their listening skills, enabling them to understand and follow instructions more effectively.
Enhancing Spelling and Vocabulary
It helps students improve their spelling and vocabulary. By listening to words and sentences and writing them down, students become more familiar with correct spelling and usage of words in context.
Practice in Language Structure
Exercises often involve sentences that require proper grammar and sentence structure. Students practice dictation by reinforcing their understanding of sentence formation, punctuation, and sentence organisation.
Attention to Detail
Dictation exercises require students to pay close attention to details like word order, capitalisation, and punctuation. This helps them develop a keen eye for detail, which is important in various academic and professional contexts.
Memory and Recall
Dictation exercises challenge students’ memory and recall abilities. They have to remember the words or sentences they heard and accurately reproduce them in writing. This trains their memory and strengthens their ability to retain information.
Building Confidence
Regular practice of dictation can boost students’ confidence in their language skills. As they improve their listening and writing abilities, they gain more confidence in their overall language proficiency.
So, dictation is an effective tool for developing various language skills, including listening, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, attention to detail, memory, and confidence. It is especially beneficial for students as it engages both their auditory and written skills, helping them become more proficient in language learning.
*There is a subscription of £2.99/ Month which can be cancelled at any time. Available exclusively on Spotify. We offer unique learning materials for students who specifically need English for use in a work environment. These classes are designed for students who have limited time for classes but still want to continue learning. The price is based on 2 classes a month.
Welcome to this one-on-one podcast. Numbers are and always will be one of those topics with limited online materials.
Welcome to this one-on-one podcast. Numbers are and always will be one of those topics with limited online materials.
Numbers Podcast
One2one Academy: Work smarter, not harder.
– One2one
Welcome to this one-on-one podcast. Numbers are and always will be one of those topics with limited online materials.
This is one of the main reasons I wanted to provide help, which I hope you will find valuable if you are preparing for an English exam.
Before I begin, let me explain the format. I will read sentences in a similar style to the IELTS listening exam format. The task is simple: listen and write down the numbers you hear.
I have provided the text on our blog to simplify this task, so you only have to fill in the missing numbers.
I will also provide the answers so you can check your work. There will be more recordings, which will be premium, coming soon and exclusively available on Spotify. This may suit students needing more practice with numbers to prepare for an exam.
Technology
Numbers can be a challenging topic. Not all of us are interested in learning about a subject which, for the better part, was replaced by technology.
In recent press coverage, one article suggested that a digital currency would eventually find its place in society. So, it’s no wonder that children can no longer count. Evidence suggests that simple maths is a diminishing skill base for entering the workforce.
English language exam boards, consequently, test a candidate’s ability to understand how numbers are applied in money, dates, and time structures.
In this podcast, I will show how they use numbers in listening tasks, specifically with the IELTS exam board.
I appreciate that there are limited resources online on this topic. I hope you enjoy this podcast as much as I did recording it.
Task
So, let’s begin:
1- The next train departs from platform _ at _ _ :_ _ am.
2- My contact number is _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ; sorry, I think I made a mistake; it’s _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.
3- This building was constructed in _ _ _ _ and was restored in _ _ _ _.
4- Will all passengers for flight _ _ _ _ _ departing to Frankfurt, Please proceed to gate number _ _.
5- The deposit for this apartment is £_,_ _ _, and the rent is £_ _ _ per calendar month.
6- Your interview will be on the _th of July at _ :_ _ pm.
7- The address is House number _ _ St Martins Close, Kensington, _ _ _ _ _ _.
8- Place the fish in the oven and set the temperature to _ _ _ degrees.
9- I bought a copy of a new thriller called Empowered. It’s number _ on the UK best-sellers list. It was _ _% cheaper online. The paperback version cost me £_._ _.
10- The starting salary for this position is £_ _, _ _ _ per annum. If you decide to accept it, the start date is on the _ _th of September. You should note that there is a _ month notice period.
Unfortunately, that’s all the time we have for today; please remember to like, share, and comment. Good luck with this task and see you next time, bye for now.
This podcast was written and produced exclusively for One2one Academy and the presenter was Sanj Saigal.
Some students assume that Business English is a different language. It seems frustrating at the best of times that after passing exams, integration into a work environment is challenging.
Simply put, there are three main considerations: high, medium, and low, otherwise known as Very formal, semi-formal, and casual. The type of organisation that you work for depicts the business tone.
Some students assume that Business English is a different language. It seems frustrating at the best of times that after passing exams, integration into a work environment is challenging. One word will help define this, and it’s; “formality”.
Simply put, there are three main considerations: high, medium, and low, otherwise known as Very formal, semi-formal, and casual. The type of organisation that you work for depicts the business tone.
Business Compound Prepositions
Compound prepositions combine a preposition with another word or words to create a new meaning. These compound prepositions are frequently used in business communication to express specific relationships, positions, or actions.
1. In front of
2. Next to
3. Out of
4. Due to
5. In addition to
6. On behalf of
7. In line with
8. In accordance with
9. In relation to
10. In response to
Business Phrasal Verbs
Phrasal verbs are commonly used in business contexts and can help add clarity and precision to your communication.
1. Carry out – to perform or complete a task or action
2. Set up – to establish or create something, such as a business or a meeting
3. Take over – to assume control or responsibility for something
4. Bring up – to mention or raise a topic or issue in a discussion
5. Follow up – to continue or pursue something, often after an initial contact or meeting
6. Look into – to investigate or examine something in detail
7. Bring in – to introduce or incorporate something new, such as a policy or a product
8. Take on – to accept or assume a responsibility or task
9. Call off – to cancel or terminate something, such as a meeting or an event
10. Work out – to resolve or find a solution to a problem or situation
Slang
While these phrases are commonly used in business settings, using them appropriately and considering your audience and context is essential.
1. “Thinking outside the box” – referring to innovative and creative thinking.
2. “Get the ball rolling” – to initiate or start a project or task.
3. “On the same page” – to be in agreement or have a shared understanding.
4. “Win-win situation” – a scenario where all parties benefit.
5. “Low-hanging fruit” – refers to easy or quick opportunities for success.
6. “Touch base” – to have a brief meeting or conversation to update or check in with someone.
7. “Throw someone under the bus” – to blame or sacrifice someone else to protect oneself.
8. “Drop the ball” – to make a mistake or fail to meet expectations.
9. “Move the needle” – to significantly impact or create meaningful change.
10. “Put all your eggs in one basket” – to invest all your resources or focus on a single option, which can be risky.
Importance Of Business English
The main reason to learn Business English is to enhance your professional communication skills and increase your opportunities in the global business world.
Life After IELTS
The IELTS exam is indeed a qualification that endorses your level of English. Employers will know you can hold meetings, write emails, and build professional relationships.
Learning English and applying the English language in situations are two different things. My take on this as a teacher is that if you aspire to achieve a promotion, create an opportunity, or even fast-track a career, you must set a level.
English language professional proficiency in the service sector is different, such as working at a supermarket. The bar is higher if you have a professional base, such as an accountant or project manager.
Empathetic Voice Tones
In business communication, using an empathetic tone of voice is vital as it helps build rapport, understanding, and trust with your colleagues, clients, and partners. Here are a few examples of empathetic voice tones in Business English:
1. Concerned: When someone expresses a problem or challenge, respond with a tone that shows genuine concern. For example, “I understand the difficulties you’re facing. Let’s work together to find a solution that works for everyone.”
2. Supportive: Show empathy by offering support and encouragement. For instance, “I appreciate your hard work on this project. If there’s anything I can do to assist you, please let me know.”
3. Understanding: Acknowledge the emotions and perspectives of others. For example, “I can understand why you might feel frustrated. Let’s discuss how we can address this issue and find a resolution.”
4. Patient: Maintaining a patient tone when dealing with complex or challenging situations. For instance, “I understand this process can be overwhelming. Take your time, and I’ll guide you every step of the way.”
5. Positive: Maintain an optimistic and motivating tone, especially during difficult times. For example, “Although we face challenges, I believe in our ability to overcome them. Let’s focus on the opportunities ahead and work towards achieving our goals.”
Remember, using an empathetic voice tone in business communication shows that you value and understand the emotions and concerns of others. It helps foster positive relationships and effective collaboration in the business world.
Learning about voice tones is better suited if you are intermediate to advanced. For more information about our Business English course, contact us today.
The Human resources function has evolved and is now embracing artificial intelligence. The politics surrounding the interview process goes under the microscope in this controversial lesson plan.
The interview process has become more dynamic, inclusive, and technology-driven over the past ten years, with a greater focus on assessing a candidate’s potential beyond just qualifications and experience.
Format
In the past, interviews were predominantly conducted in person. Phone interviews were also common, but video interviews were less prevalent. Nowadays, video interviews have become more popular and are often used to assess candidates remotely.
Interview Technology
The use of technology during interviews has significantly evolved. In the past, relying on paper resumes and documents was common. Today, online applications, applicant tracking systems, and digital portfolios are frequently used to streamline the process and gather more comprehensive information about candidates.
Assessment methods
Traditional interviews mainly focused on asking questions and gauging a candidate’s qualifications and experience. However, modern practices have introduced various assessment techniques such as behavioural interviews, case studies, group interviews, and skills assessments. These methods provide a more holistic view of a candidate’s abilities and potential fit within an organisation.
Emphasis on soft skills
While technical skills and qualifications were often the primary focus in the past, there has been a shift towards evaluating a candidate’s soft skills in modern practices. Employers now place greater importance on traits like communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities.
Interview Diversity and inclusion
Over the past decade, there has been a growing emphasis on diversity and inclusion in the workplace. As a result, modern interview practices aim to reduce bias and increase diversity by implementing structured interview questions, blind resume screening, and diverse interview panels.
Conversation Questions
Part 1
1. Is using artificial intelligence and algorithms to screen and select job candidates fair for companies?
2. Should companies be allowed to ask candidates about their salary history during the interview process?
3. Is it ethical for companies to use personality tests or psychological assessments in hiring?
4. Should companies be required to offer feedback to all candidates who were interviewed but have yet to be selected?
5. Is it fair for companies to conduct background checks on job candidates without their knowledge or consent?
6. Should companies ask candidates about their political or religious beliefs during the interview process?
7. Is it ethical for companies to replace video interviews with in-person interviews?
8. Should companies be required to provide interview accommodations for disabled candidates?
9. Is it fair for companies to conduct multiple rounds of interviews with the same candidate?
10. Should companies be allowed to ask candidates about their plans for starting a family or having children?
Part 2
11. Is it ethical for companies to use social media profiles and online presence to evaluate job candidates?
12. Should companies be required to disclose the salary range for a position before the interview process begins?
13. Is it fair for companies to ask candidates to complete unpaid assignments or tests during the interview process?
14. Should companies be allowed to ask candidates about their past experiences with mental health or disabilities during the interview process?
15. Is it ethical for companies to ask candidates to provide access to their personal social media accounts?
16. Should companies be required to have diverse interview panels to ensure unbiased decision-making?
17. Is it fair for companies to ask candidates about their future career plans and how long they intend to stay with the company?
18. Should companies be allowed to ask candidates about their marital status or family responsibilities during the interview process?
19. Is it ethical for companies to ask candidates about their previous salary expectations during the interview process?
20. Should companies be required to provide clear and transparent feedback to candidates regarding their interview performance?
Part 3
21. Should companies be allowed to use automated video interviews where candidates record their responses to pre-determined questions?
22. Is it fair for companies to ask candidates to complete personality assessments that claim to predict job performance?
23. Should companies be required to provide interview feedback to candidates within a specified timeframe?
24. Is it ethical for companies to base hiring decisions on a candidate’s social media presence or online reputation?
25. Should companies be allowed to conduct drug tests during interviews?
26. Is it fair for companies to ask candidates about their credit history or financial situation during interviews?
27. Should companies be required to disclose the specific criteria they use to evaluate candidates during the interview process?
28. Is it ethical for companies to ask candidates to provide references from their current employer without their knowledge?
29. Should companies be allowed to ask candidates about their previous criminal history during the interview process?
30. Is it fair for companies to use structured interviews with standardised questions, or should interviews be more flexible and tailored to individual candidates?
DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) cameras have long been the go-to choice for professional photographers and enthusiasts in the rapidly evolving world of photography.
With advancements in mirrorless technology and the rise of smartphone photography, the popularity of DSLR cameras is on the decline.
Technology meets traditional photography: Digital Cameras in the Modern Era.
DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) cameras have long been the go-to choice for professional photographers and enthusiasts in the rapidly evolving world of photography. However, with advancements in mirrorless technology and the rise of smartphone photography, the popularity of DSLR cameras is on the decline. This Podcast explores the factors contributing to the decline of DSLRs. It examines whether their reign as the dominant photography tool is coming to an end.
Podcast
The Rise of Mirrorless Cameras
One of the primary reasons behind the decline of DSLRs is the emergence of mirrorless cameras. Mirrorless cameras offer several advantages over their DSLR counterparts, including smaller size, lighter weight, and quieter operation. They often provide comparable image quality, faster autofocus, and superior video capabilities. These advantages have made these cameras increasingly popular, especially among photographers who value portability and versatility.
Capturing that perfect image often means accessing a camera at any moment, so portability is high on a photographer’s priorities. So lightweight cameras and smaller in dimensions can make all the difference.
Smartphone Photography
The ubiquity of smartphones equipped with high-quality cameras has significantly impacted the decline of DSLRs. With advancements in smartphone camera technology, many casual photographers find their smartphones sufficient for capturing everyday moments. Smartphones’ convenience, ease of use, and instant sharing capabilities have made them a preferred choice for casual photography, reducing the need for DSLRs.
These cameras have undergone vast technological improvement, which, combined with applications, offers a competitive alternative to mainstream photography.
Evolving Consumer Preferences
As photography becomes more accessible and democratised, consumer preferences shift towards convenience and simplicity. Many photographers, especially beginners, now prefer compact, easy-to-use cameras with automatic settings and quick sharing options. DSLRs’ complex controls and steep learning curve can intimidate newcomers, leading them to opt for simpler alternatives.
A classical approach to image capture means that some parts of society value complexity and favour a more complicated system. Preferences depict buying power, and the market was responsive to change certainly from the smartphone sector. The divide in the photography sector is closing in, with only a tiny minority still insisting that traditional cameras offer higher quality.
Whichever way the wind blows, image-enhancing software is a common factor shared between the two fractions. It’s safe to say that it plays a part in producing the best image capture possible, with colour exaggeration fuelling demand.
Technological Advancements in Mirrorless Cameras
As mirrorless technology advances, it is closing the gap with DSLR cameras in terms of image quality, autofocus performance, and battery life. Mirrorless cameras now offer comparable or even superior features, challenging the dominance of DSLRs. As manufacturers invest more resources into mirrorless technology, the gap will likely continue to narrow, further eroding the appeal of DSLRs.
The Cost Of Photography
Social media platforms place more pressure as the media has shown that the better the capture, the more likely the likes and following, which in turn can equate to a monetary gain. So, manufacturers have realised that price is a significant factor.
While DSLRs still hold an advantage in terms of price for professional-grade equipment, the cost of entry-level mirrorless cameras has become more affordable, making them an attractive option for novice photographers. With more affordable mirrorless options available, the price advantage of DSLRs may no longer be a compelling factor for many consumers.
As technology continues to advance, it will be fascinating to see how the photography landscape further transforms, leaving behind the traditional DSLR cameras of the past.
Photography Conversation Questions
1. Is the decline of DSLR cameras due to technological advancements or changing consumer preferences?
2. Are smartphones and mirrorless cameras capable of replacing DSLRs in terms of quality and functionality?
3. How has the decline of DSLR cameras affected professional photographers and their businesses?
4. Should photography enthusiasts still invest in DSLR cameras, or is it better to embrace newer technologies?
5. What are the advantages and disadvantages of DSLR cameras compared to smartphones and mirrorless cameras?
6. Has the decline of DSLR cameras democratised photography, making it more accessible to a broader audience?
7. Are DSLR cameras still relevant in specialised fields such as sports, wildlife, or astrophotography?
8. What role does brand loyalty play in the decline of DSLR cameras, and how does it affect consumer choices?
9. How has the decline of DSLR cameras impacted the photography industry as a whole, including manufacturers, retailers, and photography education?
10. Will the decline of DSLR cameras lead to a decrease in the overall quality of photography, or does it open up new creative possibilities?
IELTS essay writing task
Some people believe that smartphone devices will eventually replace traditional DSLR cameras. Others believe that DSLR cameras will always be superior to smartphones and will never be superseded. Write an essay to express your opinion and provide examples from your experiences.
*You should write at least 250 words and take at most 40 minutes to complete this task.
Climate change is not just a problem for the future. It is happening now and affecting us all. We must come together to protect our planet and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
“Those who have the privilege to know have the duty to act.” — Albert Einstein
Climate change has become one of our planet’s most critical issues. The Earth’s climate is changing at an alarming rate, primarily due to human activities.
Climate change
Causes
The primary cause of climate change is the excessive emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere. Human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes have significantly increased the concentration of GHGs, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2). These gases trap heat from the sun, leading to a rise in global temperatures, known as the greenhouse effect.
Impacts
The consequences of neglect are widespread and severe. Rising temperatures have resulted in the melting of polar ice caps, leading to a rise in sea levels. This, in turn, threatens coastal communities, causing coastal erosion and increased flooding. Extreme weather events like hurricanes, droughts, and heatwaves have become more frequent and intense, affecting agriculture, water resources, and human health. Furthermore, climate change disrupts ecosystems, causing loss of biodiversity and threatening vulnerable species.
Climate Change Solutions
Addressing these issues requires a collective effort from individuals, governments, and businesses. Here are some potential solutions:
1. Transitioning to renewable energy sources: Shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Promoting energy efficiency: Improving energy efficiency in buildings, transportation, and industrial processes can minimise energy waste and decrease CO2 emissions.
3. Reforestation and afforestation: Planting trees and restoring forests can absorb CO2 from the atmosphere, acting as a natural carbon sink.
4. International cooperation: Countries must work together to set and achieve ambitious emission reduction targets. Agreements like the Paris Agreement serve as crucial frameworks to combat climate change globally.
5. Sustainable practices: Encouraging sustainable agriculture, promoting circular economy principles, and reducing waste generation can contribute towards a better future.
Future
This concept is a global challenge that demands immediate action. The consequences of inaction are dire, affecting the environment, human livelihoods, and future generations. By transitioning to renewable energy sources, promoting energy efficiency, and fostering international cooperation, we can collectively mitigate the effects and create a more sustainable future for all. Our responsibility is to act now and leave a healthier planet for future generations.
HOMEWORK
So, this is the homework for this week, and as I mentioned, it is an IELTS essay writing task.
Climate change has become a significant concern for governments and individuals in recent years. In your opinion, what are the main causes, and what measures can be taken to address this issue?
Write an essay discussing the causes of climate change and suggesting possible solutions to mitigate its effects. Provide reasons and examples to support your arguments.
The rules
There is a minimum word count of 250 words, and you have a maximum time limit of 40 minutes to complete this task.
Hints
– Present a clear introduction, body, and conclusion
– Support your arguments with relevant examples and evidence
– Use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures
– Check your essay for errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation
Climate Change Conversation Questions
1. What is climate change, and why is it a significant issue?
2. What are the main causes?
3. How has it affected your country or region?
4. Are there any specific environmental challenges or issues caused by climate change in your area?
5. What are the potential consequences of not addressing this issue?
6. What are some effective measures individuals can take to reduce their carbon footprint and combat climate change?
7. How can governments play a role in addressing climate change? What policies or actions can they implement?
8. Are there any innovative solutions or technologies that can help mitigate the effects?
9. How can we raise awareness and encourage more people to take action?
10. Do you think international cooperation is necessary to tackle climate change effectively? Why or why not?
Cue Card
Describe a climate change issue that concerns you the most.
You should say:
– What the issue is
– How it affects the environment and people
– What measures can be taken to address it
Also, mention how you feel about governments trying to find solutions for this issue.
Is there a strategy for the reading section of the IELTS exam, and can you truly develop a system to achieve a higher score?
Welcome to this edition of one2one podcasts. I hope you can develop a strategy for this part of the exam and obtain a higher score.
Before I start, pay particular attention towards the following 6-point plan:
Before you read the text, read the questions.
Scan through the paragraphs.
The introduction and the conclusion are critical to the text.
Search for keywords.
You must answer every question.
Check everything.
Six – Preparation
The reading section is often challenging, especially if you are preparing for an IELTS exam. Learning about synonyms, antonyms, and paraphrasing is vital to mastering this section.
Be aware of believing that you can search for words in the text you have taken from the question. This would be a simplified task if that were true. Very often, you are searching for understanding, which can mean that the answer has changed the text order and the vocabulary. The meaning of the text can be the same, but the text is entirely different.
Keywords
Students should pay particular attention to the meaning of the text, so that’s why you will often hear the expression skim or search for keywords.
Keywords will help you understand the gist or essence of the text, and this task is performed quickly to help you with time-sensitive deadlines. Consider time as your opponent, so ensure that when you practice, you set a timer.
There is an unwritten rule that you should always check your answers, and understandably, students state that this is an impossible task given the deadline. However, the checking process helps you reduce the margin of error, so it should be very high on your list of priorities.
Subtitles on movies and TV streaming platforms do not always help since they can promote slang and vocabulary irrelevant to this exam. You should isolate official material from the exam board to practice and become accustomed to the writing style and terminology.
Six – Fear
Fear of an exam can only be overcome if you are very familiar with the structure and format so that there are no surprises and your practice is more relevant.
If you are looking at answers to check your work, try to find out how those answers are related to the text so that you become aware of meaning and comprehension and reduce guessing, which can often be the case.
Knowing where you make errors and developing the ability to correct them is very much part of the learning process. Of course, boredom due to repetitiveness will also play a role, but this is normal with any exam format, as you must work within its framework. Therefore, stay motivated, and remember why you are taking this exam.
Employment
You are showing a future employer that you have a level of language proficiency that they can depend on. This means you can talk to clients, write emails, participate in team meetings and even deliver a presentation. So take the perspective that the higher your score, the more you can offer an employer and that your salary will reflect the above.
Stay focused on your dream, whether it’s a promotion, job search, or even immigrating to another country. That should form the emphasis of your motivation to pass this exam.
Unfortunately, that’s all the time we have for today. Please remember to like, comment and share this podcast. You can find a link to our website on our profile or in the podcast description box.
The property market, an age-old question is whether buying a house is better than renting a house. This is an IELTS essay writing task. True, how we work has changed on many levels, with remote working dominating the employment landscape.
The media reports that buying property as a process has become more complex. Spiralling deposit requirements and higher bank interest rates are some of the reasons.
Property Market
Property owning
The property market has changed over the last two decades. The younger generation now has some financial support from the older generation.
Some believe that buying a home provides more financial security in the future, whereas others think the benefit will never materialise in their lifetime.
Property Renting
Flexibility is key to a modern work ethic, so the ability to change location is also an important consideration. Since, for the majority, buying has become unattainable, renting is the only option.
There is no doubt that living in a city is no longer necessary. Remote workers can rent properties on the perimeter with no consequence to earnings.
Thus, a work-life balance has impacted the decision to buy or rent a property. More and more employees find that renting is less stressful and more adaptable to modern life.
Rich and poor
We can see that the line between having money and not is getting more expansive, which influences the property market.
IELTS essay writing task
Some people believe in buying a property, while others believe in renting. Write an essay and express your opinion where possible try your best to provide examples from your own experience.
As this is an IELTS essay writing task so, you must adhere to the following guidelines. The deadline to complete this task is 40 minutes, and the minimum word count is 250 words.
Try to leave a few minutes to check your work. Furthermore, spotting simple errors can make a difference to your score.
A passion for status, society has always found a way to separate one another by defining a class system. Over the years, the lines may have widened, but it does exist.
A passion for status – IELTS
A passion for status; the lower, middle and upper classes are defined by money. The more you have, the higher up the chain you are.
Status
Wearing your wealth on your sleeve is one way of showing which class system you belong to. However, there is some truth to people who try to display one class’s wealth while belonging to another.
Studies have shown that status still plays a major part in modern society. For example, it is still considered important to show wealth.
Gold and jewellery used to be the most valuable assets often used to suggest a level of income and wealth. However, today this has changed, and we can see that portable devices such as mobile phones can also carry the same prestige.
Brands like Apple have pushed the barriers on pricing structures, with phones breaking traditional prices.
IELTS – A passion for status
The following is your IELTS writing task:
Some people believe that devices such as mobile phones have status. Others believe that gadgets don’t have any status. Write an essay to express your opinion on this topic and provide examples from your own experience where possible.
This style of question features in part two of the writing section for the IELTS exam. There is a maximum time of 40 minutes to complete this task, and you must write more than 250 words.
Good luck with the task, and please remember to write and share till next time; bye for now.
For students who need more practice with listening skills, the one2one shop is now open. You will find it on the menu bar on our homepage. Every listening audio is sold with text so you can check understanding.
Tracking data and using it to influence lifestyle changes impacts our health. However, not everyone agrees that harnessing data that tracks our movement is beneficial to society.
In the last decade, companies such as Apple and Samsung have made significant technological advancements with tracking data in the mobile phone sector. In addition, complementary products such as smartwatches have changed the gadget landscape.
Data tracking
Tracking data and using it to influence lifestyle changes impacts our health. However, not everyone agrees that harnessing data that tracks our movement is beneficial to society. Some believe this infringes our human rights and may lead to governmental control.
A division in society widens as our data is currently processed by third-party organisations such as insurers, medical providers and advertising agencies. Our data is sold for profit and used by other companies to target adverts.
In this conversation class, we will look at this topic in more depth and help you identify how we provide an opinion in English as a second language.
Firstly, you should consider that there are many forms to express how you provide an opinion. No one form is better, just different. To improve conversational skills, you will need to interact and ask questions. Therefore, you should practice this skill.
Devices
You most probably own one. But, do you use location services? Why? Do you own a smartwatch? Why? Has society moved beyond the point where we can prevent data from selling to third-party companies? Smart rings are the latest technology to emerge from the smart device sector. Would you buy one? Why? Can we improve society by using data? Why?
Advertisers
Some people believe that advertisers are a necessary evil. This is because they can use data to target what we want to buy. Have you ever bought something because it was recommended online?
Questions
Imagine if you with your friends talking about this topic. It would sound strange if you didn’t ask questions to participate. It is the same in English. So, this is your opportunity to ask questions to your language instructor. Try your best not to ask closed questions where the answer consists of a yes or a no.
As you would expect in every country, the topics of conversation revolve around general knowledge so, consider reading some online news portals that will help you identify with technology, science, education, health and current news.
