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Social Media
Lesson
17
Level 4
IELTS Speaking Test Preperation
Lesson Target
In this lesson, you'll talk about how you use social media, its effects on people, and your opinion on digital communication. You'll learn to describe habits and express balanced opinions.
Warm-Up
Discuss the warm-up words with your tutor.
post
follow
applications
Vocabulary
Practice saying these words with your tutor. If you don’t know one, ask your tutor to explain it.
Word
Definition
Definition
social media
noun
noun (proper)
message
noun, verb
face-to-face
adje., adverb
noun (proper)
news
noun
post
noun, verb
account
noun
Twitter (X)
noun (proper)
arguing
verb, noun
share
verb
TikTok
noun (proper)
scrolling
verb, noun
update
noun, verb
Use these words in sentences with your tutor to check that you fully understand their meaning and how to use them correctly.
Useful Phrases
I use social media to...
I post about...
One thing I enjoy is...
Social media helps me...
I think it’s important to...
Response Structure
Begin with a clear answer or opinion. Then support it with details or examples using who, what, when, where, why, or how.
1
Give your main idea directly and briefly.
Social media is part of my daily life because...
2
Add details or examples to explain your main idea.
For example, I usually use it to...
3
If you have a second idea, repeat steps 1 and 2.
Another thing I often do on social media is...
Practice 1
Read the dialogue with your tutor. Then, work together to analyze the student's responses. Try to understand the speaker’s purpose and find useful words or phrases you can use in your own answers. Finally, practice responding to the same questions with your tutor.
Examiner
How often do you use social media?
Nina
I use social media every day. In the morning, I usually check Instagram and Facebook to see what my friends are posting. During the day, I sometimes read news or updates on Twitter. At night, I might watch short videos on TikTok to relax.
Examine the Response
-
Why is this a good response?
-
What's the main idea?
-
Key details: Find the who, what, where, when, why, or how in the response.
-
Which words or phrases can you use from these responses?
Examiner
What do you like and dislike about it?
Nina
I like that I can see my friends’ photos and stories on Instagram and stay in touch with family on Facebook. Twitter helps me read quick news updates. But sometimes, there’s too much negative news or people arguing online. Also, I feel like I waste too much time scrolling.
Examiner
Do you think social media is changing the way we communicate?
Nina
Yes, social media has changed a lot. Now people send quick messages, post stories, and share pictures instead of having long conversations. Apps like Instagram and Facebook make it easy to share life updates. But sometimes, people don’t meet face-to-face as often because they feel connected online already.
Practice 2
Read the dialogue with your tutor. Each sentence is missing either the main idea or a key detail. Use the dialogue to fill in the missing parts and complete the sentences.
Examiner
What do you usually post or share on social media?
Nina
I usually post pictures from my daily life, like food, travel, or fun activities with friends.
____________________________________. (fill in supporting details)
Examiner
How do you decide which social media accounts to follow?
Nina
I follow accounts that match my interests.
____________________________________. (fill in supporting details)
Examiner
Do you think people act differently on social media than in real life? Why?
Nina
____________________________________. (fill in the main idea)
Some people also feel more confident to share opinions online because they are not face-to-face with others.
Practice 3
Answer each question clearly and completely. Start with the main idea, then support it with key details or examples.
Examiner
Should children be allowed to use social media?
How can people use social media in a healthy way?
Is social media more helpful or harmful for society?
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