Theme: Communication Studies, Technology and Society, Social Psychology, Media Studies, Information Technology
Questions
Reading Passage (45 seconds to read):
Technological advancements have significantly changed the way people communicate. In the past, communication was mostly limited to face-to-face interactions or written letters. However, with the advent of the internet, mobile phones, and social media, communication has become more instant and accessible. These tools have not only made it easier to stay connected with others but have also transformed the dynamics of personal and professional relationships. Despite these benefits, some argue that technology has also led to a decrease in the quality of communication, as people may rely too heavily on digital methods rather than meaningful, in-person conversations.
Listening Script:
You will hear the listening passage now.
Question:
The reading passage discusses the impact of technology on communication, highlighting both the benefits and drawbacks. The professor expands on this by explaining how technological advancements have affected the quality of communication. Using the information from both the reading and the listening passage, explain how technology has influenced the way people communicate.
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Transcripts
Listening Script:
Professor: While technology has undoubtedly changed communication, it’s important to recognize the nuances of these changes. On the one hand, it’s true that tools like social media and messaging apps have made it easier to stay in touch with people, regardless of geographical distance. This has been particularly beneficial for maintaining long-distance relationships and collaborating on global projects. On the other hand, there are concerns about the quality of communication. For instance, the brevity of text messages and the impersonal nature of online communication can sometimes lead to misunderstandings. Moreover, excessive reliance on digital communication can reduce the frequency and depth of face-to-face interactions, which are essential for building strong personal connections. While technology offers convenience, it’s crucial to balance it with traditional methods of communication to maintain meaningful relationships.
Sample Answer:
The reading passage discusses how technological advancements have changed the way people communicate. It mentions that while technology has made communication more accessible and instant, it may also reduce the quality of communication by replacing meaningful in-person interactions with digital methods.
The professor in the listening passage expands on this by explaining that while tools like social media and messaging apps allow people to stay in touch over long distances and collaborate globally, they can also lead to misunderstandings due to the brevity and impersonal nature of digital communication. Furthermore, relying too much on these digital methods can decrease the frequency of face-to-face interactions, which are essential for building strong relationships.
In summary, while technology has undoubtedly made communication more convenient, both the reading and listening passages emphasize the need to balance digital communication with traditional, in-person methods to maintain the quality of our relationships.
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