Speaking About Technology
Lesson 2.5 closes Unit 2 with Speaking Part 2 and Part 3 on technology — the long-turn framework and abstract discussion.
- Plan a 90-second Part 2 long turn
- Extend Part 3 answers with hedged opinion
- Use connected speech for fluency
Listening Skills — Student Discussion on Technology in Daily Life
You will hear two students preparing for a speaking assessment about technology. Read the six questions below before you listen.
- Read each question carefully and underline the key word you need to listen for.
- Listen for opinions being compared or contrasted between the two speakers.
- Answers must come directly from the recording — do not add extra words.
- Keep within the three-word limit for each answer.
Listen first — the transcript stays hidden so this works like the real exam.
Listening audio
Tap play to generate and listen.
Answer the questions. Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.
- What app does the male student use for note-taking?
- What is the female student's main point going to be about?
- How often do group projects now involve meeting in person?
- According to the corrected figure, how many times a day does the average student check their phone?
- What kind of tools does the female student mention as an accessibility benefit?
- What does the male student say he can access thousands of instantly?
Answer key
Speaking · Part 2 cue planner
- smartphone
- noise-cancelling headphones
- about 3 years
- since university
- commuting
- study
- calls with family abroad
- less productive
- harder to stay in touch
Speaking · Part 3 — Abstract questions
- Has technology made people lonelier?
- Will robots eventually replace teachers?
- How do older and younger people use tech differently?
Pathway focus · Academic-style abstract talk
Part 3 examiners reward abstract, generalised, hedged language — exactly the register you'll need for Academic Task 2.
Exam Strategy
- Exam Tip
Use the 60s Part 2 prep for keywords only.
- Exam Tip
In Part 3, always justify with a reason or example.
Independent Practice
Time it: aim for 1:30–1:45.
Pick one question and answer using PREP — record and review.
Key Takeaways
- Part 2 = structure under time pressure.
- Part 3 = extended abstract thinking.
- Band 7 collocationsFix the wrong word — the collocation errors that cap Lexical Resource at 6.
- Matching headings sprintMatch six headings to six paragraph summaries — fast.
- Band 7 upgrades — Task 1 languageOverview quality, comparison language and precise data description.
Optional — this doesn't affect your lesson or course progress.