Look at the photo and the headline. Then talk for about one minute about how technology has led to an increase in some crimes, but also to new ways of fighting crime. Think about:
– the internet.
– theft of expensive items.
– surveillance and anti-theft measures.
1. Read the task above. Then choose the correct option, a or b, in the sentences below.
1 The headline refers to how technology can
a cause certain crimes to increase.
b help to fight crime.
2 The photo shows how technology can
a cause certain crimes to increase.
b help to fight crime.
Answer
a, b
2. Listen to a student doing the task. Which of the topics below does he mention?
artificial intelligence car crime computers credit cards
email scams mobile phones television
Answer
car crime, credit cars, email scams, mobile phones
Transcript
See exercise 4.
Speaking Strategy
Avoid speaking in short, single sentences. Try to develop your statements with extra information, details and examples. Learn a variety of phrases for introducing them.
3. Read the Speaking Strategy. Then complete the phrases for introducing extra information and examples with the words below.
instance kind that way what words
a One example of ……………………… would be …
b So, for ……………………… , …
c ……………………… I mean by that is …
d The ……………………… of thing I’m talking about is …
e In other ……………………… , …
f Or to put it another ……………………… , …
Answer
a that b instance c What d kind e words f way
4. Listen again. Complete these sentences from the student’s presentation with the correct phrases from exercise 3. Write a-f.
1 …… an email saying you’ve won millions in a lottery.
2 …… cars are much harder to steal these days.
3 …… criminals can use their knowledge of technology to commit crimes.
4 …… people don’t commit crimes if there are cameras about.
5 …… crime doesn’t stop; it just moves to another area.
6 …… the mobile phone.
Answer
1 d 2 b 3 e 4 c 5 f 6 a
Transcript
Email scams are a good example of people using technology to commit crime. The kind of thing I’m talking about is an email saying you’ve won millions in a lottery. Of course, they just want your bank details!
Car manufacturers use technology to combat theft. So, for instance, cars are much harder to steal these days. Car keys are very high-tech. But if you understand the technology, stealing cars is actually easier. In other words, criminals can use their knowledge of technology to commit crimes. Surveillance cameras help to reduce crime, even if they aren’t recording. What I mean by that is: people don’t commit crimes if there are cameras about. However, criminals can always find somewhere without cameras. Or to put it another way, crime doesn’t stop, it just moves to another area.
Some high-tech items have a positive and a negative effect on crime. One example of that would be the mobile phone. They often get stolen, but on the other hand, they can be used to video important evidence or call for help.
A social media campaign using the hashtag #nomakeupselfie has raised £8 million for charity in just six days. Huge numbers of women, including many celebrities, have posted photos of themselves wearing no make-up and nominated friends to do the same. At the same time, they encourage their friends to donate money to Cancer Research UK. However, the campaign was started by an individual, not by Cancer Research, and shows how social media can be a force for good.
HALF of all young people say cyberbullying is part of everyday life as majority of parents admit they are scared for their children online
Look at the new report and the headline. Then talk for about one minute about how social media can make people’s lives better or worse. Think about:
– friends and networks.
– cyberbullying and lies.
– petitions and online campaigns.
5. Read the task above. Then make notes under the headings below.
Examples of how friendships are strengthened
…………………………………………..
…………………………………………..
Examples of cyberbullying / lies
…………………………………………..
…………………………………………..
Examples of how social media campaigns can make a difference
…………………………………………..
…………………………………………..
…………………………………………..
Answer
your own answers
6. Now to the task using your notes from exercise 5. Remember to include phrases from exercise 3.
Answer
your own answers
Related Posts
- English Speaking Exercises for B2 – Photo comparison
- English Speaking Exercises for B2 – Collaborative task
- English Speaking Exercises for B2 – Role-play
- English Speaking Exercises for B2 – Photo description and comparison
- English Speaking Exercises for B2 – Interview and stimulus-based discussion
- English Speaking Exercises for B2 – Topic-based presentation