Prepare for IELTS by Topic
14. Mobiles
LISTENING
Listening Test Part:
1
Questions 1 - 4
Complete the notes below:
Write ONE WORD AND/ OR A NUMBER for each answer.
Truephone Customer Service Log
Reason for Call: 1 ___________ phone
Customer Name: Rachel 2 ___________
Contact Number: On system.
Phone Make & Model: Bluephone X33
Date Purchased: 3rd of 3 ___________ 2024
Shop location: the 4 ___________ street, Bosworth town centre
Questions 5 - 10
Complete the notes below:
Write ONE WORD AND/ OR A NUMBER for each answer.
Description of problem
The problem started one 5 ___________ ago.
The phone screen turned green.
The phone could not be turned 6 __________.
The phone started functioning again after the battery ran out and was recharged.
This has happened 7___________ times since.
Solution offered
The phone is under warranty.
Truephone will 8___________ the phone without charge.
The customer will drop the phone off 9 __________.
The customer will receive a replacement 10 ___________ during the repair.
READING
Smartphones - Blessing or Curse?
The Difficulty of Living Without a Smartphone
In today's interconnected world, living without a smartphone can be quite the challenge. Our daily routines have grown to incorporate this compact device in almost all aspects. It has proven to be more than just a tool for making calls and sending text messages, having evolved into an almost indispensable all-in-one device. “The smartphone is no longer just a device that we use, it’s become the place where we live,” said Prof Daniel Miller, who led a team of anthropologists at UCL studying smartphone usage. Be it online shopping, booking appointments, setting reminders, or even monitoring our health, the smartphone caters to all.
A significant proportion of services are now highly dependent on the use of smartphones. For instance, online banking has made financial transactions much more convenient and accessible than traditional methods. With just a few taps on the screen, you can transfer money, pay bills, or check your account balance right from the comfort of your home. Similarly, ride-hailing apps have revolutionised transport by providing quick, affordable and cashless travel options at our fingertips. Even food delivery platforms have capitalised on the smartphone trend by offering a wide variety of meals from different restaurants delivered straight to your doorstep. Lacking a smartphone means being denied access to these time and effort saving services.
Navigating has also become markedly easier with GPS applications available at our fingertips. No longer do we need to carry around paper maps or ask for directions from strangers. With real-time updates on traffic conditions and turn-by-turn navigation assistance, getting lost is a thing of the past. Additionally, in the era of remote work and digital education brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, smartphones have emerged as indispensable tools for communication and collaboration. They allow us to stay connected with our colleagues or classmates and access a wealth of information online. Indeed, in this age of digital connectivity, it could be argued that a smartphone is not just a luxury but a necessity.
The Advantages of Disconnecting
However, with smartphones having become a source of constant information flow and notifications, this never-ending stream is sometimes overwhelming. According to the latest research, the choice to disconnect can not only be liberating but also significantly reduce stress levels. Individuals who opt out of using smartphones report feeling less anxious and more relaxed, as they are no longer bombarded with incessant notifications.
Furthermore, it is now common practice for online platforms and app creators to employ strategies aimed at retaining user attention. These tactics could range from push notifications to reward systems designed to cultivate compulsive behaviour among users. Escaping the smartphone trap allows people to regain control over their time and attention, shielding them from these manipulative strategies.
Another of the key benefits of choosing to live without a smartphone is the increased opportunities for direct human interactions. Smartphones can lead to “the death of proximity”, says Professor Miller, as “even when we are physically together, we can be socially, emotionally or professionally alone”. Without the constant distraction of a smartphone, individuals tend to be more present in their interactions with others. This increased presence can lead to more meaningful connections and improved social relationships.
People’s Reactions to Someone Without a Smartphone
Admiration and respect are often given to those who choose to live without a smartphone, as they represent a small fraction of humankind resisting the encroachment of technology into every aspect of life. The advocates of this lifestyle value the return to simplicity - they enjoy the feel of turning book pages, revel in face-to-face conversations, and appreciate the unfiltered experience of their surroundings without any digital distractions. Their ability to unplug from the virtual world and engage more naturally with reality is seen as an act of personal strength and discipline, earning them a certain level of admiration.
On the other hand, some individuals view non-smartphone users with astonishment, finding it hard to comprehend how anyone can function without this fundamental tool in the 21st century. These people are often labelled as technophobic, presuming that their lack of a smartphone stems from a fear or disdain for modern technology. They are seen as out-of-step or even anti-social, failing to adapt to the 'norms' of contemporary communication.
This dichotomy is representative of society's contradictory views on technology. We stand at crossroads where we both appreciate and fear technology’s influence on our lives. We marvel at the convenience that smartphones provide - instant communication, endless information at our fingertips, and streamlined organisation of our daily lives. Yet simultaneously, we have concerns over privacy issues, mental health impact and the potential overreach of technology.
Staying In Control
Some people have taken the decision to try to get by without a smartphone, a life choice which is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain in today’s digitised world. Nonetheless, for the rest of us, the decision to own and use a smartphone should be tempered with an understanding of its potential negative impacts on our health and social relationships. “Technology improves the lives of people who can avoid being dominated by it and forced into debilitating addictions to it”, warns Frank Kaufman from Pew Research. While smartphones clearly offer numerous advantages enhancing our day-to-day life's efficiency and connectivity, it is essential to understand their pitfalls. By acknowledging the ways we can become slaves to our phones, we may be able to remain their masters.
Questions 1-7
Complete the notes below:
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer.
Life Without Smartphones
The Drawbacks
A large number of 1____________ greatly depend on the customer having a smartphone.
Online 2____________ has made transferring and managing money much easier.
Transportation has completely changed thanks to 3_____________ apps.
Nowadays, 4_____________ work and education are much more common.
The Benefits
Disconnecting from the virtual world can result in lower levels of 5____________.
Many app developers aim to stimulate 6____________ behaviour in the users.
Without the distraction of smartphones people have better 7____________ with others.
Question 8-12
Do the following statements agree with the claims of the writer in the reading passage?
Write:
YES if the statement agrees with the claims of the writer
NO if the statement contradicts the claims of the writer
NOT GIVEN if it is impossible to say what the writer thinks about this
8. People who do not use smartphones are admired for resisting the movement of technology into more areas in our lives.
9. People who don’t use smartphones have to look for ways to replace their functions.
10. People who refuse to use a smartphone are sometimes viewed as uncooperative.
11. Modern society has a love hate relationship with technology.
12. Smartphones have been linked to the slave trade.
SPEAKING
Speaking Part 1
1. In your opinion, what is the best brand of smartphone?
2. Do you think smartphones are too expensive?
3. What do you use your smartphone for?
4. Do you play any games on your phone?
5. How often do you switch off your phone? When and where?
6. Do you send messages or call people more often?
7. Do any of your friends use their phones too much?
8. How would you feel if you couldn’t use your phone for a week?
Speaking Part 2
Describe a thing that you possess that is important to you.
You should say:
what is it and who gave it to you
What are its special features
would you ever give it to someone else
Speaking Part 3
1. Are we all addicted to our phones? Is this addiction a real problem?
2. How have mobile phones improved our lives?
3. How has modern communication technology changed the way we communicate?
4. Should young children be given smartphones?
5. Should smartphones be allowed in the classroom?
6. What advances in communication technology do you think will happen in the future?
WRITING
Writing Task 1 Assignment (General Training)
You recently purchased a mobile phone, but you are experiencing some issues with it. Write a letter to the customer service department of the company from which you bought the phone.
In your letter:
describe the problem with the mobile phone
explain how this issue is affecting you
ask the company to fix the problem
Writing Task 2 Assignment
Some people think that mobile phones should be banned in public places like libraries, shops and on public transport.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
VOCABULARY
Vocabulary Exercises:
Exercise 1: Noun Phrases
Make noun phrases by combining words from A with words from B.
A
bad
bad
flagship
mobile
silent
social
messaging
B
model
mode
line
media
application
reception
network
Exercise 2: Verb Phrases & Phrasal Verbs
Make verb phrases or phrasal verbs by combining the verb in A with a word or phrase in B.
A
flick
pick
access
last
make
run
B
out
the internet
a call
through
a long time
up
Exercise 3: Gap-fill Exercise
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate word or phrase from the list provided.
1. When you're ___________, it's important to have a reliable mobile network.
2. The ___________ of the latest smartphone includes an advanced camera and facial recognition.
3. I couldn't hear her clearly; there must be a ___________.
4. I always keep my phone in ___________ during meetings to avoid disruptions.
5. After a long day, my phone usually ___________ before I get home.
6. Don't forget to ___________ your phone when you hear it ring.
7. Mobile phones can be ___________ in the classroom.
8. The new app allows you to ___________ news articles with a simple swipe.
9. The ___________ on my phone keeps me informed about new messages and updates.
10. The phone is packed with features and fits easily ___________.
flagship model
in the palm of your hand
on the move
silent mode
bad line
disruptive
notifications
pick up
runs out of battery
Topic Vocabulary:
access the internet (verb phrase):
Definition: To connect to the internet and be able to use online services, applications, and websites.
Example: The hotel offers free Wi-Fi so guests can easily access the internet.
bad line (noun phrase):
Definition: A poor or unstable telephone connection.
Example: The call kept dropping because of the bad line.
bad reception (noun phrase):
Definition: Weak or unclear signal quality.
Example: I couldn't hear the speaker clearly due to bad reception.
contacts (noun [pl]):
Definition: A list of people's names and contact information stored on a device.
Example: I added her to my contacts so I can call her later.
disruptive (adjective):
Definition: Causing disruption or disturbance.
Example: The student's disruptive behaviour in class was making it difficult for other students to learn.
feature (noun [c]):
Definition: A distinctive or useful function or characteristic of a product or service.
Example: The camera's zoom feature lets you take close-up photos.
flagship model (noun phrase):
Definition: The top-of-the-line or highest-quality product in a company's lineup.
Example: I bought the flagship model because I want all the best and latest features.
flick through (phrasal verb):
Definition: To quickly browse or look through something, like a book or magazine.
Example: I'll just flick through the book to find the page I need.
landline (noun [c]):
Definition: A traditional, fixed-line telephone connected by wires to a network.
Example: We still have a landline at home for emergencies.
lasts a long time (verb phrase):
Definition: Something that continues to exist or function for a long time.
Example: This phone battery lasts a long time between charges.
make a call (verb phrase):
Definition: To call someone on the phone.
Example: I make a call to my parents every Thursday evening.
messaging application (noun phrase):
Definition: A software program for sending and receiving text or multimedia messages.
Example: WhatsApp is a popular messaging application.
mobile network (noun phrase):
Definition: A wireless telecommunications network that provides mobile phone service.
Example: I get great internet speed on my phone thanks to the 5G mobile network.
notification (noun [c]):
Definition: A message or alert from an app or device that informs the user of an event or update.
Example: I received a notification from my phone that my flight was delayed.
on the move (idiom):
Definition: Active and moving around, often while travelling or working.
Example: As a salesperson, I'm always on the move, visiting different clients and locations.
pick up (phrasal verb):
Definition: To answer a phone call.
Example: I couldn't pick up because I was in a meeting.
run out of battery (verb phrase):
Definition: When all the energy in the device's battery has been used so the device can no longer function.
Example: I forgot to bring my charger and now my phone has run out of battery.
silent mode (noun phrase):
Definition: A setting on electronic devices that disables all sound notifications.
Example: I put my phone on silent mode during meetings to avoid distractions.
social media feed (noun phrase):
Definition: A stream of posts and updates from users on a social media platform.
Example: I scrolled through my social media feed to see the latest updates.
the palm of your hand (noun phrase):
Definition: The area of your hand which your fingers are connected to.
Example: The smartphone fits in the palm of your hand.
Listening Answer Key:
1. faulty, 2. Murdoch, 3. April, 4. high, 5. week, 6. off, 7. two, 8. repair, 9. tomorrow, 10. handset
Reading Answer Key:
1. services, 2. banking, 3. ride-hailing, 4. remote, 5. stress, 6. compulsive, 7. interactions, 8. Yes, 9. Not Given, 10. No, 11. Yes, 12. No
Vocabulary Answer Key
Exercise 1: bad line, bad reception, flagship model, mobile network, silent mode, social media, messaging application
Exercise 2: flick through, pick up, access the internet, last a long time, make a call, run out
Exercise 3: 1. on the move, 2. flagship model, 3. bad line, 4. silent mode, 5. runs out of battery, 6. pick up, 7. disruptive, 8. flick through, 9. notifications, 10. in the palm of your hand