Model Answers By Topic
14. Mobiles
SPEAKING
PART 1
1. In your opinion, what is the best brand of smartphone?
There are many popular smartphone brands such as Apple, Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi, and others but most of them have similar features. Personally, I like Xiaomi phones because they’re good value for money, they’re well made and they usually don’t run out of battery quickly.
2. Do you think smartphones are too expensive?
Smartphones can be expensive, but the price depends on the brand and model. The flagship models are usually very pricey but you can get really cheap smartphones that still have a lot of the same features.
3. What do you use your smartphone for?
Most of the time I just use my smartphone to send people messages or to access the internet. I don't actually make many calls on it. I also use banking apps on my phone really often as these days I pay for most things using it.
4. Do you play any games on your phone?
Not that often to be honest. I used to play online chess a lot on my phone, but I started to find it disruptive so I had to give it up.
5. How often do you switch off your phone? When and where?
Apart from when it runs out of battery, my phone is hardly ever turned off, but I do put it on silent mode a lot of the time as I find the constant notification sounds annoying and intrusive. At night before bed, I don’t switch it off either, but put it in airplane mode instead.
6. Do you send messages or call people more often?
I send messages much more often than I make calls. People often can’t pick up calls because they’re busy, so messages are more convenient. However, I still make phone calls from time to time, especially if I want to speak with someone urgently, or if I want to catch up with family or friends.
7. Do any of your friends use their phones too much?
Yes absolutely, I have a few friends who are completely addicted to their phones. They can’t put them down. They’re constantly flicking through their social media feed or checking their messages and social media notifications.
8. How would you feel if you couldn’t use your phone for a week?
It would be challenging to not use my phone for a week since it's an essential tool these days. Apart from all the useful apps, I have all my contacts on my phone, and my friends and work colleagues all communicate using messaging apps, so it would be tricky to stay in touch with them.
Listen to Speaking Part 1 Model Answers:
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
Model Answer:
Well, probably the most important object I own is my mobile phone. I bought it for myself about 6 months ago. Although it wasn’t a flagship model, it was quite expensive so it’s fast, it’s got a fantastic front and rear camera and the battery lasts a long time.
It has many features I use in both my personal and work life. In terms of my personal life I set alarms on it, I message my friends and family, take photos with it, and I use the banking app to pay for almost everything I buy. It’s also crucial for work. I travel a lot for my work so my smartphone is essential for communicating with clients when I’m not in the office or at a computer - I make video calls regularly to speak with them, and I use messaging applications to chat and share work. What’s more, I also need my phone to be able to access the internet when I'm on the move and the map application is a lifesaver as I have a terrible sense of direction.
To answer the final point, I wouldn’t give my mobile to someone else, at least not in the short term, because as I’ve described, I really need and depend on it. But, perhaps in a few years I’ll give it away when I upgrade to a new one.
Listen to Speaking Part 2 Model Answers:
PART 3
1. Are we all addicted to our phones? Is this addiction a real problem?
To be honest, I think many of us are addicted to our phones. I can say from personal experience that I feel a little addicted to mine. I find it difficult to go without checking my notifications for more than a few hours. But, I’d say that a lot of people are much worse than me. If I meet up with a friend for lunch or dinner, I try to never check my phone, but often friends can’t help flicking through social media. I find that a bit rude, but I understand that many people are used to looking at their phones constantly and can’t break the habit, even during a meal.
2. How have mobile phones improved our lives?
Mobile phones, and more specifically smartphones, have revolutionised the way we communicate and make use of the internet. Nowadays you can access the internet to look up information no matter where you are. Whether you’re at home or on the move, you have applications with a myriad of functions in the palm of your hand. Smartphones have brought together a lot of different features into one convenient device. You don’t need a separate sat nav, phone, camera, and phonebook - you have everything in one small device.
3. How has modern communication technology changed the way we communicate?
That’s an interesting question because I think there’s two sides. On the one hand, our ability to communicate quickly, easily and cheaply has improved massively. It’s now basically free to communicate, even make video calls to people around the world. In the past, communicating with someone abroad was difficult. You had to use a landline, deal with bad lines, and it was expensive. Today it’s so easy to make a video call, even with someone on the other side of the world. But on the other hand, because it’s so easy, and there is so much communication all the time, many people do not spend so much time having deep conversations with loved ones and friends. A lot of communication nowadays is just sending memes on messaging applications and making quick comments on social media, so it’s quite superficial.
4. Should young children be given smartphones?
I think it depends on how young and responsible they are. In most cases, I don’t think that young children really need access to a smartphone. Of course, it’s good for a child to be able to easily get in touch with his or her parents, but there are risks associated with having a smartphone. The kids may find things on the internet that are not appropriate for their age, and as young kids are not very good at looking after their possessions, the device could easily be lost or damaged.
5. Should smartphones be allowed in the classroom?
For older kids, I think there’s a strong argument that allowing smartphones in the classroom is a good thing. They can be used as a dictionary, calculator, internet browser and much more. In some countries, where children do not have such easy access to tablets or laptops they could even be a substitute for them, and allow teachers to make use of internet resources during classes. But, on the other hand, phones can be really distracting and disruptive in classes, so there need to be strict rules about their use in the classroom.
6. What advances in communication technology do you think will happen in the future?
I think the main thing that will improve in the next 10 to 20 years is access to high speed mobile networks. You won’t need to worry about bad reception or slow connections to the internet anywhere in the world, even in remote locations. I think we’ll also see phones continue to improve and become faster. We may see more wearable communication technology, such as glasses, watches or even clothes that have similar functions to smartphones. In fact, perhaps in the future, almost every object will have access to the internet so you’ll be able to send messages or check your social media on your fridge or dining room table.
Listen to Speaking Part 3 Model Answers:
WRITING
GENERAL TEST WRITING TASK 1
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
Model Answer:
Dear Customer Service,
I am writing to bring to your attention various issues I have encountered with a mobile phone I recently purchased from your company.
Regrettably, I have been experiencing consistently bad reception, which severely hampers my ability to make calls, especially when I am on the move. This has become a significant inconvenience. Furthermore, the phone runs out of battery unusually fast, making it impossible for me to stay connected, access the internet, or use important applications for any length of time. Having bought the flagship model, I expected much more.
Given the importance of a reliable mobile phone in today's world, these issues are a serious problem. I would like to request that you arrange for the phone to be fixed or replaced immediately.
I am confident that with your excellent reputation for customer service, you will swiftly address this problem and restore my confidence in your products.
I look forward to your prompt response.
Yours faithfully,
Nigella Stevenson
WRITING TASK 2
Model Answer:
In recent years, mobile phones have become ubiquitous in society, with almost everyone owning at least one. However, there are some who believe that mobile phones should be banned in public places such as libraries, shops, and public transport. In this essay, I will argue that while there are certain drawbacks to mobile phone use in public places, an outright ban is not the most effective solution.
To begin with, the use of mobile phones in public places can be disruptive to those around them. For example, in a library, the sound of a ringing phone or the buzzing of notifications can be distracting and disturb those who are trying to concentrate on reading or studying. Similarly, on public transport, people may be trying to relax or read a book, and in-app sounds, ringtones or simply someone talking loudly can be irritating and intrusive. In these situations, a ban on mobile phones may seem like a logical solution to this discourteous behaviour.
However, I believe that a complete ban on mobile phones in public places is not the most effective solution. For one thing, it would be difficult to enforce, especially in large public spaces like train stations or shopping centres. Furthermore, it would be unfair to those who use their phones responsibly and considerately. For example, someone who is sending a quick text on a messaging application or checking their social media feed quietly should not be penalised for the behaviour of others who are being loud and obnoxious.
Instead of a ban, a better solution would be to promote responsible mobile phone use in public places. This could be achieved through public awareness campaigns and signs in public places reminding people to keep their phones on silent mode, and encouraging people to use headphones when listening to music, streaming videos or making phone calls. Additionally, individuals could be asked or even required to use their phones in designated areas, such as phone booths or quiet rooms in libraries, to minimise any disruption to others.
In conclusion, while mobile phone use in public places can be disturbing, a blanket ban is not the most effective solution. Instead, raising awareness about polite use through education campaigns and creating special areas for phone use is a better way to minimise disruption to others while still allowing the many benefits of mobile phones.
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
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.
