Technology and Digital Life
Question 1
How often do you use social media?
Strategy & Approach
Be specific about frequency and mention which platforms you use. Explain your reasons for using or not using social media frequently.
Band 8 Sample Answer
"I use social media several times a day, primarily Instagram and LinkedIn. Instagram helps me stay connected with friends and discover new interests, while LinkedIn is essential for my professional networking. However, I try to limit my usage to avoid spending too much time scrolling mindlessly."
Why This Achieves Band 8
This answer demonstrates good time management awareness and shows different purposes for different platforms. The phrase 'scrolling mindlessly' shows awareness of social media's potential drawbacks, indicating mature perspective on technology use.
You should say:
- What the technology is
- When you started using it
- How it has changed your daily routine
- Why you think this impact has been significant
Introduction
Choose a specific technology and immediately establish its significance in your life
"I'd like to talk about my smartphone, which has probably had the most profound impact on my daily life over the past decade."
Main Body - Bullet Point Strategy
• what the technology is
Be specific about the technology and its key features that matter to you
"I'm talking about my iPhone, which is essentially a powerful computer that fits in my pocket. What makes it special isn't just the calling and texting features, but its ability to connect me to the internet, take high-quality photos, and run countless applications that help me manage various aspects of my life."
• when you started using it
Provide context about the transition and your initial expectations
"I got my first smartphone about eight years ago when I started university. Initially, I was skeptical about whether I really needed such an expensive device, as I had been perfectly content with my basic phone that could only make calls and send simple text messages."
• how it has changed your daily routine
Give specific examples of before and after scenarios
"The changes have been quite dramatic. Instead of using physical maps, I now navigate using GPS. Rather than carrying cash and cards, I make payments through mobile apps. My morning routine now includes checking emails, news, and weather forecasts before I even get out of bed. It's also transformed how I stay in touch with family and friends through instant messaging and video calls."
• why you think this impact has been significant
Reflect on deeper implications and show critical thinking
"I consider this impact significant because it's fundamentally changed my relationship with information and people. I have instant access to virtually unlimited knowledge, which has enhanced my learning and decision-making abilities. However, I've also become somewhat dependent on it, which makes me reflect on both the empowering and potentially problematic aspects of our digital age."
Conclusion
Provide a thoughtful reflection on the broader implications
"Overall, while my smartphone has undoubtedly made my life more convenient and connected, it's also made me more aware of the need to maintain a healthy balance with technology."
Question 1
How do you think artificial intelligence will change the job market in the next 20 years?
Strategy & Approach
This requires future prediction and complex analysis. Discuss both job displacement and job creation. Consider different sectors and skill levels.
Band 8 Sample Answer
"I believe AI will create a fundamental shift in the job market, but the changes will be more nuanced than simple job replacement. While AI will likely automate routine tasks across many industries, it will also create entirely new categories of jobs that we can't fully envision yet. The key challenge will be ensuring that workers have opportunities to reskill and adapt. I think we'll see increased demand for jobs requiring emotional intelligence, creativity, and complex problem-solving - areas where humans still excel over machines."
Why This Achieves Band 8
This response demonstrates sophisticated analytical thinking by avoiding simple predictions and instead exploring complexity. It uses advanced vocabulary like 'fundamental shift' and 'nuanced,' shows understanding of economic concepts (reskilling), and identifies specific human advantages in the job market.
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