Part 1
Part 1 Questions
- When did you start using the internet?
- How often do you go online?
- How does the internet influence people?
- Do you think you spend too much time online?
- What would you do without the internet?
Sample Response
When did you start using the internet?
Must have been when I was about 8 or 9? This was back in the early 2000s, so we had that dial-up thing - you know that weird noise it made when connecting? So annoying! I mostly just played games and chatted with friends on MSN. Good times.
Essential Vocabulary
Starting internet use
- early adopter - someone who uses new technology early
- dial-up days - when internet used phone lines
- got online - started using internet
- internet cafe - place to pay for internet use
- first exposure - initial experience
- digital age - era of computer technology
- went from zero to hero - quickly became proficient
- pre-internet era - time before internet
Online frequency
- constantly connected - always online
- digital detox - break from internet
- practically glued to - always using
- on and off throughout the day - multiple times daily
- heavy user - someone who uses a lot
- can't go without - dependent on it
- first thing in the morning - check immediately when waking
- before bed routine - check before sleeping
Internet influence
- double-edged sword - has good and bad effects
- information at fingertips - easy access to knowledge
- echo chambers - only seeing similar opinions
- digital footprint - online activity traces
- shapes opinions - influences thinking
- instant gratification - immediate satisfaction
- FOMO (fear of missing out) - anxiety about missing things
- connected yet isolated - online but lonely
Time spent online
- guilty as charged - admitting fault
- time sink - activity that wastes time
- rabbit holes - getting lost in content
- mindless scrolling - browsing without purpose
- screen time - hours using devices
- need to cut back - should reduce usage
- digital wellness - healthy internet habits
- lost track of time - didn't notice time passing
Life without internet
- back to basics - return to simple life
- old school - traditional ways
- face-to-face interaction - personal meetings
- productivity boost - getting more done
- withdrawal symptoms - missing internet badly
- blessing in disguise - hidden benefit
- forced to adapt - must change habits
- simpler times - less complicated era
Natural Spoken Phrases
- "I hate to admit it, but..." confessing something
- "I'm constantly on my phone" heavy usage
- "I'd be lost without it" dependency
- "It's a love-hate relationship" mixed feelings
- "I try to limit myself, but..." attempted control
- "Back in my day..." comparing past
- "Can't imagine life without..." essential now
- "To be fair..." balanced view