5. Communication & the Media
- EXPLAIN → Why / How
- DESCRIBE → What you see / know
- COMPARE / CONTRAST → Same vs different
- OUTLINE → Simple examples
- DISCUSS → Multiple views & opinions
- EXPRESS OPINION → What I think
- RECOMMEND / SUGGEST → What should happen
practice questions
Technology
1. How many electronic devices should we own?
2. Tell us about the best invention of recent times.
3. Have you ever tried to design something technological?
4. Are you into playing computer games?
5. Do you use the internet much?
6. What ways is the internet a useful tool for studying?
7. What do you use the internet for?
8. Do you ever listen to the radio or is it now obsolete?
9. What do you think is the worst invention of recent times?
10. Have you ever spent a lot of money on a useless gadget?
Watch video
'Diplomatic skills'
Level: B1
Length: 3:10
Produced by: Helpful Professor Explains.
Watch video
'Noam Chomsky: The five filters of the mass media machine | The Listening Post'
Level: B1-2
Length: 4:46
Produced by: Al Jazeera English.
Watch video
'How Johnny Harris re-writes history'
Level: B1
Length: 16:24
Produced by: The Present Past.
Exam queston B2
5. Communication & the Media
B2 Oral Exam Task
Situation:
You are a communication and media analyst giving an expert briefing on how media influences public understanding.
Part 1 – Describe:
Describe how digital media has changed the way information is communicated compared to traditional media.
Part 2 – Explain:
Explain why misinformation spreads easily on digital media platforms.
Part 3 – Give your opinion:
Give your opinion on whether 'media literacy' should be a compulsory subject in schools and adult education. Support your answer with reasons and examples.
"Modern societies are strongly shaped by the way information is communicated through media. Traditional media such as newspapers, radio, and television once acted as the main gatekeepers of public information. Today, digital media platforms allow individuals to create, share, and comment on content instantly, often without editorial control. This shift has increased access to information but has also created new challenges.
One major concern is the speed at which information spreads online. News stories, images, and opinions can reach large audiences within minutes, sometimes before facts are fully verified. This has contributed to the spread of misinformation and so-called “fake news,” which can influence public opinion and political decision-making.
At the same time, social media has changed communication styles. Messages are often shorter, more emotional, and designed to attract attention quickly. Algorithms prioritise content that generates strong reactions, which can reinforce existing beliefs and limit exposure to different viewpoints. As a result, media users may experience so-called “echo chambers,” where they mainly encounter opinions similar to their own.
Media literacy is therefore becoming increasingly important. Being able to evaluate sources, recognise bias, and distinguish between fact and opinion are key skills in the digital age. Educational institutions and media organisations are responding by promoting critical thinking and responsible media use.
Despite its risks, modern media also offers opportunities. It allows marginalised voices to be heard, enables rapid information sharing in emergencies, and supports global communication on an unprecedented scale."