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?
Listening B2
Listening B2
Watch video (4:46)
'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 (16:24)
'How Johnny Harris re-writes history'
Level: B1
Length: 16:24
Produced by: The Present Past.
Watch video (16:24)
'Is social media good for you?'
Level: B1/2
Length: 2:50
Produced by: BBC My World.
Exam queston B2
6. Marketing & Advertising
B2 Oral Exam Task
Situation:
You are a marketing strategist giving an expert presentation on how modern advertising works and why it matters.
Part 1 – Talk about
Talk about the main ways marketing and advertising have changed from traditional media to today’s digital environment.
Part 2 – Contrast
Contrast influencer marketing with traditional advertising in terms of credibility, transparency, and audience trust.
Part 3 – Give your opinion
Give your opinion on whether targeted, data-driven advertising is more helpful than harmful for society.
Support your view with reasons and examples.
"Marketing and advertising influence how people discover products, form preferences, and make purchasing decisions. Traditional advertising relied on mass media such as television, radio, billboards, and print. While these channels are still used, modern marketing increasingly focuses on digital platforms where audiences can be targeted more precisely.
A major change is the use of data-driven advertising. Online behaviour—such as searches, clicks, and viewing history—can be used to personalise ads and recommend products. Supporters argue that this makes advertising more relevant and reduces wasted spending. Critics raise concerns about privacy, consent, and how much control consumers truly have over their personal data.
Another key development is influencer marketing. Brands collaborate with content creators who promote products through social media posts, videos, and live streams. This type of advertising can feel more authentic than traditional commercials, especially when influencers are perceived as relatable. However, it can also blur the line between honest recommendation and paid promotion, which is why many countries require clear disclosure of sponsored content.
Advertising also uses psychology. Techniques such as scarcity (“limited time”), social proof (“best-selling”), and emotional storytelling can strongly affect consumer behaviour. While persuasion is a normal part of marketing, ethical concerns arise when advertising manipulates vulnerable groups, promotes unrealistic body standards, or encourages overconsumption.
As a result, many organisations now discuss responsible marketing, transparency, and consumer protection. In a media environment where attention is limited and competition is intense, the challenge is to communicate persuasively while maintaining trust."