[B2] Talking About Technology

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Today we’re talking about something we use every single day: technology. From smartphones to AI tools, tech is all around us.
So, let’s listen to a conversation between Lisa and her friend Jake. They’re catching up over coffee and chatting about how much technology has changed our lives.

It’s a warm, lazy Saturday. Lisa walks into her favorite café and spots Jake sitting in the corner, looking down at his phone. The café smells like fresh coffee and pastries. Soft music plays in the background. Lisa walks over with a smile and an iced coffee in hand.

👩 Lisa: Hey Jake! Long time no see.
👨 Jake: Hey Lisa! Great to see you. Grab a seat.
👩 Lisa: Thanks! Oh wow — new phone? That looks fancy. Is that the latest model?
👨 Jake: Yeah, just got it last week. It’s got some pretty cool features. The camera is insane, and it even has facial recognition to unlock the screen.
👩 Lisa: That’s awesome. Technology has really come a long way, hasn’t it? I remember when phones were just for calling or maybe texting.
👨 Jake: Totally. Now we do everything on them — maps, online shopping, mobile banking… I even use mine to work remotely.
👩 Lisa: Same here. Do you think all this tech has made us more productive?
👨 Jake: In some ways, yeah. It’s easier to stay connected and collaborate with people, especially across time zones. But honestly, I also feel overwhelmed sometimes — constant emails, notifications… it never stops.
👩 Lisa: I get that. Sometimes I take a digital detox, just to clear my head.
👨 Jake: Good idea. I’ve started switching my phone off for a few hours on weekends. It helps me stay focused — and, you know, just be more present.
👩 Lisa: That’s smart. By the way, have you used any AI tools for work?
👨 Jake: Yeah! I’ve been using a few that help me write emails and manage my schedule. They actually save a lot of time.
👩 Lisa: I’ve tried some too — mostly for learning languages. It’s kind of crazy how smart they’re getting.
👨 Jake: I know, right? Sometimes I wonder if machines will replace human jobs.
👩 Lisa: That’s a big question. I don’t think they’ll replace us completely, but they will change how we work. I think we’ll still need people for things like creativity and emotional intelligence.
👨 Jake: Yeah, I agree. It’s all about adapting and learning new skills.
👩 Lisa: Exactly. Tech is powerful, but it’s up to us how we use it.

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Word / Phrase Part of Speech Meaning (English) Example Sentence
Facial recognition Noun phrase A technology that uses your face to identify who you are. I use facial recognition to unlock my phone.
Navigation Noun Finding the way to go somewhere, often using a map app. I use my phone for navigation when driving.
Work remotely Verb phrase To work from home or outside the office using the internet. Many people work remotely now.
Productive Adjective Able to do a lot of good work in a short time. I’m more productive in the morning.
Notifications Noun (plural) Messages or alerts that appear on your phone or computer. Too many notifications can be distracting.
Digital detox Noun phrase A break from using phones, computers, or screens. I need a digital detox this weekend.
Focused Adjective Giving full attention to one thing. She stays focused while studying.
Present Adjective Fully aware of what is happening now. I try to be present when talking to others.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Noun phrase Computer systems that can think or act like humans. AI helps answer questions quickly.
Emotional intelligence Noun phrase The ability to understand your own feelings and others’ feelings. Emotional intelligence is important at work.
Adapt Verb To change and adjust to new situations. We must adapt to new technology.
Collaborate Verb To work together with others. We collaborate online on projects.

✏️ Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Use the correct word or phrase from the box.

(facial recognition – navigation – work remotely – productive – notifications – digital detox – focused – present – adapt – collaborate)

  1. I use __________ to unlock my phone instead of a password.
  2. Google Maps helps me with __________ when I drive to a new place.
  3. Many people __________ from home using the internet.
  4. I feel more __________ when I turn off social media.
  5. Too many __________ make it hard to concentrate.
  6. I need a __________ this weekend to rest my mind.
  7. I stay __________ by putting my phone away while studying.
  8. I try to be __________ when I spend time with my family.
  9. We must __________ when new technology appears.
  10. Our team uses online tools to __________ on projects.

🔗 Exercise 2: Matching

Match each word with the correct meaning.

  1. Digital detox
  2. Productive
  3. Collaborate
  4. Emotional intelligence
  5. Focused

a. Working well with others
b. Taking a break from screens
c. Doing a lot of good work
d. Giving full attention to something
e. Understanding your own feelings and others’ feelings

🗣️ Exercise 3: Discussion / Speaking Practice

Answer in full sentences.

  1. Do you use facial recognition on your phone? Why or why not?
  2. How do notifications affect your focus during work or study?
  3. Have you ever tried a digital detox? What was it like?
  4. Do you prefer to work remotely or in an office? Why?
  5. Why is emotional intelligence important when people collaborate?

Answer key

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

  1. I use facial recognition to unlock my phone instead of a password.
  2. Google Maps helps me with navigation when I drive to a new place.
  3. Many people work remotely from home using the internet.
  4. I feel more productive when I turn off social media.
  5. Too many notifications make it hard to concentrate.
  6. I need a digital detox this weekend to rest my mind.
  7. I stay focused by putting my phone away while studying.
  8. I try to be present when I spend time with my family.
  9. We must adapt when new technology appears.
  10. Our team uses online tools to collaborate on projects.

Exercise 2: Matching

  1. Digital detox → b (Taking a break from screens)
  2. Productive → c (Doing a lot of good work)
  3. Collaborate → a (Working well with others)
  4. Emotional intelligence → e (Understanding your own feelings and others’ feelings)
  5. Focused → d (Giving full attention to something)

Exercise 3: Discussion (Sample Answers)

Learners’ answers may vary. Below are sample answers.

  1. Do you use facial recognition on your phone? Why or why not?
    Yes, I use facial recognition because it is fast and convenient.
  2. How do notifications affect your focus?
    Too many notifications make it hard for me to stay focused.
  3. Have you ever tried a digital detox?
    Yes, I tried a digital detox last weekend and felt more relaxed.
  4. Do you prefer to work remotely or in an office? Why?
    I prefer to work remotely because I can focus better at home.
  5. Why is emotional intelligence important when people collaborate?
    Emotional intelligence helps people understand each other and work better together.