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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.
That’s it for today’s episode of the 5-Minute English Podcast.
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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. |
Use the correct word or phrase from the box.
(facial recognition – navigation – work remotely – productive – notifications – digital detox – focused – present – adapt – collaborate)
Match each word with the correct meaning.
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
Answer in full sentences.
✅ Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
✅ Exercise 2: Matching
✅ Exercise 3: Discussion (Sample Answers)
Learners’ answers may vary. Below are sample answers.
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