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This week we look at questions from Part 3 that follow-up on last week’s cue card. The topic is: the future of the internet.

Step 1: Tune in to this week’s lesson. (Audio and video version below.)

This week’s Part 3 questions:

How has the internet changed the way people access information?
Do you think people rely too much on websites for information nowadays?
What are the advantages of using websites compared to traditional sources like books or newspapers?
Are there any disadvantages to getting information from websites?
How do you think websites will evolve in the future?
Do you think artificial intelligence will have a big impact on how websites are designed and used?

Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.

Step 3: Engage this week’s full speech shadowing lesson. (If you do not yet have access, click here to sign up for full lessons.)

Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor. (If you have not yet been added to a group, click here to sign up – select ‘Join a Whatsapp group’.)

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!
In the past, people had to rely on physical resources such as books and libraries. Nowadays, with just a few clicks, we can access a vast array of data on virtually any topic. Additionally, the internet offers multimedia options—videos, infographics, podcasts—which cater to various learning styles.

Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.

Transcript

How has the internet changed the way people access information?
In the past, people had to rely on physical resources such as books and libraries. Nowadays, with just a few clicks, we can access a vast array of data on virtually any topic. Additionally, the internet offers multimedia options—videos, infographics, podcasts—which cater to various learning styles.

Do you think people rely too much on websites for information nowadays?
Yes, to an extent. While it’s convenient and time-efficient, people often skim articles or rely on unverified sources, which can lead to misinformation. However, it’s also important to acknowledge the positive side: the internet provides a level of accessibility to knowledge that was previously unimaginable.

What are the advantages of using websites compared to traditional sources like books or newspapers?
Firstly, websites provide real-time updates, whereas printed books or newspapers might take days or months to be published. Secondly, websites are searchable, making it far easier to locate specific information in seconds. And finallly, websites often provide interactive content that can enrich the learning experience far beyond what traditional media can offer.

Are there any disadvantages to getting information from websites?
As I mentioned before, one major disadvantage of obtaining information from websites is the prevalence of misinformation. Another issue is the distraction factor, as websites often contain ads and other stimuli that can interfere with focused reading.

How do you think websites will evolve in the future?
I believe websites will become even more personalised and intuitive in the future. As artificial intelligence continues to advance, websites will likely offer highly customised experiences, predicting what information a user needs before they even ask for it.

Do you think artificial intelligence will have a big impact on how websites are designed and used?
I feel artificial intelligence is already having a profound impact on web design and usage, and this trend will only intensify. In the future, I think we’ll see AI-driven websites that can autonomously update content, optimise their own design and have increasingly sophisticated interactions with users.