Unit 32: Education in the Digital Era
Warm-up and Vocabulary
Congratulations! You have reached the final unit of this semester. We have practiced listening, reading, and writing. Now, it is time for the ‘Final Boss’: The 60-Second Speech. You might remember the ‘Sandwich Structure’ we learned before. Today, we are going to master it. In the TOEFL test, the clock is your enemy. You cannot just talk; you must perform. We will talk about Digital Education and learn exactly what to say at the 10-second mark, the 30-second mark, and the finish line. Take a deep breath. Let’s finish strong!
Vocabulary List
Read the list below carefully. You will need these words to build your response.
- Digital Era: The current time period where technology is used for everything.
- Flexibility: The ability to change or adapt easily (e.g., study anytime).
- Distraction: Something that stops you from paying attention (e.g., TikTok, games).
- Interactive: Involving communication between people or devices.
- Face-to-Face: Being in the same room with someone physically.
- Self-Paced: Learning at your own speed.
- Motivation: The desire to do things.
- Technical Issue: Problems with computers or internet connection.
- Resource: Something you can use to help you learn (books, videos, websites).
- Structure: How something is built or organized.
Activity 1: Let’s Discuss
Look at the questions below. Think about your answers or discuss them with a partner.
- Do you prefer studying in a real classroom or on Zoom/Google Meet? Why?
- What is the hardest thing about online learning? (Internet connection? Getting distracted? Missing friends?)
- Do you think schools in the future will have robots instead of teachers?
Mastering the 60-Second Clock
Knowing what to say is easy. Knowing when to say it is hard. In the TOEFL test, the computer cuts you off at exactly 60 seconds. You need a strict plan.
We will use the Sandwich Structure again, but this time, we are focusing on Signposting (The Glue) and Timing.
1. The Setup (0-15 Seconds): The Introduction
- Goal: Combine the Reading Topic and the Speaker’s Opinion.
- The Formula:
“The reading passage is about [Topic Name]. The speaker in the audio [agrees/disagrees] with this idea because…” - Critical Tip: Keep this short! Do not explain the reading details. Just the topic.
2. The Core (15-50 Seconds): The Reasons (Signposts)
- Goal: Explain the Speaker’s two main points. Use Signposts (Transition words) so the grader knows exactly where you are.
- Signpost 1:“First of all, the speaker explains that…”
- (Give details from the audio).
- Signpost 2:“In addition / Secondly, the speaker mentions that…”
- (Give details from the audio).
3. The Finish (50-60 Seconds): The Conclusion
- Goal: Wrap it up neatly.
- The Formula:
“Therefore, for these reasons, the speaker supports the plan.” - Panic Button: If you look at the clock and you have only 5 seconds left, skip the details and go straight to the conclusion!
Visual Timeline:
- 0-15s: Intro
- 15-35s: Reason 1
- 35-55s: Reason 2
- 55-60s: Conclusion
Skill Practice
Complete the following 4 exercises.
Exercise 1: Word Search
Exercise 2: Matching Signposts
Exercise 3: Order the Speech
Exercise 4: Fill in the Template
Complete the template below with the information provided. Then, Record yourself reading it.
Information:
- Reading: Online learning is lonely.
- Listening: Speaker disagrees. He says it connects you to the world.
- Reason 1: You can meet students from other countries.
- Reason 2: You can do group projects online easily.
Template:
“The reading passage says that online learning is __________. However, the speaker __________ with this. First, he explains that you can __________. Second, he mentions that it is easy to __________. Therefore, he thinks online learning is good.”