Unit 5 – The Impact of Social Media
Warm-up and Vocabulary
Key Vocabulary
Causes and Effects
- Impact: A powerful effect that something has on a situation or person.
- Consequence: The result of an action or condition.
- Result in: To cause a particular situation to happen.
- Lead to: To have something as a result.
Technology and Lifestyle
- Efficient: Working in a well-organized and effective way
- Distraction: Something that prevents someone from giving their full attention to something else
- Automation: The use of machines to do work that was previously done by people.
- Isolated: Feeling alone and without friends or support.
Activity: Social Media Word Association
Look at the social media platform below. In the text box on your screen, quickly write down the first five words or phrases that come to your mind when you think about it.
Listening for the Gist and Key Details
In TOEFL Listening, you need to understand two main things: the overall idea and specific pieces of information. Let’s break them down.
1. Listening for the Gist
The gist is the main idea, purpose, or topic of the audio. Why are the people talking? What is the lecture mainly about? You can usually find the gist in the first 20-30 seconds of the audio.
Example Audio Script (Conversation):
Student A: “Hey, Professor, do you have a minute? I’m a bit confused about the homework assignment on social media’s impact.”
Professor: “Of course, come in. What part is confusing you? Is it the topic selection or the research sources?”
Student A: “It’s the topic. I’m not sure if I should focus on the positive or negative impacts.”
Gist Question: What is the main purpose of the conversation?
a) To discuss a grade
b) To clarify a homework assignment
c) To ask for a deadline extension
The answer is (b) because the student directly states they are “confused about the homework assignment.”
2. Listening for Key Details
Key details are the specific facts that support the main idea, such as names, numbers, reasons, and examples. Listening for signal words can help you catch them.
Here are some common signal words and their uses:
- For adding information: Use words like also and in addition to show that additional information will be given to expand on the main idea.
- For showing order or sequence: Use words first, second, third…, next, or finally to identify the main points in a list. They act like a numbered list in a sentence.
- For providing examples: Use words like for example and such as to introduce specific examples to explain or prove a point.
- For explaining reasons: Use words like because and therefore to show a cause-and-effect relationship or provide a reason behind a statement.
- For adding emphasis: Use words like most importantly, crucially, or significantly to highlight what deserves attention.
Example Audio Script (Lecture):
“When discussing the downsides of social media, we must consider three main areas. First, and most importantly, is the impact on mental health. For example, studies have shown a link between heavy social media use and increased anxiety in teenagers. Second, there are major concerns about privacy…”
Detail Question: What is one example the professor gives of a downside?
a) It is expensive.
b) It can cause anxiety in teens.
c) It is difficult to use.
The answer is (b), signaled by the phrase “For example…”
Tips for Success
Use these tips to become a better listener during the test:
- Take Simple Notes: You can’t remember everything. Write down keywords, names, numbers, and main points. Don’t write full sentences! Use symbols (e.g., + for positive, – for negative, → for cause/effect).
- Focus on the Speaker’s Tone: How does the speaker sound? Happy, worried, confused? Their tone of voice can give you clues about their attitude and the purpose of the conversation.
- Don’t Get Stuck: If you miss a word or a sentence, don’t panic. Keep listening! The next part of the audio might help you understand what you missed. Focus on the overall meaning.
Skill Practice
Let’s practice with a short conversation.
A. Multiple-Choice Questions
B. Fill in the Blanks
C. Crossword Puzzle
D. Word Search
E. Video Practice
In this activity, you will respond to someone’s opinion. Watch this video where the speaker discusses the impact of social media on their lives. After you watch, your mission is to record a 30-second audio response. You can either agree or disagree with their main point. Start your response with “I agree with your point about…” or “I have a different perspective on this…” and then give one clear reason.
You’ve reached the end of the lesson. Click the button below to begin the Evaluation Quiz.