Page 14 - Journeys C1+ (Workbook)

1 Communıcatıon

D. Now read the essay and check your answers.

Have we lost the ability to listen?
Many people argue that we have lost our role Another reason people argue we are becoming
as effective listeners as so much communication less effective listeners is due to the fact that people
happens online nowadays, and people are frequently are often using their phones at the same time as
holding multiple conversations at the same time. having a conversation with a friend, or during an
However, I do not believe that these factors have had interaction with a shop assistant. On the one hand, it
a negative effect on our active listening skills. is quite impolite not to give someone your complete
attention when they are talking to you; whilst on the
Firstly, it is easy to see why people might think that other, we could argue that it’s a natural evolution as
we have become more passive listeners. It is true that technology plays a greater role in our lives.
we have less face-to-face conversations nowadays
than in the past; however, when you watch a group Personally, I do not believe that the situation is as bad
of people chatting together, you can see many of as some people believe. As long as students are still
the positive features of active listening taking place. educated with more traditional methods and are
For example, you can tell when people are engaged taught skills such as debating or giving presentations,
in the conversation by their facial expressions. When they will also be taught how to listen effectively.
people are animated and happy, the participants in
the conversation are all smiling. Similarly, you can see In conclusion, we have not yet lost our ability to listen
when people are having a more difficult conversation effectively, but we should be careful in the future
as the listener’s facial expression will mirror that of the that new teaching methods do not have a negative
speaker, perhaps with a look of concern or a frown. effect on our skills as active listeners.

E. Use three different colours to underline the following
in the essay:

• linking devices the author uses
• the author’s opinion
• examples the author gives
Do you agree with the author? Tell your partner.

F. Complete the table below.
Has social media encouraged positive or negative communication among people?

Three examples of positive communication: Linking devices I’m going to use...
•
• in the introduction:
•
to show one side of the argument:
Three examples of negative communication:
• to show the other side of the argument:
•
• to give my opinion:
My opinion:
in conclusion:
•

G. Now write your essay (180–220 words). Use the information from the table.

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