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Conversation / EVERYDAY ENGLISH /
Unit 22
Comparing Old and New Devices
B1- Intermediate Lower
Learning Objectives
In this lesson, you will learn to use descriptive vocabulary to identify and discuss both vintage devices and modern technology.
Exercise 1
New Words & Expressions
Direction: Listen and repeat after your tutor.
Adjective
Outdated
Similar:
similarvocab1.1
similarvocab1.2
similarvocab1.3
similarvocab1.4
/aʊtˈdeɪ.t̬ɪd/
Meaning:
Old-fashioned or no longer useful.
- My old flip phone is outdated compared to my smartphone.
Real Life Tip:
In the U.S., technology changes fast, so people often call devices “outdated” after only a few years.
Adjective
Efficient
Similar:
similarvocab2.1
similarvocab2.2
similarvocab2.3
similarvocab2.4
/ɪˈfɪʃ.ənt/
Meaning:
Working in the best way using less time, money, or energy.
- New laptops are faster and more efficient than old ones.
Real Life Tip:
Americans value efficiency at work and school, so this word is often used in ads and job descriptions.
adjective
Portable
Similar:
similarvocab3.1
similarvocab3.2
similarvocab3.3
similarvocab3.4
/ˈpɔːr.t̬ə.bəl/
Meaning:
Easy to carry or move.
- Tablets are more portable than desktop computers.
Real Life Tip:
Because many Americans commute, travel, or work remotely, portable devices are very popular.
Break down
phrasal verb
Similar:
similarvocab4.1
similarvocab4.2
similarvocab4.3
similarvocab4.4
/breɪk daʊn/
Meaning:
To stop working (for machines or devices).
- My old DVD player broke down last week.
Real Life Tip:
This phrasal verb is commonly used in daily conversation when talking about cars, phones, or appliances.
Exercise 2
Role-Play
Direction: First, read the conversation aloud. Then, practice by role-playing it with your tutor.
Situation: Two friends; Chris and Maya are comparing their old devices to new ones at a coffee shop.
Do you remember when phones used to flip open?
Chris
Yeah! My first phone broke down after one year.
Maya
Now smartphones are much more efficient and portable.
Chris
True. But sometimes I miss the simple, outdated gadgets.
Maya
Same. At least they didn’t need so many apps or updates.
Chris
Right, but new devices help us catch up with everything faster.
Maya
That’s why I prefer my laptop over the old desktop computer.
Chris
Agreed. Technology keeps moving forward.
Maya
Exercise 3
Role-Play Q&A
Direction: Answer the questions based on the conversation.
1. What happened to Maya’s first phone?
2. Why does Chris like his laptop more than a desktop computer?
3. What do they agree about technology?
Exercise 3
Practice Time
Direction: Complete the exercise by choosing the correct answer.
Fill in the blank
I like ________ at the park after school.
Direction: Complete the exercise by choosing the correct answer.
Exercise 3
Practice Time
Direction: Complete the exercise by choosing the correct answer.
1. phone / outdated / is / My / really
a) My outdated is really phone.
b) My phone is really outdated.
c) Outdated my phone really is.
2. devices / portable / more / are / New
a) Portable more devices are new.
b) New devices are more portable.
c) Devices more are new portable.
3. efficient / laptop / than / old / more / My / is / computer
a) My laptop is more efficient than old computer.
b) My more efficient laptop than old computer is.
c) My laptop is more efficient than my old computer.
4. broke / last / phone / down / My / week
a) My phone broke down last week.
b) Last broke down my week phone.
c) Phone my broke down last week.
5. can’t / Old / catch / devices / new / up with
a) Old devices can’t catch up with new.
b) Devices old can’t catch new up with.
c) Catch up with old devices can’t new.
Exercise 4
Ask Your Tutor
Direction: Ask your tutor these questions. Listen carefully and learn
1. Do you think people upgrade their devices too often? Why or why not?
2. Are old devices more reliable than new ones?
3. What device from the past would you like to use again?
Exercise 5
Discussion
Direction: Use the new words and expression you learnt in this lesson to have a conversation with your tutor.
1. What was your first phone like?
2. Do you still have any outdated devices at home?
3. Which device do you use the most every day?
4. Do you think new gadgets are always better than old ones?
5. Have you ever had a device that broke down at the worst time?
6. Which device is the most portable in your opinion?
7. Do you prefer simple devices or smart devices with many apps?
8. How often do you buy new technology?
9. What’s one old device you miss using?
10. How has technology changed your daily routine compared to 10 years ago?
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