Speaking Skills

Social Network Advantages

Read the Dialogue to practise and Improve your Speaking Skills. Listen to and answer the Lesson Activity to test your level.

Speaking Skills

Julie: What are you doing with the phone?

Anne: Hanging out on social media.

Julie: I don't understand why people waste so much time on social networks.

Anne: Why? I think using them has many benefits.

Julie: You may be right, but I think most of them are disadvantages.

Anne: I don't agree, I think making good use of them can help a lot of people.

Julie: In my experience most people do not use the networks carefully and that can have serious consequences.

Anne: I understand what you mean but there are good things too.

Julie: Tell me a social media advantage right now.

Anne: Well... right now we are trying to reunite a lost dog with its owner.

Julie: I see, and how are social networks useful in this case?

Anne: News spread faster this way.

Julie: Interesting... What if the dog's owner doesn't have social networks?

Anne: It doesn't matter because anyone can help, even a neighbour or relative who does use social media.

Julie: I take your point...

Anne: You should try. Anything for a good cause is worth it.

Julie: I am not one of the people who likes showing personal life on the internet.

Anne: You don't have to share anything you don't want to, you can just watch.

Julie: I'm not interested in other people's lives either.

Anne: Well, it's part of your personality, we are all different.

Julie: I understand but, I feel people like you are living a fictional life.

Anne: I don't understand what you mean.

Julie: You are all friends, everyone is happy, everyone supports a cause. But what really happens when you need those people in real life?

Anne: I think social media is just another way to be part of something.

Julie: That's why I say it's fictional, when I need my friends I want them by my side and not through a screen.

Anne: That's why I'm here now with you!

Julie: Yes, while you are watching others' life on the net.

Anne: Don't be mad, it was only five minutes.

Julie: I think the best social network is the group chat I have with my friends, those who are always there when I need them.

Anne: Let's not argue about this now...

Speaking Advanced - Test

Listen and Answer to Test your Speaking Level.

Learn different English accents: Julie (British) and Anne (American).

Read the Transcript only if you have problems understanding the audios.

! Listen and Choose the Correct Answer

So? What do you think about networks now? (American English)

Do you prefer chatting with your friends on the phone?

On the other hand, do you like being on the phone? (American English)

As I told you, there are many disadvantages in using them.

In my opinion, there are lots of advantages. (American English)

I understand what you mean, but I don't enjoy it.

Could you live a whole day without using the phone?

What do you do when you are bored?

There is real life off the phone screen, did you know?

I think you misunderstood, I do not spend all day on social media. (American English)

How many friends have really been there when you needed them?

You ought to respect others' choices. (American English)

I'm not sure if you understand me (American English)

I know it has many advantages but, to be honest, I don't like it.

On the other hand, how is your mother doing? (American English)