IELTS REVIEW MODULE 3:

Passages for Speaking and Conversation Training

Prepared by: Teacher Jay

Student: Liu Zhe Han

Below are passages that include detailed vocabulary and relevant

questions, encouraging students to engage with the topic while
practicing IELTS-related skills. These discussions will be useful for both
speaking and writing tasks.

1. The Future of Technology: Friend or Foe?

Passage: The rapid growth of technology over the past few decades has
revolutionized the way we live, work, and communicate. Innovations such as
artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and automation are shaping
industries, making tasks more efficient, and allowing us to solve problems in
ways that were previously unimaginable. However, not everyone views these
advancements as beneficial. Some argue that automation will result in
widespread job losses, and the increasing reliance on digital technology could
lead to a loss of privacy and security. As the pace of technological progress
continues to accelerate, it raises important questions about the future of
human work, relationships, and society as a whole. Is technology a force for
good, or does it pose a threat to our future?

IELTS Vocabulary:

 Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, automation, digital

technology, efficiency, disruptive innovation, privacy, security, job
displacement, technological advancement.

Discussion Questions:

 What are the positive and negative effects of technological

advancements on society?

 Do you believe that AI will eventually replace human workers in certain

jobs? Why or why not?

 How can society ensure that technology is used responsibly and

ethically?
  In what ways can technology improve our daily lives, and in what ways
might it harm them?

 How should individuals prepare for a future with more automation in

the workplace?

2. The Importance of Mental Health Awareness

Passage: Mental health has become a significant topic of discussion in many

parts of the world. In the past, mental health issues were often ignored or
stigmatized, leading many people to suffer in silence. However, as awareness
of mental health grows, more people are speaking out about the challenges
they face, and society is beginning to realize the importance of mental well-
being. Conditions such as depression, anxiety, and stress affect millions of
individuals, yet there is still a lack of understanding in some communities.
Mental health affects not only an individual's quality of life but also their
ability to function in everyday activities, whether at work or in personal
relationships. By promoting awareness and providing better access to
support and treatment, society can help reduce the stigma surrounding
mental health and improve the lives of those affected.

IELTS Vocabulary:

 Mental health, well-being, stigma, psychological support, depression,

anxiety, therapists, self-care, awareness campaigns, resilience, mental
illness.

Discussion Questions:

 Why do you think mental health issues are still stigmatized in many
countries?

 How can mental health awareness campaigns help reduce stigma and
encourage people to seek help?

 What role does self-care play in maintaining mental well-being, and

how can people practice it?

 Do you think mental health should be prioritized alongside physical

health in healthcare systems? Why?

 How can schools and workplaces better support individuals with mental
health challenges?

3. The Benefits and Challenges of Online Education

Passage: In recent years, online education has become an increasingly
popular way to learn. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of
digital learning platforms, and now students around the world can access
education from the comfort of their homes. Online education offers numerous
advantages, such as flexibility, convenience, and access to a variety of
courses. However, it also presents several challenges. One of the most
significant issues is the lack of face-to-face interaction with teachers and
peers, which can make it harder to build strong connections and
relationships. Additionally, students may face distractions at home or lack the
self-discipline required for successful online learning. Despite these
challenges, online education has the potential to revolutionize the way we
learn, and with the right tools and support, it can offer an excellent
alternative to traditional classroom-based education.

IELTS Vocabulary:

 E-learning, digital platforms, flexibility, self-discipline, distractions,

remote learning, interactive tools, academic integrity, personalized
education, student engagement.

Discussion Questions:

 What are the main benefits of online education compared to traditional

classroom education?

 Do you think online learning is suitable for all subjects? Why or why
not?

 How can online platforms ensure that students stay engaged and
motivated throughout their courses?

 What are the potential drawbacks of online education, and how can
they be overcome?

 How do you personally stay focused and avoid distractions while

learning online?

4. The Role of Sports in Society

Passage: Sports play a major role in societies around the world, not just as a
form of entertainment but also as a way to promote physical health,
teamwork, and discipline. Whether it’s participating in local sports teams or
watching professional leagues, sports can bring people together and create a
sense of community. Many believe that sports teach valuable life skills such
as perseverance, responsibility, and collaboration. However, others argue
that too much emphasis is placed on professional sports, leading to the
commercialization of the industry and the overshadowing of more important
social issues. Additionally, the intense pressure on athletes can sometimes
lead to mental health struggles, which are not often discussed in the public
sphere. While sports undeniably have many benefits, it’s important to
maintain a balance and not let them dominate society at the expense of
other critical areas such as education or healthcare.

IELTS Vocabulary:

 Physical activity, teamwork, discipline, sportsmanship, community

spirit, professional athletes, sponsorship, public health, mental
toughness, role models.

Discussion Questions:

 How do you think sports contribute to the well-being of individuals and

communities?

 Should governments invest more in promoting sports to encourage

healthier lifestyles?

 What role do professional athletes play in influencing society, and do

they have a responsibility to be role models?

 How can sports organizations ensure that athletes’ mental health is

supported?

 Do you think the focus on professional sports takes attention away

from more pressing societal issues?

5. The Influence of Social Media on Young People

Passage: Social media has become an integral part of daily life, especially
for young people. Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook allow
users to connect with friends, share content, and engage with people around
the world. While social media can be a powerful tool for communication, it
also has a darker side. Many young people feel pressured to portray a perfect
image of themselves online, leading to issues like low self-esteem and body
image problems. Cyberbullying is another concern, as individuals can be
harassed or targeted online without ever meeting the aggressor in person.
Social media can also contribute to decreased face-to-face interactions,
which can impact the development of social skills. Despite these drawbacks,
social media can offer positive aspects, such as fostering creativity,
connecting like-minded individuals, and even creating social change. The key
lies in using social media responsibly and in moderation.
IELTS Vocabulary:

 Social media, cyberbullying, self-esteem, peer pressure, online

identity, validation, addiction, overexposure, mental health, digital
footprint.

Discussion Questions:

 What are the advantages and disadvantages of social media for young
people?

 How do you think social media affects self-esteem and body image?

 What can be done to prevent cyberbullying and promote positive

online behavior?

 Should there be more regulation of social media platforms to protect

young users?

 How can young people use social media in a healthy and balanced
way?

VOCABULARY

1. The Future of Technology: Friend or Foe?

Vocabulary:

 Artificial intelligence (AI): The simulation of human intelligence

processes by machines, especially computer systems.

 Machine learning: A type of AI that allows computers to learn and

improve from experience without being explicitly programmed.

 Automation: The use of technology to perform tasks without human

intervention.

 Digital technology: Tools, systems, or devices that use digital

methods to process and store data (e.g., computers, smartphones).

 Efficiency: The ability to do something well without wasting time or

resources.
  Disruptive innovation: A new technology or idea that significantly
changes or disrupts an industry or market.

 Privacy: The state of being free from public attention or intrusion,

particularly with respect to personal information.

 Security: Measures taken to protect against unauthorized access,

attacks, or damage to information or systems.

 Job displacement: The loss of jobs due to automation or other

technological changes.

 Technological advancement: The development of new technologies

or improvements to existing technologies.

2. The Importance of Mental Health Awareness

Vocabulary:

 Mental health: A person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-

being that affects how they think, feel, and act.

 Well-being: The state of being happy, healthy, and content.

 Stigma: A negative perception or mark of disgrace associated with

something, often leading to discrimination.

 Psychological support: Assistance provided to help individuals cope

with emotional or mental challenges.

 Depression: A mental health disorder characterized by persistent

feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in activities.

 Anxiety: A mental health condition marked by excessive worry, fear,

or nervousness.

 Therapists: Professionals trained to help individuals manage mental

health issues through talking and other methods.

 Self-care: The practice of taking action to preserve or improve one’s

own health and well-being.

 Awareness campaigns: Organized efforts to increase public

knowledge or understanding of an issue.

 Resilience: The ability to recover from or adapt to difficult or

challenging situations.
  Mental illness: A disorder affecting a person’s thoughts, emotions,
and behavior, often impairing their ability to function.

3. The Benefits and Challenges of Online Education

Vocabulary:

 E-learning: Learning conducted via electronic media, typically on the

internet.

 Digital platforms: Online systems that provide a space for

communication, learning, or conducting business (e.g., learning
management systems).

 Flexibility: The ability to adapt to different conditions or schedules,

making something more convenient.

 Self-discipline: The ability to control one’s emotions, behaviors, and

actions, especially in difficult situations or without external influence.

 Distractions: Things that prevent concentration or focus from the

main task.

 Remote learning: Education that takes place outside of a traditional

classroom setting, often through online platforms.

 Interactive tools: Digital tools that allow students to engage actively

with the content, often through quizzes, discussion forums, and virtual
classrooms.

 Academic integrity: The commitment to honesty and fairness in

academic work, avoiding cheating or plagiarism.

 Personalized education: Education that is tailored to the needs,

strengths, and weaknesses of individual students.

 Student engagement: The degree of interest, enthusiasm, and

participation that students show in the learning process.

4. The Role of Sports in Society

Vocabulary:

 Physical activity: Any movement of the body that requires energy

expenditure, typically for health or fitness purposes.
  Teamwork: The process of working collaboratively with others to
achieve a common goal.

 Discipline: The ability to follow rules or a set of instructions, often

associated with self-control and consistency.

 Sportsmanship: Fair and respectful behavior while participating in

sports.

 Community spirit: A sense of unity and shared purpose within a

group or community, often fostered through collective activities like
sports.

 Professional athletes: Individuals who make a living by competing in

sports at a high level.

 Sponsorship: Financial support provided to an individual, event, or

organization, often in exchange for promotional opportunities.

 Public health: The health and well-being of a population, often

addressed through programs or policies that promote healthy
lifestyles.

 Mental toughness: The ability to maintain focus and persistence in

the face of challenges or adversity.

 Role models: Individuals who are admired for their qualities or

achievements and serve as an example for others to follow.

5. The Influence of Social Media on Young People

Vocabulary:

 Social media: Websites and applications that enable users to create,

share, and interact with content and other users.

 Cyberbullying: The use of digital platforms to harass, threaten, or

intimidate others.

 Self-esteem: The sense of one’s own worth or value.

 Peer pressure: Influence from members of one’s peer group to adopt

certain behaviors or attitudes.
 Online identity: The way an individual presents themselves on the
internet, often through social media profiles and content.

 Validation: The recognition or acceptance of one’s feelings, thoughts,

or actions.

 Addiction: A compulsive need to engage in a behavior, often despite

negative consequences.

 Overexposure: Excessive visibility or presence, especially on social

media, leading to potential mental health issues.

 Mental health: The emotional, psychological, and social well-being

that affects how people think, feel, and act.

 Digital footprint: The trail of data or information left by a person’s

online activity, including social media posts, comments, and website
visits.