PIRMĀ SEMESTRA NOSLĒGUMA TESTI
Living in the Digital Age
Technology has become a central part of modern life. From the moment we wake up to the moment we go to sleep, we use some form of technology – whether it’s checking the time on a phone, using public transport with a digital ticket, or attending online classes. It affects how we communicate, work, study, travel, and even relax. But as technology continues to evolve, we must ask: How is it shaping our future?
How Technology Affects Our Daily Lives
Today, technology helps make everyday tasks faster and easier. We use smartphones to set alarms, message friends, take photos, and access information instantly. Many students attend virtual classes, and employees work remotely using video calls and digital tools. In health care, technology supports doctors through machines that help diagnose illnesses and track patient data.
In the home, smart technology such as voice assistants, smart lights, and robotic vacuum cleaners make daily routines more convenient. At the same time, apps and websites help us manage money, shop online, or learn new skills like languages or coding.
The Positive and Negative Sides
Technology has changed our lives in many positive ways. It helps us complete tasks more quickly and efficiently, giving us more time for other activities. With just a few clicks, we can access information, learn new skills, or communicate with people anywhere in the world. Technology also drives innovation, creating new tools to solve major problems – from developing clean energy to improving medical research.
However, these benefits come with challenges. One of the biggest issues today is screen time – many people spend too many hours in front of screens, which can affect their health, sleep, and relationships. There are also concerns about privacy, as personal data can be collected and shared without our full awareness. In addition, technology is transforming the job market: some roles disappear as machines and artificial intelligence take over certain tasks, while new professions are created.
However, these benefits come with challenges. One of the biggest issues today is screen time – many people spend too many hours in front of screens, which can affect their health, sleep, and relationships. There are also concerns about privacy, as personal data can be collected and shared without our full awareness. In addition, technology is transforming the job market: some roles disappear as machines and artificial intelligence take over certain tasks, while new professions are created.
Technology in the Future
In the next 10 to 20 years, we can expect even bigger changes. Artificial Intelligence (AI) will play a larger role in business, education, and transportation. Self-driving cars, smart cities, and robots working in shops or hospitals may become normal. People might use virtual reality (VR) to attend meetings or concerts without leaving their homes. At the same time, new technologies will raise important questions: Who controls the technology? Will everyone have equal access? How do we protect jobs, privacy, and mental health?
Key Vocabulary:
data privacy — [ˈdeɪ.tə] — the right to control who sees and uses your personal information; personas datu privātums
digital tool — [ˈdɪdʒ.ɪ.təl tuːl] — programs and devices used for communication or productivity; digitāls rīks
evolve — [ɪˈvɒlv] — to develop or change gradually over time; attīstīties, izvērsties
remote work — [rɪˈməʊt wɜːk] — working from home or outside the office using technology; attālināts darbs jeb darbs no mājām
screen time (also: screentime) — [ˈskriːn ˌtaɪm] — the amount of time spent using a screen (TV, phone, computer); ekrāna laiks jeb laiks, ko cilvēks pavada pie digitālām ierīcēm
self-driving car — [ˌselfˈdraɪ.vɪŋ kɑːr] — a vehicle that can operate without a human drive; autonoms jeb pašbraucošs transportlīdzeklis (piemēram, automašīna)
smart technology — [smɑːt tekˈnɒl.ə.dʒi] — devices that connect to the internet and can be controlled remotely; viedās tehnoloģijas
virtual reality (abbreviation: VR) — [ˌvɜː.tju.əl riˈæl.ɪ.ti] — a computer-made world you can experience through a headset; virtuālā realitāte
digital tool — [ˈdɪdʒ.ɪ.təl tuːl] — programs and devices used for communication or productivity; digitāls rīks
evolve — [ɪˈvɒlv] — to develop or change gradually over time; attīstīties, izvērsties
remote work — [rɪˈməʊt wɜːk] — working from home or outside the office using technology; attālināts darbs jeb darbs no mājām
screen time (also: screentime) — [ˈskriːn ˌtaɪm] — the amount of time spent using a screen (TV, phone, computer); ekrāna laiks jeb laiks, ko cilvēks pavada pie digitālām ierīcēm
self-driving car — [ˌselfˈdraɪ.vɪŋ kɑːr] — a vehicle that can operate without a human drive; autonoms jeb pašbraucošs transportlīdzeklis (piemēram, automašīna)
smart technology — [smɑːt tekˈnɒl.ə.dʒi] — devices that connect to the internet and can be controlled remotely; viedās tehnoloģijas
virtual reality (abbreviation: VR) — [ˌvɜː.tju.əl riˈæl.ɪ.ti] — a computer-made world you can experience through a headset; virtuālā realitāte
Practice: now that you have learned the key vocabulary, it is time to use it in practice. Think how you would answer the discussion-type questions, which will help you develop the ability to give longer answers and practise how to express your opinion — just as in an English exam or real conversation. For each question, an answer prompt is available to guide you.
Discussion-Type Questions
Discussion-Type Questions
1. What is one piece of technology you use every day? How does it help you?
"Personally, I use my smartphone every day, and I think it’s the most useful piece of technology in my life. It helps me stay organised, communicate with friends, and access information instantly. For example, I use it to check emails, plan my schedule, and even study languages online. In my opinion, the smartphone saves time and makes daily tasks easier, but it’s also important to manage screen time so that technology stays helpful and not distracting."
2. Do you think technology will make life better or more difficult in the future? Why?
"Personally, I believe technology will make life both better and more challenging in the future. On the one hand, it will improve healthcare, communication, and education, making daily life faster and more comfortable. For example, smart devices and artificial intelligence can help people work more efficiently and even save lives. On the other hand, too much dependence on technology might reduce real human contact and increase stress. In my opinion, the key is balance – using technology wisely to make life better without losing what makes us human."
3. What are some ways to use technology more responsibly?
"These days, it’s easy to forget how much technology shapes our lives, so using it responsibly is very important. For example, we can set time limits, double-check facts before posting, and protect our personal information. I also think we should learn to disconnect sometimes and focus on real conversations. In the end, responsible technology use helps us stay healthy, focused, and respectful online."
4. Which future invention would you most like to see?
"I would really like to see an invention that helps the environment, such as a machine that can clean the oceans or turn waste into clean energy. I think technology should be used to solve real-world problems, not just to make life more comfortable. For example, an eco-friendly invention could reduce pollution and protect animals. In my opinion, the best future technologies will be those that make our planet healthier and help people live in harmony with nature."
Practice speaking more:
In real life and English exams, you may need to discuss a topic or defend your opinion in a short conversation. For example, during a speaking test, you might have to agree or disagree with a statement and explain your reasons. In class, you usually do this in pairs or small groups to practise real communication. Take a look at the task.
| Pair speaking task: discuss and defend your opinion Topic: “Life would be better without smartphones.” Instructions for Students: 1. Think about whether you agree or disagree with the statement above. 2. Agree or disagree (select one claim to support with reasons or/and examples): Smartphones cause problems in our lives. Smartphones are useful and make life easier. 3. Prepare two reasons to support the opinion or claim you have chosen. Use data examples, if possible. 4. Take turns explaining your selected argument to your partner. 5. Your partner should ask at least one follow-up question (e.g. “Why do you think that?” or “Are you really sure, but what about...?”). |
Learn: now let's study some vocabulary that would help you to succeed in this task:
1. Giving reasons or evidence
One main reason is that…
This is because…
For instance…
Another reason is…
The evidence shows that…
Studies have shown that…
2. Adding or contrasting ideas
Moreover / Furthermore / In addition…
However / On the other hand…
While some people say that…, I believe…
Although it’s true that…, we should remember that…
3. Concluding your opinion
To sum up, I believe that…
Overall, it seems clear that…
That’s why I think…
In conclusion, we can say that…
One main reason is that…
This is because…
For instance…
Another reason is…
The evidence shows that…
Studies have shown that…
2. Adding or contrasting ideas
Moreover / Furthermore / In addition…
However / On the other hand…
While some people say that…, I believe…
Although it’s true that…, we should remember that…
3. Concluding your opinion
To sum up, I believe that…
Overall, it seems clear that…
That’s why I think…
In conclusion, we can say that…
Model answer. Read and listen:
"I disagree with the idea that life would be better without smartphones.
One main reason is that smartphones make communication faster and easier. We can call, message, or video chat with family and friends even if they live in another country. For instance, I talk to my cousin in Germany almost every day, which would be impossible without a smartphone.
Another reason is that smartphones help people in work and education. We can take notes, check information quickly, or use learning apps. Moreover, they allow students to study anywhere, which is very useful for people with busy schedules.
However, I also understand that using smartphones too much can cause problems like stress or lack of focus. Although it’s true that some people spend too much time online, we should remember that the problem is not the phone itself, but how we use it.
To sum up, I believe that smartphones are useful tools that make life more convenient and connected. Overall, it seems clear that if we use them responsibly, they improve our lives instead of making them worse."
One main reason is that smartphones make communication faster and easier. We can call, message, or video chat with family and friends even if they live in another country. For instance, I talk to my cousin in Germany almost every day, which would be impossible without a smartphone.
Another reason is that smartphones help people in work and education. We can take notes, check information quickly, or use learning apps. Moreover, they allow students to study anywhere, which is very useful for people with busy schedules.
However, I also understand that using smartphones too much can cause problems like stress or lack of focus. Although it’s true that some people spend too much time online, we should remember that the problem is not the phone itself, but how we use it.
To sum up, I believe that smartphones are useful tools that make life more convenient and connected. Overall, it seems clear that if we use them responsibly, they improve our lives instead of making them worse."