Discussing methods of communication now and in the future – Sample IELTS Speaking part 1, 2, 3 

IELTS Speaking part 1: Discussing methods of communication now and in the future

Please listen to Mytour's Podcast Part 1 sample:

1. What is your preferred method of communication? Why?

Text texts are my go-to communication method. I now prefer text messages to phone calls since, in contrast to phone calls, the person you are contacting doesn’t feel forced to respond right away. If they’re engaged in anything, it can take them a few hours to respond, but the discussion will still continue.

• Go-to communication method (n): phương thức giao tiếp yêu thích

2. How do people maintain contact differently now compared to fifty years ago?

Of course, individuals increasingly use both the Internet and mobile devices. No one in my tight circle of friends had a mobile phone when I was a teenager. In today’s society, having one is seen as necessary, and not having one would make you feel ostracized. But as I’ve already said, I think face-to-face contact is superior to using technology. The advantages of “traditional” communication are numerous.

• Tight circle of friends (n): vòng tròn bạn bè chặt chẽ
• Ostracized (adj): tẩy chay
• Be superior to (adj): vượt trội so với

3. In your opinion, how will communication methods evolve in the future?

I believe that only technology will be used for communication. Most likely, people will talk to one another mentally. Technologies will exist that enable people to convey their ideas to others. It might even be possible for people to communicate and interact electronically with one another.

• Convey (v): truyền tải
• Interact electronically: tương tác điện tử

IELTS Speaking part 2: Discussing methods of communication in the present and future

For this task, candidates need to clarify the differences between current and future communication. Therefore, candidates should highlight how advancements in current communication impact human life today. 

Candidates can choose to discuss multiple forms of communication simultaneously or focus on a prominent communication method. However, regardless of the chosen format, candidates should concentrate on key features and avoid digressing, ensuring their speech remains succinct.

Example: Discussing methods of communication now and in the future

Join us in listening to Mytour's Podcast Part 2 sample:

The means of communication we use today were merely the stuff of science fiction fifty years ago. With a smartphone, you can do more than most speculative fiction writers dared to imagine: you can make calls, browse the web, play games, run apps, and more. So what comes next?

In the near future, we’ll probably notice a gradual disappearance of older cell phones. More people will use cellphones as they become more widely available and more affordable. It happens gradually. Like with most new technology, the early adopters are usually a group of enthusiastic users. Sometimes the broader public will adopt the innovations of the early adopters; the compact disc is a prime example of this. In other instances, such as with LaserDiscs, the early adopters wind up holding technology that becomes outdated without ever gaining widespread popularity.

Smartphones appear to fall under the first group. The mainstream market for smartphones has been opened up by items like the Apple iPhone and the Android operating system from Google. The first 4G smartphone for a significant carrier in the US debuted in 2010. On Sprint’s WiMAX network, it was the HTC EVO 4G. Compared to other networks, the 4G network enables quicker data transfer rates.

The Internet will keep expanding its influence in communication. Numerous communication products and services already heavily rely on voice over Internet protocol (VoIP). Users are able to communicate with networks of individuals via websites like Facebook and Twitter. People now have a platform from which to address the world thanks to the growth of the Web. Only politicians and famous persons were able to address large crowds of people simultaneously in the past. Now, anyone with access to the Internet can carry out the same action.

These changes could impact everything from politics to entertainment. Individuals with ambitions might find it easier than ever to reach a wide audience using the Internet as a tool for communication. It may not be long before a relatively unpopular candidate leverages the Internet to gain enough support to win the U.S. presidency.

We have explored several common developments in communication so far.

Key Vocabulary

• Speculative (adj): đầu cơ
• Fiction writers (n): nhà văn tiểu thuyết
• Compact disc (n): đĩa compact
• Wind up = end up (v): kết thúc
• Fall under the first group (v): là trường hợp thứ nhất
• Debut (v): ra mắt
• Internet protocol (n): Giao thức Internet
• Simultaneously (adv): đồng thời

IELTS Speaking part 3: Discussing methods of communication now and in the future

Listen to Mytour's Part 3 podcast example here:

1. What changes are occurring in interpersonal communication?

There is little doubt that communication has altered over the past few decades. We can now see each other while speaking instead of having to rely on letters dropped by pigeons. Previously, people would go out and meet each other in person, but thanks to technological advancements, people are now at ease staying in their rooms and communicating via smartphones. See the brief, concise messages now rather than those lengthy letters.

• Pigeons (n): chim bồ câu
• At ease (adj): thoải mái
• The brief, concise messages (n): thông điệp ngắn gọn, súc tích

2. It used to be typical to converse with strangers. Do you think it’s appropriate to communicate with unfamiliar individuals?

I believe it is acceptable only when done with the goal of getting to know the other person or perhaps just for fun. Because all of our friends, no matter how wonderful they are now, were once strangers. However, if one starts talking to someone they have never met or have no shared interest with, it may often go extremely wrong, especially if they are traveling alone.

• Share interest with (v): chia sẻ sở thích với

3. How have mobile phones altered communication?

With the advent of smartphones, messaging has replaced talking as our primary mode of communication. Calls were used to communicate in the past, but now we have WhatsApp, social media, and so much more at our fingertips. In the past, there was anticipation for the letter that was about to arrive, followed by excitement as one read it and responded. It is now pretty quick. When I want to talk to someone, I can do so in a matter of seconds, get a response, and then continue. Although it has made interactions simpler, I believe the fun of waiting and learning about someone else’s life has been lost.

• The advent of smartphones (n): sự ra đời của điện thoại thông minh
• At sb’s fingertips: trong tầm tay
• Anticipation (n): dự đoán

4. Do you believe people can communicate with ghosts and spirits?

I’m not entirely certain. However, I believe that if people claim to be able to communicate with ghosts and spirits, we should investigate this. Since science is unable to explain their existence, if it is possible it suggests that ghosts and spirits really exist. This raises a very important question for science.

• Investigate (v): khảo sát

5. What constitutes the most fundamental form of communication?

• Human interaction (n): tương tác của con người