Speaking topic: Technology advances - Question about technology

·         What is technology? ( Technology refers to the collection of tools, including machinery, modifications, arrangements and procedures used by humans)

·         What is science? (Science is knowledge attained through study or practice. Science refers to a system of acquiring knowledge. This system uses observation and experimentation to describe and explain natural phenomena)

·         What is the difference between science and technology? (Science and technology are closely related to each other as both playing a vital role in our lives. But the goal of science is the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake (mục đích lợi ích) while the goal of technology is to create products that solve problems and improve human life. Simply put, technology is the practical application of science)

·         What are some of the greatest technological achievements? (Automobile, Television, computers, Air conditioning and Refrigeration, Internet, Nuclear technology, Household appliances)

·         What are the advantages of technology? (Higher profit: new technologies increase work efficiency, which in turn, increases productivity. Moreover, fewer work forces are needed as new technologies can automate the work thus reducing the costs. Fast access to information: the search engines in the Internet can help you find information on any topic that you’re looking for. Increase communication: emails can be sent and replied within minutes. Speed up work: many gadgets from household chores to office work that can help you to do quite a number of things in relatively less time)

·         What are the disadvantages of technology? (Technology has deprived mankind of the warmth of personal contact. The spread of the Internet is directly responsible for people’s sedentary lifestyle and many health problems, such as obesity and back pain. Fears of job loss have become one of the most common sources of social anxiety in these years, as computerized has undermined the traditional position of labor by eliminating jobs).

·         In your opinion, what is the greatest technological invention? Why? ( Undoubtedly, ones connected with the Internet. The Internet has created a global village where everyone can easily and cheaply contact almost anyone in the world, just to chat or to do business or to find love. It’s a revolution, the like of which I don’t think has been seen before. We have the Internet at home through our personal computers but also on the move through the use of smart phones and laptops, so wherever we are, we have access to almost limitless sources of knowledge)

·         Do you think pets should be cloned? Why or why not?

·         Do you think people should be allowed to clone people or organs of people? Why?

·         What do you think about GMO (genetically modified organisms) vegetables?

o    Is it better to use natural food although it might not produce as much or should we use GMO crops?

·         What do you think about GMO farm animals?

o    Would you eat pork from a GMO cow?

·         Are you willing to pay more for food that is really organic?

o    How much more?

·         What do you think robots should be used for?

·         Do you think robots will cause unemployment (loss of jobs) in the future or make more work? Why?

·         Do you think using cell phones too much is bad for our physical or mental health? Why? (Cell phones have detrimental effects on user’s health. For example, long-time heavy phone users seem to be prone to certain types of cancers, though evidence to date is inconclusive. Another lethal health concern is the link between mobile phones and road accidents. It is argued that motorist have a much higher risk of collisions and losing control of the vehicle when driving and talking on the phone simultaneously)

·         How do you think face to face communication differs from communication using computers? (Communication using a computer is greatly degraded compared to face-to-face . Obviously with computer it's more straightforward. face to face is much more personal since you can hear the tone in which the dialogue is said and the body language, the hand expressions and face expressions. i prefer face to face for that reason. with computer you don't even know what the person is really thinking)

·         What social changes have cell phones made? (The World Has Become a Smaller Place. It is Easier to Keep in Touch. Easy Access to Knowledge - The Internet which was previously limited to a computer. No More Letters - Just Texts. Phone Numbers Have become Personal Identities)

·         What are good and bad points of using computers? (Using computer can be either beneficial or harmful, so moderation is the key. Excessive use of computers is unarguably detrimental, as it can place children at risk in terms of their physical, social and psychological development. Some children are so immersed in the computer that they are rarely concerned about people and matters around them. Another hazard of excessive computer use is the exposure to violent and sexual contents beyond ages, which have long-term negative effects on their lives.

Despite of the negative effects, adults can take advantage of computer in different areas of education. For instance, it can be used to play video, mp3. Installing useful applications that support to your study)

·         Do you think to stop global warming that the amount of car driving should be limited or changed?

·         What are some local ways you have seen to reduce waste and pollution or conserve energy?

·         In your life time what changes have you seen in your environment for better or worse? ( The continued improvement in technology undoubtedly accelerates industrialization but meanwhile leads to the deterioration of the natural environment. Accompanied by technological development, many problems, such as over-exploitation of natural resources, intense use of artificial fertilizers, reliance on automobiles and deforestation, have arisen and intensified. Even worse, little progress has been made toward addressing these problems, possibly because implementing environmentally friendly policies will inevitably impede the development of energy-intensive industries.

·         Do you think modern technology reduces or increases stress? Why? ( I believe that many stress-related diseases are attributed to the increasingly fierce competition in society, a result of technological development. Fears of job loss have become one of the most common sources of social anxiety in these years, as computerization has undermined the traditional position of labor by eliminating jobs.

Moreover, cellphones and laptops make people accessible to their superiors wherever they go and wherever they are. Consequently, people are more stressed than any generation before I belive)

·         Do you think money should be spent to explore space or is it better spent helping people on earth? Why? (Some people may claim that space research is just waste of money. However, in my view, people should adopt a broader perspective in evaluating the merits of space ambition. This investment can be paid off someday in the future. This is because the world’s population is now growing to a stage where there are too many people for the planet to support, highlighting the need to seek land suitable for people’s re-settlement off the planet. Maybe the earth is still able to accommodate the increasing population, but water supply, waste treatment, sewage disposal and sanitation will become unmanageable for the capacity of our planet.)

·         What is your opinion about children playing violent video games or computer programs? ( In my view, computer games that have violent themes should be completely forbidden. This is because repeated exposure to violence has been recognized as a decisive element ( nhân tố quyết định) responsible for children subsequent aggressive behavior)

·         What do you think should be done to people who spread viruses, start hoaxes or create spam on the Internet?

·         How often do you buy things on the Internet? ( I use the Internet to do a bit of Internet shopping, like booking flights and accommodation for my holidays)

·         Do you worry about identity theft or credit card number theft when buying things on the Internet or do you avoid buying things online because of this concern?

·         Have you used a chat site?

·         Have you ever used voice chat?

·         Have you used the Internet to learn English or read or talk in English?

·         What are the pros and cons (good and bad points) about improving your English by Internet rather than with a teacher?

·         Do you have a smart phone?

·         Can you access the internet on your telephone?

·         Facebook often gets in trouble for not having very good privacy settings. Do you think that this really is a big problem?

·         How much private information are you prepared to share about yourself on the internet?

·         Do you feel comfortable with the idea of Artificial Intelligence (that robots can think)?

·         What was your favorite science subject?

o    Biology? Physics? Chemistry? Why?

·         How will science change the world in the next 100 years?

·         What changes would you like to see science make to the world?

·         Do you think that one day science will find a way to make people live forever? If so, do you think that that would be a good or a bad thing?

·         Do you think technological advances are always good? Or can they sometimes be bad and harmful? ( There is no doubt that people are truly impressed by the benefits brought by technologies, in the mean times, it is important to evaluate the negative impacts and take precautions in advance)

·         How have technological advances affected communication/ how we receive news/ the medical field/ education?

·         How have technological advances affected our life? (

-          Lifestyles are changed by technological advances. Before computers and the Internet were created, most working people struggled with a lack of leisure time and the balance between family life and work life. They were fully occupied by employment and various chores, such as shopping. With Internet, they are now able to spend much less time on those routine, dull activities and lead active leisure lives.

-          The availability of various means of transport has released working people from lengthy commutes

-          There is no doubt that technological advances have brought an immense amount of benefits to our live. However, there are disadvantages. One of the most negative aspects is that it alters our social behaviors and habits. For many people, spending most of the day on the Internet is quite normal. Consequently, it can be expected that those who are addicted to the Internet may become socially isolated. Poor social life and feelings of loneliness are those problems that are very often found among heavy users. It is also likely that people have become increasingly accustomed to living in the world that appreciates convenience and inactivity. It gives explanation of why the sedentary lifestyle is now prevailing. It is also true that many people finally end up with struggling with deteriorating health.)