The Internet and Social Media: conversation questions
Online life, social apps, news, and staying safe on the internet. 20 questions from A1 to C1, with follow-ups and role plays. Answer out loud in full sentences.
Show questions for
A1Beginner
What do you usually do online?Then: Which website do you visit most?
Do you use social media?Then: Which apps do you like?
Do you watch videos online?Then: What kind of videos do you like?
Do you like voice messages or text messages better?
Do you read the news on your phone?
A2Elementary
When did you first use the internet?Then: What did you use it for?
Have you ever made a friend online?Then: How did you meet?
Is it better to call someone or to send a message?Then: When do you prefer each one?
What was the last funny thing you saw online?
B1Intermediate
Have you ever taken a break from social media?Then: How did it feel?
How can you tell if a news story online is true?Then: Have you ever believed something that turned out to be false?
If you could only use one website or app for a month, which one would you keep?
What advice would you give someone about keeping their personal information safe online?
Do you think people used to communicate better before social media?
B2Upper intermediate
What are the pros and cons of sharing photos of your daily life online?
If social media had never been invented, how might friendships and communities be different today?
How has the way people get their news changed over the last twenty years?Then: Is that change mostly positive?
C1Advanced
Who should be mainly responsible for stopping false information online: platforms, governments, or users themselves?
Many apps are designed to keep us scrolling. To what extent is that a design problem, and to what extent a personal one?
Do online communities bring people together across differences, or mostly push them into groups that think alike?
Role plays
Work with a partner or a tutor. Read the situation together, then each person opens only their own card. Use the phrases to help you.
B1 Intermediate
Asking a friend to remove a photo
A friend posted a photo of you online without asking first. You like your friend, but you prefer to keep your life private online.
Card A: Person in the photo
Explain how you feel without sounding angry. Ask your friend to take the photo down, or find another solution you are both happy with.
Card B: Friend who posted it
You thought it was a nice photo, and lots of people have already liked it. You feel a little hurt at first. Listen, ask questions, and suggest a compromise.
Useful phrases
I don’t want to make a big deal out of it, but…
I’d feel more comfortable if…
I didn’t mean to…
Would it help if I…?
Next time, could you ask me first?
B2 Upper intermediate
Reporting a hacked account
Someone has taken over your social media account, and it is sending strange messages to your contacts. You contact the platform’s support team by chat.
Card A: Account owner
Explain what has happened and why it is urgent. You can’t log in anymore. Ask how long it will take and what you should tell your contacts.
Card B: Support agent
You must confirm the person’s identity, but you can never ask for a password. Ask useful questions, explain the recovery steps, and give a realistic timeline.