Free Time and Technology

Instructions:

Write 5–6 sentences explaining whether you think technology makes your free time better or worse. Give at least one example from your life. Then, reply to one classmate’s post with your opinion.

Useful phrases:

I believe that… / In my opinion…
For example, I use…
I agree with you because…
I think differently because…

Example:

I think technology is helping my free time. I often watch series on my tablet or listen to music on Spotify in the evenings. It helps me relax after school. I also use apps to learn new things, like how to draw or cook. However, I sometimes spend too much time scrolling on my phone and forget to do something active. In my opinion, technology can be good to use in our free time, but we should use it in balance.

Instructions:

Read the text and answer the questions

Reading Text: How I Unplug on the Weekend

During the week, I use technology all the time. I check my phone in the morning, use a laptop for schoolwork, and scroll through social media before bed. But on the weekend, I try something different — I unplug.

On Saturday mornings, I switch off my phone and don’t turn it back on until Sunday evening. It’s not easy at first. I often feel like I’m missing something. But after a few hours, I feel more relaxed and focused.

Instead of watching videos or playing games, I spend time outside. I usually go for a long walk in the park or ride my bike. Sometimes I meet up with friends for coffee or a board game. Without screens, our conversations feel more real and fun.

I also use the weekend to try new offline hobbies. Last month, I started learning how to cook. I’ve already made homemade pasta, pancakes, and Thai curry. Cooking helps me feel creative and proud of what I can make without using an app or YouTube tutorial.

On Sunday evenings, when I turn my phone back on, I usually have lots of notifications. But I don’t feel the need to reply to everything right away. Taking a break from screens reminds me that I’m in control of my time, not my phone.

Instructions:

Record yourself speaking for 1–2 minutes about your free time on the weekend.
In your recording, include:

1. What you usually do online during the weekend (e.g., watch videos, scroll, play games)
2. What you like doing offline (e.g., read, cook, go outside)
3. Which one you enjoy more — and why
4. One piece of advice for someone who spends too much time online

Language Support:

• I usually / often / sometimes…
• On the weekend, I…
• I prefer ___ because…
• I think we should…
• A good idea is to..

Example Response:

On the weekend, I usually watch YouTube videos and play games online with my friends. I also spend some time scrolling through Instagram. But I don’t use my phone all day. I also like to read and go for a run. I prefer offline time because it helps me feel relaxed and healthy. My advice is to take a break every hour and do something without a screen, like stretching or talking with your family.

Instructions

Write a paragraph (8–10 sentences) describing what you do in your free time online and offline.
In your writing, include:

• What you usually do online (e.g., social media, videos, gaming)
• What you like doing offline (e.g., sports, hobbies, time with friends)
• Which you prefer and why
• Use at least two adverbs of frequency (e.g., usually, sometimes, never)
• Use at least two linking words (e.g., but, although, while, because)

Tip: Try to compare online and offline time clearly. Check your grammar and spelling before submitting.

Example starter:

In my free time, I usually play games online with my friends. I also watch short videos and listen to music. But when I want to relax, I go outside for a walk or read a book. I like both, but I prefer offline time because it helps me rest my eyes and clear my mind…

Verbs & Actions

• stream
• scroll
• swipe
• post
• upload
• download
• charge
• unplug
• connect
• relax

Nouns

• screen time
• device
• playlist
• content
• notification
• message
• app
• video
• account
• selfie

Collocations & Phrases

• go offline
• binge-watch a series
• spend time online
• take a break from screens
• check your phone
• play video games
• send a message
• use an app
• listen to music
• share a post