“Conversation Starter Lesson Series: Intermediate” is designed for intermediate-level ESL learners who want to improve their fluency and confidence in speaking English.
Each lesson includes an engaging reading material with audio, vocabulary and expressions, comprehension questions, and discussion questions to be used for one to one class, group class, or self-study for both online and offline classes.
Unit 10: Science and Technology
Story 05: Virtual Reality
Key Lesson Vocabulary & Expressions: Look over and review before proceeding.
- Skeptical
- Immersive
- Simulations
- Motion sickness
- Addiction
- Prohibitive
- Ethics
- Propaganda
- Manipulate
- Downsides
Read or Listen to the following passage:
As an avid technology user, I have experimented with virtual reality (VR) before. While there are some benefits to using VR, I remain skeptical of its long-term impact on society. One of the main pros of VR is its ability to provide immersive experiences, such as in gaming or simulations. It can also be used in education or therapy to simulate real-life scenarios.
However, I also see several potential cons. For one, extended use of VR can cause discomfort or motion sickness. Moreover, it can be isolating, cutting users off from the real world and social interaction. Additionally, there is concern about the effect on mental health and addiction. Another potential problem is the cost of VR equipment, which can be prohibitive for many individuals and communities.
I also have concerns about the ethical implications of VR. With the ability to create highly realistic simulations, it raises questions about how far we should go in recreating experiences or environments that could potentially be harmful or exploitative. Furthermore, there is the danger of VR being used for propaganda or to manipulate individuals in ways that they are not aware of.
Overall, while there are certainly benefits to VR, I believe that we should approach its use with caution and be aware of its potential downsides.
Comprehension Questions:
- What is virtual reality?
- What are some benefits of using virtual reality?
- What are some potential negative effects of using virtual reality?
- How can virtual reality be isolating?
- What are some ethical concerns about virtual reality?
Conversations Starters:
- Have you ever tried virtual reality technology? What was your experience like?
- How do you think virtual reality will change the way we live our lives in the future?
- Do you think virtual reality will become a major part of entertainment, education, or other industries? Why or why not?
- What are some potential drawbacks or risks associated with virtual reality?
- How might virtual reality impact the way we interact with each other on a social level?
- Do you think virtual reality will ever fully replace traditional forms of entertainment or education? Why or why not?
- How might virtual reality be used in healthcare or therapy?
- Are you excited about the possibilities of virtual reality, or do you think it’s overhyped? Why?
- What ethical concerns might arise with the use of virtual reality technology?
- How do you see virtual reality evolving and improving in the coming years?t?
