Module 03 —Technology and Phones
Modals: must/should/have to/can/could · Reading matching · Listening note completion
A2 Key parts in this lesson
Why this lesson now? Extends Reading 3 into opinion questions.
Your level · You are here
Get ready · 01
5 minGet talking
In small groups, list three rules for using phones at work or in class. Use 'must' or 'mustn't'.
Tell your partner about a time you needed help with technology.
Ask your partner three things they can or can't do with their phone.
Grammar for the Exam · 02
8–10 minModals: must / should / have to / can / could
- must/have to = necessary
- should = good idea/advice
- mustn't = not allowed
- can/could = ability or possibility.
- 1We use must and have to for rules and things that are necessary.
- 2Must often comes from the speaker; have to often describes an outside rule.
- 3Should gives advice — it is weaker than must.
- 4Mustn't means something is not allowed, which is different from don't have to (not necessary).
- 5Can and could talk about ability or asking politely for permission — could is more polite than can.
You must charge your phone before the trip — we won't have time later.
You have to show your ticket on this app before you get on the bus.
You should update your phone software regularly.
You mustn't use your phone during the meeting.
Could I borrow your charger for five minutes?
Question 1.You ____ turn off your phone during the film — it's the cinema rule.
Question 2.I think you ____ back up your photos — it's a good idea.
Question 3.You ____ use your phone while driving — it's against the law.
Question 4.____ I use your laptop for a minute?
Question 5.You don't ____ buy a new phone — yours still works fine.
Quick check 1.Which sentence means 'it is not allowed'?
Exam Vocabulary · 03
5–7 minWords & phrases to own
to put electricity into a battery
How often do you have to charge your phone?
to install the newest version
Should people update their phones often? Why?
how long a battery lasts before charging
Is battery life important when you buy a phone?
What to do
Match each technology word with its meaning.
Tap an item on the left, then tap its match on the right.
Activation · Personalise · Recycle
Use technology vocabulary with modal verbs.
Ask your partner
- Should you charge your phone overnight?
- How often should you update your apps?
- What was the last app you had to download for work or study?
"For me, battery life is..."battery life
Should cafés and shops have free Wi-Fi for customers? Give a reason.
Give your answer + one reason.
Write 30 words of advice for someone with a new phone, using 'should' and 'must'.
What to do
- 1.Read about five people and their technology problems.
- 2.Match each person to the notice, A–H, that best helps them.
- 3.There are three notices you do not need.
Tap a person, then tap the text that best matches their needs.
The 5 people
The 8 texts
Pronunciation for Speaking · 04
3–4 minLinking 'have to' and weak 'must'
have to often sounds like hafta. must is usually said quickly and weakly in the middle of a sentence.
- • You have to show your ticket.
- • I must remember to charge my phone.
- • You should update the app.
- • You mustn't share your password.
Reading Skills · 05
8–10 minReading — living without a smartphone for a week
Read along — listen to the text
Tap play to listen. Replay as many times as you need.
Last month, Carla decided to try something unusual: she left her smartphone at home for one whole week and used an old, simple phone instead. She works in marketing, so at first she thought it would be impossible.
The first two days were difficult. She had to write down directions before leaving the house, because she couldn't use a map app. She also had to call people instead of sending messages, which felt strange at first.
By the third day, Carla noticed she had much more free time in the evenings. She usually spent an hour a day looking at social media, and without it, she read two books that week. She says she should have tried this experiment years ago.
At the end of the week, Carla went back to her smartphone, but she changed one habit: she now turns her phone off two hours before bed every night. 'You don't have to give up your phone completely,' she says, 'but you should think about when you really need it.'
Question 1.What did Carla use instead of her smartphone?
Question 2.What was difficult about the first two days?
Question 3.What did Carla do more of by the third day?
Question 4.What habit did Carla keep after the experiment?
Question 5.What is Carla's main message at the end?
Listening Skills · 06
8–10 minListening — booking a phone repair
Listening audio
Tap play to listen. Replay as many times as you need.
Show transcript
Assistant:QuickFix Repairs, how can I help?
Customer:Hi, my phone screen is cracked. Can I bring it in today?
Assistant:Of course. Can I take your name, please?
Customer:Yes, it's Daniel Foster.
Assistant:Thanks, Daniel. And what model is your phone?
Customer:It's a Galaxy S21.
Assistant:OK. The repair usually takes about forty-five minutes. It will cost thirty-five pounds.
Customer:That's fine. What time should I come in?
Assistant:We're open until seven, so any time before six would be best.
Customer:Great, I'll come at four o'clock.
Assistant:Perfect. Please bring your phone charger with you too.
Question 1.What is wrong with Daniel's phone?
Question 2.What model is Daniel's phone?
Question 3.How much will the repair cost?
Question 4.What time is Daniel going to arrive?
Question 5.What should Daniel bring with him?
What to do
Listen again and complete the notes with ONE or TWO words or a number.
Part 3 audio
Tap play to listen. Replay as many times as you need.
QuickFix Repairs — booking
Booking formNotes taken while booking a phone repair
- Customer's name:
- Phone model:
- Repair time:
- Cost:
- Arrival time:
- Bring with you:
Exam Strategy · 07
5 minReading & Writing Part 2 and Listening Part 2
Underline the key need, then scan for a matching detail.
Task
- 1Reading Part 2: match short descriptions of people to the text that best fits their need.
- 2Listening Part 2: complete notes with words or numbers from a longer recording, played twice.
Example
Person needs: a repair today. Look for a text mentioning speed or while you wait, not just the word phone.
Writing Task · 08
5 minPut it in writing
Q1.Type ONE word: 'You ____ turn off your phone during the exam.' (not allowed)
Q2.Type ONE word: 'I think you ____ back up your photos.' (advice)
Q3.Type ONE word: '____ I borrow your charger, please?' (polite request)
Write a short message to a colleague (25–35 words) about a technology problem. Say what the problem is and what you should do about it.
Your writing draft
0 words SavedShow model answer & examiner comment
Hi Sam, my laptop won't connect to the Wi-Fi this morning. I think I should call the IT helpline. Could you send me today's documents by email instead? Thanks!
Examiner comment
| 5 | All content points covered; consistent style; range of structures; minor errors only. |
| 3 | Content mostly covered; mostly suitable style; some range; errors don't stop the reader understanding. |
| 1 | Limited content; intrusive errors; very basic structures; under-length. |
What to do
- 1.Read the message from your colleague.
- 2.Write a reply, covering all three notes.
Hi! I heard the office Wi-Fi isn't working today. Do you know when it will be fixed? Also, can you send me the report by email instead? See you tomorrow.
Your reply must cover:
- What you know about the Wi-Fi
- How you will send the report
- A time to meet tomorrow
Show model answer
Hi Jamie, the Wi-Fi should be fixed by tomorrow morning, the technician is coming today. I'll send the report by email tonight instead. Could we meet at ten tomorrow? See you then!
Speaking Task · 09
10–15 minMake it a real conversation
Talk with a partner about technology rules and advice using modal verbs.
Examiner
"Now talk together about phone rules in public places."
Discuss together
What rules should there be about phones in public places?
Now decide together
Together, agree on the two most important phone rules for public places.
Useful discussion language
Useful phrases
Optional · Teacher-led
Teacher Activities
Use if time remains. ~12 min total
Homework · 10
Take-homeTake it home
Self-study — everything you need is included below. All four skills are covered so you keep the spiral going between lessons; pick the order that suits you.
Write five rules about technology at home or work using must, mustn't, should and have to.
Your response
0 words SavedAttempt the task first, then check your answers.
Reread the matching texts and write one sentence explaining why each person was matched to their text.
Your response
0 words SavedAttempt the task first, then check your answers.
Listen to the repair booking dialogue again and complete the notes from memory.
Your response
0 words SavedAttempt the task first, then check your answers.
Recap · 11
2–3 minWhat you've learned
- must/have to = necessary; should = advice; mustn't = not allowed; can/could = ability or polite requests.
- 'don't have to' means something is not necessary, which is different from 'mustn't'.
- In Reading Part 2, underline each person's key need before scanning the texts.
- In Listening Part 2, predict the type of missing word before you listen.
Need more practice?
Optional · your lesson progress stays the sameHow to attack each paper
Practise this exam skill
Future plans and conditions
Practise this exam skill
Short notices and messages
Practise this exam skill