Do you use social media to stay connected with friends and family? Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter allow people to share photos, ideas, and news. While social media can be fun and help us stay informed, it can also be overwhelming and time-consuming. It’s important to use it wisely. Many people find themselves spending too much time online, which can affect their relationships or even their health. Setting limits, such as taking breaks or turning off notifications, can help manage time better. How often do you use social media? Do you feel it has a positive or negative effect on your life?
Vocabulary List
Key Vocabulary & Phrases
- Platform [ˈplætfɔːm] (noun) – A digital service or website for sharing information.
- Example: “Facebook is a popular platform for staying in touch.”
- Overwhelming [ˌoʊvərˈwɛlmɪŋ] (adjective) – Something that is too much to handle.
- Example: “The amount of information on social media can be overwhelming.”
- Notification [ˌnoʊtɪfɪˈkeɪʃən] (noun) – A message or alert on a phone or computer.
- Example: “I turned off my notifications to focus better.”
- Time-consuming [ˈtaɪm kənˈsuːmɪŋ] (adjective) – Something that takes up a lot of time.
- Example: “Scrolling through social media can be very time-consuming.”
Grammar Tips: Using ‘Can’ and ‘Could’ for Possibilities
- Can is used to express ability or possibility.
- Example: “Social media can help you stay connected.”
- Could is used to express past ability or a suggestion.
- Example: “You could take breaks to avoid feeling overwhelmed.”
Practice: Write a sentence using “can” to explain a positive aspect of social media and a sentence using “could” to suggest how to use social media more effectively.
PRACTICE
Part 1: Vocabulary Practice (Fill in the Blanks)
Complete the sentences using the correct word from the vocabulary list below:
platform, overwhelming, notification, time-consuming
Facebook is a popular social media ______ where people share photos and news.
The constant messages and updates from my phone can feel very ______.
I turned off every app ______ so I could spend more time with my kids.
Scrolling through videos late at night is very ______.
Part 2: Grammar Practice – ‘Can’ and ‘Could’
Fill in the blanks using can or could.
Social media ______ be a good way to stay in touch with old friends.
You ______ turn off your notifications to reduce distractions.
Parents ______ teach their kids how to use social media safely.
Spending too much time online ______ affect your sleep.
✍️ Write your own sentences:
One sentence using can (about a benefit of social media):
Example: Social media can help me find useful recipes.
➤ ___________________________________________________________One sentence using could (about a tip or suggestion):
Example: You could set a timer to limit your screen time.
➤ ___________________________________________________________
Part 3: Speaking or Writing Practice – Expressing Opinions
Answer the questions below using full sentences. You can say your answers out loud or write them down.
How often do you use social media?
➤ ___________________________________________________________What do you like most about using social media?
➤ ___________________________________________________________Do you think social media is more helpful or harmful? Why?
➤ ___________________________________________________________
Answers
Part 1: Vocabulary Practice
platform
overwhelming
notification
time-consuming
Part 2: Grammar Practice – Can and Could
can
could
can
can
Example sentences:
Can: Social media can connect me with friends around the world.
Could: You could limit your screen time by turning off notifications.
Part 3: Speaking/Writing Practice (Sample answers)
I use social media every day.
I like that I can stay connected with family.
I think social media is helpful if used carefully, but it can be harmful if used too much.