How communication has changed over the past 50 years

Communication has undergone a signi cant evolution over the past 50 years, thanks in

large part to advances in technology. In the 1970s, the primary means of communication

for most people were landline telephones and snail mail. As the decade progressed,

technologies such as the answering machine and fax machine began to gain popularity,

making it easier for people to communicate with one another even when they weren't in

the same place.

In the 1980s, the personal computer revolutionized the way people communicated. Email

became a popular means of communication, allowing people to send messages to one

another instantly, regardless of their physical location. The development of the internet

also made it possible for people to communicate with one another through online forums

and chat rooms, further increasing the ease and speed of communication. The rst online

bulletin board systems(BBS) emerged and also the rst commercial internet service

providers (ISP) started to o er internet access to the public.

The 1990s saw the rise of mobile phones and the internet, which greatly expanded the

ways in which people could communicate. Cell phones made it possible for people to

make calls and send text messages from virtually anywhere, while the internet opened up

new possibilities for communication, such as instant messaging, video conferencing, and

social media. The rst smartphones were introduced in the market, which allowed people

to access email, internet, and other apps on their mobile phones. AOL Instant Messenger,

ICQ and MSN messenger were some of the popular instant messaging services of the

time.

In the 2000s, social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter emerged, further changing

the way people communicate with one another. These platforms made it possible for

people to connect with others from all over the world and share information and ideas in

real-time. In addition, the rise of smartphones and mobile apps allowed people to

communicate and stay connected to the internet wherever they were, at any time. The rise

of the smartphones and mobile apps also gave birth to the App Store and Google Play,

which made it easy for developers to build and distribute apps to the users.

Over the last decade, the communication landscape has continued to evolve, with new

platforms and technologies emerging all the time. The rise of messaging apps such as

WhatsApp and WeChat, the increasing popularity of live streaming, and the emergence of

virtual reality and augmented reality are just a few examples of the ways in which

communication is changing.

The messaging apps like WhatsApp, WeChat, and Facebook messenger have become

extremely popular, with billions of users around the world. These apps allow users to send

text messages, photos, and videos, as well as make voice and video calls, all from within

the app. This has made communication more convenient and less expensive, as users no

longer have to pay for text messaging or international calls.

Live streaming has also become increasingly popular over the past few years. Platforms

like YouTube and Twitch allow users to broadcast live video of themselves, allowing others

to watch and interact in real-time. This has opened up new opportunities for content

creators, in uencers, and businesses to connect with their audience in new and exciting

ways.

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) have also begun to play a signi cant role

in communication, as they allow people to interact with digital content in a more immersive

and realistic way. These technologies have a wide range of applications, from gaming and

entertainment to education and training.

In summary, communication has changed signi cantly over the past 50 years, with the

advent of new technologies such as the personal computer, the internet, mobile phones,

and smartphones, as well as social media, messaging apps, live streaming, virtual reality,

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and augmented reality. These technologies have made communication faster, more

convenient, and more accessible, and have opened up new opportunities.

Strand i. Identify explicit and implicit information

1. Translate the following 10 words or expressions taken from the text (10 marks)

Communication Comunicación

Machine Máquina

Ease (noun) Facilidad

Text messages Mensajes de texto

Entertainment Entretenimiento

Primary means of communication Principal medio de comunicación

Decade Década

Location Ubicación

Users Usuarios

Expensive Caro

2. True or False? Provide evidence from the text (underline it) to prove your point of view. (5
marks)

a) Email and the internet revolutionized the way people communicated along with the
personal computer. True

b) In 1990, cell phones weren't able to make calls wherever, only if you were lucky. False

c) People can stay in contact with the world in real-time thanks to apps like WhatsApp

and WeChat. False

d) Live streaming has come up lately. True

e) Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality play practically the same role in communication.

True

3. Find in the text 2 examples of (8 marks):

a) Present Continuous

- "making it easier for people to communicate..."

- "allowing people to send messages..."

b) Present Perfect

- "communication has undergone a signi cant..."

- "In summary, communication has changed signi cantly..."

c) Present simple

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 - "...for people to connect with others from all over the world..."

- "Cell phones made it possible for people to make calls and send text messages"

d) Past Simple

- "Primary means of communication for moat people were landline telephones..."

- "As the decade progressed..."

4. Make your own summary of the text including the most relevant information. Write about 8
lines. (6 marks)

In summary, communication has evolved signi cantly over the past 50 years with the advent of
new technologies such as landline telephones, answering machines, fax machines, personal
computers, email, the internet, mobile phones, smartphones, social media, messaging apps, live
streaming, virtual reality and augmented reality. These technologies have made communication
faster, more convenient, and more accessible, and have opened up new possibilities for people to
connect and share information with one another regardless of their physical location. Additionally,
these new technologies have also brought new opportunities for businesses and content creators
to connect with their audience in new and exciting ways.

Strand ii. Analyze conventions

5. Has communication changed in a good way or a bad way? Give at least one reason based
upon the text (3 marks)

In my opinion, communication has changed in a good way since it rstly started to grow. I believe
so since modern communication is faster, more convenient, and more accessible than before.
Moreover, it makes it easier for people to connect with the world in real-time and share
information in any place. Lastly, it has also created employment, and thanks to this, thousands of
content creators can live from it.

6. After having read the text, why do you think communication has changed so rapidly? (3 marks)

As far as I believe, communication has changed so rapidly due to technology advancements. New
technologies like computers, internet, mobile phones, and smartphones have enabled easy
connection and sharing of information. Businesses and content creators have also bene ted from
these technologies. Constant innovation and competition among tech companies drive rapid
advancements in communication. Increasing globalisation and need for remote communication
also play a role in the rapid changes in communication.

Strand iii. Analyze connections

7. How are Live Streaming and Virtual Reality alike? Answer in one sentence (2 marks)

Live Streaming and Virtual Reality are similar because they both allow people to interact with
digital content.

8. In your opinion, does social media have a positive impact on communication and on people? (3
marks)

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In my opinion, social media has a positive impact on communication and connection, allowing
individuals to stay connected with friends and family, share information and ideas, and expand
their social networks. Regarding people, social media can help stay connected with friends and
family, even if they are geographically separated, among many others. Despite the bene ts, It is
important for individuals to use social media in a balanced and constructive manner, and to be
aware of its potential negative e ects.

Total ___/40
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