Learning English by watching short clips

The missing ingredient in how we learn. #TEDEd

The strange science of your ever-changing identity. #BigThink

Why kids need to take more risks? #TEDEd

Do imaginary friends make you smarter? #TEDEd

5. Should people always follow the advice of experts? Not necessarily. I think expert advice can be extremely valuable, particularly when someone has specialised knowledge or experience. However, expertise in one area doesn't automatically make someone an authority on everything. More importantly, advice needs to be tailored to the individual. Something that works perfectly well for one person may not be applicable to someone else because their circumstances, goals and personality are different. So, rather than blindly following an expert, I'd recommend considering their qualifications, looking at the evidence behind their advice and deciding whether it actually fits your situation. ⭐️ Key expressions specialised knowledge an authority on something tailored to the individual be applicable to someone blindly follow the evidence behind something fit your situation 6. Are social norms different from one culture to another? Yes, definitely. Social norms are heavily influenced by culture, history and religion, so behaviour that is perfectly acceptable in one society may be considered inappropriate somewhere else. For example, expectations regarding personal space, gender roles, hospitality and communication styles can vary considerably from one culture to another. I think this is why people should be cautious about judging unfamiliar behaviour according to their own cultural standards. Rather than immediately assuming that something is wrong or inappropriate, it's better to understand the cultural context behind it. 7. Do you think social norms are becoming less important? I wouldn't say they're becoming less important; I think they're changing. Modern society is evolving rapidly, particularly because of globalisation, technology and social media, so some traditional norms are no longer as relevant as they used to be. At the same time, people still need shared expectations to function effectively as a society. The difference is that people now have access to a much wider range of lifestyles and perspectives. As a result, I think we're moving towards a situation where people have more freedom to choose which norms they want to follow, rather than simply inheriting them from previous generations. 🎯 Bonus: One Very Strong Part 3 Question Is it better to follow social norms or think independently? I don't think it's a matter of choosing one over the other. Social norms have an important function because they provide people with a general framework for interacting with one another. Without any shared expectations, everyday social life could become rather chaotic. However, following norms blindly can prevent people from thinking critically and adapting to changing circumstances. I think the ideal approach is to understand the reason behind a particular norm and then decide whether it still makes sense. In other words, people shouldn't automatically reject tradition, but they shouldn't accept it at face value either. They should be willing to question established ideas, consider the broader context and make informed decisions. So, for me, independent thinking doesn't mean rejecting social norms. It means being able to evaluate them critically and decide when they are worth following. 🔥 The strongest language in this answer a general framework for shared expectations social life could become chaotic follow something blindly think critically adapt to changing circumstances understand the reason behind accept something at face value question established ideas consider the broader context make informed decisions evaluate something critically https://t.me/learningenglishbysmy

🔴 PART 3 — Social Norms & Society 1. Why do societies develop social norms? I think social norms develop because societies need some kind of shared understanding of how people should behave. They act as a sort of social shortcut, giving people a general guide to acceptable behaviour without requiring every situation to be regulated by a formal rule. They can also create social cohesion. When people share certain expectations, everyday interactions tend to become more predictable and less complicated. In addition, social approval and disapproval can reinforce these norms and keep people in line. However, I don't think social norms are necessarily permanent. They need to evolve as societies change. 2. Do you think traditional customs should always be preserved? No, I don't think they should always be preserved simply because they're traditional. I think the more important question is why the custom existed in the first place and whether that original purpose is still relevant. For example, a tradition may originally have been designed to protect people or strengthen relationships, but circumstances may have changed over time. In that case, it might make sense to adapt it rather than preserve it exactly as it was. At the same time, I wouldn't advocate getting rid of traditions too quickly. Something that appears outdated on the surface may still serve an important social function. We should understand its underlying purpose before deciding whether to discard it. 🔥 High-level structure: Don't reject → investigate → understand original purpose → evaluate current relevance → adapt if necessary. 3. Why do some people find it difficult to break away from social norms? I think one major reason is the human desire for social acceptance. People generally want to be looked upon favourably by their community, so going against established norms can create anxiety about being judged or excluded. Another factor is that many norms are deeply embedded in our upbringing. People may grow up with certain expectations and simply accept them without ever questioning where they came from. There's also a practical consideration. Conforming to social norms can make life easier because you don't constantly have to explain or defend your choices. So, even people who disagree with a particular norm may go along with it to avoid unnecessary conflict. Powerful vocabulary: social acceptance be looked upon favourably go against established norms be deeply embedded in grow up with go along with avoid unnecessary conflict 4. Has social media changed the way people seek guidance? Absolutely. In the past, people tended to look to their parents, teachers, religious leaders or other members of their community for guidance. Nowadays, the range of people we can turn to for advice has expanded enormously. We have fitness influencers, lifestyle coaches, parenting experts and countless self-described specialists online. The advantage is that people have access to a huge amount of information. However, the downside is that it's becoming harder to distinguish genuine expertise from self-promotion. Someone may have millions of followers and still lack the necessary qualifications. So I think people need to evaluate online advice critically rather than take it at face value. 🔥 Excellent Part 3 language: the range of people has expanded turn to someone for advice self-described specialist genuine expertise self-promotion lack the necessary qualifications distinguish A from B evaluate something critically https://t.me/learningenglishbysmy

🟡 PART 2 — Cue Cards Describe a tradition or social custom in your country that you think is important. You should say: what the tradition is when people follow it why it is important and explain whether you think it will continue in the future. One tradition that I think is particularly meaningful in my culture is Nowruz, the Persian New Year. It's celebrated at the beginning of spring, and it involves a number of customs, such as visiting relatives, preparing a special table called Haft-Seen, and spending time with family. What I find interesting about this tradition is that it's not simply about following a set of rituals. It brings people together and gives families an opportunity to reconnect. In that sense, it serves a genuine social purpose. It creates a sense of belonging and reinforces relationships between different generations. That being said, I don't think every aspect of a tradition has to remain unchanged. Social norms naturally evolve as society changes, so I think it's perfectly reasonable to adapt certain customs to modern lifestyles. Personally, I wouldn't want to get rid of traditions simply because they're old-fashioned. I'd rather look at the underlying reason behind them and keep the aspects that are still meaningful. As long as a tradition continues to serve a useful purpose, I think there's a good reason to hold on to it. So, although some details of Nowruz may change over time, I believe the core values behind it, particularly family connection and a sense of community, are likely to remain relevant. 🔥 Language worth stealing serve a genuine social purpose bring people together create a sense of belonging reinforce relationships evolve as society changes adapt something to modern lifestyles look at the underlying reason hold on to traditions remain relevant Describe a piece of advice you received that was useful to you. You should say: what the advice was who gave it to you when you received it and explain why it was useful. One piece of advice that has stayed with me is that I shouldn't automatically accept other people's expectations as a definition of success. I received it from someone I respect when I was trying to make an important career decision. At the time, I was under quite a lot of pressure to follow what seemed like the conventional path. However, this person encouraged me to step back and think about what I actually wanted rather than simply going along with other people's expectations. What made the advice particularly useful was that it didn't tell me exactly what decision to make. Instead, it encouraged me to think independently and evaluate my options carefully. I started asking myself whether I was pursuing something because it genuinely suited me or simply because it was socially expected. Looking back, I think that was an important lesson because advice isn't necessarily useful simply because it comes from someone older or more experienced. It has to be applicable to your particular circumstances. So, I still seek guidance from other people, but I try not to take their opinions at face value. I listen carefully, consider the underlying reasons, and then make up my own mind. 🔥 Excellent phrases stay with me the conventional path step back and think go along with expectations think independently suit someone's circumstances seek guidance take something at face value make up my own mind https://t.me/learningenglishbysmy

IELTS Speaking — Social Norms, Traditions & Independent Thinking 🟢 PART 1 — Social Norms & Everyday Behaviour 1. Do you usually follow social norms? Yes, for the most part. I think social norms make everyday interactions much smoother because they give us a general idea of how we're expected to behave. However, I don't believe we should follow them blindly. If a particular norm seems outdated or conflicts with my personal values, I'd rather question it and decide whether it still makes sense. Useful language: for the most part = generally make interactions smoother be expected to follow something blindly question a norm outdated 2. Are there any social norms you dislike? Yes. I particularly dislike social norms that put unnecessary pressure on people to conform. For example, in some cultures, people are expected to follow a certain career path or behave in a particular way simply because that's what society considers acceptable. I think people should be free to break away from those expectations if they don't fit in with their circumstances or values. Great phrases: put pressure on someone conform to expectations break away from fit in with someone's circumstances socially acceptable 3. Do you think people care too much about what others think? Yes, I think many people do, particularly when it comes to their appearance, career and lifestyle. Social approval can be a powerful motivator, so people sometimes go along with things they don't genuinely agree with just to avoid criticism. Personally, I think it's healthier to develop your own values while still being respectful of other people's opinions. Key language: social approval a powerful motivator go along with something avoid criticism develop your own values 4. Do you ask other people for advice? Yes, but I try to be selective about whose advice I follow. If it's an important decision, I usually turn to someone who has relevant experience or qualifications. I don't tend to take advice at face value, especially when it comes from social media, because being popular doesn't necessarily mean being knowledgeable or credible. Excellent IELTS expressions: be selective about turn to someone for advice relevant experience take something at face value doesn't necessarily mean credible https://t.me/learningenglishbysmy

5. High-Level Phrases You Can Reuse in IELTS Giving a nuanced opinion: I think that notion can be applied to... It is helpful to look at... One should try to understand... before... The key question is whether... It depends largely on the context. It isn't necessarily the case that... This may be appropriate in one context but not another. Challenging assumptions: We shouldn't automatically assume that... It's worth questioning whether... We need to look beyond the surface. There may be an underlying reason for... Before dismissing something, we should consider... Rather than blindly following..., people should... Comparing different contexts: What works for one community may not work for another. What is considered acceptable in one culture may be frowned upon elsewhere. The same principle doesn't necessarily apply across the board. It largely depends on the circumstances. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. https://t.me/learningenglishbysmy

3. Advanced Collocations A. Social norms & society develop social norms follow social norms conform to social norms challenge social norms question social norms violate / transgress social norms reinforce social norms dismantle social norms adapt social norms reject traditional norms preserve social norms outdated social norms deeply embedded social norms widely accepted social norms B. Rules & behaviour a general guidebook for behaviour a set of behavioural expectations socially acceptable behaviour social pressure social approval social disapproval a sense of guilt a sense of pride a sense of accomplishment keep people in line encourage conformity discourage certain behaviours C. Independent thinking think independently question conventional wisdom challenge conventional assumptions look at something critically evaluate something objectively form your own judgement make an informed decision avoid blindly following something take something at face value examine the underlying reasons look beyond the surface consider the broader context D. Advice & expertise seek guidance offer guidance follow someone's advice seek professional advice claim to be an expert a self-described expert have relevant qualifications possess the necessary credentials establish credibility question someone's expertise tailor advice to someone's needs give generic advice be applicable to everyone 4. Excellent Idioms & Fixed Expressions 1. Keep someone in line = make someone behave according to accepted rules

Social pressure can keep people in line, even when there are no formal laws.

Very useful for Part 3 questions about rules, discipline and society. 2. Past its sell-by date = no longer useful, relevant, or appropriate

Some traditional customs may be past their sell-by date in modern society.

🔥 This is particularly nice for IELTS because it is natural and idiomatic. 3. Tear something down = demolish or destroy something In the original context, it is literal, but it can also be used metaphorically:

We shouldn't simply tear down traditional values without understanding why they developed.

4. Looked upon favourably = regarded positively

People who follow social conventions are often looked upon favourably by others.

Very useful alternative to simply saying "people like them." 5. Slate has grown = the range of available options has expanded The original uses this somewhat creatively:

Nowadays, the slate of people we can turn to for advice has grown enormously.

6. Get rid of / discard something = remove something that is no longer wanted

We shouldn't get rid of traditional customs simply because they seem old- fashioned. https://t.me/learningenglishbysmy

1. Key Ideas from the Text These are the main ideas you can turn into IELTS discussion points: Social norms act as shortcuts for navigating society. They provide general guidelines for how people are expected to behave. Social norms are reinforced by social rewards and punishments. Pride, accomplishment, and social approval encourage conformity. Guilt and social disapproval discourage people from breaking norms. Not every traditional norm should automatically be discarded. Even an outdated-looking custom may have originally served a useful purpose. Before rejecting a social norm, we should understand its original purpose. Ask: Why did this norm emerge in the first place? Is the original purpose still relevant today? Rapid social change can make traditional norms feel outdated. People may become uncertain about which conventions still apply. Modern people increasingly seek guidance from online experts and influencers. Fitness gurus, beauty influencers, parenting coaches, lifestyle influencers, etc. Being self-described as an expert doesn't necessarily mean being qualified. We should question credentials, expertise, and credibility. Advice isn't universally applicable. A norm or recommendation that works well for one person or community may not work for another. Independent thinking requires evaluating norms rather than blindly following or rejecting them. 2. Advanced Vocabulary social norm an accepted standard of behaviour Social norms vary considerably across cultures. enforcement mechanism a way of ensuring that rules are followed Social pressure can be an effective enforcement mechanism. transgress violate a rule or accepted standard People may feel guilty when they transgress social norms. conformity behaviour that follows accepted rules or expectations Excessive conformity can discourage independent thinking. outdated no longer suitable or relevant Some traditional customs have become outdated. discard get rid of something considered unnecessary We shouldn't discard traditions without understanding their origins. applicable relevant or suitable in a particular situation This advice isn't necessarily applicable to everyone. tailored specifically designed for a particular person or situation People need tailored advice rather than generic recommendations. qualification an official skill, degree, or credential showing competence Online influencers don't always have the necessary qualifications. credential qualification or evidence of expertise People should check an expert's credentials before following their advice. guidance advice or direction Young people often seek guidance from their parents. embedded deeply established within something Social norms are deeply embedded in our culture. valid reasonable, relevant, or still applicable Some traditional values remain valid today. orient help someone understand how to behave or operate Social norms help people orient themselves within a community. dissolve gradually disappear or cease to exist Traditional social structures are gradually dissolving. self-described someone who describes themselves in a particular way We should be cautious about self-described experts. broader more extensive or general Broader social changes can affect people's behaviour. accomplishment something successfully achieved A sense of accomplishment can motivate people to follow social expectations. impulse a sudden desire to do something I sometimes have the impulse to challenge traditional expectations. slate a range/list of available options People now have a huge slate of online sources for advice. https://t.me/learningenglishbysmy