Compare and contrast these pictures.

In
your description, answer the following
questions:

 What similarities and differences can you

name?
 What are the advantages/disadvantages of
traditional letters/ e-communication
devices?
 Do you think that e-communication can
replace traditional letters? Why/Why not?
 How does e-communications affect
personal contacts?
 How often do you write traditional letters /
talk on the phone/ send text messages/
write emails / use instant messaging?
 Do you keep letters/emails/texts?
Why/why not?
 What is your favourite means of
communication? Why?
 Do you think that mobile phones can be
hazardous to your health?
 What health problems can texting/IMing
cause?

Word Bank

 traditional letters: snail mail, write

out a letter by hand, address an
envelope, take a letter to the post
office, wait for the postman, be
thrilled to receive a personal letter,
official documents, love letters, a
message form your heart, letters of
sympathy, give a personal touch
 e-communication: mobile phones,
text messages, voice messages,
emails, ecards, IM (= instant
messages), chatting, faxes
 convenient, fast, impersonal, attach
files/documents/photos, send/
receive viruses, communicate with
several people at the same time,
have a direct contact with
customers, send a quick note, use
emoticons
 insecure, hack into sy’s emails,
messages can be lost in cyberspace,
receive spam/junk mail, the elderly
may find it difficult to use

Means of Communication