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GENERAL ENGLISH · GENERAL ISSUES · ADVANCED (C1-C2)

DIAL-UP’S
LAST CALL
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1 Warm up

Look at the pictures and discuss the following questions.

A. B.

C. D.

1. How old do you think these devices are, and what does their design tell us about the era?

2. Do any of these items make you feel nostalgic, and why?

3. What advantages might simpler technology have had compared with today’s devices?

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2 Listening/watching for specific information

Watch the report about AOL and write what the following numbers refer to.

a. 40% –

b. 30 million –

c. 34 years –

d. 300 million –

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3 Listening for comprehension

Watch the report again, then answer the multiple-choice questions below.

1. At the height of AOL’s popularity, which statement most accurately characterizes users’ online
behavior and engagement with the service?
a. They devoted almost half of their total Internet activity to AOL, emphasizing its market
dominance.
b. Most of their online activity took place on platforms outside AOL, indicating limited reliance
on the service.
c. Users mainly accessed AOL for email, while other online activities, such as streaming, were
carried out elsewhere.

2. By 2023, dial-up had almost disappeared. What does this reveal about wider patterns of
technological adoption and obsolescence?
a. Users resisted modern technologies and continued using dial-up longer than expected.

b. The widespread availability of high-speed Internet rendered dial-up largely obsolete for most
households.
c. Dial-up retained a small, niche following due to its unique or nostalgic features.

3. The text highlights AOL’s legacy primarily through which aspect of its historical influence?

a. cultural touchstones such as the iconic "You’ve got mail!" greeting and the distribution of trial
CDs
b. its ability to innovate faster than broadband and fibre-optic competitors

c. maintaining a competitive market position and subscriber base over several decades

4. Comparing fewer than 300,000 dial-up users with over 300 million broadband users in 2023, what
conclusion can be drawn about technological transition?
a. Dial-up remained a marginal segment, illustrating the decisive shift towards modern Internet
technologies.
b. Broadband adoption had only recently overtaken dial-up usage in households.

c. Both dial-up and broadband technologies coexisted at roughly equivalent levels in most
homes.

5. How would you best describe the author’s tone regarding the discontinuation of dial-up?

a. critically disapproving, suggesting AOL failed to innovate sufficiently

b. reflective, combining nostalgia for past technologies with recognition of technological

progress
c. neutral and factual, presenting subscriber statistics without commentary

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4 Match the sentence halves

Part A: Below are 14 sentence halves taken from the report. Put them together to create seven full
sentences.

1. But by the mid-2000s, broadband and...

2. The decision is both...

3. For millions who grew up in the 1990s and early 2000s, the screech and...

4. At its peak, AOL boasted...

5. AOL has announced it will officially discontinue...

6. The company became equally known for its cheerful greeting...

7. Dial-up, which connected users to the Internet via a standard phone line...

a. ...more than 30 million subscribers.

b. ...its dial-up Internet service.

c. ...fiber-optic connections had made dial-up a relic.

d. ...and the countless CD trial discs that landed on doormats around the world.

e. ...was once the gateway to the World Wide Web.

f. ...unsurprising and symbolic.

g. ...buzz of a dial-up modem was the sound of the future.

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Part B: Look at the words in bold in the sentences above. Match these words with their definitions
below.

boasted buzz discontinue

modem peak relic
screech standard trial discs

1. (n): a loud, high-pitched, unpleasant noise, often sudden or piercing

2. (n): the highest point or maximum level of something, especially in

performance usage or activity
3. (n): compact discs distributed for promotional purposes, often containing
limited-time software or services for testing
4. (v): stop doing, producing, or providing something to end a service or product

5. (adj.): a level of quality or norm widely accepted as a benchmark commonly

used or established
6. (v): speak with pride about an achievement or possession

7. (n): something that remains from an earlier time, often considered outdated
or obsolete
8. (n): a device that converts digital data into signals for transmission over phone
lines or other communication systems
9. (n): a low, continuous humming sound

5 IT phrasal verbs

Look at the following sentence, taken from the listening exercise:

"By 2023, fewer than 300,000 Americans logged on in this manner..."

What is meant by the term "logged on"? What other phrasal verbs relating to IT are you aware of?

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Part A: Add prepositions to the words below to create technology and IT-related phrasal verbs.

1. back – copy data to prevent loss

2. roll – deploy a new software version, feature, or system to users

3. scale – increase capacity, performance, or production

4. phase – gradually remove a system, product, or process

5. sync – ensure data, systems, or teams are aligned and updated

6. boot – start a computer or system

7. cool – allow hardware or systems to return to safe temperature

Part B: Now, complete the following sentences with phrasal verbs from Part A.

1. The IT department will the old email system by the end of the month.

2. Always your files before installing a new operating system to prevent data loss.

3. It took a few minutes for my laptop to after the update.

4. The company plans to the latest software update to all users next week.

5. The server room needs proper ventilation to help the machines after heavy usage.

6. Let’s our calendars so we can schedule the system maintenance together.

7. The cloud provider can server capacity during peak traffic hours.

6 Discussion

In pairs, discuss the questions below.

1. To what extent is it ethically justifiable for technology companies to retire products, upon which
certain users depend for accessibility or professional purposes?

2. In what circumstances, if any, can older technological devices remain competitive with modern
alternatives in terms of functionality, efficiency, and reliability?

3. How might excessive dependence on contemporary technology affect individuals’ self-sufficiency,

problem-solving abilities, or critical thinking skills?

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7 Focus on vocabulary

Match the words and phrases underlined with the correct definitions.

Group 1:

1. The smell of fresh bread can evoke childhood memories.

2. Holding the old photograph made the past feel tangible.

3. Playing challenging puzzles can help improve cognitive skills.

4. He carefully inserted the game into the cartridge slot of the console.

5. Social media is a double-edged sword, offering connection but also distraction.

6. Many VHS tapes are now obsolete due to streaming services.

a. bring a feeling, memory, or image into the mind

b. something that can be touched or clearly perceived

c. something that has both positive and negative effects

d. the place where a removable game is inserted

e. no longer in use or out of date

f. related to thinking, learning, or understanding

Group 2:

1. Old family traditions serve as an anchor during stressful times.

2. The exhibition highlighted the juxtaposition of modern and classical art.

3. The company aimed to create an equitable workplace for all employees.

4. The art show featured hybrids of sculpture and digital media, blending traditional and modern
techniques.

5. The new app is so intuitive that anyone can use it without instructions.

a. easy to understand or use without instruction

b. placing two things side by side to show contrast

c. fair and impartial

d. something that provides stability or a sense of security

e. a combination of two different things to create something new

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8 Reading for context

Read the following sentences and decide which gaps (1-5) they should go in the article below. There’s
one extra sentence.

1) However, tech nostalgia also intersects with critical societal issues, particularly the digital divide.

2) By understanding why we value older technologies, society can approach the future more
thoughtfully.

3) The pace of innovation sometimes leaves valuable skills and practices from the past forgotten.

4) The evolution of technology is relentless.

5) Nostalgia is not merely sentimental indulgence; it is a psychological mechanism that provides

comfort, continuity, and identity in a fast-paced world.

6) From simplified interfaces in productivity apps to the resurgence of vinyl records and analogue
photography.

The Timeless Appeal of Old Technology

How Nostalgia Shapes Our Relationship with Digital Innovation

A. In a time defined by rapid technological advancement, it is no surprise that many people feel a powerful sense of
nostalgia for older, simpler devices. From dial-up modems and floppy disks to early cell phones and retro gaming
consoles, these objects evoke memories of a time when technology felt tangible, accessible, and, in many ways,
personal. 5) Nostalgia is not merely sentimental indulgence; it is a psychological mechanism that
provides comfort, continuity, and identity in a fast-paced world. 1

B. The appeal of older technologies lies in their simplicity. Unlike today’s hyperconnected devices, vintage gadgets
were often singular in purpose, easy to understand, and intuitive to operate. This simplicity encourages a sense of
understanding and reduces cognitive overload — a feeling increasingly rare in modern life dominated by constant
notifications, software updates, and algorithm-driven feeds. For some, the satisfaction of pressing buttons on a
landline phone or blowing into a cartridge slot on a gaming console represents a significant contrast to today’s
virtual, intangible interactions.
2
C. While many indulge in retro experiences as a form of leisure, significant portions
of the global population remain on the other side of the technology gap. Digital literacy — the ability to navigate,
evaluate, and create digital content — is unevenly distributed, leaving many without the skills or access to fully
participate in today’s online society. Nostalgia, in this context, can be a double-edged sword: while it highlights
the comforting familiarity of older technology, it also underscores the inequities of access to modern, essential
digital tools.
3
D. Devices and software that once dominated our daily lives become obsolete almost
overnight, replaced by faster, smarter, and more interconnected alternatives. This rapid turnover drives both
progress and alienation. For those unable or unwilling to keep pace, nostalgia serves as a psychological anchor,
preserving memories of technologies that once enabled connection, creativity, and exploration. The juxtaposition
between the cherished past and the accelerating present illustrates how deeply connected technology is with
human experience, shaping not only how we work and communicate but also how we remember.

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E. Interestingly, nostalgia can also guide innovation. Designers and engineers increasingly look to retro aesthetics
and mechanics for inspiration, blending old and new to create experiences that are simultaneously familiar and
4
advanced. There are plenty of hybrids that reflect a cultural desire to balance
speed, efficiency, and accessibility with emotional resonance and human-centered design.

F. Ultimately, tech nostalgia is both a mirror and a lens. It mirrors our collective memory of a digital past that felt
manageable, tangible, and meaningful. At the same time, it serves as a lens through which we examine the
consequences of technological evolution: the widening digital divide, the critical importance of digital literacy,
5
and the psychological effects of an ever-accelerating technological landscape.
This can help to ensure that innovation is not just rapid, but equitable, inclusive, and attuned to human needs.
Nostalgia, far from being mere sentimentality, reminds us that technology is not just about what is new — but
about how it shapes the way we live, learn, and connect.

9 Optional extension

To what extent do you agree with the statement below?

"To what extent does the nostalgia for legacy technologies shape societal attitudes, behaviors,
and engagement with contemporary digital innovations?"

You should:
• write at least 300 words,
• check your grammar, spelling and punctuation.

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10 Crossword

Read the clues and fill in the crossword below.

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TEACHER MATERIALS · ADVANCED (C1-C2)

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Transcripts

2. Listening/watching for specific information

Speaker: For millions who grew up in the 1990s and early 2000s, the screech and buzz of a dial-
up modem was the sound of the future. Now, after 34 years, AOL has announced it
will officially discontinue its dial-up Internet service, bringing a nostalgic chapter of online
history to a close.

Speaker: Dial-up, which connected users to the Internet via a standard phone line, was once
the gateway to the World Wide Web. At its peak, AOL boasted more than 30 million
subscribers and famously claimed that its users spent nearly 40% of all their time online
through the service. The company became equally known for its cheerful greeting —
“You’ve got mail!” — and the countless CD trial discs that landed on doormats around the
world.

Speaker: But by the mid-2000s, broadband and fiber-optic connections had made dial-up a relic. By
2023, fewer than 300,000 Americans logged on in this manner, compared with over 300
million with broadband. AOL, now owned by Apollo Global Management alongside Yahoo,
said in a statement that the service “will no longer be available in AOL plans” and thanked
subscribers for their loyalty.

Speaker: The decision is both unsurprising and symbolic. For some, the shutdown stirs nostalgia
for the early, slower days of Internet chatrooms and email. For others, it highlights how
far digital technology has advanced in a single generation. As AOL co-founder Steve Case
remarked: “Thanks for the memories. RIP.”

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Key

1. Warm up

5 mins.
Guide students as they discuss the following questions, correcting any mistakes.
A. floppy disk; B. pager; C. mobile phone; D. video tape.

2. Listening/watching for specific information

5 mins.
For the first listen, students should listen in detail for the following information.

a. proportion of time users spent online via AOL dial-up

b. number of AOL subscribers at its peak
c. the total length of time that AOL’s dial-up Internet service was in operation
d. number of broadband users in 2023

3. Listening for comprehension

10 mins.
Students should complete the exercise individually at first. If they are unsure, they should try a process of
elimination.

1. a. 2. b. 3. a. 4. a. 5. b.

4. Match the sentence halves

Part A
5 mins.
Students should look for logical connections between ideas and grammatical agreements in the sentence halves.
Play the audio again to check answers.

1. → c. 2. → f. 3. → g. 4. → a. 5. → b. 6. → d. 7. → e.
Part B
5 mins.
Each completed sentence offers context, which should allow students to arrive at the correct definition.

1. screech 2. peak 3. trial discs

4. discontinue 5. standard 6. boasted
7. relic 8. modem 9. buzz

5. IT phrasal verbs

Explain that "logged on" means to be connected and authenticated on a computer, network, or system.
Part A
5 mins.

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Explain to the students that they should attempt the exercise unaided at first. Ask them to give examples using
the words and phrases.

1. up 2. out 3. up 4. out 5. up 6. up 7. down

Part B
5 mins.
Assist students if they struggle to answer the questions from the context.

1. phase out 2. back up 3. boot up 4. roll out

5. cool down 6. sync up 7. scale up

6. Discussion

5 mins.
Guide students as they discuss the following questions as a class.

7. Focus on vocabulary

5 mins.
Explain to students that they should attempt the exercise unaided at first, checking the pronunciation of difficult
words and asking them to give examples.
Group 1:

1. → a. 2. → b. 3. → f. 4. → d. 5. → c. 6. → e.
Group 2:

1. → d. 2. → b. 3. → c. 4. → e. 5. → a.

8. Reading for context

10 mins.
Look for transitional phrases that indicate relationships between sentences, context clues, and logical flow.

1. 5) Nostalgia is not merely sentimental indulgence; it is a psychological mechanism that provides comfort,
continuity, and identity in a fast-paced world.
2. 1) However, tech nostalgia also intersects with critical societal issues, particularly the digital divide.
3. 4) The evolution of technology is relentless.
4. 6) From simplified interfaces in productivity apps to the resurgence of vinyl records and analogue photography.
5. 2) By understanding why we value older technologies, society can approach the future more thoughtfully.

9. Optional extension

15 mins.+
Encourage students to use vocabulary they have learned in today’s lesson. Brainstorm some ideas in the class if
there is time.

10. Crossword

10 mins.
Assist students if necessary, giving them clues. The answers relate to vocabulary and information they have come
across in the lesson.

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