Stage 2:
People are encouraged to reduce plastic use to help the environment. However, some argue that plastic is convenient and hard to replace in daily life.”
Task:
What are the advantages and disadvantages of trying to live without plastic?
Discuss both sides and include your opinion.
Your presentation must
Include an argument in favour and an argument against
Include a personal reflection
Be between 3-5 minutes long
Answer: Plastic is a major part of modern life, and although many people are encouraged to reduce its use to protect the environment, others argue that it is too convenient to replace. There are clear advantages and disadvantages to trying to live without plastic.
One advantage is that reducing or eliminating plastic helps protect the environment. Plastic waste takes hundreds of years to break down and often ends up polluting oceans, rivers, and soil. Wildlife can be seriously harmed when animals mistake plastic for food or become trapped in it. By choosing alternatives such as reusable bags and containers, people can reduce pollution and support a healthier planet. Another benefit is that living without plastic encourages more sustainable habits overall. People become more aware of their consumption and are more likely to choose environmentally friendly products.
However, there are also disadvantages. Plastic is extremely convenient, lightweight, and durable, making it difficult to replace in daily life. Many essential items such as medical equipment, food packaging, and household products rely on plastic for hygiene and safety. Avoiding it completely can be inconvenient and time-consuming. Furthermore, plastic-free alternatives are often more expensive or harder to find. For many people, especially those on a limited budget, living without plastic may not be practical.
In my opinion, living entirely without plastic is very challenging and not always realistic. While some plastic is necessary, especially in healthcare and food protection, we should still try to reduce unnecessary use. Focusing on avoiding single-use plastics and choosing sustainable alternatives where possible is a more balanced and achievable approach.
Stage 3:
- Can you describe what is happening in this image?
In the image, it looks like several employees are working at desks with headsets on, speaking to customers. Each person is focused on their computer screen, possibly reviewing customer information or typing notes. The environment appears to be a busy office with many workstations close to each other. The workers seem to be handling calls, answering questions, or solving problems for clients. Overall, the scene shows a professional call-centre setting where communication is the main task.
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- What kind of job do you think these people are doing?
These people seem to be working as customer service representatives or call-centre agents. Their job likely involves answering phone calls, providing information, and helping customers solve issues. They may also be responsible for processing orders, giving technical support, or handling complaints. Many call-centre jobs require multitasking, such as speaking while typing at the same time. The overall goal of their work is to provide assistance and maintain good customer relationships.
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- What skills are important for working in a call centre?
Strong communication skills are essential because agents must explain information clearly and listen carefully. Patience and emotional control are important when dealing with frustrated or confused customers. Workers also need good typing speed and computer skills to update records quickly. Problem-solving skills help them find solutions efficiently. Finally, teamwork and time management help them stay organised in a fast-paced environment.
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- What are some challenges of working in this environment?
One major challenge is dealing with difficult or angry customers, which can be emotionally exhausting. The noise in a busy call centre can also be distracting and stressful. Workers often follow strict scripts or rules, which limits flexibility. The job usually requires long hours of sitting and constant talking, which can be tiring. Additionally, performance targets or call-handling quotas can create pressure.
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- Would you enjoy doing a job like this? Why or why not?
I might enjoy this job if I liked helping people and solving problems quickly. It could be satisfying to know that I made someone’s day easier by fixing an issue. However, the repetitive nature of the work might become boring over time. The pressure to meet call numbers and handle complaints could also be stressful. Whether I enjoy it would depend on the work environment and the company’s support.
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- How does technology help people in this kind of work?
Technology allows workers to access customer information instantly through computer systems. Headsets and call-management software make communication faster and more efficient. Automated systems help route calls to the right department and reduce wait times. Some tools even assist with translation or voice-to-text functions, helping agents respond accurately. Overall, technology helps improve speed, accuracy, and customer satisfaction.
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- Have you ever had a memorable experience with customer service?
Yes, I remember contacting customer service when my internet was not working, and the representative was extremely helpful. They patiently guided me through the steps to reset my modem and explained everything clearly. Even though I was frustrated at first, their calm tone made the experience more pleasant. The issue was solved quickly, and I appreciated their professionalism. That interaction showed me how important good customer service can be.
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- Why is good communication important in customer service roles?
Good communication ensures that customers understand the information given to them, which reduces confusion and frustration. Clear explanations help solve problems faster and prevent misunderstandings. Active listening allows workers to identify the customer’s real issue. Polite and friendly communication creates a positive experience, even in stressful situations. Overall, strong communication builds trust and improves customer satisfaction.
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- What kind of training do you think these workers need?
Call-centre workers need training in communication skills, such as speaking clearly and listening effectively. They also need to learn how to use computer systems and software programs used by the company. Training in conflict resolution helps them manage difficult customers calmly. They often receive product or service knowledge so they can give accurate information. Many companies also train employees in time management, customer-care techniques, and professional etiquette.
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- Do you think remote customer service is better than in-office work? Why?
Remote customer service can be better because employees have more comfort and flexibility, which may reduce stress. It also saves time and money on commuting. However, working from home can lead to technical issues or distractions, which might affect performance. In-office environments provide easier communication with teammates and faster access to supervisors for help. Ultimately, the best option depends on the individual worker and the company’s needs.
