NEW THING / DANGEROUS THINGS

Questions

1. Why do some people enjoy trying new but risky activities?

2. Do you think people today are more willing to take risks than in the past?

3. What are some examples of new technologies that could be dangerous?

4. How should people balance curiosity with safety when trying new things?

5. Do you think young people take more risks than older people? Why?

6. How can governments regulate new inventions that might be unsafe?

7. Are dangerous experiences always harmful, or can they sometimes be beneficial?

8. In the future, will new things become safer or more dangerous for people?

Q1: Why do some people enjoy trying new but risky activities?
Band 7:
Some people like risky activities because they enjoy the excitement and challenge. Trying something new gives them a sense of adventure and helps them escape from routine life. Many people also want to prove their courage or test their limits. Activities like skydiving or mountain climbing make people feel strong and confident. Of course, these things are risky, but the thrill often makes them worth it. At the same time, not everyone enjoys risk because some prefer safety and comfort.

Band 8:
The appeal of risky activities often comes from the adrenaline rush and the sense of achievement they provide. People sometimes feel that their daily lives are repetitive, so they look for new experiences that break routine. Risky challenges allow them to push physical and mental boundaries, which can build confidence and resilience. For example, extreme sports like bungee jumping or scuba diving give individuals a unique sense of accomplishment. Social influence also plays a role, since people like to share adventurous experiences with friends or on social media. However, the enjoyment of risk varies by personality; some people thrive on excitement, while others value stability and security more.

Q2: Do you think people today are more willing to take risks than in the past?
Band 7:
Yes, I think people today take more risks than before. Modern society offers many new activities and technologies that didn’t exist in the past. For example, extreme sports and online investments are more common now. Social media also encourages people to show off adventurous experiences. At the same time, some people take risks because they want quick success or excitement. In the past, life was simpler, so fewer opportunities for risky activities were available.

Band 8:
I believe people today are generally more open to risk compared to previous generations, largely because society offers more opportunities and greater exposure to new ideas. Extreme sports, experimental diets, and digital ventures like cryptocurrency have become mainstream. Global communication and social media also normalize risk-taking, as people are constantly exposed to adventurous lifestyles online. However, it’s also true that modern people have more safety measures and advanced technology to reduce risk, so they may feel more secure in trying dangerous things. In contrast, older generations often lived more cautiously due to limited resources and stricter social norms. Overall, while risk has always existed, today’s generation seems more willing to embrace it as part of personal growth and lifestyle.

Q3: What are some examples of new technologies that could be dangerous?
Band 7:
Some new technologies are useful but also dangerous. For example, artificial intelligence can replace jobs and create ethical problems. Drones can be helpful for delivery but may also invade privacy. Social media apps are new but can harm mental health, especially for young people. Electric scooters and self-driving cars are exciting, but accidents can happen if they are not safe. So, new inventions can bring both benefits and risks.

Band 8:
Several new technologies present both advantages and potential dangers. Artificial intelligence, for instance, is revolutionizing industries but may also cause job loss, ethical concerns, and even security risks if misused. Social media platforms have transformed communication but are linked to cyberbullying, misinformation, and addiction. Drones and autonomous vehicles provide convenience yet raise safety and privacy issues. Similarly, biotechnology and genetic engineering promise medical breakthroughs but also pose ethical dilemmas and possible misuse. Technology is powerful, but without proper regulation and responsibility, its dangers may outweigh its benefits.

Q4: How should people balance curiosity with safety when trying new things?
Band 7:
People should always think about safety first before trying new things. It is good to be curious, but they need to check the risks. For example, if someone tries a new sport, they should use the right equipment and training. If it’s new food or medicine, they should learn about the side effects. Curiosity is important for learning, but safety helps people avoid serious problems. Balance comes from being careful and responsible.

Band 8:
Balancing curiosity with safety requires a thoughtful and responsible approach. Curiosity drives progress and personal growth, but without safety, it can lead to harm. People should evaluate the risks before engaging in new activities or using unfamiliar technologies. For example, extreme sports should be done with proper training, supervision, and equipment. When trying new food, medicine, or products, research and expert advice are essential. It’s also important to recognize personal limits and avoid unnecessary risks just for excitement. In short, curiosity should never be suppressed, but it should always be guided by preparation, awareness, and responsibility.

Q5: Do you think young people take more risks than older people? Why?
Band 7:
Yes, young people usually take more risks than older people. They are more energetic and want to explore new things. Many young people also feel less afraid of failure or danger. Older people, on the other hand, prefer safety because they have more responsibilities like family and health. For example, a teenager may try extreme sports, while older adults might avoid them. Age often changes how people think about risk.

Band 8:
Young people are often more willing to take risks because they are naturally curious, energetic, and eager to explore the world. They usually have fewer responsibilities, so they feel free to experiment with new ideas or activities. For instance, young adults may try extreme sports, travel to unfamiliar places, or start risky business ventures. In contrast, older people tend to be more cautious because they value stability, health, and financial security. They are more aware of potential consequences, and their responsibilities often discourage unnecessary risks. While both groups take risks in different ways, younger people generally embrace them as opportunities for growth, whereas older people focus on avoiding harm.

Q6: How can governments regulate new inventions that might be unsafe?
Band 7:
Governments can test new inventions before they are used by the public. They can make laws to check safety and quality. For example, new medicines should go through trials before being sold. Governments can also ban products that are too dangerous. They can educate people about the risks of new inventions. Regulation is important so that technology helps people without causing harm.

Band 8:
Governments have a responsibility to regulate new inventions to protect public safety. One way is to establish strict testing standards before products or technologies are released. For example, new medicines must go through clinical trials, while new vehicles require safety certifications. Governments can also introduce laws that limit unsafe use, such as drone restrictions in crowded areas. Education campaigns are equally important, as they raise awareness of potential risks among the public. International cooperation may also be necessary, since many technologies spread globally. Effective regulation ensures that innovation benefits society while minimizing the dangers associated with it.

Q7: Are dangerous experiences always harmful, or can they sometimes be beneficial?
Band 7:
Dangerous experiences are not always harmful. Sometimes people learn important lessons from them. For example, after failing at something risky, people become more careful and stronger. Trying difficult activities can also give people confidence and courage. Of course, some dangerous experiences cause serious harm, so they should not be taken lightly. But in some cases, risk helps people grow.

Band 8:
Dangerous experiences can be both harmful and beneficial, depending on the outcome and the way people handle them. On one hand, they can cause injury, loss, or trauma, which leaves long-lasting effects. On the other hand, they can teach resilience, adaptability, and courage. For example, someone who overcomes a difficult mountain climb may gain confidence and discipline that helps in other areas of life. Dangerous experiences also push people beyond comfort zones, which often leads to personal growth. However, unnecessary risks without preparation usually bring more harm than good. Therefore, the value of such experiences depends on balance, awareness, and learning from the challenges.

Q8: In the future, will new things become safer or more dangerous for people?
Band 7:
I think new things may become both safer and more dangerous. Technology is improving, so safety standards are higher now. For example, cars and airplanes are safer than before. But at the same time, new inventions like AI or robots can create new problems. It depends on how carefully people use and control these new things.

Band 8:
In the future, new things are likely to be both safer and more dangerous at the same time. Advances in science and technology will make many products more secure, efficient, and reliable. For example, medical treatments, transportation, and communication tools are expected to improve safety. However, innovations such as artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, or advanced weapons could bring entirely new risks. The level of safety will depend largely on how governments, companies, and individuals manage these technologies. If strong regulations and ethical practices are followed, most new things will benefit society. But if they are misused, they could create serious dangers.