How to ... describe problems and suggest solutions

We use I can’t get the … working/to work to say we don’t know how to start using a machine.
I can’t get the webcam to work.

We use keep + -ing form to say that a problem happens repeatedly.
The image keeps disappearing.
The sound keeps cutting out.

I can’t get the … working.
There seems to be a problem with …
There’s something wrong with my …
The … isn’t working.
It keeps + -ing form (crashing/disappearing/stopping).
Every time I … , it …

We use perhaps + you could and maybe + you could to make suggestions. They have the same meaning.
Maybe you could open a new window.
Perhaps you could log off and on again.

We use try + -ing form to suggest a solution.
Try switching on your camera.
Why don’t you try using different headphones?

Perhaps you could try + -ing form.
Maybe you could + infinitive without to.
Why don’t you try + -ing form?
It might be worth + -ing form.
Have you checked the …/(tried + -ing form)?

We use that might work and it’s worth a try to suggest that it’s possible a solution will work.
Shall we switch hosts? It’s worth a try because it worked yesterday.
Shall we try logging in again? That might work.

We use It sometimes helps if you + infinitive without to to show an action has been tried successfully before.
It sometimes helps if you turn down the volume.
It sometimes helps if you move away from the mic.

That might work because …
It’s worth a try because …
It sometimes helps if you + infinitive without to because …

In recent years, video conference calls have become a common way to communicate. Especially after the global changes in how people work and learn, video calls are not just a convenience but a necessity. This text will explore the future skills needed to use video conferencing effectively and the importance of social responsibility in this digital age.

Video conference calls allow people to connect easily, no matter where they are. This has changed the way we work, study, and socialize. Traveling to meetings or classrooms is often no longer necessary, saving time and reducing travel costs. This change also helps the environment by cutting down on carbon emissions from planes, cars, and buses.

To succeed in the future, people must develop good skills for video communication. First, knowing how to operate different video conferencing tools, like Zoom, Teams, or Google Meet, is essential. But it’s not just about technology; communication skills are key. Speaking clearly, listening carefully, and using body language through the camera help make conversations more effective.

Another important skill is managing time during video calls. Being punctual and prepared demonstrates professionalism. Since calls can be more tiring than face-to-face meetings, knowing how to stay focused is also important. Minimizing background noise and distractions helps everyone concentrate better.

Social responsibility means acting in ways that benefit society and the world. Video calls encourage social responsibility in several ways. By reducing the need to travel, these calls help lower pollution and protect the planet. They also provide access to education and work for people with disabilities or those living far from major cities. This technology makes it possible for more people to participate equally.

Using video conferencing responsibly also involves respecting others. Not sharing private calls without permission, being patient with technical issues, and treating everyone politely are all important behaviors. These actions create a positive online community and show respect for digital citizenship.

In education, video conferencing offers new learning opportunities. Students can join classes from anywhere and learn from teachers and classmates who are far away. This accessibility makes education fairer and encourages cultural exchange. Students can hear different perspectives and develop better understanding and empathy.

At work, video calls make teamwork more flexible and global. People can collaborate with team members from various locations, helping companies compete in a fast-changing market. Working remotely also allows employees to balance their careers and personal lives more effectively.

To prepare for the future, practicing video communication is important. People should learn to use different tools, give and receive feedback, and improve their skills gradually. Schools and workplaces should include video communication training in their programs so everyone can be ready for this digital future.

In conclusion, video conference calls are a vital part of modern life. Developing future skills in video communication and understanding social responsibility in this context will help individuals and society thrive. By learning to use these tools wisely and respectfully, we can build stronger connections and create a better world for everyone.

1. How have video conference calls changed the way we work and learn?
2. What are the most important skills needed to use video calls effectively?
3. How can using video conference calls help protect the environment?
4. What does social responsibility mean when using digital communication tools like video calls?
5. Can video conference calls help include more people in work and education? Why or why not?
6. What are some challenges of video calls, and how can we overcome them?
7. How can schools and companies prepare people to use video conferencing responsibly?
8. Describe a positive or negative experience you’ve had during a video conference call.
9. What advice would you give to someone new to video conferencing?
10. How do you think video conference technology will change in the future?

We use defining relative clauses to explain exactly which person or thing we are talking about.
The team that I work with has won several awards.

We use non-defining relative clauses to give extra, non-essential information.
The building, which was built in 1882, is due to be redecorated next month.
(We don’t need to know when it was built – this is extra information.)

To introduce a non-defining relative clause, we use the following relative pronouns – which (for things), who (for people), whose (for possession), where (for places) and when (for times).

Yuki, who joined the company last year, has had a really positive impact on the team.
Poland, where our next meeting will be held, is one of our fastest-growing markets.

Non-defining relative clauses are often used in the middle of a sentence. However, we can also use them at the end
of a sentence to make a comment or give an opinion about what we’ve just said.

I worked with Tim on the Greenway project, which was an absolute pleasure.
(We don’t need to know the speaker enjoyed working with Tim – this is an extra comment/opinion.)
They introduced me to Nicky Laird, whose books I’ve loved for years.
(We don’t need to know the speaker likes Nicky Laird’s books – this is an extra comment/opinion.)
The company just appointed Felix Schulz, who is a really nice guy.
(We don’t need to know the speaker likes Felix – this is an extra comment/opinion.)