Lesson 6: Tech that refuses to die

Listening practice with BBC Learning English · 6 Minute English

Before you listen

Predict

Which old technologies do people still use today? Think of three.
Why would a person or a company keep using something old?

Words from the episode

Phrases from the episode

Dana: Why are we still using this old reporting tool?

Marco: It works. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Dana: But it is too much trouble to export anything. Nobody likes it.

Marco: True. Still, some old things come back. Paper notebooks are back in fashion in my team.

Dana: Fine, but I'd like to try the new tool for one month.

Tap a card to turn it.

Listen

Open the episode “Tech that refuses to die” (BBC 6 Minute English, 17 October 2024). Do not read the transcript yet.

Open the BBC episode

Listening 1: the big picture

Which reasons for keeping old technology do the hosts mention? Choose all that apply.

Listening 2: details

Listen again. True or false?

Your notes

For each reason, write down one example of old technology that you heard.

People still love it The original design still works well It is too much trouble to change

Compare your notes with the transcript on the BBC page after the second listening.

After listening

1. Discuss

Which tools or processes in your product team are obsolete but still in use? Why do people stick with them?
When is “if it ain't broke, don't fix it” a good rule for a product team, and when is it dangerous?
Think of an assumption about your users that no longer holds. Did the team recheck it in time?
Which old piece of technology do you still use at home? Would you ever give it up?

2. Roleplay: keep it or replace it?

A wants to replace an old tool and explains why. B defends it. Listen to each other's reasons, then swap roles for the next round.

Round 1. A is a product manager who wants to replace an old internal reporting tool. B is a finance manager who has used it for ten years and trusts it.

Round 2 (swap). A is a support lead who wants to stop phone support and move everyone to chat. B is a customer success manager whose best clients prefer calling.

Round 3 (swap). Invent your own old tool and the facts. B has to be convinced before agreeing.

Source: BBC Learning English, 6 Minute English, “Tech that refuses to die” (17 October 2024). The audio, transcript and quiz are on the BBC Learning English website.