C1 TV Show
Black Mirror
2011, · Netflix
12 key words from Black Mirror, learn them before you watch for a much richer experience.
Word
Meaning
Example
dystopian
an imagined society where everything has gone terribly wrong
Each Black Mirror episode depicts a different near-future dystopia.
surveillancen
close monitoring, especially by governments or corporations
The episode explores the consequences of total surveillance.
autonomyn
the right and ability to make your own decisions
Technology in the show slowly erodes human autonomy.
consciousnessn
the state of being aware and able to think and feel
Can a digital copy of consciousness truly feel emotions?
ethicsn
moral principles guiding what is right or wrong
The show constantly forces us to confront difficult ethics.
addictionn
being unable to stop a harmful behaviour
Social media addiction is a recurring Black Mirror theme.
nostalgian
a sentimental longing for the past
One episode weaponises nostalgia to devastating effect.
simulationn
a computer-generated imitation of reality
Several episodes ask whether we're living in a simulation.
consentn
permission freely given for something
Characters rarely give true informed consent in the show.
complicitadj
involved in or allowing wrongdoing
Society is shown to be complicit in its own oppression.
immersiveadj
deeply engaging all of your attention and senses
The VR technology depicted is fully immersive.
inevitableadj
certain to happen and impossible to prevent
The show presents technology's dark side as inevitable.
12 words · C1 · TV Show
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Study tip
Each episode is standalone, start with 'Nosedive' (S3E1) or 'The Entire History of You' (S1E3) for rich language and ideas.
Practice Exercises
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