Technology Vocabulary
1. Access to the Internet – Able to connect to the Internet
2. Advances in technology – Progressive forward movement in technology
3. Back up your files – To save your data to another device
4. Become rapidly obsolete – Quickly become out of date
5. Computer literate – Adequate knowledge of a computer
6. Control remotely – To control technology from a distance
7. Downloading from the Internet – Take data off one computer to another via
the Internet
8. Emerging technology – Brand new machines and software
9. Glued to the screen – Unable or unwilling to leave the digital device
10. Hacking into the network – To gain illegal access to the computer
11. Internet access – The ability to enter the Internet
12. Internet of Things – A network connecting machines in a location so that
they can be remotely controlled
13. Internet-enabled – Machines or appliances that have Internet access
14. Keep a hard copy – Keep a paper copy
15. Labour saving device – An appliance that saves work
16. Not rocket science – It is not very difficult
17. Online piracy – The downloading of licenced media without payment
18. Re-install the programs – To put computer programs back onto the
computer
19. Shop online – Shop via the Internet
20. Shut down – Turn the computer off
21. Social media networks – Online platforms for communication between
people and organisations
22. State of the art technology – The best technology available
23. Surfing the web – To move from one site to another on the Internet
24. To click on an icon – To use the mouse to click on the pictures to get into
programs
25. To crash – To stop working suddenly
26. To Log in – To sign onto the computer
27. To upgrade your computer system – To get a larger, quicker or more
modern computer
28. Wireless hotspots – A location where the Internet is available
Technology is frequently used as a topic for the IELTS speaking test. It makes
sense, therefore, to prepare to speak on the subject. We have developed some
questions and answers. Pay careful attention to them. Pay particular attention to the
collocations and phrases that have been highlighted for your benefit.
Speaking Part 1 questions
What type of technology do you use in your home?
Answer: We have a number of labour-saving devices including state of the art
technology in our kitchen. These appliances include an induction stove, a
dishwasher, and an Internet-enabled refrigerator. All are connected through
the Internet of Things so we can remotely control them.
Are you comfortable using modern technology?
Answer: You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to use technology today. It’s all
about booting up, logging in and then clicking on the icon that will take you to
your favourite application. On the single occasion that my computer crashed, I
called someone in to re-install the programs otherwise I’m comfortable.
How do you keep your computer and data secure?
Answer: I always shut down the computer at night. I backup my files to a hard
drive and I always keep hard copies of important documents. I am very careful with
my privacy settings, especially in wireless hotspots.
Speaking Part 2 questions
Describe an item of modern technology that is most important to you?
In this type of question, you should describe the type of technology that you use,
how long you have been using it, how frequently you use it and how it is a necessary
part of your life.
Answer: My laptop is the most important digital appliance in my home. I have had a
laptop for years, but I have recently upgraded my computer. I am computer
literate. I study from home and I need Internet access to do my
research. Advances in technology have also made it possible for me to work from
home. I surf the web in search of freelance opportunities. In my leisure time,
I download books and music from the Internet. I pay for these via E-Transfer. I do
not condone online piracy, as I value the arts and believe that the authors and
songwriters should be rewarded for their work. I use social media networks to keep
up with my friends and family across the globe and I also shop online from time to
time.
Part 3 questions
Do you think that there are any disadvantages to modern technology?
Answer: I think that there are several disadvantages. Security can be a problem with
people hacking into the Internet. Also, modern technology tends to become
rapidly obsolete so we become more and more a throw-away society. People are
also losing physical contact with one another as they become glued to their
screens.
In what ways do you think people will benefit from technologies in the future?
Answer: Emerging technology has the capacity to change our lives in so many
ways. Robots and artificial intelligence are both reducing the amount of tedious
work required in a wide range of industries and professions. We can now also get
expert advice from across the globe using an Internet connection.
In your opinion what are the basic computer skills that every person should
have today?
Answer: All the information we require is available on the Internet, so everyone
should be able to boot up a computer, log in and know how to use a search
engine. Everyone should have access to the Internet so that they can surf the
web.
