Focus
Technology questions appear in roughly 1 in 5 Speaking Part 3 sets and are common in Writing Task 2. Learn vocabulary in collocations — that is, which words go together — rather than as isolated entries.
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Topic Vocabulary: Technology
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# Topic Vocabulary: Technology
01
Section
Digital Life
| Term | Meaning & Usage |
|---|---|
| artificial intelligence (AI) | Machines that simulate human reasoning. "AI is transforming how we diagnose disease." |
| big data | Very large datasets analysed by computer. "Big data powers modern advertising." |
| cloud computing | Storing and processing data on remote servers. "Cloud computing has made enterprise software cheaper." |
| the internet of things | Network of devices that communicate online. "Fridges, cars, and thermostats are part of the internet of things." |
| cybersecurity | Protecting systems from digital attack. "Cybersecurity has become a national-security concern." |
03
Section
Work & Productivity
| Term | Meaning & Usage |
|---|---|
| remote work | Working from outside the office. "Remote work became standard during the pandemic." |
| automation | Replacing human labour with machines. "Automation has reduced manufacturing jobs but created new technical roles." |
| productivity | The amount produced per unit of input. "Productivity gains from technology have slowed since 2005." |
| collaboration tools | Software that enables teamwork online. "Slack and Zoom are now standard collaboration tools." |
| gig economy | Short-term work platforms. "The gig economy offers flexibility but often without employee benefits." |
04
Section
Innovation
| Term | Meaning & Usage |
|---|---|
| breakthrough | A sudden important discovery. "mRNA vaccines were a scientific breakthrough of the 2020s." |
| cutting-edge | At the forefront of development. "Cutting-edge robotics now assist in surgery." |
| disrupt | To fundamentally change an industry. "Streaming disrupted the music and film industries." |
| adoption | The acceptance and use of something. "Electric vehicle adoption is accelerating in Europe." |
| obsolete | No longer used because something better exists. "Fax machines are now obsolete in most industries." |
05
Section
Sample Essay Sentences
- While technology undoubtedly enhances productivity, its social consequences deserve equal consideration.
- The rapid pace of automation threatens certain job categories even as it creates others.
- Digital technologies can either expand opportunity or deepen inequality, depending on how they are deployed.