IELTS Vocabulary about Modern Technology

This resource will help you learn vocabulary about technology for your IELTS exam.

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.

Example of 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 Electronic Funds 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.

Describe an invention that has changed how people live

You should say:

what it is
how it has changed people’s lives
what benefits did it bring
explain if it is more important for younger or older people

Read and listen to the sample answer here.

Speaking 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.

Vocabulary to talk about Inventions

turn something on its head: change something completely
a landline: conventional cable phone
the exception, not the rule: something very uncommon
out of this world: unimaginable
so much more than (something): much more complex than
come to expect: become accustomed to
keep up with the (latest news): know what is currently happening
stop and think (for a moment): take a pause to think about something
the stuff of science fiction: the content of sci-fi fantasies, unreal
the downside: the negative aspect
not all good news: not everything is positive
bury your head in (something): be completely involved in something (a book, your phone)
have an adverse effect on: have a negative result
a fact of life: something we all accept as true
here to stay: something which will be permanent

Technology Vocabulary

Access to the Internet – Able to connect to the Internet
Advances in technology – Progressive forward movement in technology
Back up your files – To save your data to another device
Become rapidly obsolete – Quickly become out of date
Computer literate – Adequate knowledge of a computer
Control remotely – To control technology from a distance
Downloading from the Internet – Take data off one computer to another via the Internet
Electronic Funds Transfer – EFT Payment via the Internet
Emerging technology – Brand new machines and software
Glued to the screen – Unable or unwilling to leave the digital device
Hacking into the network – To gain illegal access to the computer
Internet access – The ability to enter the Internet
Internet of Things – A network connecting machines in a location so that they can be remotely controlled
Internet-enabled – Machines or appliances that have Internet access
Keep a hard copy – Keep a paper copy
Labour-saving device – An appliance that saves work
Not rocket science – It is not very difficult
Online piracy – The downloading of licenced media without payment
Re-install the programs – To put computer programs back onto the computer
Shop online – Shop via the Internet
Shut down – Turn the computer off
Social media networks – Online platforms for communication between people and organisations
State-of-the-art technology – The best technology available
Surfing the web – To move from one site to another on the Internet
To click on an icon – To use the mouse to click on the pictures to get into programs
To crash – To stop working suddenly
To Log in – To sign onto the computer
To upgrade your computer system – To get a larger, quicker or more modern computer
Wireless hotspots – A location where the Internet is available

If you need more help with your IELTS speaking exam, have look at our tutorials here to help you prepare for IELTS.