B1 PRELIMINARY · VOCABULARY · TOPIC VOCABULARY
Technology and the internet
Words like download, charge your phone, post and go online.
Finn says
Phones, apps and the internet are a favourite topic in Speaking Part 4 and in Reading texts about young people. Learn the words in groups, with the words they go with, and try to use two or three of them next time you practise Speaking or Writing.
Using your phone
charge
fill the battery
I forgot to charge my phone.
download / upload
copy from / to the internet
I downloaded a new app yesterday.
a screen
the part you look at
My phone screen is broken.
turn off / switch off
stop a machine
Please switch off your phones in class.
Online
go online
start using the internet
I go online every evening to chat.
post
put a photo or message on social media
She posted a photo of her cat.
a password
the secret word to open an account
Never share your password.
search for
look for information online
I searched for the recipe online.
Make it better
The same idea, first in basic English, then in the kind of language that gets a higher mark.
- Basic: My phone has no energy.Better: My phone's battery is dead – I need to charge it.The natural way to say it.
- Basic: I put a photo on Instagram.Better: I posted a photo on Instagram.The usual verb for social media.
- Basic: I use the internet a lot.Better: I spend a lot of time online, mostly chatting with friends.More precise, with a detail.
Finn's exam tip
In Speaking Part 4, give both sides: 'Technology is really useful because you can search for anything, but I think some people spend too much time online.'
Quick check
Choose the best answer.
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