C1 ADVANCED · VOCABULARY · TOPIC VOCABULARY
Technology and society
Words like cutting-edge, automation, data breach and the digital divide.
Finn says
At C1, technology questions are about its impact on society: jobs, privacy, relationships and inequality. 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.
Innovation
cutting-edge / state-of-the-art
the most advanced
The lab uses cutting-edge equipment.
automation
machines doing work people used to do
Automation threatens many jobs.
artificial intelligence (AI)
computers that can "think"
AI is transforming medicine.
obsolete
no longer used because something better exists
Fax machines are now obsolete.
an early adopter
someone who uses new technology first
I'm not an early adopter – I wait for reviews.
user data
information about people who use a service
Companies collect huge amounts of user data.
Impact on society
the digital divide
the gap between those with and without technology
The digital divide affects older people most.
a data breach
when private data is stolen
The bank suffered a major data breach.
surveillance
watching people closely
Cameras raise concerns about surveillance.
digital detox
a period without devices
I did a week-long digital detox.
misinformation
false information
Social media spreads misinformation rapidly.
a double-edged sword
something with good and bad effects
Technology is a double-edged sword.
Make it better
The same idea, first in basic English, then in the kind of language that gets a higher mark.
- Basic: The newest technology.Better: Cutting-edge technology.A precise, advanced adjective.
- Basic: Machines are doing people's jobs.Better: Automation is replacing many jobs.One exact noun.
- Basic: Some people have technology and some don't.Better: The digital divide is widening.A key concept for essays.
- Basic: Technology has good and bad sides.Better: Technology is a double-edged sword.Idiomatic and memorable.
Finn's exam tip
In C1 Speaking Part 4, balance is key. 'Automation is a double-edged sword: it boosts productivity, but it may widen inequality.' Topic nouns + a clear contrast = a strong answer.
Quick check
Choose the best answer.
🇪🇸 Guía en español: Phrasal verbs para el C1 Advanced: lista con ejemplos →
Practice → Check → Learn → Repeat ↻