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AylaraTalks

Word list · Teens & Adults

Technology and Internet Vocabulary List

Passwords, updates, clouds and scams: talking about the tech we use daily.

Age
Ages 13+
Level
A2–C1
Skill
Vocabulary
Format
Interactive
More in the library
  • Everyday life
  • 25 words

Practise

Three ways to learn the list. Nothing is saved: start again whenever you like.

Front of the card:

0 of 25 learned

download

verb

The list

Tap the speaker to hear each word.

  1. download

    verb · A2

    to copy a file or program from the internet to your device

    You can download the app for free.

  2. upload

    verb · B1

    to send a file from your device to the internet or another computer

    I'll upload the holiday photos to the class website tonight.

  3. password

    noun · A2

    a secret word or set of characters that lets you use an account

    Use a strong password with numbers and symbols.

  4. log in

    phrasal verb · A2

    to enter your name and password to start using an account

    I can't log in to my email account.

  5. update

    noun · B1

    a newer version of software that fixes problems or adds features

    My phone is installing an update, so it will restart in a minute.

  6. back up

    phrasal verb · B1

    to make a copy of your files so you do not lose them

    Remember to back up your files before you change anything.

  7. attachment

    noun · B1

    a file that you send with an email

    I've sent you the contract as an attachment.

  8. connection

    noun · A2

    the link between your device and the internet

    The video keeps freezing because my internet connection is slow.

  9. browser

    noun · B1

    a program you use to look at websites

    This website works best in an up-to-date browser.

  10. search engine

    noun · B1

    a website that finds information on the internet for you

    I typed the question into a search engine and found the answer in seconds.

  11. screenshot

    noun · B1

    a picture of what is on your screen

    Take a screenshot of the error message and send it to IT.

  12. device

    noun · B1

    a piece of equipment, such as a phone, tablet or laptop

    You can watch the course on any device: phone, tablet or laptop.

  13. settings

    noun · A2

    the options you can change to control how a device or app works

    Go to settings and turn on dark mode.

  14. install

    verb · B1

    to put a new program onto a computer or phone so it is ready to use

    It took twenty minutes to install the new software.

  15. crash

    verb · B1

    (of a computer or program) to stop working suddenly

    My laptop crashed and I lost two hours of work.

  16. spam

    noun · B1

    unwanted emails, usually advertising

    Check your spam folder if you can't find our email.

  17. privacy

    noun · B2

    the right to keep your personal information and life private

    Many users worry about their privacy on social media.

  18. cloud storage

    noun · B2

    a service that keeps your files on the internet so you can open them anywhere

    All my documents are in cloud storage, so I can open them at home or at work.

  19. two-factor authentication

    noun · B2

    a security check that asks for a second proof, such as a code on your phone, as well as your password

    Turn on two-factor authentication to protect your account.

  20. user-friendly

    adjective · B2

    easy to use or understand

    The new app is much more user-friendly than the old one.

  21. go viral

    phrase · B2

    (of a video, picture or post) to spread very quickly online to a huge number of people

    Her video went viral and got two million views in a day.

  22. scam

    noun · B2

    a dishonest plan to get money from people

    If an email asks for your bank details, it's probably a scam.

  23. charger

    noun · A2

    a piece of equipment that puts power into a battery

    Can I borrow your phone charger? My battery is almost dead.

  24. subscribe

    verb · B1

    to pay or sign up to receive a service or content regularly

    We subscribe to two streaming services, but we hardly use one of them.

  25. algorithm

    noun · C1

    a set of rules a computer follows, for example to choose what you see on a website

    The algorithm shows you posts similar to the ones you've liked.

Use it: speaking task

For pairs or small groups, about ten minutes.

Work in small groups. Discuss the questions and use words from the list. One person in each group notes the best idea to share with the class.

  1. Which device could you not live without? Why?
  2. How do you protect your privacy online? Do you use two-factor authentication?
  3. Have you or someone you know ever received a scam message? What did it say?
  4. Do you back up your photos and files? Where?
  5. Should social media algorithms decide what we see? Why or why not?

Printable worksheet

One page of matching and gap-fill, the speaking task, and an answer key on a separate page.