CELPIP vocabulary: technology

A phone, tablet or computer.

CELPIP tip The noun ends in -ice /s/; "devise" with -ise is a verb meaning to plan. Common in Listening Part 1 tech problems.

A program on a phone or tablet.

CELPIP tip Short for "application". Pattern: download, open or update an app; on the app.

A newer version of a program.

CELPIP tip Listening Part 1 often features a device problem fixed by a software update or a restart.

A secret word to log in.

CELPIP tip The W is silent: /ˈpæswɜːrd/. Pattern: reset, change or forget your password.

A second check when you log in.

CELPIP tip A useful detail when giving online-safety advice in Speaking Task 1: suggest turning on two-step verification.

Information about you.

CELPIP tip Usually treated as uncountable in everyday English: "personal data is". Privacy topics appear in Reading Part 4 opinions.

Options controlling who sees your information.

CELPIP tip Pattern: check, change or adjust your privacy settings. Practical advice for Speaking Task 1 about social media.

Time spent looking at screens.

CELPIP tip Very common in parenting debates; a natural topic for Speaking Task 7 opinions about children and technology.

Websites and apps for sharing.

CELPIP tip Usually treated as singular: "social media is". Pattern: on social media, not "in social media".

A call where you can see each other.

CELPIP tip Pattern: have, join or make a video call with someone. Mention it as a benefit of technology in Speaking Task 7.

A wireless internet connection.

CELPIP tip Write it with a hyphen and capitals: Wi-Fi. Pattern: free Wi-Fi, connect to the Wi-Fi.

How fast data moves online.

CELPIP tip Describe it as "fast" or "slow", not "quick". A useful comparison point between plans in Speaking Task 5.

Help with technology problems.

CELPIP tip Often shortened to "tech support". Calling technical support is a typical Listening Part 1 scenario.

Online space to store files.

CELPIP tip Pattern: store files in cloud storage, save to the cloud. Compare free and paid plans in Speaking Task 5.

How long a battery lasts.

CELPIP tip Pair it with "long" or "short": "a long battery life". A strong point when comparing devices in Speaking Task 5.

A trick to steal money on the internet.

CELPIP tip Pattern: fall for or be a target of a scam. Warning seniors about scams makes good Speaking Task 1 advice.

A service for watching shows online.

CELPIP tip Pattern: subscribe to or cancel a streaming service. Monthly cost is a natural comparison point in Speaking Task 5.

To copy a file from the internet onto your device.

CELPIP tip Opposite: upload. Also a noun: "The download was slow." Pattern: download something from a website.

To put a program or equipment on or in a device.

CELPIP tip The noun is "installation". Also used for equipment: "A technician installed the router."

To find and fix a problem.

CELPIP tip Past tense is "troubleshot" or "troubleshooted"; either is acceptable, but rephrasing ("we fixed it") avoids the issue.

To change to a newer or better version.

CELPIP tip Pattern: upgrade to something. As a noun, stress the first syllable: "an UP-grade".

To enter your account using your name and password.

CELPIP tip Two words as a verb ("log in to your account"); one word as a noun or adjective ("your login details").

To save a copy of files.

CELPIP tip Verb: two words (back up your photos); noun: one word (a backup). Good advice for Speaking Task 1.

Able to work with something.

CELPIP tip Pattern: compatible with something. Spell it -ible, not -able; the opposite is "incompatible".

Easy to use.

CELPIP tip Hyphenate it; comparative is "more user-friendly". A precise reason for choosing one product in Speaking Task 5.