10 words
- devicenoun/dih-VYS/
a small machine or tool made for a particular purpose
This tiny device tracks your steps and heart rate.
Collocation: a mobile device · Similar: gadget, appliance
- downloadverb/down-LOHD/
to copy files from the internet onto your computer or phone
It only takes a minute to download the app onto your phone.
Collocation: download an app · Similar: save, get
- innovationnoun/in-uh-VAY-shun/
a new idea, method or invention
The smartphone was a major innovation of the early 2000s.
Collocation: technological innovation · Similar: invention, breakthrough
- addictedadjective/uh-DIK-tid/
unable to stop doing or using something
Many teenagers are addicted to their phones.
Collocation: addicted to social media · Similar: hooked, dependent
- user-friendlyadjective/YOO-zuh-FREND-lee/
easy for people to understand and operate
The new banking app is simple and user-friendly.
Collocation: a user-friendly design · Similar: easy to use, intuitive
- upgradeverb/up-GRAYD/
to replace something with a newer or better version
I need to upgrade my laptop because it is so slow.
Collocation: upgrade your software · Similar: update, improve
- privacynoun/PRIV-uh-see/
the right to keep personal information secret
Some apps collect too much data and threaten our privacy.
Collocation: protect your privacy · Similar: confidentiality
- cutting-edgeadjective/KUT-ing-EJ/
the most modern and advanced available
The lab uses cutting-edge equipment for its research.
Collocation: cutting-edge technology · Similar: state-of-the-art, advanced
- obsoleteadjective/OB-suh-leet/
no longer used because something newer exists
Fax machines are almost obsolete in most offices now.
Collocation: become obsolete · Similar: outdated, out of date
- browseverb/BROWZ/
to look through websites or items casually
I like to browse online shops before buying anything.
Collocation: browse the internet · Similar: look through, scan
Grammar check
Choose the right option, then open the answer.
1. The first smartphone ___ in the 1990s.
invented · was invented · has invented · is inventing
Show answer
was invented: Past passive: was + past participle, because the phone did not invent itself.
2. This is the app ___ I use to learn English.
who · what · which · whose
Show answer
which: Use which (or that) for things in a relative clause. What cannot follow a noun like this.
3. I ___ this phone for four years and it still works well.
have had · had · have · am having
Show answer
have had: Present perfect with 'for' shows a situation that started in the past and continues now.
4. There isn't ___ storage left on my laptop.
many · few · a few · much
Show answer
much: Storage is uncountable, so use much in negatives. Many and few go with plural countable nouns.
5. I avoid ___ my phone before bed so I sleep better.
to use · use · using · used
Show answer
using: Avoid is followed by a verb + -ing, not an infinitive.
Use the words: speaking questions
- How often do you use your mobile phone? What do you use it for?
- Describe a piece of technology you find useful. You should say what it is, how you use it, and why it is important to you.
- Do you think children should have smartphones? Why or why not?
Answer them out loud with Dodo in the app for a band and better versions of your answers.