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❖ Unit 9 ❖ Science and Technology ❖ Vocabulary ❖

Science and Technology Vocabulary

The language of inventions, innovations, the internet, AI, genetics — words that describe modern life.

1

Core vocabulary

WordMeaning
inventionA new device or process created by human effort.
innovationAn improvement of something that already exists.
breakthroughA major scientific discovery or advance.
technologyThe application of science to practical problems.
geneticsThe study of heredity and genes.
internetThe global network of interconnected computers.
social networkAn online platform (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram).
passwordA secret code that protects an account.
addictA person who is unable to stop a habit.
drawbackA disadvantage; a negative aspect.
cybercrimeA crime committed using computers/internet.
artificial intelligenceComputer systems performing tasks normally requiring human intelligence.
2

Practice 1 — Fill in

Use: internet · emails · communication · genetics · invention · games
  1. The mobile phone is a very important technological invention.
  2. Most students depend on the internet when they have to do research.
  3. Genetics is the study of how characteristics and qualities of parents are given to their children by their genes.
  4. My little brother enjoys playing computer games.
  5. Social networks such as Facebook and Twitter are effective means of communication.
  6. People no longer send letters, but they send emails instead.
3

Practice 2 — Collocations

Match to make collocations
  • remote → control
  • genetic → engineering
  • internet → addict
  • atomic → bomb
  • online → shopping
  • technological → invention
4

Practice 3 — Use the collocations

Fill in with the right collocation
  1. Online shopping makes life easy. You can buy whatever you like through the internet.
  2. This TV programme is boring. Could you pass the remote control so I can change the channel.
  3. Thanks to genetic engineering, the world population will never suffer from food shortage.
  4. The internet is the most important technological invention in today's world.
5

More useful collocations

❖ Key Takeaways ❖

① Positive vocabulary

Invention, innovation, breakthrough, progress, revolutionise, transform.

② Negative vocabulary

Addiction, drawback, harm, cybercrime, isolation, dependence.

③ Tech-specific terms

Genetics, AI, social networks, cybersecurity, cloud, virtual reality.

❖ Exam tip

For technology essays, balance positive and negative vocabulary. "Despite its many advantages, technology also has serious drawbacks."

❖ Unit 9 — Science and Technology — Vocabulary ❖