Technology appears in nearly every IELTS exam in some form — as a Reading passage topic, a Writing Task 2 question, or a Speaking Part 3 discussion. Having a bank of precise technology vocabulary significantly boosts your Lexical Resource score.
Key Technology Nouns
- automation — the use of technology to perform tasks without human input: "Automation is transforming manufacturing and service industries."
- digital divide — the gap between those with and without access to technology: "The digital divide remains significant in developing nations."
- artificial intelligence (AI) — computer systems that perform human-like tasks: "AI is increasingly used in medical diagnosis."
- surveillance — monitoring of individuals or populations: "Government surveillance raises serious privacy concerns."
- algorithm — a set of rules a computer uses to solve problems: "Social media algorithms shape what content people see."
Verbs and Collocations
- transform / reshape communication
- disrupt traditional industries / revolutionise sectors
- enhance productivity / streamline processes
- pose ethical dilemmas / raise privacy concerns
- accelerate technological change / drive innovation
For Balanced Arguments (Opinion and Discussion Essays)
Pro-technology: "Technology has significantly enhanced access to information, enabling lifelong learning beyond formal education."
Critical: "Despite its benefits, over-reliance on technology risks eroding face-to-face communication skills, particularly among younger generations."
Neutral/academic: "The relationship between technological development and social wellbeing is complex and context-dependent."
Speaking Phrases
- "Technology has fundamentally altered the way people..."
- "The rapid pace of technological change means that..."
- "I think the most significant development has been in the area of..."
- "There are legitimate concerns around data privacy and..."
Related Guides
→ Environment vocabulary · IELTS collocations · Discussion essays