Technology & Innovation

Technology is arguably the most frequently tested topic in IELTS. From the impact of social media to artificial intelligence, from digital privacy to the digital divide — you need a wide-ranging vocabulary to discuss technology confidently and precisely.

---

Core Vocabulary

Digital Technology

Word / Phrase	Definition	Example
artificial intelligence (AI)	Computer systems that perform tasks requiring human-like intelligence	Artificial intelligence is transforming industries from healthcare to finance.
automation	The use of technology to perform tasks with minimal human involvement	Automation has increased productivity but also displaced many workers.
digital literacy	The ability to use technology effectively and critically	Digital literacy should be a core component of every school curriculum.
cybersecurity	Measures taken to protect computer systems from attacks	As technology advances, cybersecurity threats become increasingly sophisticated.
social media	Online platforms for sharing content and connecting with others	Social media has fundamentally changed the way people communicate.
the digital divide	The gap between those with and without access to technology	The digital divide disproportionately affects rural and low-income communities.
big data	Extremely large datasets analysed computationally for patterns	Companies use big data to understand consumer behaviour and predict trends.
algorithm	A set of rules or instructions followed by a computer	Social media algorithms determine what content users see in their feeds.

Innovation and Progress

Word / Phrase	Definition	Example
breakthrough	A significant discovery or achievement	The development of mRNA vaccines represented a major scientific breakthrough.
cutting-edge (adj.)	The most advanced stage of development	The company is known for its cutting-edge research in renewable energy.
obsolete (adj.)	No longer in use; outdated	Many traditional skills have become obsolete due to technological advances.
disruptive technology	Innovation that fundamentally changes an industry	Electric vehicles are a disruptive technology that is reshaping the automotive industry.
innovation	The introduction of new ideas, methods, or products	Innovation drives economic growth and improves quality of life.
patent	Legal protection for an invention	The company holds over 500 patents for its technological innovations.
prototype	An early model of a product used for testing	The engineers developed a prototype of the device before mass production.

Impact and Concerns