Technology and Media in EnglishA2
Learn key vocabulary for technology and media. Practice talking about phones, apps, and news in everyday English.
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Technology and media basics
Technology includes the tools people use to do tasks, find information, and stay in touch. A device is one of those tools, such as a phone, tablet, or computer. Media is the content people read, watch, or listen to, such as news, music, video, and podcasts. In daily life, technology and media work together. You use a phone to watch a video, a computer to read the news, or a tablet to listen to music. Words like online, digital, and screen often appear in these situations. Online means connected to the internet. Digital means stored or used by a computer rather than on paper or tape. A screen is the surface where you see information on a device.
Smartphones and devices
A smartphone is a phone that can connect to the internet and run apps. People also say mobile phone or just cell phone in some places. Common parts of a phone include the screen, the button or home button, the speaker, the camera, and the charger port. A tablet looks like a large phone without a regular phone function. A laptop is a computer you can carry and open like a book. When a device has Wi-Fi, it connects to the internet without a cable. Bluetooth connects devices close to each other, such as headphones and a phone. If a device has battery, it can work without being plugged in for a while. To charge a device means to give the battery power again.
| Word | Definition | Example | |
|---|---|---|---|
| smartphone | A smartphone is a mobile phone with internet and apps. | ||
| charger | A charger is a tool that gives power to a device. | ||
| screen | A screen is the part of a device you look at. | ||
| battery | A battery is the part that stores power. | ||
| headphones | Headphones are small speakers you wear on your ears. | ||
| speaker | A speaker is the part that makes sound louder. | ||
| camera | A camera is the tool used to take photos or videos. | ||
| touchscreen | A touchscreen is a screen you control with your fingers. | ||
| wifi | WiFi is the wireless internet connection at home or in public places. | ||
| signal | A signal is the connection your phone has for calls and internet. |
Computers and files
On a computer, the desktop is the main screen you see after you start it. A mouse helps you point and click, and a keyboard lets you type. A file is a piece of information saved on a computer, such as a photo, document, or video. A folder holds files together. People often open a file, save a file, or delete a file. To download a file means to bring it from the internet to your device. To upload a file means to send it from your device to the internet. A document is a file with text, such as a letter, report, or form. When you cannot find something, you search for it in a folder, app, or computer. A computer can also restart after a problem or update.
| Word | Definition | Example | |
|---|---|---|---|
| computer | A computer is a machine people use to work, study, and go online. | ||
| laptop | A laptop is a small computer you can carry around. | ||
| desktop | A desktop is a computer that stays in one place on a desk. | ||
| keyboard | A keyboard is the part with keys for typing. | ||
| mouse | A mouse is the device you move to click things on a computer. | ||
| folder | A folder is a place where you keep related files together. | ||
| file | A file is a single document, picture, or other saved item on a computer. | ||
| document | A document is a file with text or information in it. | ||
| download | To download means to bring a file from the internet to your device. | ||
| save | To save means to keep your work on the device or in an account. |
Apps and settings
An app is a program on a phone or tablet that does a specific job. People use apps for maps, messages, photos, banking, shopping, and games. Inside an app, a menu shows choices, and a setting controls how the app works. Phone settings control things like sound, language, brightness, and privacy. The camera app takes photos and videos. The microphone records sound or your voice. The flash gives extra light for a picture. A notification is a message from an app that appears on your screen. You can often turn on or turn off features such as Wi-Fi, location, or airplane mode. A password may be needed before you open some apps or change important settings.
| Word | Definition | Example | |
|---|---|---|---|
| app | An app is a program on a phone or tablet. | ||
| settings | Settings are the options that control how a device works. | ||
| notification | A notification is a message that tells you something new. | ||
| update | An update is a new version that improves an app or device. | ||
| camera roll | The camera roll is the place where your photos and videos are stored. | ||
| microphone | A microphone is the part that records your voice. | ||
| volume | Volume is the loudness of sound. | ||
| brightness | Brightness is the amount of light on a screen. | ||
| permission | A permission is the allowance an app asks for to use a feature. | ||
| profile | A profile is the personal page or account information you use in an app. |
Online actions and safety
When you use the internet, you log in with a username and password. If you forget your password, you may need to reset it. A profile is the information linked to your account. To click a link, open a website, or scroll down a page are common online actions. You can search for information, browse a site, or download a file. Safety words matter too. Privacy is control over who can see your information. A public post can be seen by many people, while a private account limits access. A scam is a trick used to steal money or information. Spam is unwanted messages, often advertisements or fake alerts. If something looks wrong, you report it, block the sender, and change your password if needed.
| Word | Definition | Example | |
|---|---|---|---|
| log in | To log in means to enter your account and start using it. | ||
| log out | To log out means to leave your account safely. | ||
| password | A password is a secret word or code that protects your account. | ||
| security | Security is the protection that keeps accounts and data safe. | ||
| privacy | Privacy is the control you have over your personal information. | ||
| spam | Spam is the unwanted messages or emails people send in large numbers. | ||
| virus | A virus is a harmful program that can damage a device. | ||
| block | To block means to stop a person or account from contacting you. | ||
| report | To report means to tell the app or website about a problem or bad behavior. | ||
| backup | A backup is a copy of your data kept in a safe place. |
Media and entertainment words
Media includes news, films, shows, music, and online content. A video shows moving images, and a clip is a short video. A movie is a long film, while a show can be a TV program or a streaming series. A podcast is an audio program you listen to online. A song is a single piece of music, and a playlist is a group of songs arranged together. People stream music, video, or podcasts when they play them over the internet instead of saving them first. A channel is an account or station that publishes content. A trailer is a short preview for a movie or show. Words like live, episode, and season appear often in entertainment apps and websites.
| Word | Definition | Example | |
|---|---|---|---|
| video | A video is a moving recording you can watch on a screen. | ||
| music | Music is the sound people listen to for enjoyment. | ||
| podcast | A podcast is a recorded audio show people listen to online. | ||
| streaming | Streaming is the playing of video or music over the internet without downloading it first. | ||
| channel | A channel is a place where one person or company shares videos or shows. | ||
| episode | An episode is a single part of a series or podcast. | ||
| playlist | A playlist is a group of songs or videos saved together. | ||
| subtitle | A subtitle is a line of text that shows the spoken words on screen. | ||
| live | Live means happening right now and being broadcast at the same time. | ||
| download | To download media means to save it to your device for later use. |
Sharing and communication
To message someone means to send a short written note through an app or site. You can send a photo, share a post, or forward a link to another person. A link takes you to a website, video, or file. People post pictures, comments, or updates on social media. To comment means to write a response under a post. To follow a person or account means to see their new posts more easily. A chat is a conversation by text, voice, or video. Inbox is the place where messages arrive. An attachment is a file sent with a message. In daily online communication, people also reply, tag someone, and mention a name in a post or message.
Take the Quiz!
You can talk about technology, media, and online communication.
You learned core words for technology and media (device, media, online, screen), how smartphones and computers work (Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth, files/folders, download/upload), and how apps and settings control actions like camera, notifications, and privacy. You also practiced safer online language (log in/reset, privacy, scam/spam, report/block) and essential media/communication vocabulary (stream, episodes/seasons, message/post/comment/chat, inbox, link, attachment).