Ielts vocabulary Masterclass book + ielts listening & Reading Dictionary: Dominate Proficiency Level Vocabulary for ielts listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking

T
OPIC
 8: T
ECHNOLOGY
 
AND
 C
OMPUTERS
Virtual = in a computer or simulation, not in the real world
For example: I know it’s a bit of a cliché, but I still believe that virtual
reality is the future of entertainment.
Digital = computerised rather than physical. Often used to refer to
information and information products.
For example: Sales of digital books, or e-books, have been rising
steadily for years now.
Embrace = happily accept
For example: However, not everyone has embraced this new era of
reading on your phone or on other electronic devices. Many people still
prefer to read books the traditional way.
Addictive = when something makes people want more and more
For example: I think that as a society, we’re not paying enough attention
to the fact that technology is very addictive. While it can be extremely
beneficial, there are also many potential drawbacks.
*Note: ‘drawbacks’ is like saying ‘disadvantages’
Security (Secure) =
Safety (Safe)
For example: Data security is a massive issue at the moment, and
rightfully so. Companies hold a lot of information about us, and it would
be dangerous in the wrong hands.

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*Note: ‘and rightfully so’, is an informal expression we use at the end of
sentences to state that what we’ve just mentioned is justified.
Examples could be: Smoking has been banned in public spaces, and
rightfully so!
When they didn’t send her the product she’d paid for, she demanded her
money back, and rightfully so!
Cutting-edge =
the newest or most advanced technology, design or
method.
For example: My favourite possession is my new phone. I bought it last
week. This particular model contains a cutting-edge processor which
makes it 50% faster than the previous model from the same brand. I also
love the design, as it’s sleek and robust at the same time.
*Note: ‘Sleek’ means smooth or stylish, while ‘robust’ means strong
and durable. In the example you could have also talked about its
‘cutting-edge design’ instead of its processor. 
Cyberbullying
= attacking other people online
For example: Cyberbullying is a huge issue nowadays, because victims
cannot escape the bullying.
Technological
= relate to technology
For example: The technological era has brought many benefits to our
lives. In my opinion, it has massively improved human interaction by
providing us with more options to connect with people from all over the
planet and to keep in touch with family and friends when we’re far away.
It has allowed us to communicate during times of crisis and it allows us
to work together for common goals. None of this was possible (would

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have been possible) thirty years ago.
Dated =
not relevant or true anymore because things have changed
For example: It would be an absolute game-changer if the government
could introduce a policy of upgrading dated technology with cutting-
edge energy efficient models, improving performance and energy
consumption.
*Note: a ‘game-changer’ or ‘game-changing’, means a radical change
(usually positive). Something that would change everything if it was
applied.
Domestic appliances = machines we use in our homes