17 Captivating Computing, Technology and Innovation Vocabulary and Language Exercises

The vocabulary and language of computers, technology and associated topics such as the internet, automation, robotics and artificial intelligences is essential for English language learners and job seekers in the 21^st   century. It is much more interesting and engaging when common computing and technological expressions are taught with a variety of activities. These exercises include brainstorming, pictures, listening/speaking and discussion activities that increase students’ awareness of the effects and implications of new technologies which will unquestionably have a great impact on their careers and lives in general.

1 Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence is now a part of everyday life. This is a vocabulary/listening/speaking exploring ideas about AI apps that people use everyday.

(download PDF)

(see the video of this exercise on YouTube)

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5 examples of how teachers can use artificial intelligence

This is not a teaching exercise. This is a guide to some ways that artificial intelligence can be used to create teaching materials.

(See examples of using AI for creating teaching materials – YouTube video)

2 Gerunds and infinitives for gadgets and devices ( with audio and answers)

This is a fairly elementary gerunds and infinitives listening/speaking activity. It’s also a pretty good fluency exercise or review as gerunds and infinitives are so commonly used in everyday speech.

Gerunds and infinitives listening/speaking exercise (PDF)

(see the YouTube video)

3 What’s it used for? (with audio and answers)

 This is a listening/speaking  exercise  introducing language and expressions for describing contemporary technological devices used in everyday life .  Students match the vocabulary to the pictures.  Then they can listen to the audio and match a use or several uses to each item. Finally, they can complete the questions  at the bottom with their own ideas and ask and answer the questions with a partner.

(download PDF)

(What’s it used for YouTube video)

4 Computing expressions and language exercise (with audio and answers)

Computing expressions listening/speaking and vocabulary exercise. Students listen to the audio and match the vocabulary to the pictures.

Computing expressions and language  exercise with answers (PDF)

5 Verbs for computing (with audio and answers)

This is a listening/speaking  exercise for verbs and computers (or technology) . Students listen to the audio and match the verbs (or sentences) to the appropriate pictures.

Verbs for Computing (PDF)

6 Computer and technology vocabulary exercise (with answers)

Click on the image or the link to download the printable PDF file.

Computer and technology vocabulary exercise with answers (PDF)

7 Brainstorming the benefits of automation and robotics (with answers)

This is an English language discussion and brainstorming exercise for the benefits of robotics and automation. Students use the pictures to give them ideas .  

Brainstorming the benefits of automated devices (PDF)

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8 More useful vocabulary  for computing and technology (with answers)

This is an  exercise for verbs and computers. Students match the verbs to the appropriate pictures and then write short sentences for the actions taking place in each picture.

More useful computing vocabulary and expressions (PDF)

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9 Computers and the internet vocabulary and writing exercise (with possible answers)

This is an ESL writing exercise for for some common words used for discussing the internet. Students try to make sentences about the pictures using the words under the pictures.

Computer and the internet vocabulary and writing exercise (PDF)

10 Technology use survey

 This is an ESL speaking and writing lesson for talking about technology. First, students write five survey questions about technology . There are some examples of questions on the first page of the PDF.  When they have written five questions , they can walk around the class asking classmates their questions and noting down their answers on the worksheet. Finally, they write a short report from their survey question answers. This is a fun communicative exercise that allows students to mix freely. 

Classroom technology use survey (PDF)

11  Rise of the robots and automation brainstorming and discussion worksheet (with answers)

This is an exercise to explore the vocabulary and language used to talk about new technology focusing on automation and robotics and encouraging discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of robots and automation.

Rise of the robots brainstorming and discussion  worksheet (PDF)

12  Brainstorming benefits of mobile devices (with answers)

This is an English language speaking worksheet to help English language students brainstorm the benefits of smart phones, Ipads , tablets and other mobile devices .Students write down as many benefits as they can using the pictures and their own ideas.

Brainstorming the benefits of mobile devices worksheet (PDF)

13 Brainstorming disadvantages of mobile devices (with answers)

Another  worksheet to help English language students brainstorm the disadvantages of mobile devices such as smart phones, Ipads and tablets. Students write down as many disadvantages as they can using the pictures and their own ideas.

Brainstorming the disadvantages of mobile devices worksheet (PDF)

14 Brainstorming the disadvantages of automation and robotics (with answers)

This is an English language exercise for brainstorming the disadvantages of robotics and automation. Students use the pictures to give them ideas .  

Brainstorming the disadvantages of automated devices (PDF)

15 Talking about machines, products and services with adjectives (with answers)

This is a business English ESL exercise exploring language used to describe technology and products. Students try to match the vocabulary with the appropriate pictures. Then they write sentences describing the products. The adjectives used to describe products are:

Describing technology with adjectives (PDF)

16 Writing opinions about automated and robotic technologies (with answers)

  This is another  worksheet that can be used  to help students  improve their writing skills and express their opinions about new technologies including driverless vehicles, smartphone payments and smart watches.  

Writing opinions about automated and robotic technologies (PDF)

17 Personal opinions about the internet and social trends

An English language speaking worksheet for generating discussion about the internet and social trends. Students write the benefits/disadvantages of each issue on the worksheet.

Personal opinions about the internet (PDF)

18 Personal opinions: technology & modern lifestyle

  This is another  worksheet that can be used  to get students  talking about  technology in contemporary society.  Students need to think of a  positive and negative for each issue.   

Personal opinions about the internet and modern life (PDF)