Core words by topic

Devices and parts
computer, laptop, tablet, smartphone, smartwatch, keyboard, mouse, screen, charger, cable, battery, headphone, webcam, microphone, speaker

Software and files
app, program, browser, tab, window, link, file, folder, drive, cloud, upload, download, install, uninstall, update, backup, storage, password

Internet and services
Wi Fi, mobile data, hotspot, router, network, connection, bandwidth, signal, streaming, platform, account, profile, notification, settings

Security and safety
login, two factor code, encryption, antivirus, firewall, scam, phishing, spam, malware, privacy, permission

Troubleshooting
freeze, crash, lag, bug, error, issue, reset, restart, charge, plug in, power on, power off

High value collocations

• create an account, set a password, enable two factor
• click a link, follow a link, open a tab, close a window
• download a file, upload a photo, share a folder
• update an app, install software, check for updates
• connect to Wi Fi, turn on mobile data, set up a hotspot
• back up data, restore a backup, run a scan
• report a bug, fix an error, reset a device

Model lines

• Please back up your photos to cloud storage.
• I updated the app and the error disappeared.

Phrasal verbs for tech

• log in or log out: enter or leave an account
• sign up: create a new account
• set up: prepare for use. Set up the router
• plug in or unplug: connect or disconnect a cable
• power on or power off: start or stop a device
• turn up or turn down: change volume or brightness
• look up: search online. Look up the driver
• run into: meet a problem. I ran into a bug
• go back: return to the previous page
• keep up with: follow new features

Useful sentence frames

• Could you help me set up the Wi Fi
• I forgot my password. How can I reset it
• The video keeps buffering. Is the connection slow
• I get too many notifications. How do I turn them off
• The screen is frozen. Should I restart the device
• Please share the file with view only permission

Common mistakes and easy fixes

• ❌ I opened the computer.
  ✅ I turned on the computer. I opened a program or a file.
• ❌ I installed a new application in my phone.
  ✅ I installed a new application on my phone.
• ❌ I did a backup of photos.
  ✅ I made a backup of photos.
  ✅ I backed up my photos.
• ❌ He sent me a phishing.
  ✅ He sent me a phishing email.
  ✅ It was a phishing attack.
• ❌ My internet is very slow in night.
  ✅ My internet is very slow at night.

Small grammar notes

• Tech uncountables: software, hardware, information, data, equipment, spam. Use some or a lot of. Do not add s.
• Prepositions: on a phone, on a laptop, in a folder, to the cloud, at a high speed, by email.
• Verbs that take an object: download a file, install an update, share a link, charge a battery.
• Capitalization: Wi Fi, Internet or internet (both used). Be consistent in one document.

Mini dialogues

A. Help desk

• User: I cannot log in. The code does not arrive.
• Agent: Check the spam folder. If the code is missing, I will resend it.

B. Office chat

• A: Can you share the slides
• B: Sure. I will upload them to the shared folder and send a link.

C. Shop counter

• Customer: The battery drains quickly.
• Staff: Update to the latest version and reduce background apps.

Quick practice with answers

A. Choose the best option

1. Please (plug in or log in) the charger.
2. I need to (set up or sign up) a new email address.
3. The browser (froze or freezed) when I opened the video.
4. We should (back up or back off) the database.
5. The file is too large to (upload or download).

Answers

1. plug in
2. sign up
3. froze
4. back up
5. upload

B. Complete the collocation
6) create an ______ → account
7) share a ______ → link or folder
8) run a virus ______ → scan
9) reset the ______ → password or device
10) connect to ______ → Wi Fi

C. Fix the sentence
11) He installed the app in his computer.
12) I cannot access in the file.
13) The website takes many times to load.

Suggested answers
11) He installed the app on his computer.
12) I cannot access the file.
13) The website takes a long time to load.

Writing frames you can reuse

Support request
Subject: Login problem on student portal
Dear Support,
I cannot log in to the portal. The two factor code does not arrive. I checked the spam folder. Could you reset my login or advise another method I need access today to submit an assignment.
Thank you,
Name

Instructions paragraph
First, install the driver. Next, restart the laptop and plug in the printer. Then open Settings and add a new device. Finally, print a test page and check the ink level.

Ten minute drills

• Make ten collocations with file, app, or network. Example: share a file, update an app, join a network.
• Practice five phrasal verbs in full sentences.
• Record a sixty second guide on how to back up photos to the cloud.
• Create eight flashcards: front term, back definition and one example.

Seven day review plan

• Day 1 devices and parts
• Day 2 software and files
• Day 3 internet and services
• Day 4 security and safety
• Day 5 troubleshooting and phrasal verbs
• Day 6 error correction and pronunciation
• Day 7 write a 120 word tech help email using 12 target items