Everyday English: Talking about technology

Summary

In this video, Sarah and Jack discuss the concept of technology, focusing on both its positive and negative impacts. They explain how technology, ranging from mobile phones to cloud computing, makes life easier but can also have negative consequences, such as pollution and screen time-related health issues. The hosts introduce key terms like 'advancements,' 'state-of-the-art,' and 'cutting-edge,' while also stressing the importance of structuring an essay on technology's pros and cons. The video concludes by encouraging viewers to reflect on how technology has changed their lives and to consider its future, including possible interactions with robots.

Takeaways

• 😀 Technology is any tool or machine that makes life easier, such as mobile phones, washing machines, or cloud computing.
• 😀 The word 'technology' is uncountable, so we don’t say 'the technology makes lives easier' unless referring to a specific type.
• 😀 'Advancement' refers to improvements in technology, such as advancements in satellite technology leading to self-driving cars.
• 😀 A breakthrough is a sudden, dramatic advancement in technology, such as a breakthrough in artificial intelligence.
• 😀 'State-of-the-art' refers to technology that is the best of its kind, such as state-of-the-art camera technology in phones.
• 😀 'Cutting-edge' means the latest or most up-to-date technology, while 'high-tech' generally refers to advanced, innovative tech.
• 😀 Negative impacts of technology include things like air pollution caused by cars and health issues related to excessive screen time.
• 😀 Mobile phones help us communicate and access information, but too much screen time can be harmful, especially for children.
• 😀 Social media has both positive and negative effects: it helps connect people but can also spread fake news and promote bullying.
• 😀 When writing an essay about technology, structure it with an introduction, a body that discusses both positive and negative aspects, and a conclusion that summarizes the main points.

Q & A

What is the definition of technology according to the script?

Technology refers to any tools or machines that make life easier, such as mobile phones, washing machines, toasters, or cloud computing.

What does it mean that technology is uncountable?

Being uncountable means that you don’t use the definite article 'the' when referring to technology in general. For example, you say 'technology makes lives easier,' not 'the technology makes lives easier.'

When do you use 'the' with the word technology?

You only use 'the' when referring to a specific type of technology, for example, 'the technology used in mobile phones.'

What are some words that describe technology in a positive way?

Some positive descriptors for technology include 'advancement,' 'breakthrough,' 'state-of-the-art,' 'cutting-edge,' 'high-tech,' and 'innovative.'

What is the meaning of the term 'advancement' in the context of technology?

'Advancement' refers to improvements or progress in technology, such as technological advancements in satellite technology leading to the development of self-driving cars.

What is the difference between 'state-of-the-art' and 'cutting-edge' technology?

'State-of-the-art' refers to the best technology of its kind, while 'cutting-edge' refers to the latest or most up-to-date technology.

Can you provide an example of 'high-tech' technology mentioned in the script?

The script mentions high-tech phones with advanced camera technology as an example of high-tech devices.

What is one of the negative impacts of technological advancements mentioned in the video?

One negative impact of technological advancements is that cars, while making life easier, also cause air pollution and can lead to less physical exercise if people drive instead of walking.

What does the term 'screen time' refer to in the context of the script?

'Screen time' refers to the amount of time spent looking at screens, such as those of phones, computers, or tablets.

How can social media be both positive and negative according to the script?

Social media can be positive by helping people stay in touch with friends and promote causes, but it can also have negative effects, such as spreading fake news and encouraging bullying.