LESSON 20 - Technology, Computers, Phones & the Internet (test)
B1 Individual English Lesson & Test
Technology, Computers, Phones & the Internet
Level: B1 Preliminary
Format: Individual / 1-to-1 lesson
Suggested length: 90–120 minutes
Main vocabulary: Technology, computers, phones, the Internet and communication
Grammar: Present Simple, Present Perfect, articles, countable/uncountable nouns, quantifiers
1. LESSON OBJECTIVES
By the end of the lesson, the student should be able to:
talk about computers, smartphones and the Internet;
describe how they communicate online;
use essential B1 technology vocabulary accurately;
distinguish between Present Simple and Present Perfect;
use a / an / the / – correctly;
distinguish countable and uncountable nouns;
use few, a few, little, a little, much, many, a lot of;
discuss advantages and disadvantages of technology;
complete a B1-style vocabulary and grammar test.
2. WARM-UP — TECHNOLOGY IN YOUR LIFE
8–10 minutes
Ask and answer in complete sentences.
How often do you use your smartphone?
Do you have a laptop or a PC?
What do you usually use the Internet for?
How many emails do you receive every day?
Do you use social media?
Have you ever bought something online?
Have you ever had a problem with your computer?
Do you prefer sending a text message or making a phone call?
What apps do you use most?
How important is the Internet in your everyday life?
Follow-up questions
Use:
Why?
How often?
When did you start?
Have you ever...?
What happened?
What do you use it for?
Would you like to...?
3. VOCABULARY — COMPUTERS & DEVICES
Essential words
computer
An electronic machine that stores and processes information.
I use my computer for work.
PC
A personal computer.
I have a Windows PC.
laptop
A small portable computer.
I usually take my laptop to university.
smartphone
A mobile phone that can use apps and the Internet.
I use my smartphone to check my email.
cell phone / mobile phone
A telephone that you can carry with you.
I'll call you on my mobile phone.
keyboard
The part of a computer used for typing.
My keyboard isn't working.
mouse
A device used to control a computer.
Click the mouse twice.
mouse mat
A mat used under a computer mouse.
screen
The part of a computer, phone or TV where you see information.
My laptop screen is very bright.
printer
A machine that prints documents or photographs.
calculator
A device or program used for mathematical calculations.
digital camera
A camera that stores photographs digitally.
webcam
A camera connected to a computer or built into a laptop.
microphone
A device used for recording or transmitting sound.
CD player
A device used to play CDs.
DVD player
A device used to play DVDs.
machine
A piece of equipment that performs a particular job.
robot
A machine that can perform tasks automatically.
Exercise 1 — Match
Match each word with its definition.
laptop
keyboard
mouse
printer
webcam
microphone
screen
calculator
smartphone
robot
a. a device used for typing
b. a portable computer
c. a machine that can perform tasks automatically
d. a device for making calculations
e. a device used to print documents
f. a device used to record/transmit sound
g. a portable telephone with Internet access and apps
h. a device used to control a computer
i. a camera connected to a computer
j. the part of a device where you see information
4. COMPUTER HARDWARE & SOFTWARE
hardware
The physical parts of a computer.
The computer hardware is quite old.
software
Computer programs.
You need to install new software.
program / programme
A set of instructions that makes a computer do something.
I downloaded a new computer program.
file
A document, photograph or other piece of information stored on a computer.
I can't find the file.
data
Information stored or used by a computer.
The computer stores a lot of data.
Important:
data is normally treated as an uncountable noun at B1 level.
a lot of data
some data
much data
Not normally:
❌ two datas
equipment
The machines and other things needed for a particular activity.
We need new computer equipment.
equipment is uncountable.
❌ an equipment
❌ three equipments
Correct:
a piece of equipment
some equipment
a lot of equipment
5. COMPUTER ACTIONS
Learn these as useful phrases:
click
Click the button.
drag
Drag the file into the folder.
enter
Enter your password.
delete
Delete the old file.
download
Download the document.
upload
Upload the photograph.
install
Install the program on your computer.
Print the document.
connect
Connect your phone to the computer.
switch on / turn on
Switch on the computer.
switch off / turn off
Turn off the computer.
share
I shared the photograph online.
sign up
You need to sign up before you can use the website.
6. VOCABULARY PRACTICE
Exercise 2 — Complete the sentences
Use:
click / drag / download / upload / install / delete / enter / print / share / sign up
__________ the file from the website.
__________ your password here.
__________ the photograph to the website.
__________ the old files you don't need.
__________ the document if you want a paper copy.
__________ the icon to open the program.
__________ the file into the correct folder.
You need to __________ the software before you can use it.
I often __________ photos with my friends online.
You need to __________ for an account before you can use the service.
7. THE INTERNET
Essential vocabulary
Internet
The worldwide system connecting computers and devices.
I use the Internet every day.
net
Informal word for the Internet.
I found it on the net.
web
The World Wide Web.
I found the information on the web.
website
A collection of pages on the Internet.
This is a useful website.
web page
One page of a website.
Click on the link at the top of the web page.
homepage
The main page of a website.
The company's homepage is easy to use.
online
Connected to or using the Internet.
I bought the tickets online.
access
The ability/right to use something.
I don't have access to the website.
connection
A link to the Internet or another device.
My Internet connection is slow.
connect
To join or link something to the Internet or another device.
I can't connect to the Internet.
server
A computer/system that provides information or services to other computers.
The website is down because the server isn't working.
password
A secret word or group of characters used to access an account.
Don't tell anyone your password.
address
A location or, in technology, an email/web address.
What's your email address?
dot
The symbol .
My email address is anna dot smith at gmail dot com.
@
The symbol used in email addresses.
What's your email address?
It's john@example.com.
8. EMAIL & ONLINE COMMUNICATION
An electronic message sent over the Internet.
I'll send you an email.
message
Information sent to someone.
I left you a message.
text / text message
A short written message sent by phone.
I'll send you a text.
chat
To communicate by typing messages online.
We chatted online for an hour.
chat room
An online place where people communicate by typing messages.
comment
A written opinion or response, especially online.
She left a comment on my post.
reply
An answer to a message or email.
I'll reply to your email later.
post
A message, photograph or other content published online.
He wrote a post about his holiday.
blog
A website or online page where someone regularly writes about a subject.
blogger
A person who writes a blog.
podcast
An audio programme available online.
social media
Websites/apps used to communicate and share content.
9. PHONE VOCABULARY
call
To telephone someone.
I'll call you later.
call back
To telephone someone again because they called you earlier.
I'm busy now. I'll call you back.
ring
When a telephone makes a sound because someone is calling.
My phone is ringing.
ring up
To telephone someone.
I'll ring you up tonight.
dial
To press/type the numbers needed to telephone someone.
Dial 999 in an emergency.
hang up
To end a telephone call.
Don't hang up!
engaged
When a telephone line is busy.
The line is engaged.
operator
A person who works with a telephone system and helps connect calls.
I'll ask the operator to connect you.
telephone / phone
A device used to speak to someone at a distance.
10. PHONE COMMUNICATION — MINI DIALOGUE
Complete the conversation.
A: Hello, can I speak to Mark?
B: Sorry, he's not here. Would you like to leave a __________?
A: Yes. Could you ask him to __________ me __________?
B: Sure. What's your phone number?
A: I'll give you my number. Please __________ 077... .
B: Thanks. I'll give him the message.
A: Great. Please don't __________.
Answers
message / call / back / dial / hang up
11. POST & TRADITIONAL COMMUNICATION
by post
Using the postal service.
I'll send the documents by post.
envelope
A paper container for a letter.
Put the letter in an envelope.
parcel
A package sent by post.
A parcel arrived this morning.
postcard
A card sent by post, usually with a picture on one side.
I sent my friend a postcard from Greece.
fax
A system for sending documents electronically using a telephone line.
address
The place where someone lives or an organisation is located.
What's your address?
12. DIGITAL MEDIA
digital
Using electronic technology to store/process information.
We live in a digital world.
disc / disk
A flat object used to store information.
CD
A compact disc.
DVD
A disc used to store/play video or other information.
photograph
A picture made using a camera.
photography
The activity or art of taking photographs.
video clip
A short video.
recording
Something that has been recorded.
volume
The level of sound.
Turn the volume down.
13. ONLINE MEDIA
Complete the definitions.
A person who writes a blog is a __________.
A short video on the Internet is a __________.
A programme you can listen to online is a __________.
A message published online is a __________.
A written opinion under an online article is a __________.
A website's main page is its __________.
A secret word used to enter an account is a __________.
A collection of pages on the Internet is a __________.
A person who uses social media can __________ content.
A person can __________ an image from their phone to a website.
14. GRAMMAR — PRESENT SIMPLE
Use
We use the Present Simple for:
habits
routines
regular activities
facts
things that are generally true
Examples
I use my smartphone every day.
She works online.
He checks his email every morning.
They don't use Facebook.
Does she have a laptop?
Form
I / you / we / they + verb
I use the Internet.
he / she / it + verb-s
She uses the Internet.
Negative
I don't use a PC.
He doesn't use a PC.
Question
Do you use social media?
Does she have a smartphone?
15. GRAMMAR — PRESENT PERFECT
Form
have / has + past participle
I have downloaded the file.
She has installed the program.
They have bought a new laptop.
Use 1 — Experience
I have used this app before.
Have you ever used a chat room?
I've never had a problem with my smartphone.
Use 2 — Recent action/result
I've just sent you an email.
She has already downloaded the file.
He hasn't replied yet.
Use 3 — Something continuing until now
I've had this phone for three years.
She has used this website since 2023.
Common words
ever
never
already
just
yet
recently
for
since
16. PRESENT SIMPLE vs PRESENT PERFECT
Compare:
Present Simple
I use my laptop every day.
This is a regular habit.
Present Perfect
I have used my laptop today.
This describes something that has happened up to now.
Present Simple
She checks her email every morning.
Present Perfect
She has checked her email already.
Present Simple
I send text messages every day.
Present Perfect
I have sent three text messages today.
17. GRAMMAR PRACTICE
Exercise 3
Put the verbs in the correct form.
I usually __________ (check) my email in the morning.
She __________ just __________ (send) me a message.
__________ you ever __________ (use) a chat room?
He __________ (use) his smartphone every day.
We __________ already __________ (download) the file.
My computer usually __________ (work) well.
I __________ never __________ (have) a problem with this app.
__________ she __________ (reply) to your email yet?
They __________ (share) photographs online regularly.
I __________ just __________ (upload) the video.
He __________ (call) his parents every Sunday.
She __________ never __________ (use) a fax.
We __________ (use) this website every week.
I __________ already __________ (install) the program.
__________ you __________ (receive) my email yet?
18. ARTICLES — A / AN / THE / –
A
Use a before a consonant sound.
a computer
a laptop
a smartphone
a website
a message
AN
Use an before a vowel sound.
an app
an email
an address
an envelope
an invention
THE
Use the when we mean a specific thing.
I bought a laptop. The laptop is very fast.
I visited a website. The website was useful.
NO ARTICLE
We often use no article when talking about things generally.
I use the Internet every day.
I love technology.
Computers are useful.
Email is fast.
19. ARTICLES PRACTICE
Exercise 4
Choose a, an, the or –.
I bought ___ new smartphone.
___ smartphone has a very good camera.
She downloaded ___ app.
___ app is free.
I received ___ email from my teacher.
___ email was very long.
He has ___ laptop.
___ laptop is on the desk.
I use ___ Internet every day.
She works with ___ computer.
___ computers in our office are new.
He sent ___ message.
___ message was from John.
I need ___ envelope.
___ technology is changing quickly.
20. COUNTABLE AND UNCOUNTABLE NOUNS
Countable nouns
We can count them.
a computer / two computers
a phone / three phones
an email / many emails
a message / several messages
a file / many files
an app / several apps
a website / many websites
a photograph / many photographs
a parcel / two parcels
a comment / many comments
Use:
many / a few / few
many emails
a few apps
few websites
Uncountable nouns
We don't normally count them individually.
Important examples from this vocabulary:
information
data
equipment
software
hardware
technology
photography
electronic(s)
Examples:
some information
a lot of information
much information
a little information
Not:
❌ an information
❌ many informations
Correct:
a piece of information
21. QUANTIFIERS
MANY
Use with countable plural nouns.
many emails
many websites
many apps
How many emails do you get?
MUCH
Use with uncountable nouns.
much information
much data
much equipment
How much information do you need?
Usually more natural in questions and negatives.
A LOT OF
Use with both countable and uncountable nouns.
a lot of emails
a lot of information
a lot of data
A FEW
Use with countable plural nouns.
Meaning: some, a small number.
I have a few apps on my phone.
FEW
Use with countable plural nouns.
Meaning: not many / almost none.
Few people use fax machines nowadays.
A LITTLE
Use with uncountable nouns.
Meaning: some, a small amount.
I have a little information about the problem.
LITTLE
Use with uncountable nouns.
Meaning: almost no amount.
We have little information about the problem.
22. QUANTIFIERS PRACTICE
Exercise 5
Choose the correct answer.
How __________ emails do you receive every day?
much
many
How __________ information do you need?
much
many
I have __________ apps on my phone — about five.
a few
a little
There is __________ information available about the problem.
little
few
I have __________ information, so I can help you.
a little
a few
She receives __________ messages every day.
a lot of
much
We don't have __________ data.
many
much
__________ people still use fax machines.
Few
Little
I have __________ useful websites saved.
a few
a little
There isn't __________ equipment in the office.
many
much
He has __________ photographs on his phone.
a lot of
much
There is __________ software installed on this computer.
a lot of
many
23. SPEAKING — TECHNOLOGY IN MY LIFE
10 minutes
Answer in full sentences.
What electronic equipment do you have at home?
How often do you use your computer?
What do you use your smartphone for?
How many apps do you have?
How much time do you spend online?
Do you use social media?
How often do you send emails?
Do you prefer phone calls or text messages?
Have you ever had problems with your Internet connection?
Have you ever lost an important file?
Have you ever downloaded a virus?
What technology could you not live without?
24. B1 SPEAKING TASK
Topic: My Digital Life
Speak for 2–3 minutes.
Talk about:
the devices you use;
how often you use them;
what you use the Internet for;
how you communicate with friends;
your favourite apps;
social media;
online shopping or services;
one useful piece of technology;
one problem with technology you have experienced.
Try to use:
smartphone
laptop
app
Internet
website
email
text message
social media
download
upload
share
connection
screen
software
online
Grammar challenge
Include:
3 Present Simple sentences
3 Present Perfect sentences
1 sentence with many
1 sentence with much
1 sentence with a few
1 sentence with a little
25. B1 VOCABULARY TEST
SECTION A — Technology Vocabulary
20 points
Choose the correct answer.
A portable computer is a:
A. server
B. laptop
C. keyboard
D. printerA device used to type is a:
A. mouse
B. screen
C. keyboard
D. webcamA device used to control a computer is a:
A. mouse
B. printer
C. microphone
D. speakerA program used on a smartphone is an:
A. app
B. envelope
C. address
D. operatorA secret word used to access an account is a:
A. connection
B. password
C. comment
D. headlineA collection of pages on the Internet is a:
A. website
B. server
C. keyboard
D. messageThe main page of a website is the:
A. web
B. homepage
C. screen
D. fileA person who writes a blog is a:
A. blogger
B. programmer
C. operator
D. callerA short programme available online that you can listen to is a:
A. podcast
B. parcel
C. fax
D. postcardA short video on the Internet is a:
A. video clip
B. CD player
C. webcam
D. fileTo move a file from the Internet to your computer is to:
A. upload
B. download
C. dial
D. dragTo put a file or photograph onto a website is to:
A. upload
B. delete
C. print
D. enterTo remove a file is to:
A. connect
B. delete
C. share
D. clickTo put information into a computer is to:
A. enter
B. ring
C. hang up
D. printTo telephone someone again is to:
A. call back
B. sign up
C. switch on
D. dragTo end a telephone conversation is to:
A. ring up
B. hang up
C. dial
D. call backA package sent through the postal service is a:
A. postcard
B. parcel
C. message
D. fileThe symbol used in an email address is:
A. dot
B. @
C. slash
D. #The physical parts of a computer are called:
A. software
B. hardware
C. data
D. programsComputer programs are called:
A. hardware
B. software
C. equipment
D. machines
SECTION B — Vocabulary in Context
10 points
Complete the sentences.
Use:
connection / password / homepage / comment / file / microphone / equipment / website / envelope / operator
I can't connect to the Internet because the __________ is too slow.
Don't tell anyone your __________.
The company's __________ has all the important information.
She left a __________ under my photograph.
I saved the document as a Word __________.
You need a __________ to speak during the online meeting.
The school needs new computer __________.
I found the information on a useful __________.
Put the letter in an __________.
The telephone __________ connected me to the correct department.
SECTION C — Present Simple / Present Perfect
15 points
Put the verbs into the correct form.
I usually __________ (check) my email before breakfast.
She __________ just __________ (send) me a message.
__________ you ever __________ (use) this app?
He __________ (use) his laptop every day.
We __________ already __________ (download) the program.
My phone __________ (ring) a lot during the day.
I __________ never __________ (use) a fax.
__________ you __________ (reply) to my email yet?
She __________ (share) photographs online regularly.
I __________ just __________ (upload) the video.
He __________ (call) his parents every Sunday.
They __________ never __________ (have) problems with their connection.
We __________ (visit) this website every week.
I __________ already __________ (install) the software.
__________ she __________ (receive) your message yet?
SECTION D — Articles
15 points
Write a, an, the or –.
I bought ___ new computer.
___ computer is very fast.
She downloaded ___ app.
___ app is free.
I received ___ email this morning.
___ email was from my teacher.
He has ___ laptop.
___ laptop is on the desk.
I use ___ Internet every day.
She needs ___ printer.
___ printer doesn't work.
He sent ___ text message.
___ message was very long.
I need ___ envelope.
___ technology has changed our lives.
SECTION E — Countable / Uncountable / Quantifiers
15 points
Choose the correct answer.
How __________ emails do you receive?
A. much
B. manyHow __________ information do you need?
A. much
B. manyI have __________ useful apps on my phone.
A. a few
B. a littleThere is __________ information about the problem.
A. few
B. littleI have __________ information that may help you.
A. a little
B. a fewShe has __________ photographs on her phone.
A. a lot of
B. muchThere isn't __________ data on the computer.
A. many
B. much__________ people still use fax machines.
A. Few
B. LittleI have __________ websites saved in my favourites.
A. a few
B. a littleThere isn't __________ equipment in the office.
A. many
B. muchHe has __________ messages on his phone.
A. a lot of
B. muchWe have __________ software installed.
A. a lot of
B. manyI have __________ emails — only three.
A. a few
B. a littleThere is __________ time left, so we need to finish.
A. little
B. fewWe have __________ time, so we can continue.
A. a little
B. a few
SECTION F — ERROR CORRECTION
10 points
Each sentence contains ONE mistake.
Correct it.
I have send you an email.
She check her messages every morning.
I have a new app. A app is very useful.
How many information do you need?
I have a little useful websites.
He has never use this program.
There is many data on the computer.
I listen to podcasts every day and I have already download three this week.
I need an new laptop.
There isn't many equipment in the office.
SECTION G — B1 CLOZE TEXT
10 points
Complete the text with the correct words.
Use:
smartphone / connection / apps / email / password / download / website / social media / messages / laptop
I use my __________ every day to communicate with friends and family. I have several useful __________ on it, including one for my bank. I also use it to check my __________ and read __________. When I am at home, I usually use my __________ because the screen is bigger. Sometimes my Internet __________ is slow, so I can't open a __________. I also use __________ to share photographs. I often __________ music or podcasts to listen to later. Of course, I always protect my accounts with a strong __________.
26. SECTION H — WRITING TEST
100–120 words
Task: Technology in My Life
Write an email or short online post about how you use technology.
Include:
what devices you use;
how often you use them;
what you use your smartphone/computer for;
how you communicate with other people;
which apps or websites you use;
one good thing about technology;
one problem technology can cause.
Language requirements
Try to include:
at least 8 vocabulary words from this lesson;
2 Present Simple examples;
2 Present Perfect examples;
a / an / the / –;
much / many / a lot of;
a few / a little.
27. SECTION I — FINAL SPEAKING TEST
10 points
Choose ONE.
Topic 1 — My Smartphone
Speak for 2 minutes.
Talk about:
how long you have had your smartphone;
what you use it for;
your favourite apps;
how often you send messages;
whether you use social media;
what you have done with your phone recently.
Topic 2 — The Internet
Talk about:
how often you use the Internet;
what websites you visit;
what you usually download;
how you communicate online;
whether you have ever had connection problems;
whether you think the Internet is essential.
Topic 3 — Technology: Past and Present
Compare technology today with technology in the past.
Use:
computers
mobile phones
Internet
email
social media
online shopping
digital photography
Try to use both:
Present Simple
People use smartphones for almost everything.
Present Perfect
Smartphones have changed the way people communicate.
30. TEST SCORING
Written test — 80 points
| Section | Points |
|---|---|
| A — Technology vocabulary | 20 |
| B — Vocabulary in context | 10 |
| C — Present Simple/Perfect | 15 |
| D — Articles | 15 |
| E — Quantifiers | 15 |
| F — Error correction | 10 |
| G — Cloze text | 10 |
| Suggested adjusted total | 95 |
Recommended conversion
Because the sections above naturally total 95 points, convert the result to a percentage:
Score ÷ 95 × 100
Then add speaking and writing separately if you want a complete B1 assessment.
31. B1 PERFORMANCE SCALE
90–100%
Excellent B1 / approaching B2
The student can use technology vocabulary accurately and communicates with good grammatical control.
80–89%
Strong B1
Good vocabulary and grammar with occasional errors.
70–79%
Secure B1
The student has the essential language but should review specific weak areas.
60–69%
Developing B1
The student understands much of the vocabulary but needs more controlled practice.
50–59%
Borderline B1
Review the core vocabulary, Present Perfect, articles and quantifiers.
Below 50%
Needs further preparation
Re-teach the vocabulary in smaller groups and repeat the test after additional practice.
32. FINAL 5-MINUTE CHALLENGE
Without looking at the vocabulary list, answer these questions.
What devices do you use every day?
How often do you check your email?
How many apps do you have on your smartphone?
How much time do you spend online?
Have you ever lost an important file?
Have you ever had problems with your Internet connection?
What websites do you visit regularly?
Do you prefer texting or calling?
What technology has changed your life the most?
What piece of technology would you like to have in the future?
Final challenge
Speak for 90 seconds about:
“How technology has changed my life.”
You must use:
5 vocabulary words
2 Present Simple sentences
2 Present Perfect sentences
a/an/the
many or much
a few or a little
The student should be able to complete this task comfortably at the end of the lesson if the target B1 vocabulary and grammar have been successfully mastered.