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Lesson 1 of 5
The Digital Age
Core 60 min
Pathway
Lesson 2.1 opens Unit 2 with the language of the digital age — core vocabulary, the present perfect, and your first Speaking Part 1 on technology.
What you'll be able to do
- Use 10 collocations about technology
- Form present perfect for life experiences and recent change
- Answer Speaking Part 1 tech questions naturally
Get Ready
Get Ready · Your digital day
- Which app did you open first this morning?
- How many hours a day do you spend online?
- What was life like before smartphones?
Exam Vocabulary
Vocabulary · Tech & digital life
go viral
spread rapidly online
"The video went viral overnight."
screen time
time spent on devices
digital native
person who grew up with tech
stay connected
keep in touch online
data breach
unauthorised access to information
log in / log out
access / leave an account
back up files
save copies for safety
scroll endlessly
browse without focus
techno-savvy
skilled with technology
switch off
disconnect from devices
Grammar Focus
Grammar · Present perfect
When to choose present perfect
Life
Experience
I've used three different fitness apps.
Recent
Recent change
Smartphones have transformed daily life.
Still true
Unfinished period
Screen time has risen sharply this year.
Example · Accuracy
✓ I've had my phone for two years. ✗ I have my phone since two years.
Speaking Task
Speaking · Part 1 — Tech in your life
- How often do you use social media?
- Has technology changed how you study?
- What do you use your phone for the most?
Part 1 — Social media use
Band 6 · Competent
- 'Yes, I use Instagram every day to see my friends.'
Band 7 · Good
- 'I'd say I'm a fairly heavy Instagram user — it's become my go-to for staying in touch with friends spread across three different time zones.'
Focus
Pathway focus · Academic angle on technology
Where this appears
Technology readings (academic) often discuss workplace automation, productivity research and digital learning studies.
displace human workers
replace people in jobs
"Automation has displaced human workers in routine tasks."
productivity gains
increases in output
longitudinal study
research tracked over years
Exam Strategy
Exam Strategy
- Exam Tip
Always extend Part 1 answers with a reason or example.
- Exam Tip
Pair every new tech word with a real verb collocation.
Independent Practice
Independent Practice
Vocab drill
Write 5 sentences about your week using the new tech collocations.
Speaking recording
Record yourself answering the three Part 1 questions — aim for 3 sentences each.
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
Remember
- Present perfect = experience or unfinished change.
- Collocations beat single words for Band 7.
When you're done, mark this lesson complete.