EnglishTechnology in the News
Say the two headlines aloud.
The app was downloaded 10 million times.
A new update has been released.
- smartphone [/ˈsmɑːrtfoʊn/]
- a mobile phone with internet access and apps
The new smartphone was launched yesterday. - app [/æp/]
- a program for a phone or tablet
The app has been downloaded by millions of users. - update [/ˈʌpdeɪt/]
- a new version that improves software
A security update was released last week. - feature [/ˈfiːtʃər/]
- a useful or interesting part of a product
Several new features have been added. - device [/dɪˈvaɪs/]
- a piece of electronic equipment
This device is made from recycled plastic. - screen [/skriːn/]
- the flat part of a device that shows images
The screen is protected by strong glass. - charger [/ˈtʃɑːrdʒər/]
- equipment used to give power to a battery
The charger must be connected carefully. - download [/ˈdaʊnloʊd/]
- to copy software or files from the internet
The software can be downloaded for free. - release [/rɪˈliːs/]
- to make a product available for people to buy or use
The game will be released next month. - launch [/lɔːntʃ/]
- to introduce a new product officially
The new model is launched every September. - invent [/ɪnˈvent/]
- to create something new for the first time
The first smartphone was invented many years ago. - recycle [/ˌriːˈsaɪkəl/]
- to use materials again instead of throwing them away
Old devices can be recycled.
Build the passive form
Time or meaning | Passive pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
Present routine | is/are + past participle | The phone is made in Korea. |
Finished past time | was/were + past participle | The camera was invented in 1975. |
Recent result | has/have been + past participle | The app has been updated. |
Future plan | will be + past participle | The device will be released soon. |
Modal | can/must be + past participle | The file can be downloaded. |
Describe one gadget you own with one passive sentence.
Choose and transform
Read the time phrase or modal first. Keep the meaning of each source sentence.
Choose the correct verb phrase
- The new model [___] in September every year.
- The first version of the website [___] in 1995.
- Several security features [___] already.
Change the focus to the product
- Source: The company releases a new app every month.
Passive: [___]
- Source: Engineers invented the first digital camera in 1975.
Passive: [___]
- Source: Developers have updated the game.
Passive: [___]
- Source: The company will release the smartwatch next week.
Passive: [___]
- Source: Users can download the software for free.
Passive: [___]
A new smartphone arrives
Read for the main idea first. Then underline each passive verb phrase and label its tense.
TechSphere Unveils Nova X Smartphone
Yesterday, TechSphere announced its latest smartphone, the Nova X. Several new features have been added to the device since the previous model was released. A brighter screen is protected by stronger glass, and the phone is made from recycled aluminium. The camera software was improved after feedback was collected from users. A safety tool can be activated if the phone is lost, while emergency contacts can be notified automatically. The Nova X will be shipped in three colours next month. It must be charged with the new USB-C cable, which is included in the box. Company representatives say more tools will be introduced through updates during the year.
- What materials are used to make the Nova X?
- What happens if the phone is lost?
- When will the Nova X be shipped?
Difficult words
- unveils — introduces a new product officially
- recycled aluminium — metal that has been used again
- feedback — comments and opinions from users
- activated — switched on or made ready to use
- emergency contacts — people who can be contacted in an urgent situation
- automatically — without a person doing it directly
- representatives — people who speak for a company
Describe a gadget
Write 40–80 words about a real or imaginary technology product.
Include at least three passive sentences:
- one past form;
- one present or present perfect form;
- one modal or future form.
Useful phrases
- It was invented in ...
- It is made of ...
- It can be used for ...
- It has been updated with ...
- It will be released ...
- The screen is protected by ...
- New features have been added to ...
Plan
- Name the gadget.
- Add when it was invented or launched.
- Describe its material or features.
- Explain what it can be used for.
- Add a future release or update detail.
<essay>My gadget was invented</essay>
When you finish, highlight each passive verb phrase and name its tense.
