In this series, we will be taking a look at different collocations and idioms across various topics. This series is created in order to broaden everybody's knowledge as well as strengthen our skills and efficiency in the Duolingo English Test.
When it comes to lexical diversity and sophistication in the Duolingo English Test Speaking and Writing, as well as being able to grasp the necessary information when doing other parts, idioms and collocations play a pivotal role. This time, we will be having a look at a few collocations and idioms for Technology topics. Let us get started.
This is your Idioms and Collocations series, No. 01, Technology topic
1. Cutting-edge
Meaning: The most advanced technology.
Example: This phone is equipped with cutting-edge features to ensure your convenience.
This idiom is not related to the act of cutting; however, it is used to describe the most recent technological advance.
2. Break new ground
Meaning: Something completely new and innovative.
Example: The company breaks new ground with its newly released products.
This idiom is usually used whenever something brand new gets introduced, especially fresh and advanced products.
3. Plug and play
Meaning: Easy to install without much setup.
Example: The new device is plug-and-play, making it ideal for non-technical users.
This is a pretty common idiom among technological topics. It is used to describe something that does not require much configuration to set up.
4. Tech-savvy
Meaning: Somebody who is skilled in technology.
Example: Tech-savvy employees took no time getting used to the new system.
This expression is usually used to call people who are knowledgeable and skillful in utilizing any form of technology, especially complicated things.
5. Off the grid
Meaning: Disconnected from the internet or modern equipment in general.
Example: We were completely off the grid when we got lost in the middle of nowhere.
This idiom indicates a situation when we are not connected to technology, especially in a remote area, far away from towns and cities.
6. Think outside the box
Meaning: To think beyond the normal ideas.
Example: The team is encouraged to think outside the box when developing their products.
This is a common idiom in many topics besides technology. It tells people to be creative and break through all conventional thoughts.
7. Screen time
Meaning: The time spent in front of a screen, usually a phone or computer.
Example: The recommended maximum screen time for video games is 180 minutes per day.
This phrase is used to tell the amount of time one spends looking at a screen, which is a pretty common thing when it comes to technology lovers.
8. On the same wavelength
Meaning: To share similar thoughts and ideas.
Example: My wife and I are usually on the same wavelength about raising our kids.
This idiom might sound technical, but it is frequently used everywhere to talk about people with the same mindsets and ideas.
Now that we have taken a look at some notable idioms and collocations regarding technology, let’s try and put some of them into an exercise.
cre: TADE Hub
Question: What is the most helpful thing about the internet? Do you think most people have a healthy relationship with the internet? Why or why not?
Sample answer:
The internet is one of the most important inventions of humanity. Its creations have broken new ground and brought in the new information age, which helps people in many ways.
To get started, the internet enables people on the same wavelength to connect easily. Right now, we could stay home and still keep up with the current society. Furthermore, it helps us to keep in touch with our friends and families with less stress. During the pandemic time, online content has also been brought into play on the worldwide network.
In contrast, with great power comes great responsibilities. The relationship between people and the internet is not so healthy. The contents provided on the internet cannot be fully controlled; consequently, it leads to bad behaviors. In addition, people spend too much screen time on their phones and tend to forget what is around them. That is not a healthy approach at all.
In the end, the internet brings about many cutting-edge features. However, abusing it will only result in negative consequences. I hope that people can think outside the box and utilize it properly without wasting too much time.
Live-Interactive DET Practice Platform
The writing passage above is an example of how these phrases and idioms get put into use. If students wish to achieve high DET scores, practicing every day and trying to use these phrases and idioms are truly vital.
On the DET Practice Platform, everything is available to support your Duolingo English Test preparation, including the following:
Thousands of practicing questions;
Hundreds of Interactive Reading and Interactive Listening sets;
At least 15 one-hour Tests with estimated scores;
Instant detailed feedback for all question types;
Same grading elements as what DET uses to evaluate your scores;
Alongside many other supporting features.
For example, if we answer the above question on the DET Practice Platform, we will receive the following feedback:
Cre: TADE Hub
By paying close attention to this feedback, students know what skills they are good at, and what they need to improve in order to achieve their desired scores. As we can see, the score of Lexical Sophistication is around 75. According to the feedback, we need to use more academic words at a higher level if students want to achieve higher scores.
It’s time for you to utilize this effective DET Practice Platform and increase your scores. If you are new to the DET or you haven’t got your desired scores yet, this Five-Step Preparation Strategy will save your day.
