Technology and Digital Systems Words

Study the questions and tasks

Work through the material below, or start the interactive practice above to complete an attempt. Try the exercises before opening any answer or transcript sections, then use them to review your work.

Practice level

B2. Try this level if you can follow the instructions and understand most of the language; choose an earlier level if you need more support.

Question formats

Single choice

How to approach this practice

Use the surrounding sentence to identify the meaning and word form needed. Check which words naturally go together.

1. Question 1 · Single choice

   Choose one answer.

   Software that protects a computer from malicious programs is ___.

   1. antivirus
   2. spreadsheet
   3. browser
   4. firewall
   Check answers and explanations

   Answer

   antivirus

   Antivirus software detects and helps remove malicious software.

2. Question 2 · Single choice

   Choose one answer.

   A set of instructions that a computer follows to solve a problem is an ___.

   1. algorithm
   2. attachment
   3. interface
   4. database
   Check answers and explanations

   Answer

   algorithm

   An algorithm is a sequence of instructions for a task.

3. Question 3 · Single choice

   Choose one answer.

   To make a copy of important data is to ___ the data.

   1. back up
   2. log in
   3. shut down
   4. scroll down
   Check answers and explanations

   Answer

   back up

   Back up means make a copy so data can be recovered.

4. Question 4 · Single choice

   Choose one answer.

   A weakness in a computer system that attackers could exploit is a ___.

   1. vulnerability
   2. shortcut
   3. notification
   4. subscription
   Check answers and explanations

   Answer

   vulnerability

   A vulnerability is a weakness that creates a security risk.

5. Question 5 · Single choice

   Choose one answer.

   The ability of a system to handle more users or activity is ___.

   1. scalability
   2. visibility
   3. portability
   4. reliability
   Check answers and explanations

   Answer

   scalability

   Scalability is the ability to grow while continuing to work effectively.

What to review next

Keep a short list of unfamiliar words with their meanings and example sentences. Practise recalling them later, then use them in a sentence of your own.

A focused practice result shows how you did on these tasks. Use several activities across skills to decide what to study next; one practice score does not certify an overall CEFR level.

Before you practise: a worked example

Read the whole sentence before choosing a word. Check both its meaning and the words it naturally combines with.

Please make an appointment before visiting the clinic.

Make an appointment is a natural word combination. Knowing a dictionary meaning alone may not tell you which verb fits.

This teaching example is separate from the scored questions. After your test, compare any mistakes with the explanation and revisit the topic before trying again.