Why Technology Vocabulary Matters
Technology is arguably the most frequent essay topic in SPM English. Questions about social media, smartphones, online learning, and digital life appear regularly in continuous writing, directed writing, and reading comprehension. A strong technology word bank prepares you for multiple sections of the exam.
| Word/Phrase | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|
| social media platform | websites/apps for social interaction | Instagram and TikTok are popular social media platforms among teenagers. |
| cyberbullying | bullying online | Cyberbullying has become a serious issue in Malaysian schools. |
| online harassment | aggressive behaviour online | Victims of online harassment often suffer from anxiety and depression. |
| misinformation | false information shared unintentionally | Social media makes it easy for misinformation to spread rapidly. |
| disinformation | deliberately false information | Political disinformation can influence public opinion. |
| viral | spreading rapidly online | The video went viral and was viewed by millions. |
| digital footprint | the trail of data you leave online | Everything you post contributes to your digital footprint. |
| screen time | time spent looking at screens | Excessive screen time affects sleep quality and concentration. |
| influencer | a person with online influence | Many teenagers follow influencers for lifestyle advice. |
| algorithm | a set of rules that determines what you see | Social media algorithms show you content you’re likely to engage with. |
Internet and Digital Life
| Word/Phrase | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|
| digital literacy | the ability to use technology effectively | Schools must teach digital literacy alongside traditional subjects. |
| online privacy | protection of personal data online | Many users don’t understand the importance of online privacy. |
| data breach | unauthorized access to personal data | A data breach can expose millions of users’ personal information. |
| phishing | fraudulent attempts to steal information | Phishing emails trick people into revealing their passwords. |
| bandwidth | capacity for data transfer | Rural areas often have limited bandwidth for internet access. |
| digital divide | gap between those with and without technology access | The digital divide disadvantages students in rural areas. |
| e-commerce | buying and selling online | E-commerce has transformed how Malaysians shop. |
| remote work / working from home | working outside the office via technology | The pandemic accelerated the shift to remote work. |
| virtual learning | education conducted online | Virtual learning requires discipline and self-motivation. |
Artificial Intelligence and Innovation
| Word/Phrase | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|
| artificial intelligence (AI) | machines that can think and learn | Artificial intelligence is changing how businesses operate. |
| automation | using machines to do tasks automatically | Automation may replace some jobs but create new ones. |
| innovation | new ideas, methods, or inventions | Technological innovation drives economic growth. |
| cutting-edge | the most advanced | Malaysia is investing in cutting-edge technology. |
| breakthrough | an important discovery or development | Medical breakthroughs powered by AI save lives. |
| robotics | the science of designing robots | Robotics is being introduced in Malaysian manufacturing. |
Technology Problems
| Word/Phrase | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|
| addiction | being unable to stop using something | Smartphone addiction affects students’ academic performance. |
| sedentary lifestyle | physically inactive way of living | Technology encourages a sedentary lifestyle among teenagers. |
| information overload | too much information to process | Information overload makes it difficult to identify reliable sources. |
| identity theft | stealing someone’s personal information | Online shopping increases the risk of identity theft. |
| privacy concerns | worries about personal data protection | Social media raises serious privacy concerns. |
| over-reliance | depending too much on something | Our over-reliance on technology makes us vulnerable to system failures. |
Technology Solutions
| Word/Phrase | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|
| parental controls | tools to limit children’s online access | Parents should use parental controls to protect young children. |
| digital detox | a period without using technology | A weekly digital detox can improve mental health. |
| content filtering | blocking inappropriate online content | Schools use content filtering to ensure safe internet use. |
| two-factor authentication | extra security step for online accounts | Two-factor authentication makes your accounts more secure. |
Useful Phrases for Technology Essays
Describing Benefits
- “has revolutionised the way we…”
- “provides unprecedented access to…”
- “enables students to…”
- “bridges the gap between…”
- “has the potential to transform…”
Describing Drawbacks
- “poses a significant risk to…”
- “has led to an alarming increase in…”
- “at the expense of…”
- “the dark side of technology is…”
- “can have detrimental effects on…”
Balanced Arguments
- “while technology offers many benefits, it also…”
- “the key is to strike a balance between…”
- “technology is a tool — its impact depends on how we use it”
- “rather than banning technology, we should teach responsible use”
Sample Paragraph
“While social media platforms offer unprecedented access to information and global communication, they also pose significant risks to teenagers’ mental health. The constant exposure to curated content creates unrealistic expectations, and cyberbullying has become an alarming issue. Rather than banning social media outright, schools should teach digital literacy so students can navigate online spaces responsibly. A balanced approach — combining parental controls with education about online safety — is the most effective solution.”
This paragraph uses 10 technology-specific terms naturally within a clear argument.
Build Your Essay Vocabulary
Technology vocabulary gives you the tools to write about the most common SPM essay topics with confidence. At SPMEnglish.com.my, our vocabulary building programme covers topic-specific word banks for technology, environment, education, health, and social issues. WhatsApp us to build vocabulary that scores marks in essays.
