Casa ESL · A1 Beginner · Unit 18 of 20 · Step 2

Technology & Gadgets

Phones & Computers

Name common technology items
Use 'can' and 'can't' to talk about ability and function
Talk about how you use technology every day

Name

Date

phone

noun

A device used to make calls and send messages.

"My phone is always with me."

laptop

noun

A portable computer you can use anywhere.

"I use my laptop for work."

app

noun

A programme on your phone or computer for a specific purpose.

"I use a language app to learn English."

internet

noun

A global network connecting computers and devices.

"I need internet access to work."

message

noun

A piece of text or information sent to someone.

"I sent a message to my friend."

send

verb

To make something go to another person or place.

"Can you send me the document?"

download

verb

To copy a file from the internet to your device.

"I need to download this app."

charge

verb

To put electricity into a battery.

"I need to charge my phone."

Can / Can't (ability and function)

Use 'can' to say something is possible or that you are able to do it. Use 'can't' (cannot) for the negative.

I can send messages on my phone.

You can download the app for free.

She can't use the internet — there is no signal.

Can you help me? — Yes, I can.

Exercise 1

Fill in the blank with 'can' or 'can't'.

1. I find the app. Can you help me?

2. You download it for free from the store.

3. My laptop is broken. I send the email.

4. I use your phone? Mine is out of battery.

5. She speak three languages. She is very clever.

Exercise 2

Match the technology word to its function.

1. phonemake calls and send messages
2. laptopwrite documents and work anywhere
3. appdo a specific task on your device
4. internetconnect to information worldwide
5. chargerfill your battery with electricity

My Phone

I use my phone every day. I can check my email, send messages, and read the news. I can also use apps for learning languages and managing my money. Sometimes the battery runs out. Then I can't do anything! I charge my phone every night. I can use it for work because I have internet. I can't imagine life without my phone now. Technology helps me a lot.

1. What can the writer do with their phone?

2. What happens when the battery runs out?

Discuss these questions with a partner or your teacher.

1What can you do with your phone? Tell your partner three things.
2Can you live without your phone for one day? Why or why not?

Write 3–5 sentences about how you use technology. What can you do with your phone or laptop?

Example: I use my laptop every day for work. I can send emails and write documents. I can also download music and watch films. I can't work without my laptop.

Answer Key — For Teacher Use

Exercise 1

1. can't · 2. can · 3. can't · 4. Can · 5. can

Exercise 2

1. phone → make calls and send messages · 2. laptop → write documents and work anywhere · 3. app → do a specific task on your device · 4. internet → connect to information worldwide · 5. charger → fill your battery with electricity

Reading Comprehension

1. Check email, send messages, read news, and use apps. · 2. They can't do anything — the phone stops working.