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DET Vocabulary #9: Technology — 100 Essential Words for a 120+ Score
Hi everyone, Teacher Sam here. 😊
Here's a mistake I see constantly with this topic. A student gets a prompt about AI or social media, and they pick a side immediately — technology is either "amazing" or "dangerous." That's where the answer stops. That's exactly the kind of one-dimensional answer that caps your score around 100–110.
Here are the kinds of prompts you can expect:
Will artificial intelligence replace human jobs?
Is social media good for society?
Should surveillance technology prioritize public safety or personal privacy?
Should technologies like deepfakes be regulated?
What often separates a 120 from a 110 is vocabulary precision, not just grammar. The strongest answers don't pick a side and stop — they use words like transparency, bias, and augmentation to show they understand both what technology makes possible and what it puts at risk.
This post gives you 100 words across three tiers, from foundational vocabulary to expert-level terms most test-takers rarely use.
📚 This post is part of a series
- ✅ Done 1. Science & Nature
- ✅ Done 2. Arts & Creativity
- ✅ Done 3. Daily Life & Routines
- ✅ Done 4. Relationships & Community
- ✅ Done 5. Work & Career
- ✅ Done 6. Travel & Culture
- ✅ Done 7. Environment & Climate
- ✅ Done 8. Health & Wellness
- ▶ Here 9. Technology
- 🔜 10. Education
Part 1 · Foundation Level
Core Vocabulary
Target: 105–115
These are the words you should already recognize. The goal here isn't learning — it's making sure you can produce them instantly, under time pressure, without hesitation.
📌 Nouns
Devicenoun#1
An electronic tool or piece of equipment designed for a particular purpose.
Top Collocations
smart deviceuse a devicemobile deviceDET Practice Sentence
Smart devices have become deeply embedded in nearly every aspect of daily modern life.
Softwarenoun#2
The programs and operating information used by a computer, as opposed to physical hardware.
Top Collocations
update softwareinstall softwaresoftware vulnerabilityDET Practice Sentence
Regularly updating software helps protect devices from newly discovered security vulnerabilities.
Applicationnoun#3
A program designed to perform a specific task, typically on a phone or computer.
Top Collocations
educational applicationdownload an applicationmobile applicationDET Practice Sentence
Educational applications have made it possible for students to practice language skills anywhere, anytime.
Browsernoun#4
A program used to access and view websites on the internet.
Top Collocations
secure browserweb browserbrowser extensionDET Practice Sentence
Choosing a secure browser is one of the simplest steps toward protecting personal information online.
Platformnoun#5
A digital system or service that allows users to access content, tools, or other services.
Top Collocations
online platformlearning platformsocial media platformDET Practice Sentence
Online learning platforms have expanded access to education for students in remote or underserved areas.
Passwordnoun#6
A secret sequence of characters used to verify a user's identity and grant access.
Top Collocations
unique passwordstrong passwordreset a passwordDET Practice Sentence
Using a unique password for each account significantly reduces the risk of a security breach.
📌 Adjectives
Digitaladjective#7
Relating to technology that uses electronic, computer-based systems.
Top Collocations
digital economydigital recordgo digitalDET Practice Sentence
The shift toward a digital economy has transformed how businesses interact with their customers.
Virtualadjective#8
Simulated or existing in a computer-generated environment rather than physically.
Top Collocations
virtual classroomvirtual realityvirtual environmentDET Practice Sentence
Virtual classrooms allow students and teachers to connect regardless of geographic distance.
Wirelessadjective#9
Operating without the need for physical cables or wires.
Top Collocations
wireless technologywireless connectionwireless networkDET Practice Sentence
Wireless technology has eliminated much of the clutter once associated with home electronics.
Portableadjective#10
Designed to be easily carried or moved.
Top Collocations
portable devicehighly portableportable chargerDET Practice Sentence
Portable devices have made it possible for people to work productively from almost anywhere.
User-friendlyadjective#11
Easy to use or understand, especially for people without technical expertise.
Top Collocations
user-friendly interfaceuser-friendly designremain user-friendlyDET Practice Sentence
A user-friendly interface can make even complex software accessible to non-technical users.
Outdatedadjective#12
No longer current or the most modern available, though sometimes still usable.
Top Collocations
outdated softwareoutdated technologybecome outdatedDET Practice Sentence
Relying on outdated software can leave systems vulnerable to modern security threats.
📌 Verbs
Downloadverb#13
To transfer data or a program from the internet onto a device.
Top Collocations
download an applicationdownload a filedownload safelyDET Practice Sentence
Before you download any application, it's worth checking user reviews and permission requests.
Uploadverb#14
To transfer data or files from a device to the internet or a server.
Top Collocations
upload a fileupload directlyupload an assignmentDET Practice Sentence
Students can upload their assignments directly to the platform for instant feedback.
Clickverb#15
To press a button on a mouse or touchscreen to select something.
Top Collocations
click a linkclick onthink twice before clickingDET Practice Sentence
Users should think twice before they click on links from unfamiliar sources.
Installverb#16
To set up software or a program so it is ready to use on a device.
Top Collocations
install an updateinstall softwareinstall security patchesDET Practice Sentence
It's advisable to install security updates as soon as they become available.
Updateverb#17
To bring software or information up to date with the latest version.
Top Collocations
update regularlyupdate an applicationupdate softwareDET Practice Sentence
Developers regularly update their applications to fix bugs and improve performance.
Browseverb#18
To look through content on the internet, often without a specific goal.
Top Collocations
browse the internetbrowse for hoursbrowse onlineDET Practice Sentence
Many people browse the internet for hours without realizing how much data they generate.
Chargeverb#19
To supply a device's battery with electrical power.
Top Collocations
charge a devicecharge overnightfully chargeDET Practice Sentence
Remembering to charge your device overnight prevents inconvenient interruptions during the day.
Restartverb#20
To turn a device off and on again, often to resolve a technical problem.
Top Collocations
restart a devicesimply restartrestart a systemDET Practice Sentence
Simply restarting a device resolves a surprising number of technical issues.
Teacher Sam's Quick Note
If you only remember five words from this section, make it device, application, platform, update, and install. These are the words that show up constantly in personal-experience prompts about how you use technology day to day.
Part 2 · High-Scoring Essentials
Intermediate–Advanced Vocabulary
Target: 115–120
These words separate a good DET response from a great one. Using even a handful of these naturally in your Writing Sample or Speaking Sample signals a level of vocabulary control that the scoring engine consistently rewards.
DET Speaking Prompt Practice
Should governments regulate how much personal data technology companies are allowed to collect?
Try answering it in about 60 seconds using at least 5 words from PART 2 before reading on.
📌 Nouns
Algorithmnoun#21
A set of rules or calculations, especially used by a computer, to solve a problem or perform a task.
Top Collocations
social media algorithmalgorithm determinescomplex algorithm🔥 Speaking · ✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Social media algorithms determine which content users see, often prioritizing engagement over accuracy.
Privacynoun#22
The state of being free from unwanted attention or having control over one's personal information.
Top Collocations
personal privacyprotect privacybalance privacy🔥 Speaking · ✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Balancing convenience with privacy remains one of the defining tensions of the digital age.
Databasenoun#23
An organized collection of data stored and accessed electronically.
Top Collocations
organized databaseretrieve from a databasedatabase system✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
A well-organized database allows hospitals to retrieve critical patient information within seconds.
Interfacenoun#24
The point where a user interacts with a device, application, or system.
Top Collocations
user interfacepoorly designed interfaceinterface design📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
A poorly designed interface can discourage even highly motivated users from continuing to use an app.
Cybersecuritynoun#25
The practice of protecting systems, networks, and data from digital attacks.
Top Collocations
invest in cybersecuritycybersecurity threatstrengthen cybersecurity🔥 Speaking · ✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Investing in cybersecurity has become a top priority for organizations of every size.
Encryptionnoun#26
The process of converting information into a code to prevent unauthorized access.
Top Collocations
strong encryptiondata encryptionencryption protects🔥 Speaking · ✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Strong encryption protects sensitive financial data from being intercepted during online transactions.
Bandwidthnoun#27
The capacity of a network to transmit data within a given time.
Top Collocations
insufficient bandwidthlimited bandwidthbandwidth capacity📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
Insufficient bandwidth can severely limit access to online education in rural communities.
Servernoun#28
A computer or system that provides data or services to other computers over a network.
Top Collocations
server outagehost on a serverserver disruption📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
A single server outage can disrupt operations for millions of users simultaneously.
Malwarenoun#29
Software specifically designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to a system.
Top Collocations
disguised as malwaremalware threatdetect malware🔥 Speaking · ✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Malware disguised as legitimate software continues to be one of the most common cybersecurity threats.
Firewallnoun#30
A security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic.
Top Collocations
configure a firewallfirewall protectionfirst line of defense📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
A properly configured firewall serves as a critical first line of defense against unauthorized access.
Processornoun#31
The central component of a computer that performs calculations and executes instructions.
Top Collocations
processor technologypowerful processoradvances in processors📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
Advances in processor technology have made it possible for smartphones to perform tasks once reserved for supercomputers.
Storagenoun#32
Space used to hold digital data, either physically or in the cloud.
Top Collocations
cloud storagestorage spacestorage capacity✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Cloud storage allows users to access their files from any device with an internet connection.
Connectivitynoun#33
The state of being connected, especially to a network or the internet.
Top Collocations
improved connectivityinternet connectivitylack of connectivity✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Improved connectivity in developing regions has opened access to global markets and information.
Chipnoun#34
A small piece of semiconductor material used to carry out computing functions.
Top Collocations
computer chipchip shortagesemiconductor chip📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
The global shortage of computer chips revealed how deeply interconnected modern supply chains have become.
Glitchnoun#35
A minor malfunction or unexpected problem in a system.
Top Collocations
software glitchminor glitchglitch in the systemDET Practice Sentence
A minor software glitch can sometimes cascade into a much larger system-wide failure.
📌 Adjectives
Robustadjective#36
Strong, well-built, and able to withstand pressure or failure.
Top Collocations
robust systemrobust securityrobust cybersecurity🔥 Speaking · ✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
A robust cybersecurity system can detect and neutralize threats before they cause significant damage.
Adaptiveadjective#37
Able to adjust automatically based on changing conditions or input.
Top Collocations
adaptive learningadaptive softwareadjust adaptively✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Adaptive learning software adjusts its difficulty in real time based on each student's performance.
Algorithmicadjective#38
Relating to or produced by an algorithm.
Top Collocations
algorithmic decision-makingalgorithmic biasalgorithmic process✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Algorithmic decision-making in hiring has raised concerns about hidden bias in automated systems.
Interactiveadjective#39
Allowing two-way communication or engagement between a user and a system.
Top Collocations
interactive toolinteractive learningkeep users engaged🔥 Speaking · ✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Interactive learning tools tend to keep students more engaged than traditional passive lectures.
Scalableadjective#40
Capable of being expanded or adjusted in size to meet growing demand.
Top Collocations
scalable solutionscalable technologyeasily scalable✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Cloud computing offers businesses a scalable solution that grows alongside their needs.
Intuitiveadjective#41
Easy to understand or use without needing much explanation.
Top Collocations
intuitive designintuitive interfacereduce the learning curve🔥 Speaking · ✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
An intuitive design reduces the learning curve for new users significantly.
Obsoleteadjective#42
No longer produced, used, or useful because something better exists.
Top Collocations
become obsoletequickly obsoleteobsolete technologyDET Practice Sentence
Technology evolves so quickly that today's cutting-edge device can become obsolete within a few years.
Proprietaryadjective#43
Owned exclusively by a company, with restricted rights for others to use or modify.
Top Collocations
proprietary softwareproprietary systemrely on proprietary📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
Companies that rely on proprietary software often face higher long-term costs than those using open alternatives.
Open-sourceadjective#44
Describing software whose source code is publicly available for anyone to view or modify.
Top Collocations
open-source softwareopen-source projectcollaboratively improve✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Open-source software allows developers around the world to collaboratively improve a shared codebase.
Cloud-basedadjective#45
Delivered or stored via remote servers accessed through the internet, rather than locally.
Top Collocations
cloud-based storagecloud-based solutioncloud-based service🔥 Speaking · ✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Cloud-based storage solutions have largely replaced physical hard drives for everyday users.
Biometricadjective#46
Relating to the measurement of unique physical characteristics for identification.
Top Collocations
biometric authenticationbiometric datafacial recognition📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
Biometric authentication, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, offers stronger security than traditional passwords.
Autonomousadjective#47
Able to operate independently, without direct human control.
Top Collocations
autonomous vehiclefully autonomousautonomous system🔥 Speaking · ✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Autonomous vehicles promise to reduce accidents caused by human error, though full adoption remains years away.
Artificialadjective#48
Made or produced by humans rather than occurring naturally.
Top Collocations
artificial intelligenceartificial systemincreasingly artificialDET Practice Sentence
Artificial intelligence is increasingly being integrated into fields ranging from medicine to agriculture.
Seamlessadjective#49
Smooth and continuous, without any noticeable gaps or interruptions.
Top Collocations
seamless experienceseamless integrationseamless transition✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
A seamless user experience across multiple devices has become an industry standard expectation.
High-techadjective#50
Involving or making use of advanced, sophisticated technology.
Top Collocations
high-tech methodhigh-tech farminghigh-tech industryDET Practice Sentence
High-tech farming methods have significantly increased crop yields while reducing water consumption.
📌 Verbs
Decryptverb#51
To convert encoded or encrypted data back into a readable form.
Top Collocations
decrypt a filedecryption keydecrypt data📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
Only authorized users possess the key needed to decrypt the protected files.
Hackverb#52
To gain unauthorized access to a computer system or data.
Top Collocations
ethical hackerhack into a systemhire a hacker🔥 Speaking · ✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Companies now hire ethical hackers to identify vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them.
Codeverb#53
To write instructions in a programming language for a computer to execute.
Top Collocations
learn to codecode a programcode efficientlyDET Practice Sentence
Learning to code has become an increasingly valuable skill across nearly every industry.
Programverb#54
To design and write a set of instructions for a computer or device to follow.
Top Collocations
program a robotprogram to performprogram with precision✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Engineers program industrial robots to perform repetitive tasks with remarkable precision.
Debugverb#55
To find and remove errors from computer software.
Top Collocations
debug codespend time debuggingdebug before launch📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
Developers spend a significant portion of their time debugging code before a product launch.
Integrateverb#56
To combine one thing with another so they work as a unified whole.
Top Collocations
integrate technologysuccessfully integrateintegrate into the classroom🔥 Speaking · ✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Schools that successfully integrate technology into the classroom often see improved student engagement.
Optimizeverb#57
To make something as effective or functional as possible.
Top Collocations
optimize operationsoptimize performanceuse data to optimize✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Businesses use data analytics to optimize their operations and reduce unnecessary costs.
Compileverb#58
To convert programming code into a form that a computer can execute.
Top Collocations
compile a programcompile before executionmust be compiled📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
The program must be compiled before it can be executed on the target device.
Deployverb#59
To put a system, tool, or resource into active use.
Top Collocations
deploy a tooldeploy AIincreasingly deploy🔥 Speaking · ✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Companies increasingly deploy artificial intelligence tools to detect fraudulent transactions in real time.
Troubleshootverb#60
To identify and resolve problems in a system or device.
Top Collocations
troubleshoot an issuetrained to troubleshoottroubleshoot efficientlyDET Practice Sentence
Technical support teams are trained to troubleshoot common issues efficiently over the phone.
Synchronizeverb#61
To cause data or files to update simultaneously across multiple devices.
Top Collocations
synchronize filesautomatically synchronizesynchronize across devices📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
Cloud services automatically synchronize files across all of a user's connected devices.
Back upverb#62
To make a copy of data as a precaution against loss or damage.
Top Collocations
back up filesback up regularlyavoid data lossDET Practice Sentence
Experts recommend that users back up important files regularly to avoid catastrophic data loss.
Rebootverb#63
To restart a computer or system, often to fix a technical issue.
Top Collocations
reboot a systemask users to rebootreboot as a first step📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
IT technicians often ask users to reboot their systems as the first step in troubleshooting.
Upgradeverb#64
To improve or replace a system with a newer or better version.
Top Collocations
upgrade infrastructuregradually upgradeupgrade a system✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Many organizations upgrade their infrastructure gradually to minimize disruption to daily operations.
Customizeverb#65
To modify something to suit individual preferences or needs.
Top Collocations
customize settingscustomize privacy settingsfully customizeDET Practice Sentence
Users can customize their privacy settings to control exactly what information is shared.
Leverageverb#66
To use something effectively to gain an advantage.
Top Collocations
leverage technologyleverage a platformincreasingly leverage🔥 Speaking · ✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Small businesses increasingly leverage social media platforms to reach customers without large advertising budgets.
Modernizeverb#67
To bring something up to date with current methods, ideas, or technology.
Top Collocations
modernize infrastructureunder pressure to modernizemodernize systems✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Governments around the world are under pressure to modernize outdated public infrastructure systems.
Calibrateverb#68
To adjust an instrument or system precisely for accuracy.
Top Collocations
calibrate a sensorcalibrate regularlyensure accuracy📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
Sensors must be calibrated regularly to ensure the accuracy of the data they collect.
Patchverb#69
To fix a flaw or vulnerability in software, usually through a small update.
Top Collocations
patch a vulnerabilityrush to patchpatch software📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
Developers rushed to patch the vulnerability before it could be widely exploited.
Compressverb#70
To reduce the size of a file while preserving its usable content.
Top Collocations
compress a filecompress multimediareduce storage requirementsDET Practice Sentence
Compressing multimedia files reduces storage requirements while maintaining acceptable quality.
Teacher Sam's Quick Note
The 🔥 words in PART 2 — particularly privacy, cybersecurity, encryption, algorithm, malware, robust, interactive, autonomous, hack, and leverage — appear most frequently in high-scoring DET responses on technology topics. If you can use even three of these naturally in a single response, your vocabulary score will reflect it.
Part 3 · Expert & Sophisticated
Advanced Vocabulary
Target: 120–135+
This is where your score starts to separate from the crowd.
You do not need to use all of these. One is enough.
DET Speaking Prompt Practice
Is society doing enough to address the risks of emerging technology, or are we too focused on its benefits?
Write a 60-second response first. Then come back and see which PART 3 words you could have used.
📌 Advanced Nouns
Quantum computingnoun#71
A form of computing that uses quantum mechanics to solve certain problems far faster than traditional computers.
Top Collocations
quantum computing potentialadvances in quantum computingquantum computing breakthrough📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
Quantum computing has the potential to solve complex problems in medicine and materials science that are currently impossible for traditional computers.
Blockchainnoun#72
A digital, decentralized ledger technology that records transactions across many computers securely.
Top Collocations
blockchain technologyblockchain recordsblockchain-based system🔥 Speaking · ✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Blockchain technology improves traceability throughout global supply chains.
Deepfakenoun#73
Synthetic media in which a person's likeness is digitally altered or fabricated, often convincingly.
Top Collocations
deepfake technologycreate a deepfakedetect deepfakes🔥 Speaking · ✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
While deepfakes pose serious risks to public trust, they have also driven urgent progress in media literacy education.
Redundancynoun#74
The inclusion of backup components or systems to ensure continued function if one part fails.
Top Collocations
build in redundancysystem redundancyredundancy measures📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
Data centers build in redundancy so that a single hardware failure does not result in permanent data loss.
Surveillancenoun#75
The close monitoring of behavior or activity, often using technology.
Top Collocations
surveillance technologymass surveillanceexpand surveillance🔥 Speaking · ✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Surveillance technology can enhance public safety, but its expansion inevitably raises difficult questions about individual privacy.
Interoperabilitynoun#76
The ability of different systems or devices to work together and exchange information effectively.
Top Collocations
lack of interoperabilitysystem interoperabilityensure interoperability📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
A lack of interoperability between hospital systems can delay critical care during medical emergencies.
Augmentationnoun#77
The act of enhancing or expanding a capability, often through technology.
Top Collocations
augmentation technologyhuman augmentationsurgical augmentation✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Augmentation technology is already improving surgical precision, allowing doctors to perform procedures once thought impossible.
Transparencynoun#78
The quality of being open, clear, and honest about processes or decisions.
Top Collocations
algorithmic transparencylack of transparencyensure transparency🔥 Speaking · ✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Transparency in how algorithms make decisions is essential for building public trust in artificial intelligence.
Biasnoun#79
A systematic tendency toward unfair or skewed outcomes, often unintentional.
Top Collocations
algorithmic biasunconscious biasreinforce bias🔥 Speaking · ✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Algorithmic bias can unintentionally reinforce existing social inequalities if training data is not carefully examined.
Misinformationnoun#80
False or inaccurate information spread regardless of intent to deceive.
Top Collocations
spread misinformationflag misinformationcombat misinformation🔥 Speaking · ✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Platforms are investing heavily in tools designed to flag misinformation before it spreads widely.
📌 Advanced Adjectives
Sentientadjective#81
Able to perceive or feel things; possessing consciousness.
Top Collocations
truly sentientsentient beingbecome sentient📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
Whether artificial intelligence could ever become truly sentient remains a subject of serious philosophical debate.
Omnipresentadjective#82
Present everywhere at the same time.
Top Collocations
become omnipresentomnipresent technologyomnipresent influence✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Smartphones have become so omnipresent that many people report feeling anxious when separated from them.
Intangibleadjective#83
Not having a physical form; difficult to define or measure precisely.
Top Collocations
intangible valueintangible assetintangible form📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
Digital assets represent an intangible form of value that traditional legal systems are still learning to regulate.
Exponentialadjective#84
Increasing at a rapidly accelerating rate.
Top Collocations
exponential growthexponential increasegrow exponentially🔥 Speaking · ✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
The exponential growth of computing power over recent decades has enabled breakthroughs once thought impossible.
Unregulatedadjective#85
Not controlled or governed by official rules or laws.
Top Collocations
unregulated marketlargely unregulatedunregulated industry✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
An unregulated market for artificial intelligence tools raises legitimate concerns about accountability and safety.
Opaqueadjective#86
Difficult to understand or see through; not transparent.
Top Collocations
remain opaqueopaque systemopaque process📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
Many machine learning systems remain opaque even to the engineers who originally built them.
Decentralizedadjective#87
Distributed across multiple locations or participants rather than controlled from one central point.
Top Collocations
decentralized networkdecentralized systemdecentralized control🔥 Speaking · ✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Decentralized networks distribute control across many participants rather than relying on a single authority.
Dystopianadjective#88
Relating to an imagined society characterized by suffering, injustice, or oppressive control.
Top Collocations
dystopian portrayaldystopian fictiondystopian vision📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
While dystopian portrayals of AI dominate popular fiction, real-world applications often focus on far more mundane benefits.
Immutableadjective#89
Unable to be changed once created or established.
Top Collocations
immutable recordimmutable natureremain immutable✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
The immutable nature of blockchain records makes them particularly useful for verifying ownership and authenticity.
Pervasiveadjective#90
Spreading widely throughout a place or group; present in every part.
Top Collocations
pervasive useincreasingly pervasivepervasive influence🔥 Speaking · ✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
The pervasive use of tracking technology has made truly anonymous online browsing nearly impossible.
📌 Advanced Verbs
Circumventverb#91
To find a way around an obstacle, rule, or restriction.
Top Collocations
circumvent restrictionscreative ways to circumventcircumvent a system✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Determined users often find creative ways to circumvent even the most sophisticated content restrictions.
Outpaceverb#92
To develop or progress faster than something else.
Top Collocations
outpace regulationcontinue to outpaceoutpace the ability🔥 Speaking · ✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Technological innovation continues to outpace the ability of regulators to draft appropriate legislation.
Supersedeverb#93
To take the place of something that came before, often because it is more effective.
Top Collocations
eventually supersedesupersede traditional methodssupersede an older system✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Voice recognition technology may eventually supersede traditional typing as the primary method of digital input.
Obfuscateverb#94
To deliberately make something unclear or difficult to understand.
Top Collocations
intentionally obfuscateobfuscate practicesobfuscate within lengthy policies📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
Some companies intentionally obfuscate their data collection practices within lengthy, unreadable privacy policies.
Weaponizeverb#95
To adapt something for use as a means of causing harm or exerting control.
Top Collocations
weaponize technologypotential to weaponizeweaponize for disinformation📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
Governments have raised concerns about the potential to weaponize deepfake technology for political disinformation.
Curtailverb#96
To reduce or restrict the extent or scope of something.
Top Collocations
curtail collectionaim to curtailcurtail the misuse✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
New regulations aim to curtail the collection of unnecessary personal data by technology companies.
Expediteverb#97
To make a process happen more quickly or efficiently.
Top Collocations
expedite a processexpedite tasksautomated systems expedite🔥 Speaking · ✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Automated systems can expedite routine administrative tasks, freeing employees to focus on more meaningful work.
Encroachverb#98
To gradually intrude upon or take over something, often without direct permission.
Top Collocations
encroach on privacybegin to encroachencroach on time📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
Critics argue that constant connectivity has begun to encroach on time once reserved for rest and reflection.
Convergeverb#99
To come together from different directions, often forming something new.
Top Collocations
technologies convergebeginning to convergeconverge in ways✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Advances in artificial intelligence and biotechnology are beginning to converge in ways that could transform modern medicine.
Monetizeverb#100
To generate revenue from something, especially online content or user activity.
Top Collocations
monetize attentionmonetize a platformmonetize user data🔥 Speaking · ✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Many platforms monetize user attention through targeted advertising, raising questions about the true cost of "free" services.
Teacher Sam's Quick Note
The PART 3 words that appear most frequently in genuinely high-scoring DET responses: transparency, bias, surveillance, exponential, decentralized, pervasive, outpace, expedite, and blockchain. Pick two. Use them naturally. That is what moves the score.
🔍 Confusing Word Showdown
To score higher, avoid using near-synonyms interchangeably when their precise meanings differ in ways the DET scoring engine can detect.
① software vs. application
Software
A broad term for the programs that run a computer, as opposed to physical hardware.
Operating system software manages all the hardware resources of a computer.
Application
A specific type of software designed to perform a particular task.
A single application can now perform tasks that once required several separate programs.
② privacy vs. security
Privacy
The right to keep personal information from being exposed or misused.
Privacy laws give individuals more control over how their personal data is collected and used.
Security
The technical protection of systems and data against external threats.
Even strong security measures cannot fully prevent data breaches caused by human error.
③ automation vs. artificial intelligence
Automation
Performing repetitive tasks automatically according to fixed rules.
Factory automation has replaced many repetitive manual assembly line tasks.
Artificial Intelligence
A more advanced concept in which systems learn from data and make their own judgments.
Artificial intelligence can identify patterns in data that would take humans years to detect manually.
④ virtual vs. digital
Virtual
Referring to a simulated environment rather than a physical one.
Virtual reality headsets create an immersive environment that mimics physical presence.
Digital
Referring to the format in which information is stored and processed as binary data.
The transition to digital records has made patient information far easier to share between hospitals.
⑤ transparency vs. accountability
Transparency
Making processes and information open and visible.
Transparency about how user data is collected builds trust between companies and consumers.
Accountability
Taking responsibility for the outcomes of those processes.
Without clear accountability, companies have little incentive to correct algorithmic errors.
⑥ outdated vs. obsolete
Outdated
No longer the best option, but still somewhat usable.
Using an outdated browser can slow down your computer without making it entirely unusable.
Obsolete
No longer of any practical use at all.
Floppy disks became obsolete once cloud storage and USB drives offered far greater capacity.
⚡ 30-Second Challenge
Choose any three words from this post and answer the following prompt out loud or in writing — using all three naturally in your response.
Should companies be allowed to use facial recognition technology in public spaces?
Try using words from this list:
transparency
surveillance
bias
autonomous
decentralized
outpace
Aim for 3–5 sentences. Focus on natural use — not perfect grammar. Vocabulary becomes usable only when you actively produce it.
🎯 DET Master Structures
Plug these into your Writing Sample or Speaking Sample and customize as needed.
🧩 Structure A — The Case for Balanced Thinking
While artificial intelligence promises remarkable advances in fields like medicine, its unregulated deployment raises legitimate concerns about bias and accountability.
When to use: Any DET prompt asking you to evaluate whether a technology is "good" or "bad" — this structure lets you affirm both sides credibly.
🧩 Structure B — Cause and Effect
The exponential growth of surveillance technology, combined with a lack of transparency, has begun to encroach on individual privacy in ways many people do not fully realize.
When to use: Any DET prompt about privacy, data collection, or the unintended consequences of new technology.
🧩 Structure C — The Policy Argument
Governments should establish clear regulations that curtail the misuse of emerging technologies like deepfakes while still allowing innovation to flourish.
When to use: Any DET prompt about government regulation, technology policy, or the tradeoff between innovation and safety.
Teacher Sam's Final Note
Select five words from this list right now. Write one paragraph — responding to this prompt: "Will artificial intelligence do more good than harm?" — using those 5 words naturally. Vocabulary becomes usable only when you actively produce it.
High DET scores don't come from knowing more words. They come from choosing the right words at the right moment.
Want more DET practice?
Visit the DET Prep Navigation Hub — all resources, organized by skill area
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