Updated on October 11, 2025

Unit 2 Technology – now and then

This unit offers vocabulary items and exercises for Unit 2 Technology – now and then, Ready for IELTS

Unit 2 Technology – now and then, Ready for IELTS Exercises and Flashcards

Wordlist for Unit 2 Technology – now and then, Ready for IELTS

Word

Definition

Example

cause and effect

The principle of causation; the relationship between actions and consequences

The cause of the accident was speeding, and the effect was a severe collision

improve

To make or become better in quality or condition

Regular exercise can improve your overall health and well-being

improvement

A thing that makes something better or is better than something else

The improvement in her grades was a result of her hard work and dedication

destroy

To put an end to the existence of something by damaging or attacking it

The hurricane's powerful winds were strong enough to destroy entire neighborhoods

destruction

The action or process of causing so much damage to something that it no longer exists or cannot be repaired

The destruction caused by the earthquake was extensive, leaving many homeless

produce

To make or manufacture from components or raw materials

The local farm produces fresh fruits and vegetables for the community

production

The action of making or manufacturing from components or raw materials

The factory increased its production of cars to meet the growing demand

affect

Have an effect on; make a difference to

Lack of sleep can negatively affect your mood and cognitive function

effect

A change that is a result or consequence of an action or other cause

The new policy had a positive effect on the company's overall performance

harm

Physical or mental damage or injury

Smoking can cause serious harm to your lungs and overall health

promote

Support or actively encourage the development of something

The company decided to promote the new product through various marketing campaigns

promotion

Activity that supports or encourages the furtherance of a cause, venture, or aim

Her hard work and dedication led to a well-deserved promotion at work

damage

Physical harm that impairs the value, usefulness, or normal function of something

The heavy rainfall caused significant damage to the local infrastructure

ruin

The physical destruction or disintegration of something or the state of disintegrating or being destroyed

The fire completely ruined the historical building, leaving it in a state of disrepair

ruination

The action or fact of ruining someone or something

The economic crisis led to the ruination of many small businesses in the area

result in

To have a particular outcome or end result

The lack of communication can result in misunderstandings and conflicts

advance

Move forward, typically in a purposeful way

Technological advances have revolutionized the way we communicate

advancement

The process of promoting a cause or plan

The advancement of medical technology has improved patient care and treatment options

deteriorate

Become progressively worse

If left untreated, the metal will deteriorate over time due to exposure to moisture

deterioration

The process of becoming progressively worse

The gradual deterioration of the bridge's structural integrity led to its closure

enhance

Intensify, increase, or further improve the quality, value, or extent of

Adding fresh herbs can enhance the flavor of the dish, making it more enjoyable

enhancement

A further improvement or addition that makes something more effective or valuable

The enhancement of the software's user interface made it more intuitive and user-friendly

eventually

In the end, especially after a long time or a series of events

With hard work and perseverance, she eventually reached her career goals

recent years

In the past few years

In recent years, technological advancements have significantly impacted the industry

lead to

To cause a particular situation or event to happen

Poor diet and lack of exercise can lead to various health problems in the long run

over-reliance

Excessive dependence on someone or something

Over-reliance on technology can hinder problem-solving skills in children

short-term memory

The part of the memory that temporarily stores a limited amount of information

The patient's short-term memory was affected after the accident

facility

A place, amenity, or piece of equipment provided for a particular purpose

The new sports facility provides state-of-the-art equipment and amenities for athletes

constantly

Continuously over a period of time; always

She is constantly striving to improve her skills and knowledge in the field

influence on

The capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something

Her positive attitude has a significant influence on her colleagues and friends

do the invention

To create or design something that is new or that has not existed before

Thomas Edison did the invention of the electric light bulb

do harm

To cause damage or negative effects

His words were intended to do harm, causing emotional distress to those around him

exhibition

A public display of works of art or items of interest, held in an art gallery or museum or at a trade fair

The art exhibition displayed works from various local and international artists

engagement

A formal agreement to get married

The couple's engagement was celebrated with a joyous party and gathering

allow

Give the necessary time or opportunity for

The new policy will allow employees to work from home on certain days

traffic jam

A line of vehicles that are prevented from moving by some obstruction

The traffic jam on the highway delayed their arrival by several hours

attendance

The action of being present at a place or event

The concert had a high attendance, with thousands of fans filling the stadium

appealing

Attractive or interesting

The new design of the building was visually appealing, attracting attention from many

worthwhile

Worth the time, money, or effort spent; of value or importance

Despite the challenges, the project was worthwhile as it achieved its desired impact

inspiring

Arousing or animating action or feeling

Her journey from adversity to success was inspiring to many aspiring young entrepreneurs

instead of

In place of; as an alternative to

Instead of going out, they decided to stay in and watch a movie at home

global warming

a general increase in world temperatures caused by increased amounts of carbon dioxide around the Earth

The effects of global warming are becoming increasingly apparent in various parts of the world

at a glance

Immediately and without detailed study

At a glance, it was clear that the company's financial situation was unstable

arrange

Put (things) in a neat, attractive, or required order

They needed to arrange a meeting to discuss the upcoming project details

agriculture

The practice or science of farming

Agriculture is the primary source of income for many people living in rural areas

revolutionise

Change (something) radically or fundamentally

The invention of the internet has revolutionised the way we communicate and access information

contribute

Give (something, especially money) in order to help achieve or provide something

The volunteers' efforts helped to contribute to the success of the community event

maturity

The state, fact, or period of being mature

With age and experience, he gained a maturity that was evident in his decision-making

sustain

Strengthen or support physically or mentally

The thought of seeing her again was all that sustained me

urbanization

The process of making an area more urban

Urbanization has led to the growth of cities and the development of modern infrastructure

establishment

A business organization, public institution, or household

The establishment of the new business brought job opportunities to the local community

social cohesion

The willingness of members of a society to cooperate with each other in order to survive and prosper

The festival promoted social cohesion and unity among people of different cultures

ritualization

The act or process of giving a pattern or routine formality and importance

The ritualization of cultural practices helped to preserve traditional values and customs

emerge

Move out of or away from something and come into view

A new species of plant was discovered to emerge in the forest during the rainy season

military power

The capability of a nation to use its military forces to accomplish a goal

The country's military power was unmatched, making it a dominant force in the region

divide into

Separate or be separated into parts

The project team decided to divide the work into smaller tasks to facilitate completion

feudal state

A system of land ownership and duties between the nobles and vassals in medieval Europe

The country operated under a feudal state, with a strict hierarchy and system of governance

allegiance

Loyalty or commitment to a superior or to a group or cause

His unwavering allegiance to the king earned him a high-ranking position in the court

supreme control

Highest authority or command

The ruler had supreme control over all aspects of the government and its policies

unification

The process of being united or made into a whole

The treaty led to the unification of the two warring nations, bringing peace to the region

alloy

A metal made by combining two or more metallic elements

The metal alloy used in the construction of the bridge ensured its strength and durability

copper

A red-brown metal, the chemical element of atomic number 29

The wires were made of copper, ensuring efficient electricity transmission

chariot

A two-wheeled horse-drawn vehicle used in ancient warfare and racing

The ancient chariot was displayed in the museum to showcase the transportation of that era

ritual vessel

An object used in religious or ceremonial rituals

The ritual vessel was used in ancient ceremonies as a symbol of spiritual significance

achievement

A thing done successfully with effort, skill, or courage

Winning the championship was a remarkable achievement for the young athlete

jade carving

The art of shaping jade into decorative or functional articles

The intricate jade carving displayed the craftsmanship and artistry of the ancient civilization

evidence

The available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or valid

The fingerprint was critical evidence in solving the crime and identifying the perpetrator

no doubt

Without doubt; certainly

There was no doubt that she would succeed, given her determination and hard work

indeterminate

Not exactly known, established, or defined

The test results were indeterminate, requiring further analysis and investigation

sacrificial

Relating to or constituting a sacrifice

The sacrificial offering was made to appease the gods and seek their blessings

ancestor

A person, typically one more remote than a grandparent, from whom one is descended

The family tree traced back to their great-great-grandparents, who were their ancestors

unify

Make or become united, uniform, or whole

The treaty aimed to unify the two neighboring countries, fostering peace and cooperation

depend on

Rely on or be controlled or determined by

The success of the project will depend on the team's ability to work cohesively

issue

An important topic or problem for debate or discussion

The environmental issue of deforestation needed immediate attention and resolution

sophisticated

very well designed and very advanced, and often works in a complicated way

The restaurant's sophisticated decor and ambiance created an upscale dining experience

spring up

Appear or develop quickly and suddenly

New businesses began to spring up in the downtown area, revitalizing the local economy

thoroughly

In a thorough or complete manner

The detective thoroughly examined the crime scene for any possible clues or evidence

fix engine

To repair or mend an engine

The mechanic was able to fix the engine and get the car running smoothly again

occasionally

From time to time; now and then

She would occasionally visit her parents on weekends to spend time with them

commonly

In a way that is usual or typical

It is commonly known that exercise and a balanced diet are essential for good health

hardly ever

Very rarely or almost never

He hardly ever missed his morning jog, rain or shine

beneficial

Favorable or advantageous; resulting in good

Yoga has been proven to be beneficial for both physical and mental well-being

however

Nevertheless; in spite of that

The weather forecast predicted sunshine; however, it started raining later in the day

moreover

Besides; in addition to what has been said

She had excellent leadership skills; moreover, her team respected and admired her greatly

in order to

As a means to achieve something

She saved money in order to buy a new laptop for her upcoming college semester

as a result

Because of this; consequently

He worked hard, and as a result, he was able to secure a promotion at his job

although

In spite of the fact that; even though

Although it was raining, they decided to go for a hike in the mountains

similarly

In a similar way; correspondingly

Similarly, the company's expansion into international markets was met with great success

furthermore

In addition; moreover

She excelled in her studies; furthermore, she actively participated in various extracurricular activities

consequently

As a result; therefore

The heavy snowfall made the roads slippery; consequently, there were several car accidents

therefore

For that reason; consequently

The bridge was under repair; therefore, we had to take a different route to reach the destination

rapid pace

A very fast speed or rate of progress

Technological advancements are progressing at a rapid pace, shaping the future of various industries

harmless

Not causing or being capable of causing harm

The harmless prank brought laughter and joy to everyone in the room

valueless

Having no financial worth; worthless

The antique was deemed valueless by the appraiser due to its poor condition and lack of historical significance

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