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Complete Set of Common Electronics Terms in TOEIC Exams!

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Continuing the series of TOEIC vocabulary by topic, below are some common Electronics terms that frequently appear in real TOEIC exams. Check out the article below to study effectively and achieve a high score on your actual exam!

Complete Set of Common Electronics Terms in TOEIC Exams!

I. Some Common Electronics terms
II. Common Mistakes When Learning Electronics Terms
1. 1. Expecting Quick Results
2. 2. Overusing Dictionaries and Applying Vocabulary Mechanically

I. Some Common Electronics terms

Here are some Electronics terms that appear frequently in TOEIC exams, specifically:

Electronics vocabulary starting with A

Word (Pronunciation)	Meaning	Example
adapter /əˈdæptə(r)/	a device that connects pieces of electrical equipment that were not designed to fit together	She needed an adapter to connect her laptop to the projector.
amplifier /ˈæmplɪfaɪə(r)/	an electronic device that increases the strength of an electrical signal	The guitar sounded much louder after it was connected to the amplifier.
antenna /ænˈtenə/	a device, typically a metal rod or wire, for receiving or transmitting radio or television signals	The TV reception improved when we adjusted the antenna.

Electronics terms starting with B

Word (Pronunciation)	Meaning	Example
battery /ˈbætəri/	a device that provides electricity for things such as radios, toys, or cars	My phone battery is almost dead; I need to charge it.
bluetooth /ˈbluːtuːθ/	a standard for the short-range wireless interconnection of mobile phones, computers, and other electronic devices	I connected my wireless headphones to my phone via bluetooth.
broadband /ˈbrɔːdbænd/	a high-capacity transmission technique using a wide range of frequencies, enabling a large number of messages to be communicated simultaneously	We upgraded to a faster broadband connection for better internet speed.

Electronics terms starting with C

Word (Pronunciation)	Meaning	Example
cable /ˈkeɪbl/	a wire or group of wires that carries electricity or electronic signals	I need a longer HDMI cable to connect my computer to the TV.
capacitor /kəˈpæsɪtə(r)/	an electronic component that stores electrical charge temporarily	The capacitor in the circuit stores energy and releases it when needed.
chipset /ˈtʃɪpset/	a group of integrated circuits designed to work together	The new computer has an advanced chipset that improves processing speed.
circuit /ˈsɜːkɪt/	a complete and closed path around which an electric current flows	The short circuit caused the fuse to blow.

Electronics terms starting with D

Word (Pronunciation)	Meaning	Example
data /ˈdeɪtə/	information, especially facts or numbers, collected for analysis	The system collects data on user behavior to improve performance.
device /dɪˈvaɪs/	an object or machine that has been invented for a particular purpose	Smartphones are electronic devices that have transformed communication.
digital /ˈdɪdʒɪtl/	using or storing data as series of the digits 0 and 1, typically represented by values of a physical quantity such as voltage or magnetic polarization	Most modern cameras use digital technology rather than film.
diode /ˈdaɪəʊd/	an electronic component that allows current to flow in one direction only	The diode prevents reverse current flow in the circuit.

Electronics glossary starting with E

Word (Pronunciation)	Meaning	Example
earbuds /ˈɪəbʌdz/	small headphones that fit inside the outer ear	She listened to music on her earbuds during her commute.
electromagnetic /ɪˌlektrəʊmæɡˈnetɪk/	relating to the interrelation of electric currents or fields and magnetic fields	Electromagnetic waves are used in wireless communication systems.
encryption /ɪnˈkrɪpʃn/	the process of converting information into a code to prevent unauthorized access	The messaging app uses end-to-end encryption for security.

Electronics terms starting with F

Word (Pronunciation)	Meaning	Example
firmware /ˈfɜːmweə(r)/	permanent software programmed into a read-only memory	The manufacturer released a firmware update to fix the security vulnerability.
flash drive /ˈflæʃ draɪv/	a small device that plugs into a computer's USB port and contains memory for storing data	She saved her presentation on a flash drive as a backup.
frequency /ˈfriːkwənsi/	the rate at which a vibration occurs that constitutes a wave, either in a material or in an electromagnetic field	The radio station broadcasts at a frequency of 98.5 MHz.
fuse /fjuːz/	a safety device that protects an electric circuit from overloading by melting and breaking the connection when the current exceeds a safe level	The fuse blew when too many appliances were running simultaneously.

Basic electronics terms starting with G

Word (Pronunciation)	Meaning	Example
gadget /ˈɡædʒɪt/	a small mechanical or electronic device or tool, especially an ingenious or novel one	He loves buying the latest electronic gadgets as soon as they're released.
gateway /ˈɡeɪtweɪ/	a device that connects different networks, especially one that connects a local network to the internet	The router serves as a gateway between our home network and the internet.
generator /ˈdʒenəreɪtə(r)/	a machine that produces electricity	The backup generator kicked in when the power went out during the storm.

Electronics terms starting with H

Word (Pronunciation)	Meaning	Example
hardware /ˈhɑːdweə(r)/	the physical components of a computer system	The company invested in new computer hardware for all employees.
headset /ˈhedset/	a device consisting of headphones and a microphone worn by a person to communicate with others	He uses a wireless headset for gaming to communicate with his team.
hertz /hɜːts/ (Hz)	a unit of frequency equal to one cycle per second	The processor runs at 3.2 gigahertz (GHz).

Electronics terms starting with I

Word (Pronunciation)	Meaning	Example
input /ˈɪnpʊt/	what is put into a system or machine	The keyboard and mouse are input devices for computers.
integrated circuit /ˈɪntɪɡreɪtɪd ˈsɜːkɪt/	a small chip containing millions of electronic components	Modern computers use integrated circuits to process information.
interface /ˈɪntəfeɪs/	a point where two systems meet and interact	The user interface makes the software easy to navigate.
inverter /ɪnˈvɜːtə(r)/	an electronic device that changes direct current to alternating current	We installed an inverter to power AC appliances from the solar panels.

Electronics terms starting with J

Word (Pronunciation)	Meaning	Example
jack /dʒæk/	a socket into which a plug can be inserted to make an electrical connection	She plugged her headphones into the audio jack of her phone.
joystick /ˈdʒɔɪstɪk/	a lever that can be moved in different directions to control the movement of an image on a computer or video screen	The flight simulator uses a joystick for more realistic control.

Electronics terms starting with K

Word (Pronunciation)	Meaning	Example
keyboard /ˈkiːbɔːd/	a panel of keys that operate a computer or typewriter	She types quickly on the ergonomic keyboard.
kilobyte /ˈkɪləbaɪt/ (KB)	a unit of digital information equal to 1,024 bytes	This text file is only a few kilobytes in size.

Electronics terms starting with L

Word (Pronunciation)	Meaning	Example
laser /ˈleɪzə(r)/	a device that generates an intense beam of coherent light	The laser printer produces high-quality documents.
LCD /ˌel siː ˈdiː/	(liquid crystal display) a flat panel display that uses the light-modulating properties of liquid crystals	The LCD monitor displays vibrant colors and sharp images.
LED /ˌel iː ˈdiː/	(light-emitting diode) a semiconductor device that emits light when an electric current passes through it	LED lights use much less energy than traditional bulbs.

Electronics terms starting with M

Word (Pronunciation)	Meaning	Example
microchip /ˈmaɪkrəʊtʃɪp/	a tiny wafer of semiconducting material used to make an integrated circuit	The microchip contains the processor for the entire system.
microphone /ˈmaɪkrəfəʊn/	a device for converting sound waves into electrical energy variations	The singer's voice became clearer when she adjusted the microphone.
modem /ˈməʊdem/	a device that converts digital data to analog signals and vice versa for transmission over telephone lines	The cable modem provides faster internet access than the old dial-up model.
monitor /ˈmɒnɪtə(r)/	a screen that displays information generated by a computer	He connected two monitors to his computer for a larger workspace.
motherboard /ˈmʌðəbɔːd/	the main circuit board in a computer that contains the central processing unit and other components	All the computer components connect to the motherboard.

Electronics terms starting with N

Word (Pronunciation)	Meaning	Example
network /ˈnetwɜːk/	a number of computers and other devices that are connected together to share information	The office network allows employees to share files and printers.
noise /nɔɪz/	unwanted electronic signals that interfere with desired signals	The old radio picked up a lot of noise on certain frequencies.

Electronics terms starting with O

Word (Pronunciation)	Meaning	Example
output /ˈaʊtpʊt/	the information produced by a computer	The printer is an output device for computers.
oscillator /ˈɒsɪleɪtə(r)/	an electronic circuit that produces a repetitive electronic signal	The oscillator generates the clock signal for the processor.

Electronics terms starting with P

Word (Pronunciation)	Meaning	Example
peripheral /pəˈrɪfərəl/	a device such as a printer that is connected to a computer	The computer came with several peripherals including a mouse and keyboard.
pixel /ˈpɪksəl/	the smallest element of an image that can be individually processed in a video display system	The new camera can capture images with millions of pixels for incredible detail.
processor /ˈprəʊsesə(r)/	the part of a computer that interprets and carries out instructions	The latest processors can handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

Electronics terms starting with R

Word (Pronunciation)	Meaning	Example
RAM /ræm/	(random access memory) computer memory that can be read and changed in any order	Adding more RAM to your computer can improve its performance.
relay /ˈriːleɪ/	an electrical device that uses an electromagnet to open or close a switch	The relay activated the cooling system when the temperature rose too high.
remote control /rɪˌməʊt kənˈtrəʊl/	a device used to operate equipment from a distance	He used the remote control to change the TV channel.
resistor /rɪˈzɪstə(r)/	an electrical component that restricts the flow of current	The resistor limits the current flowing through the LED.
router /ˈruːtə(r)/	a device that forwards data packets between computer networks	The wireless router provides internet connection throughout the house.

Electronics terms starting with S

Word (Pronunciation)	Meaning	Example
scanner /ˈskænə(r)/	a device that examines a document or object and converts it into digital data	She used the scanner to digitize old family photographs.
semiconductor /ˌsemikənˈdʌktə(r)/	a material that has electrical conductivity between that of a conductor and an insulator	Silicon is the most widely used semiconductor in electronic devices.
sensor /ˈsensə(r)/	a device that detects or measures a physical property and records or responds to it	The motion sensor turns on the lights when someone enters the room.
software /ˈsɒftweə(r)/	the programs and other operating information used by a computer	The company regularly updates its software to fix security issues.
speaker /ˈspiːkə(r)/	a device that converts electrical signals into sound	The Bluetooth speakers provided clear audio for the presentation.
switch /swɪtʃ/	a device for making and breaking the connection in an electric circuit	Flip the switch to turn on the lights.

Electronics terminologies beginning with T

Word (Pronunciation)	Meaning	Example
tablet /ˈtæblət/	a small portable computer that accepts input directly onto its screen	She takes notes on her tablet during meetings.
transformer /trænsˈfɔːmə(r)/	a device that transfers electrical energy from one circuit to another	The transformer reduces the voltage to a safe level for household devices.
transistor /trænˈzɪstə(r)/	a semiconductor device used to amplify or switch electronic signals	Modern processors contain billions of transistors.
transmitter /trænzˈmɪtə(r)/	a device that generates and radiates radio waves for communication	The radio station's transmitter broadcasts signals that reach the entire city.

Electronics terms starting with U

Word (Pronunciation)	Meaning	Example
USB /ˌjuː es ˈbiː/	(universal serial bus) a standard for connecting computers and electronic devices	The keyboard connects to the computer through a USB port.
ultrasonic /ˌʌltrəˈsɒnɪk/	involving sound waves with a frequency above the upper limit of human hearing	The ultrasonic sensor detects obstacles by emitting sound waves.

Electronics terms starting with V

Word (Pronunciation)	Meaning	Example
voltage /ˈvəʊltɪdʒ/	electrical force measured in volts	The device requires a voltage of 220V to operate correctly.
voice recognition /vɔɪs ˌrekəɡˈnɪʃn/	the ability of a machine to identify and respond to human speech	The smart speaker uses voice recognition to understand verbal commands.

Electronics terms starting with W

Word (Pronunciation)	Meaning	Example
webcam /ˈwebkæm/	a video camera connected to a computer, which can transmit its images in real time over the internet	She uses a webcam for video conferences with clients.
wifi /ˈwaɪfaɪ/	a facility allowing computers, smartphones, or other devices to connect to the internet or communicate wirelessly within a particular area	Most cafés now offer free wifi to customers.
wireless /ˈwaɪələs/	using radio, microwaves, etc. (rather than wires or cables) to transmit signals	The wireless headphones allow freedom of movement while listening to music.
wiring /ˈwaɪərɪŋ/	a system of wires providing power or data connections	The electrician checked the wiring before installing the new appliance.

II. Common Mistakes When Learning Electronics Terms

1. Expecting Quick Results

Some students have messaged Prep about their situation like this: "I often study vocabulary before exams so that during the test I'll have a deep and broad vocabulary knowledge to handle the exam easily. But when I enter the exam room, all the knowledge I've learned no longer remains in my head."

This test-taker's case is not unique. Many candidates study vocabulary through cramming, using "instant noodle" methods, and learning 50-100 vocabulary words daily, so quality doesn't accompany quantity.

In reality, we can see that the amount of English vocabulary is too vast while the human brain is limited and cannot remember too much data at once. This leads to a situation where what's learned first is forgotten later, making learning less effective than desired and leading to discouragement.

Therefore, you first need to change your mindset about cramming vocabulary. Instead, establish a clear roadmap by day, month, and year to break down vocabulary knowledge, combining it with other English thinking activities such as reading books and newspapers, writing in English, or conversing with native speakers. You can check out learning resources with native speakers, such as Italki, Easy Language Exchange, and Coffee Learning...

With broad knowledge that's used regularly like this, you'll certainly not only learn quickly with a large quantity but will also remember for a very long time. Try applying this method to learn Electronics terms!

2. Overusing Dictionaries and Applying Vocabulary Mechanically

The second mistake learners commonly make is overusing dictionaries and applying vocabulary mechanically. A fairly common situation is that all learners tend to look up all new words at their first encounter. Especially for beginners, when you look up all these vocabulary words, it wastes time and leads to feelings of discouragement.

Additionally, looking up vocabulary without being selective significantly increases the number of words to search for, including less common and not necessary words, resulting in difficulties with memorization.

English vocabulary is often used in phrases and cannot be separated. Therefore, when you look up a new vocabulary word and mechanically combine it with other vocabulary without following their natural groupings, it can easily lead to misunderstandings and doesn't match foreign language styles. So, when using dictionaries, you can predict the meaning of vocabulary through the following methods:

Method 1: Guess the meaning of new words through the context of the sentence
Method 2: Read the entire sentence, then read the whole paragraph to guess the meaning of words through the remaining information around them
Method 3: Identify the part of speech to assist with guessing the meaning
Method 4: Look for prefixes, suffixes, or word roots to express meaning

In the article above, PREP has compiled all common Electronics terms and some tips to avoid mistakes when learning English in general and TOEIC in particular. So what are you waiting for? Apply the effective methods above to learn and remember Electronics terms effectively for easy application in actual exams!

Master Tu Pham

Founder/CEO at Prep

Founder of Prep Smart Test Preparation Platform. With over 10 years of experience in teaching and test preparation, Mr. Tú has helped thousands of students achieve high scores in the IELTS exam. In addition, Mr. Tú Phạm is also a consulting expert in British Council programs and a speaker at many leading educational events, programs, and conferences.