What's the difference between school and university in British English?

"School" refers to primary and secondary education (ages 4-18); "university" is higher education after that. Britons don't call university "school" the way some other English speakers do.

What's the difference between a degree and a diploma?

A degree is an academic qualification from a university (Bachelor's, Master's); a diploma is usually a shorter, more practical qualification from a college.

What does "to revise" mean in British English?

To study and review material before an exam, not to "change" something, which is the more common meaning of "revise" elsewhere: "I'm revising for my exams this week."

What's the difference between a lecture and a seminar?

A lecture is a formal talk to a large group with little interaction; a seminar is a smaller, discussion-based class with more student participation.

What does "to drop out" mean?

To leave a course or school before finishing it: "He dropped out of university in his second year."

Is education vocabulary tested in the SELT?

Yes — describing your education, qualifications and studies is a common, predictable everyday speaking topic.

Social Media & Digital Life — English Vocabulary (B1 – C1)

Topic level: B1 – C1 · Category: World & Society

📋 What's in This Guide

Introduction
Essential vocabulary
Natural collocations
Common mistake
Exercises
Mini quiz
Exam & speaking focus
Frequently asked questions

1. Introduction

Digital life affects how we communicate, work and consume information. Learn practical vocabulary for discussing online behaviour and its wider effects.

2. Essential Vocabulary

Word / Phrase	Meaning
social media platform	a website or app used to share content and communicate
feed	the stream of posts shown to a user
content creator	a person who regularly produces online material
engagement	likes, comments, shares or other interaction with content
privacy settings	controls determining who can see personal information
digital footprint	the record of information a person leaves online
misinformation	false or inaccurate information, whether deliberate or not
viral	spreading very quickly online
to scroll	to move through digital content on a screen
to mute	to stop seeing or hearing content from an account without necessarily unfollowing it
screen time	time spent using devices with screens
digital wellbeing	healthy and balanced use of digital technology

3. Natural Collocations

Phrase	Example
go viral	The short video went viral overnight.
protect your privacy	Users should check settings to protect their privacy.
limit screen time	She limits screen time before bed.
share misleading content	People sometimes share misleading content without checking it.

4. Common Mistake

❌ Incorrect	✅ Correct	Why
I saw it in social media.	I saw it on social media.	Use 'on' with social media and online platforms.

5. Exercises

A. Gap Fill — Complete correctly

1. A record of your online activity is your digital ___. (footprint)

2. The video ___ viral after a celebrity shared it. (went)

3. I changed my privacy ___ so only friends can see my posts. (settings)

4. Try to ___ your screen time in the evening. (limit)

Answers: 1. footprint 2. went 3. settings 4. limit

B. Multiple Choice

1. False or inaccurate online information is...
(a) misinformation (b) engagement

2. Likes and comments are forms of...
(a) engagement (b) privacy

3. To move through posts on a phone is to...
(a) scroll (b) streamline

Answers: 1. a 2. a 3. a

6. Mini Quiz

Without looking back, define three words from this topic and use two collocations in your own sentences. Then explain the topic for 60 seconds using at least five target expressions.

7. Exam & Speaking Focus

For Cambridge, IELTS and general speaking practice, avoid memorising isolated words. Use the vocabulary to develop an opinion, give an example, compare situations and explain a consequence. Aim to use two or three strong collocations naturally rather than forcing every new word into one answer.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between misinformation and disinformation?

Misinformation is false information generally; disinformation specifically means false information deliberately created or spread to deceive.

Do we say 'in Instagram' or 'on Instagram'?

Use 'on Instagram', 'on TikTok' and 'on social media'.

9. Related Guides

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Social Media & Digital Life: Essential Vocabulary