This glossary can help you prepare for the IELTS writing tasks related to watching television in Canada.
appliance
noun
A device or piece of equipment designed to perform a specific task.
Example: The two charts illustrate the appliances that young adults in Canada used to watch television programmes.
decade
noun
A period of ten years.
Example: One of the key changes over this decade is the transition from conventional televisions to flat-screens.
equivalent
noun
A person or thing that is equal to or corresponds with another in value, amount, function, meaning, etc.
Example: It can be said that the two pie charts suggest the TV viewing habits in Canada over the period saw a move away from older devices and towards more modern equivalents.
increase
verb
Become or make greater in size, amount, or degree.
Example: In particular, the use of mobile phones and tablets for viewing purposes has increased by almost three quarters to 26% and tablet use seeing an almost four-fold increase to 19%.
reinforce
verb
Strengthen or support (an object or substance), especially with additional material.
Example: This trend is reinforced by the number of 18 to 25-year-olds using computers for the TV viewing.
replace
verb
Take the place of.
Example: The latter has replaced the former as the most popular TV viewing device.
substantial
adjective
Of considerable importance, size, or worth.
Example: Both desktop and laptop computers saw substantial falls in usage (around a third for both).
tablet
noun
A small portable computer that accepts input directly on to its screen rather than via a keyboard or mouse.
Example: In particular, the use of mobile phones and tablets for viewing purposes has increased by almost three quarters to 26% and tablet use seeing an almost four-fold increase to 19%.
transition
noun
The process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another.
Example: One of the key changes over this decade is the transition from conventional televisions to flat-screens.
trend
noun
A general direction in which something is developing or changing.
Example: Another general trend is that younger people are now watching television on smaller, more portable devices than in 2009.