In the realm of the IELTS exam, particularly within the Listening and Reading sections, encountering technology-related vocabulary is fairly common. One such term that can appear is “server.”
Here’s a breakdown:
- Pronunciation: /ˈsɜːr.vər/
- Part of Speech: Noun
- Definition: A computer or a program that provides data to other computers or programs, typically over a network.
- Synonyms: Host, mainframe, data center
- Antonyms: Client, workstation
Example Sentence: The company’s server crashed, resulting in a loss of data and significant downtime.
Understanding the Different Facets of “Server”
While the primary definition of a “server” revolves around its role in a network, it’s important to recognize its diverse applications:
1. In Computer Science:
A server is a powerful computer that handles requests from multiple clients (like your laptop or smartphone) and provides them with resources like web pages, files, or applications.
2. In the context of the Internet:
Web servers are crucial for hosting websites and making them accessible to users worldwide.
3. In Restaurants:
While not directly related to technology, the word “server” can also refer to a person who waits on tables in a restaurant. This is less likely to appear in an IELTS technology context but is useful to know.
“Server” in IELTS Examinations
The word “server” and related terms often appear in IELTS:
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Listening: You might encounter “server” in lectures about technology, discussions about website development, or even in scenarios like troubleshooting internet connectivity issues.
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Reading: Passages about cloud computing, data storage, or the history of the internet could feature this term.
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Speaking: While less frequent in Speaking, you could use “server” when describing your experience with technology, discussing online services, or even narrating a situation where a server outage caused problems.
Applying “Server” in Your IELTS Responses
Let’s illustrate how you can effectively use “server” in different IELTS sections:
Listening Example:
- Audio: “…and due to an unexpected server malfunction, all online services were temporarily unavailable.”
- Question: What caused the disruption of online services?
- Answer: A server malfunction caused the disruption.
Reading Example:
- Text: “Cloud computing relies on a network of powerful servers to store and process vast amounts of data.”
- Question: What is the role of servers in cloud computing?
- Answer: Servers in cloud computing are responsible for storing and processing large amounts of data.
Speaking Example:
- Examiner: How has the internet changed the way we access information?
- You: “The internet has revolutionized information access. We can now access a wealth of knowledge instantly thanks to servers that host websites and make information readily available.”
Expanding Your “Server” Lexicon
To boost your vocabulary prowess further, consider these related terms:
- Client-server model: This describes the relationship where a server provides services to multiple clients.
- Web server: A specific type of server designed to host websites.
- Database server: Manages and provides access to databases.
- Server farm: A large collection of servers working together to provide high-performance computing.
- Downtime: A period when a server or service is unavailable.
- Cloud storage: A way to store data on remote servers instead of directly on your device.
Example using “downtime”: “The company experienced significant financial losses due to the extended server downtime after the cyberattack.”
Conclusion
Mastering vocabulary related to technology like “server” is essential for achieving a high score on the IELTS exam. By understanding its meaning, recognizing its applications, and learning related terms, you’ll be better equipped to tackle various question types and demonstrate your English language proficiency. Remember to practice using these words in context to ensure you can confidently incorporate them into your responses.