Computer applications | English for computer users

Topic: Using Computers at Work and School

Computers are everywhere — in schools, offices, airports, hospitals, and even in sports! In this post, you'll learn how to talk about what computers can do, where they are used, and how to describe actions using the present simple passive.

🎧 Listening: What can computers do?

Listen to this short audio and check the places where computers are used.

What can computers do?

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Audio script:

"Computers are used in many places. In schools, they are used for learning. In hospitals, they are used to check patients’ health. In factories, computers are used to control machines. In airports, they help with check-in and flights. In sports, computers are used to track performance. In offices, they are used to write documents and send emails. Computers are also used in entertainment, like video games and movies."

✅ Check all the places mentioned:☐ Schools ☐ Airports ☐ Restaurants ☐ Offices ☐ Factories ☐ Hospitals ☐ Sports ☐ Entertainment

📖

Reading: How were computers used in your school?

Read this short paragraph:

"In my school, computers were used in the library and the computer lab. We used them to write papers, do research, and practice typing. Today, computers are used in every classroom. Students use them to watch videos, take tests, and learn English."

📝 Comprehension Questions:

1. Where were computers used in the past?

2. What were they used for?

3. How are they used today?

🗣️ Speaking: What can computers do?

Practice asking and answering questions with a friend or teacher.

Q: What can computers do at work?A: They can write documents, send emails, and organize files.

Q: Where are computers used?A: They are used in airports, offices, and schools.

🔄 Try replacing the places and actions!

✍️ Writing: Computers in my daily life

Write 3–5 sentences about how you use computers.

Example:I use computers at home and at work. At home, I use them to watch videos. At work, computers are used to check inventory.

🧩

Grammar Focus: Present Simple Passive

We use the present simple passive to focus on the action, not who does it.

Form:🧠 [object] + is/are + past participle (V3)

✅ Examples:

• Computers are used in schools.

• Email is sent every day.

• Games are played on computers.

👩‍🏫 Try this:Turn these active sentences into passive:

1. People use computers at the airport.

2. Students write papers on the computer.

3. Doctors check records using computers.

Answers:

1. Computers are used at the airport.

2. Papers are written on the computer.

3. Records are checked by doctors using computers.

📚 Vocabulary: Word fields – Computers in different areas

Here are some common words for how computers are used in different fields:

Area	Computer Use
Education	online classes, research, writing
Work	documents, emails, spreadsheets
Sports	tracking stats, analyzing games
Airports	check-in, flight information
Medicine	patient records, diagnostics
Factories	control machines, quality check
Entertainment	video games, movies, music

🧠 Try this exercise:Write one sentence for each area using the passive voice.

Example: In medicine, computers are used to store patient records.

💡 Final Tip

The more you see and use the present passive, the more natural it becomes! Try noticing it in signs, instructions, and everyday English.

✏️ Homework Suggestion:Interview a friend or classmate. Ask:

• Where are computers used in your life?

• What can computers do in your job or school?

Then write a short summary using the passive voice!