Let's learn: what if your phone suddenly stopped working, or the lights went out in your house? Could you explain what’s wrong? Understanding electricity isn’t just for electricians — it’s the key to understanding the world around you! So, let’s "flip the switch" on learning and explore the language of electricity!
Word bank:
socket — [sɒk.ɪt] — a device into which an electrical plugs are inserted to make a connection with the electrical supply, kontaktligzda
Please plug the lamp into the wall socket.
plug — [plʌɡ] — a device for making an electrical connection with a socket; kontaktdakša
I need to find the right plug for my laptop charger.
cable — [keɪ.bəl] — a thick wire covered by insulation that is used to carry electricity; kabelis
We need a longer cable to reach the television from the socket.
battery — [bæt.ər.i] — a device containing an electric cell or a series of electric cells, storing energy that can be converted into power; baterija
My remote control doesn't work because the battery is dead.
switch — [swɪtʃ] — a device for making and breaking the connection in an electric circuit; elektrības slēdzis
Could you turn off the light by flipping the switch?
electrical tape — [iˈlek.trɪ.kəl teɪp] — a type of insulating tape used to secure and insulate wires and cables; izolācijas lente
We used the electrical tape to mend the exposed wire on the lamp.
extension lead — [ɪkˈsten.ʃənˌliːd] — an electric cable with a plug on one end and one or more sockets on the other, used to connect devices to distant power outlets (*British English); pagarinātājs
extension cord — [ɪkˈstɛn.ʃən kɔrd] — a long, flexible electrical cable with a plug on one end and one or more sockets on the other. It is used to extend the reach of a power outlet (*American English); pagarinātājs
We'll need an extension lead to use the projector in the middle of the room.
charger — [ˈtʃɑː.dʒər] — a device used to add energy to a rechargeable battery or device; lādētājs
I forgot my phone charger at home, so I can't charge my phone.
charging cable — [ˈtʃɑr.dʒɪŋ ˈkeɪ.bəl] — a cord used to connect a device, like a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, to a power source (such as a wall outlet, computer, or power bank) for recharging its battery; uzlādes vads
I forgot to pack my charging cable, so I couldn’t charge my phone during the trip
torch — [tɔːtʃ] — a portable device that emits light, typically powered by battery cells (*British English); kabatas baterija
flashlight — [ˈflæʃ.laɪt] — a small light that is held in the hand and usually gets its power from batteries (*American English); kabatas baterija
We used a torch to find our way back to the campsite at night.
light bulb (also: lightbulb, light-bulb) — [ˈlaɪt ˌbʌlb] — a device that emits light when electrically heated; spuldze
We need to replace the light bulb; it burned out yesterday.
power line — [ˈpaʊə laɪn] — wires and cables that carry electricity over long distances; elektriskā līnija
The storm knocked down the power line, causing a blackout.
appliance — [əˈplaɪ.əns] — a device, machine, or piece of equipment, especially an electrical one that is used in the house, such as a cooker or washing machine; elektroierīce
Your refrigerator is an appliance that keeps your food cold and fresh.
electric shock — [iˌlek.trɪk ˈʃɒk] — a sudden painful feeling that you get when electricity flows through your body; elektriskais šoks
Touching a bare wire can give you an electric shock, so always be careful around electricity.
electric pole — [iˈlek.trɪ.kəl pəʊl] — a tall structure, usually made of wood, concrete, or metal, used to support overhead power lines; elektrības stabs
The electric poles outside our house hold the wires that bring electricity to our neighborhood.
*British English — Britu angļu valodā runā Apvienotajā Karalistē un Eiropā
*American English — Amerikāņu angļu valodā runā galvenokārt Amerikas Savienotajās valstīs
*American English — Amerikāņu angļu valodā runā galvenokārt Amerikas Savienotajās valstīs
Svarīgi!
Pay attention: what's the difference between electric, electrical and electronic in English?
Watch a short video and find out: What's the difference between electric , electrical and electronic in English?
Study the words from the video one more time.
Word bank:
electric — [iˈlek.trɪk] — an adjective that is used with a particular device that uses electricity; elektrisks
electrical — [iˈlek.trɪ.kəl] — an adjective that is used to talk about a system, or machine that uses or produces electricity in a more general way. Also can be used to talk about people or organizations connected to the production of electricity; elektrības-
electronic —ˌ[el.ekˈtrɒn.ɪk] — (especially of equipment), using, based on, or used in a system of operation that involves the control of electric current by various devices; elektronisks
electrical — [iˈlek.trɪ.kəl] — an adjective that is used to talk about a system, or machine that uses or produces electricity in a more general way. Also can be used to talk about people or organizations connected to the production of electricity; elektrības-
electronic —ˌ[el.ekˈtrɒn.ɪk] — (especially of equipment), using, based on, or used in a system of operation that involves the control of electric current by various devices; elektronisks
Let's learn: now that you know the vocabulary, it’s time to focus on how these words sound. It is phonetic transcription that shows you how a word is pronounced, using special symbols from the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). It's like writing the "sounds" of a word instead of the letters.
Why should you learn this?
1. It helps you know how to say new words correctly, even if the spelling is confusing.
2. It improves your listening and pronunciation.
1. It helps you know how to say new words correctly, even if the spelling is confusing.
2. It improves your listening and pronunciation.
3. You will see IPA in dictionaries, next to the word.
4. It trains your ear to notice small sound differences.
What do the symbols mean?
Each IPA symbol represents one sound in English. For example:
Each IPA symbol represents one sound in English. For example:
| Symbol | Sound like | Example | IPA |
| [iː] | “ee” | seat | [siːt] |
| [æ] | “a” | cat | [kæt] |
| [ʃ] | “sh” | ship | [ʃɪp] |
| [θ] | "th" | thin | [θɪn] |
| [ð] | "th" | this | [ðɪs] |
| [ɔː] | “or” | shore | [ʃɔːr] |
| [ʊ] | "oo" | book | [bʊk] |
| [ɜː] | "er" | bird | [bɜːd] |
| [dʒ] | "j" | jump | [dʒʌmp] |
| [tʃ] | "ch" | check | [tʃek] |
Watch this video: BASIC Phonetics | Understanding The International Phonetic Alphabet