Troubleshooting a Simple Tech Issue
One person is having a minor issue with their phone or a social media app (e.g., cannot upload a photo, app crashing) and asks a friend for simple advice or help.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
crashing
When an app suddenly stops working and closes unexpectedly, like a program error. Use it to describe tech problems, e.g., 'My game is crashing again.'
upload
To send or transfer a file, like a photo, from your device to the internet or an app. Common in social media, e.g., 'I want to upload this video to YouTube.'
annoying
Something that bothers or irritates you mildly. Use it for everyday frustrations, e.g., 'The slow internet is annoying.'
restarting
Turning off and then turning on your device again to fix problems. A basic tech tip, e.g., 'Try restarting your computer.'
glitches
Small, temporary problems in software or devices. Informal for minor tech issues, e.g., 'There are some glitches in the new app.'
update
A new version of an app or software that fixes bugs or adds features. Check for them regularly, e.g., 'Install the latest update.'
tips
Helpful pieces of advice or suggestions. Use when giving or asking for help, e.g., 'Thanks for the cooking tips.'
trouble
Problems or difficulties. Common in tech contexts, e.g., 'I'm having trouble with my email.'
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Hey Michael, can you help me for a sec?
A casual way to ask for quick help. 'For a sec' means 'for a second' or briefly. Useful for starting conversations when you need fast assistance in everyday situations.
Sure, what's up? Is it crashing or something?
Offers help and asks for details. 'What's up?' is informal for 'What's wrong?'; 'or something' softens the question. Great for responding to tech issues politely.
Every time I try to upload a photo, the app just closes itself.
Describes a repeated problem using present simple tense for habits. 'Just' emphasizes sudden action. Useful for explaining ongoing tech frustrations clearly.
Have you tried restarting your phone?
Suggests a solution with present perfect for past actions with current relevance. A common question in troubleshooting; use it to give practical advice.
If that doesn't work, maybe check if there's an update available.
A conditional suggestion using first conditional for possible future outcomes. 'Maybe' makes it less direct. Helpful for offering alternative steps in problem-solving.
Okay, thanks for the tips! Hopefully, a simple restart does the trick.
Expresses thanks and optimism. 'Does the trick' is an idiom meaning 'solves the problem.' Use this to end helpful conversations positively.
No problem! Let me know if it's still giving you trouble.
Polite response to thanks, offering further help. Present continuous 'giving you trouble' describes ongoing issues. Common in friendly support exchanges.