← ACARA Digital Technologies Years 5–6

Describing a network in short sentences

A few short sentences that name the devices in a network, say how they connect, and say what the network lets people do, such as share files or a printer.

Part of: ACARA Digital Technologies Years 5–6 — Networks and Sharing Data — Module 25

Understanding Describing a network in short sentences in ACARA Digital Technologies Years 5–6

What it does: It names the devices (school computers and a switch) and says how they connect (by cables). It says what the home network lets people do: stream shows and print from a tablet. Naming the actual devices (tablets, laptop, printer) makes the description clear. A starter like 'The router connects...' explains how the devices join together. A good description says the purpose of the network, such as sharing files or a printer. Short, clear sentences that name one idea each make a network description easy to read.

Common mistakes: A network lets devices share things like the internet, files or a printer. Devices cannot share a toaster. It should say 'They can share the internet.'. The other lines describe devices on the school network, so saying there is no network is wrong. It should say 'Our school has a network.'.

Class: _____________________  ·  Name: _____________________  ·  Date: _________

Free printable worksheet with full answer key — or add this module to a class and your students practise it interactively.

🖨 Print worksheet + answer key Add Describing a network in short sentences to a class →

This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 44–57) and word search (Modules 44–71).

Take this worksheet further — free with Cloodit

Each concept is reinforced from every angle — learned, then applied, then tested.

Learning
Duo
Which is a clear description of a network?
The laptops and printer connect to the router. We can share files and print.It is a thing with wires that does stuff.
Matches
We have a network at home. It is good.
↓
It does not name any devices, say how they connect, or say what the network lets people do.
Applying
Meanings
Term
network description
Meaning
A few short sentences that name the devices in a network, say how they connect, and say what the network lets people do, such as share files or a printer.
Practice
The router connects the laptop, tablet and printer.
Testing
Gaps
The connects the devices.
Check Answer
Spots
3Wi-Fi links the devices.
4They can share a toaster.

Cloodit turns curriculum-aligned coding content into journeys students work through one biome at a time.

The 'Golden Eagle' badge — High Flyer, one of Cloodit's 106 collectible badges
Students earn collectable badges

Over 100 of them, across seven natural biomes.

Study Buddy
Students build a real study resource

Turns their work into revision material ready for Flash Cards and Exam study.

Diamond Dash — one of Cloodit's live, competitive Sprint games
Students lock in with Sprints

Live, competitive practice for the start of the lesson or a teacher-led lesson finisher.

A Cloodit certificate of achievement, ready to personalise and print
Custom printable certificates

Honour your top performers, or encourage a student who's trying hard — ready to print in seconds.

Add to class →

Quick Questions

1. Which is a clear description of a network?
A. The laptops and printer connect to the router. We can share files and print. ✓
B. It is a thing with wires that does stuff.
A clear description names the devices, says how they connect and says what the network lets people do.
2. A good network description names the devices. Which sentence does this?
A. The network has lots of things on it.
B. The network has three tablets, a laptop and a printer. ✓
Naming the actual devices (tablets, laptop, printer) makes the description clear.
3. Which sentence starter says HOW devices connect?
A. The router connects the computers to each other. ✓
B. The network is very cool and fun.
A starter like 'The router connects...' explains how the devices join together.
4. Which sentence says what the network lets people do?
A. The network lets students share files and use one printer. ✓
B. The network is in the school building.
A good description says the purpose of the network, such as sharing files or a printer.
5. Which describes a home network better?
A. Our house has a network.
B. Our phones and TV connect to the router by Wi-Fi so we can stream shows. ✓
The better answer names devices, says they connect by Wi-Fi and says what the network is used for.

Match the Pairs

The router connects the laptops and tablets. → This sentence names the devices and says how they connect to each other.
This network lets us share files and a printer. → This sentence says what the network lets people do.
A description of the school network names the devices and says how they connect. → The school computers connect to a switch by cables.
A description of the home network says what the network lets people do. → Our home Wi-Fi lets us stream shows and print from a tablet.
We have a network at home. It is good. → It does not name any devices, say how they connect, or say what the network lets people do.
The router, the laptops and the printer. → It is only a list of devices. It does not say how they connect or what the network lets people do.

Key Term

network description
A few short sentences that name the devices in a network, say how they connect, and say what the network lets people do, such as share files or a printer.

Fill in the Blanks

1. The router connects the devices.
Hint: Type the name of the device that connects the other devices in a home or school network.
2. The desktop is joined to the switch by a network cable.
Hint: Type the word for the wired part that links a device to the switch.
3. The network lets students share files and use one printer.
Hint: Type the verb that says what the network lets people do with files.
4. At home, the router connects our devices to the internet.
Hint: Type the name of the huge worldwide network that a home router gives access to.
5. The school network has a server that stores files for all the classrooms.
Hint: Type the name of the computer that stores shared files and serves other devices.

Spot the Error

Question 1
A My home network has a router.
B It has a laptop and a tablet.
C Wi-Fi links the devices.
D They can share a toaster.
Line D — A network lets devices share things like the internet, files or a printer. Devices cannot share a toaster. It should say 'They can share the internet.'
Question 2
A Our school has no network.
B A switch joins the computers.
C Students can share files.
Line A — The other lines describe devices on the school network, so saying there is no network is wrong. It should say 'Our school has a network.'
Question 3
A The laptop is on our network.
B The router connects it online.
C Wi-Fi is a wireless link.
D A cable is a wireless link.
Line D — A cable is a physical wire, so it makes a wired link. Wi-Fi is the wireless link. It should say 'A cable is a wired link.'
Question 4
A Our school has a server.
B Students log in from PCs.
C The server holds our shoes.
Line C — A server on a network stores files that people can share. It does not hold shoes. It should say 'The server holds our files.'
Question 5
A Our lab network has a switch.
B Cables link PCs to the switch.
C It stops PCs sharing files.
Line C — A network lets the PCs share files, it does not stop them. It should say 'It lets PCs share files.'

Student with a class code? Join your class →