June 2023 - Page 2 of 2

CUE CARD – Describe a piece of technology that you find difficult to use.

June 3, 2023 IELTS Research

Speaking -Part 2 (Cue Card)

Describe a piece of technology that you find difficult to use.

You should say:

When did you get it?

What did you get it for?

How often do you use it?

How do you feel about it?

Sample Answer 1

We frequently hear about new developments and ideas that have been produced in every industry to make life’s daily activities easier. It is difficult to imagine life without technologies because they have played such a significant role in our daily lives. Similarly to that, I am surrounded by a variety of technologies and frequently have trouble using them because I am not tech-savvy. In order to make my academic assignments easier, I purchased a 3D printer last year. I explicitly remember working on one of the significant assignments which had to be submitted the next day. At first, I thought it would be easy for me, but I think I was wrong. Later, I discovered that it was difficult to use so I had to include my brother in it, which added almost an hour to the time it took me to do the task. 3-D technology could be complicated for people who are unfamiliar with it like me. Although I’ve learned how to use it, I occasionally still require my brother’s help.

STRONG WORDS

Word	Meaning	Sentence
Tech-savvy	knowing a lot about technology	Older people often face difficulties with technology and that is because they are not tech savvy.
Explicit	very clear	The teacher gave explicit instructions to the students before taking them to the park.

Speaking -Part 3 (Follow up questions)
Here are some examples of follow up questions that examiner may ask during your speaking (part 3) related to cue card ‘Describe a piece of technology that you find difficult to use.’.

Q1. What technology products or technologies are used by people now?

There are numerous technology, products or gadgets that are used by people nowadays. For example, the latest smartphones, smartwatches and many more. These smart gadgets have inbuilt sensors which enable one to manage numerous tasks smoothly.

Q2. Why do large companies often produce new products?

I guess to survive in the competitive market and to retain their prominence in the market, it is vital for companies to use their innovative skills and create new products or services according to customers’ demands.

Q3. Why are people so enthusiastic about buying new iPhone models even when nothing much changes?

Unquestionably, majority of people by the latest iPhone models to uphold their status in society. Additionally, every iPhone product boasts superior quality and cutting-edge protection for a user’s data than any other brand on the market.

Sample Answer 2

Technology is an inevitable part of human existence and thus, we cannot possibly imagine a world without it. But I am not a tech savvy, therefore I often struggle with the technology. One time, my brother Rahul gifted me a pair of air pods and it was quite expensive. It costed him around 4500 Rupees. But the quality was top-notch. I really liked the color as it was deep blue.

I use it every now and then, but initially I found it really difficult to use them, as I was not aware. I would struggle to connect them to my mobile phone. But, then my brother helped me with it and taught me how to use it. When I plugged them in for the first time, I was amazed by the sound quality it provided. It is soothing to ears and are noise cancelling which is a plus point. I personally enjoy listening to some good music on it, but face problems while operating it. Therefore, this is a piece of technology which I find difficult to use.

STRONG WORDS

Word	Meaning	Sentence
Tech-savvy	one who loves technology or is keen to learn about technology	Riya is a tech savvy, she just adores to update herself with the upcoming technologies in the market.
Enthusiastic	eager	I am a sports enthusiast.

Q1. What technology do people use nowadays?

There are myriad of technologies that people tend to use nowadays. Starting from smartphones, which in this modern epoch is a must. Then there are air conditioners and refrigerators which are crucial to keep us cool during the scorching heat of the summers. Moreover, there are vaccum cleaners and washing machines as well, which helps us in keeping our houses neat and clean.

Q2. Why are people so enthusiastic about buying newer Iphone models even though nothing much has changed?

In my opinion the principle reason underlying this would be the social status that comes along with it or often to show off the wealth that one has. Moreover, some folks like to keep themselves up to date with the new technology and are simply tech lovers.