Describe a piece of technology that you find difficult to use.: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

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?

41 unique answers with expert feedback

What features of the robo vacuum cleaner do you find most challenging?

The most challenging features are the scheduling options and the mapping technology. Understanding how to set it up to clean specific areas or to avoid obstacles has been tricky. I often find myself confused about how to adjust the settings for optimal cleaning.

How do you think technology like this can improve household chores?

Technology like the robo vacuum cleaner can significantly reduce the time spent on cleaning. It allows us to focus on other tasks while it works autonomously. Additionally, it can help maintain a cleaner environment, especially for those with allergies, by reducing dust and debris.

Have you considered any alternatives to the robo vacuum cleaner?

Yes, I have considered traditional vacuum cleaners and even hiring a cleaning service. However, I believe that once I get the hang of the robo vacuum, it will be more convenient and cost-effective in the long run, as it can clean regularly without needing to schedule outside help.

Band 7

00:00

One piece of technology that I still find quite difficult to use is a video editing software, specifically Adobe Premiere Pro. I first tried using it during my first engineering in my university when we were asked to create a short promotional video for a project. Although I had some basic experience with the simpler apps on my phone, this professional software was on completely a different level. The main problem I faced was due to its complexity. There were endless tools, features and shortcuts that I simply couldn't understand. Even the most simpler task like cutting a video clip and editing it contained a lot of multiple steps, which I found was very difficult to remember. I spent hours together watching YouTube tutorials, but yet I felt overwhelmed by the interface. Although it was frustrating, I have to admit that learning even a little bit of it was quite rewarding. It made me appreciate how much skill goes into producing professional quality videos. At the same time, it also reminded me that not every piece of technology is intuitive and sometimes you need patience to master it. To sum up, while Adobe Premiere Pro is undoubtedly a powerful tool, I still find it challenging to use. However, I hope with patience and more practice, I will eventually gain more confidence.

Follow up questions

What specific features of Adobe Premiere Pro do you find most challenging?

I find the timeline and layer management particularly challenging. Understanding how to effectively use multiple layers for video and audio can be overwhelming. Additionally, the various effects and transitions require a lot of experimentation to get right.

Have you tried any other video editing software that you found easier to use?

Yes, I have tried using iMovie and Filmora. They have more user-friendly interfaces and simpler tools, which made it easier for me to edit videos without feeling overwhelmed. I appreciate their drag-and-drop features and straightforward editing options.

What strategies do you plan to use to improve your skills with Adobe Premiere Pro?

I plan to continue watching tutorials, but I will also try to practice more regularly. Setting small projects for myself can help me focus on specific features. Additionally, I might join online forums or communities to seek advice and tips from experienced users.

Band 6-7

00:00

A piece of technology that I find difficult to use is the latest model of automatic vehicles. Driving is my passion and I am very fond of vehicles, motorbikes, cars and bicycles. I got a driving license when I was 18 years old and since then I used to drive to all the nearby places and during my leisure times. But since the arrival of this automatic vehicle, I was unable to cope up with the mechanism. The gear system and also the accelerator system was a bit confusing for me. I was unable to operate the vehicle and drive it. I even met with an accident while driving an automatic vehicle and people started staring at me for my lack of balance in driving. But the real fact comes with Rome wasn't built in a day. So automatic vehicles cannot be equipped to my mind within one day and I am sure of that. But gradually I learn it. I will definitely get my hands into automatic vehicles. But the system is difficult to adapt and obviously for old age people also it will be very difficult to balance the steering and also the gear. But I am not a person who always give up on things. I went on to a tutor. The teacher taught me how to drive this vehicle effortlessly without any hurdles and obstacles.

Follow up questions

What specific features of automatic vehicles do you find most challenging?

I find the gear system and the accelerator mechanism particularly confusing. Unlike manual vehicles, where you have more control, automatic vehicles have a different setup that takes time to get used to, especially for someone like me who is accustomed to manual driving.

How do you think technology can be improved to help new drivers?

I believe technology can be improved by incorporating more intuitive interfaces and better training programs. For instance, having a more user-friendly dashboard and providing augmented reality tutorials could help new drivers understand the vehicle's functions better.

Have you considered any other technologies that might help with learning to drive automatic vehicles?

Yes, I have considered using driving simulators or apps that offer virtual driving lessons. These technologies can provide a safe environment to practice and understand the mechanics of automatic vehicles without the fear of real-life consequences.

Practice other cue cards

Band 6-7

00:00

I actually got this Fitbit kind of ring recently, it actually works like a smartwatch. So basically what this does is, it calculates your heartbeat, your sleep rate, the blood levels in your oxygen and other various things. So I actually find it a bit difficult to use because I don't know how accurate this actually works. You know, I just put it to my finger and I have to track all the details in my app, but I don't find it that accurate because the average, the most sophisticated machine, which I usually use to check my, the number of times I'm breathing in a minute, it actually shows that I'm breathing around 98 to 97, it varies between it, whereas this machine actually shows 89 or 90. I doubt the accuracy which it's showing. So I actually got it because my smartwatch stopped working and it was very hard for me to use this device, whereas a good sophisticated monitor is more better to be used. However, this comes in handy because it's very tiny and you don't have to carry it wherever you go. You just have to put it on your finger and you can just go anywhere and just track the details in your watch. Well, the thing which I like the most about this is, it tracks your sleep and very precise, it tracks your sleep very precisely. So that's the thing which I like the most. And coming to the design, it has a very spectacular design. It comes in different colors and doesn't actually look like you're wearing a device on your finger. It just looks like a real watch.

Follow up questions

What features do you think are essential in wearable technology?

I believe essential features in wearable technology include accurate health tracking, user-friendly interfaces, and long battery life. Additionally, compatibility with smartphones and other devices is important for seamless data integration and accessibility.

How do you think technology like this impacts our daily lives?

Technology like this can significantly impact our daily lives by promoting health awareness and encouraging fitness. It helps users monitor their health metrics, which can lead to better lifestyle choices and proactive health management.

Have you considered other brands or types of wearable technology?

Yes, I've considered other brands like Apple Watch and Garmin. Each has unique features, but I often look for accuracy in health tracking and ease of use. I want a device that complements my lifestyle without being overly complicated.

Band 6-7

00:00

Honestly, I have a very good grasping power and I am a very good learner. Previously, I always used to learn things faster and solve any problem with technology and I mostly used to explore a lot of things and work with it. Eventually, when I started joining, when I started my college, I was working on a lot of projects, especially web development or related to my field. I got introduced to this particular web application called GitHub and another one is called Git. These two web applications have been one of the most difficult tasks for me to work on. They are very complicated and they are on a higher level. Additionally, I had to take a lot of courses just so that I could understand that. And then apart from this, coding has been one of the challenging parts of my life. And I also got an opportunity to code a lot of web applications. Apart from that, I also happened to host a web application on a platform called Streamlet. That was hard as well because I had to merge Streamlet along with Git and GitHub, which is again difficult for me. And eventually I learned it, even though it took a while for me.

Follow up questions

What specific challenges did you face while learning Git and GitHub?

I found the command line interface of Git quite intimidating at first. Understanding how to manage branches, commits, and merges was confusing. The documentation was also overwhelming, making it hard to find the information I needed quickly.

How did you overcome the difficulties you faced with coding?

I dedicated extra time to practice coding regularly and sought help from online communities. I also enrolled in online courses that provided hands-on projects, which helped me apply what I learned and gain confidence in my coding skills.

What advice would you give to someone struggling with similar technology?

I would recommend breaking down the learning process into smaller, manageable parts. Start with the basics, use online resources, and don't hesitate to ask for help from peers or mentors. Consistent practice is key to mastering any technology.

Show all 41 answers

Cue 1:When did you get it?

Mention the specific time or occasion when you acquired the technology.
Provide context about your initial excitement or need for the technology.

Example

I got my first smartphone about three years ago as a birthday gift from my parents. I was really excited because I wanted to stay connected with my friends and family more easily.

Cue 2:What did you get it for?

Explain the primary purpose you intended to use the technology for.
Share any specific features you were looking forward to using.

Example

I got it mainly for communication, social media, and to access the internet. I was particularly looking forward to using apps like WhatsApp and Instagram to share moments with my friends.

Cue 3:How often do you use it?

Discuss the frequency of your usage and any challenges you face.
Mention any specific tasks that you find particularly difficult.

Example

I try to use it daily, but I often struggle with navigating the settings and downloading new apps. Sometimes, I feel overwhelmed by the number of features available.

Cue 4:How do you feel about it?

Express your feelings about the technology, both positive and negative.
Share any frustration or satisfaction you experience while using it.

Example

Overall, I feel frustrated because I can't fully utilize its features. While I appreciate the connectivity it offers, the complexity makes me wish for something simpler.

Conclusion

Summarize your overall experience with the technology.
Reflect on whether you would recommend it to others or not.

Example

In conclusion, while my smartphone has great potential, my difficulties with it make me hesitant to recommend it to someone who isn't tech-savvy. I hope to learn more about it in the future.

Following this structure will ensure you cover all the essential points while providing a clear and engaging response to the cue card topic.

Tips to answer this Cue Card

1: Avoid Vague Responses

Being vague can lead to unclear answers. Candidates might not provide enough detail about the technology, making it hard for the examiner to understand their experience.

Tip

Use specific examples and details about the technology, such as its features and your personal experiences with it.

2: Don't Rush Your Answer

Rushing can lead to incomplete thoughts and unclear communication. Candidates may skip important details or fail to express their feelings about the technology.

Tip

Take a moment to think before speaking. Organize your thoughts and ensure you cover all the cues provided.

Avoid Overly Technical Language

Using too much technical jargon can confuse the examiner and detract from your overall message. It's important to communicate clearly.

Tip

Explain the technology in simple terms and focus on your personal experience rather than technical specifications.

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