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?

6 unique answers with expert feedback

What specific features of the PCR machine do you find most challenging?

The most challenging features of the PCR machine for me are its complex settings and the various modes it operates in. Each mode requires a different understanding of temperature cycles and timing, which can be quite overwhelming, especially when trying to achieve accurate results.

How has learning to use the PCR machine impacted your studies or work?

Learning to use the PCR machine has significantly enhanced my understanding of biotechnology. It has allowed me to participate in more advanced projects and has improved my confidence in handling complex laboratory equipment, which is essential for my career in the field.

Are there other technologies you find difficult to use, and why?

Yes, I find certain data analysis software challenging as well. The interface can be quite complex, and understanding the statistical methods behind the software requires a lot of study. Just like the PCR machine, mastering these tools is crucial for my research work.

Band 6-7

00:00

So a piece of technology that I found difficult to use was QGIS. QGIS stands for Quantum Geographic Information Systems. So the thing is I hail from a background of Geo-Informatics from my Bachelor of Technology in Andhra University and we were trained with ample hands-on experience in ArcGIS, ArcGIS Pro, ArcMap and EDAS Imagine which happen to be GIS softwares and also QGIS is one of those softwares but we were never given hands-on in that software. But for the first time I have used it was when I had to extract spatial data from the schools which happen to be the main resource for our Bachelor's thesis project and so as I was new to that software I found it very difficult to use because the interface I couldn't recognize the interface and it was a bit of a difficult thing and so I am practicing regularly doing some small little bit of tasks so that I could increase my fluency with that topic that software.

Follow up questions

What specific features of QGIS did you find most challenging?

I found the interface quite overwhelming, especially the layers panel and the various tools available. Unlike ArcGIS, QGIS has a different layout and terminology, which made it hard for me to navigate initially. Understanding how to manipulate spatial data effectively was also a challenge.

How do you plan to improve your skills in using QGIS?

I plan to improve my skills by taking online courses and watching tutorial videos. Additionally, I am working on small projects to apply what I learn practically. Regular practice is key, and I aim to become more familiar with the software's functionalities over time.

Have you encountered any other technologies that were difficult to learn?

Yes, I have faced challenges with other software like AutoCAD and MATLAB. Each has its own complexities, but I found that persistence and seeking help from peers or online forums made a significant difference in overcoming those difficulties.

Band 6-7

00:00

Now we are living in a technological world. Everything around us is technically surrounded, technically developed. Knowing or technological knowledge is a necessary skill in this century. I am very used to multiple technologies including handling gadgets like phone, laptops, smartphones and etc. But I am very poor to handling gadgets, technological gadgets in the kitchen. I am very afraid to handle washing machine. After so many practices from my teaching lessons from my mother, I couldn't know how to handle a washing machine, how to do a laundry. I am still afraid because once a day I do laundry in my washing machine but somehow it leaked. Water and soap was filled in my room and it made our home very messy. I was scolded by my mother for that. After that handling a washing machine or doing a laundry seems to be a very difficult one for me. Now also whenever do I do laundry I make some mistakes like putting or clicking wrong switches or by adding lot of soaps in laundry.

Follow up questions

What other technologies do you find challenging to use?

Apart from the washing machine, I find it difficult to use certain kitchen appliances like the microwave and the dishwasher. I often struggle with their settings and functions, which can be quite complex. I prefer simpler gadgets that are more intuitive.

How do you think technology can be made easier for users?

I believe technology can be made easier by simplifying user interfaces and providing better instructions. Tutorials or guided setups could help users understand how to operate devices without feeling overwhelmed. Also, incorporating more intuitive designs would be beneficial.

Have you considered taking a class to improve your tech skills?

Yes, I have thought about taking a class or watching online tutorials to improve my skills, especially for kitchen gadgets. Learning from someone who is experienced could help me gain confidence and reduce my fear of using these technologies.

Practice other cue cards

Band 6

00:00

Buying my iPhone was the thing where I started feeling technology can be difficult to use. It has a different setting, sorry it has a different software that is iOS, which I was not friendlier because I always used Android phones. So I did feel a lot of difficulty at the beginning to use because it has a lot of features which you couldn't adapt at the instant. It will take a lot of time and eventually we'll get to know how to use it. Now I am doing well and using it much more faster than how I used to do it previously. So it was my experience with using new technology.

Follow up questions

What specific features of the iPhone did you find most challenging?

I found the settings and customization options quite overwhelming at first. Features like FaceTime and iMessage were new to me, and I struggled to understand how to use them effectively. The interface was also different from what I was used to with Android.

How did you overcome the difficulties you faced with the iPhone?

I spent time exploring the settings and watching tutorial videos online. I also asked friends who were familiar with iOS for tips. Gradually, I became more comfortable with the interface and learned to navigate the features more efficiently.

Do you think technology will continue to become more complex in the future?

Yes, I believe technology will keep evolving and may become more complex. As new features and innovations are introduced, users will need to adapt continuously. However, I also think that user-friendly designs will improve to help people keep up with these changes.

Band 5-6

00:00

I find laptop is difficult to use. I use it regularly as my current job requires to work on a laptop. I purchased it when I am at age 20. I found I find difficulty in typing. As my work requires speed in typing. With the help of my friends and I gone through many online typing tests which helped me to improve my typing skills and also there are many applications in my laptop. Some softwares like Power BI I have very low knowledge in that. On practicing it was very easy.

Follow up questions

What specific features of the laptop do you find challenging?

I find the keyboard layout and the touchpad to be quite challenging. Sometimes, I accidentally click things while typing, which disrupts my flow. Additionally, navigating through different applications can be overwhelming, especially when I need to switch between them quickly.

How do you think technology could be improved to help users like you?

I believe that laptops could benefit from more user-friendly interfaces and customizable keyboard settings. Features like voice recognition for typing and better touchpad sensitivity could help users who struggle with typing speed and accuracy.

Have you considered taking formal classes to improve your tech skills?

Yes, I have thought about it. Taking formal classes could provide me with structured learning and a deeper understanding of software like Power BI. I think it would also help me gain confidence in using various applications more effectively.

Show all 6 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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All Answers

Here are all the answers by real-users practicing speaking for IELTS Cue Cards on our IELTS Prep App.

Band 6-7

Band 6

well a piece of technology that I feel difficult to use would be a drone I got it recently from online store because I was fond of it but flying a drone and controlling it taking good photographs or videos whatever you want is really really hard and you really have to have some technical skills to do that but I am learning quite fast maybe yeah but I really don't have time to learn it once in a while like in a week once in a week I practice flying it controlling it and yeah I am improving quite a lot now but it's really really hard for me to learn because I am unable to give enough time to learn it yeah that's it

Band 5-6