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IELTSTM CUE CARD

Describe Something You Own That You Want To Replace

Updated on Oct 08, 2024, 14:31

Overview

In the IELTS Speaking Test, cue cards prompt you to speak on a specific topic for up to two minutes. This helps assess your ability to articulate your thoughts clearly and coherently. 

 

The topic "Describe Something You Own That You Want To Replace" can be particularly interesting, as it allows you to reflect on personal possessions and their impact on your life. Considering why you want to replace something can reveal a lot about your evolving needs and aspirations. 
 

On this page, we will explore sample answers for this topic, providing a structured approach to help you effectively convey your thoughts during the IELTS Speaking Test.

 

Cue Card/Topic: Describe Something You Own That You Want To Replace

You should say

  • What would you like to replace?
  • When did you get it?
  • Why do you want to replace it?
  • How easy or difficult is it to replace it?
Sample Answer 1

Introduction:

 

  • Think about an item you own that no longer meets your needs. For me, it's my old smartphone, which I've had for about four years.
  • I originally bought it for its excellent camera and battery life, which were top-of-the-line at the time.
  • However, as time has passed, its performance has significantly declined.
  • The idea of upgrading to a new, more efficient smartphone has been on my mind for quite a while.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest:

 

  • My current smartphone has become noticeably slow, making everyday tasks like browsing and messaging frustratingly sluggish.
  • The battery no longer lasts through the day, requiring frequent charging, which limits its portability.
  • I use my smartphone for various purposes, including work, communication, and entertainment. Its declining performance affects my productivity and convenience.
  • Upgrading to a new smartphone would allow me to enjoy faster speeds, better battery life, and enhanced features.

 

Key Highlights:

 

  • One of the main issues with my current smartphone is its outdated hardware, which struggles with newer apps and updates.
  • The screen has several scratches, and the touch response is not as smooth as it used to be, which impacts the overall user experience.
  • I have faced several instances where the phone would freeze during important calls or while using essential apps, causing inconvenience.
  • A new smartphone would improve performance, have a better camera, and have longer battery life, significantly enhancing my daily experience.

 

Conclusion:

 

  • I plan to replace my old smartphone with a modern model that can keep up with my current and future needs.
  • The new smartphone would offer faster processing speeds, more storage, and better battery efficiency, making it more reliable and efficient.
  • Replacing my smartphone would boost my productivity and allow me to enjoy a seamless digital experience.
  • Ultimately, upgrading to a new smartphone is a necessary step to stay updated with technology and improve my daily life.
Sample Answer 2

Introduction:

 

  • It's my old scooter, which I've had for about seven years.
  • I originally bought it when I started my first job in Bangalore, and it has served me well over the years.
  • However, as time has passed, its performance has significantly declined.
  • The idea of upgrading to a new, more efficient scooter has been on my mind for quite a while.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest:

 

  • My current scooter has become slow and requires frequent maintenance, making everyday commuting frustrating.
  • The fuel efficiency has dropped significantly, making running costly, especially with rising petrol prices.
  • I use my scooter daily to commute to work and to run errands. Its declining performance affects my convenience and budget.
  • Upgrading to a new scooter would allow me to travel more smoothly and cost-effectively.

 

Key Highlights:

 

  • One of the main issues with my current scooter is its outdated engine, which struggles with performance and fuel efficiency.
  • The tyres have worn out, and the brakes are not as responsive as they should be, which is quite concerning for safety.
  • I have faced several instances where the scooter has broken down in the middle of the road, causing inconvenience and delays.
  • A new scooter would improve my commuting experience significantly by providing improved performance, better fuel efficiency, and enhanced safety features.

 

Conclusion:

 

  • I plan to replace my old scooter with a modern model that can handle my daily commuting needs more effectively.
  • The new scooter would offer faster speeds, better mileage, and advanced safety features, making it more reliable and efficient.
  • Replacing my scooter would not only enhance my daily commute but also reduce my fuel expenses.
  • Ultimately, upgrading to a new scooter is a practical and necessary step to improve my overall transportation experience and ensure my safety on the road.
Sample Answer 3

Introduction:

 

  • It's my old laptop, which I've had for about six years.
  • I originally bought it during my final year at Delhi University to help with my studies and projects.
  • However, as time has passed, its performance has significantly declined.
  • The idea of upgrading to a new, more efficient laptop has been on my mind for quite a while.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest:

 

  • My current laptop has become slow, making everyday tasks like browsing, writing reports, and running software frustratingly sluggish.
  • The battery no longer lasts for more than a couple of hours, requiring frequent charging, which limits its portability.
  • I use my laptop for various purposes, including work, entertainment, and personal projects. Its declining performance affects my productivity and enjoyment.
  • Upgrading to a new laptop would allow me to perform tasks more smoothly and take advantage of the latest technology.

 

Key Highlights:

 

  • One of the main issues with my current laptop is its outdated hardware, which struggles with newer applications and updates.
  • The screen has several scratches, and the keyboard keys have become sticky, which impacts the overall user experience.
  • I have faced several instances where the laptop would freeze during important tasks, causing inconvenience and frustration.
  • A new laptop would improve my overall experience by providing improved performance, better battery life, and enhanced features.

 

Conclusion:

 

  • I plan to replace my old laptop with a modern model that can handle my current and future needs more effectively.
  • The new laptop would offer faster processing speeds, more storage, and better battery efficiency, making it more reliable and efficient.
  • Replacing my laptop would boost my productivity and allow me to enjoy a seamless digital experience.
  • Ultimately, upgrading to a new laptop is a necessary step to stay updated with technology and improve my daily life.

When the cue card section of the IELTS Speaking Test starts, the examiner will give you a cue card with a topic and some bullet points to address. You will have one minute to prepare, and then you must speak on the topic for up to two minutes.
 

The best way to answer these cue cards is to break down your response into smaller, manageable sections. This ensures your answer is structured and easy to follow. Here’s how you can approach the topic "Describe Something You Own That You Want To Replace":

 

Introduction:

 

  • Briefly introduce the item you want to replace. Explain what it is and how long you've had it.
  • Mention why you originally got it and how it has served you.
  • Keep it concise and engaging to set the stage for your story.
  • This part should capture the examiner’s interest and provide a clear starting point.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest:

 

  • Explain why you feel the need to replace the item. Discuss its current condition and any issues it has.
  • Share your thoughts and feelings about the item, highlighting its importance in your life.
  • Mention any changes in your needs or lifestyle that have influenced your decision to replace it.
  • Relate any specific experiences that demonstrate the item's limitations or shortcomings.

 

Key Highlights:

 

  • Describe specific problems or inconveniences the item has caused, such as malfunctioning or outdated features.
  • Highlight any memorable moments or significant uses of the item, showing its value and your attachment to it.
  • Discuss the benefits you anticipate from replacing the item, such as improved functionality or enhanced performance.
  • Share any research or considerations you have made about potential replacements.

 

Conclusion:

 

  • Summarise why you want to replace the item and what you hope to achieve with a new one.
  • Reflect on how replacing the item will positively impact your daily life or productivity.
  • Mention any plans or timelines for getting the new item.
  • End with a positive note about looking forward to the improvements and benefits of the replacement.

 

By structuring your answer in this way, you ensure that your response is clear, comprehensive, and engaging, fitting well within the two-minute time limit.

Follow-Up Questions

In the IELTS Speaking Test, after you finish speaking about your cue card topic, the examiner will ask follow-up questions. This part of the test helps the examiner assess your ability to discuss the topic in more depth, providing detailed answers and expanding on your initial response. You should expect questions that explore your reasoning, experiences, and opinions related to the topic.

Q1. Why do you think people decide to replace their belongings?

Answer 1: I believe people replace their belongings because of wear and tear. As items age, they become less efficient and reliable. For example, my old scooter is not as fuel-efficient as it once was, making it costly to maintain.

 

Answer 2: People often replace their belongings to keep up with new technology and features. Modern products usually offer better performance and convenience. My old scooter lacks the advanced safety features available in newer models, prompting me to consider an upgrade.

Q2. How do you decide when it's time to replace something you own?

Answer 1: I decide to replace something when it starts affecting my daily life negatively. For instance, my scooter's frequent breakdowns and high maintenance costs made me realise it was time for a change.

 

Answer 2: I consider the cost of repairs versus the cost of a new item. If repairs become too frequent and expensive, it's more practical to invest in a new product. My scooter's repair costs are almost as high as buying a new one, so replacing it makes sense.

Q3. What are the advantages of replacing old items with new ones?

Answer 1: Replacing old items with new ones can improve efficiency and reliability. Newer products often have better features and performance. For example, a new scooter would offer better mileage and safety features, enhancing my daily commute.

 

Answer 2: Upgrading to new items can also be more cost-effective in the long run. New products usually come with warranties and require less maintenance, which reduces unexpected repair costs, which I frequently experienced with my old scooter.

Q4. Do you think it’s important to keep up with technology? Why or why not?

Answer 1: Yes, I think it’s important to keep up with technology because it can significantly improve our quality of life. New technologies offer better efficiency, safety, and convenience. For example, newer scooters have advanced features that make commuting safer and more enjoyable.

 

Answer 2: While keeping up with technology is important, it's also essential to consider necessity and affordability. Upgrading should be practical and based on genuine needs. My decision to replace my scooter is driven by its declining performance and not just the allure of new technology.

FAQs

Q. What is Part 3 of the IELTS Speaking test about?

Ans. Part 3 involves a discussion related to the topic you spoke about in Part 2. The examiner will ask more abstract and complex questions to explore your ideas and opinions further.

Q. How is the IELTS Speaking test scored?

Ans. The test is scored based on four criteria: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation. Each criterion is equally weighted.

Q. What can I do to improve my fluency and coherence?

Ans. Practice speaking English regularly, focus on connecting your ideas logically, and avoid long pauses. Using discourse markers and cohesive devices can help your speech flow better.

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