Describe a piece of equipment you have at home: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What is it?
What is its use? When do you use it?
How is it useful?

26 unique answers with expert feedback

How has your laptop changed the way you work or study?

My laptop has made it much easier to access information and complete tasks efficiently. I can work from anywhere, which allows me to be more productive. It also helps me stay organized with my assignments and projects, making my study routine more effective.

What are some specific activities you enjoy doing on your laptop?

I enjoy watching movies, playing games, and browsing social media on my laptop. It's also great for video calls with friends and family. Additionally, I like to explore new hobbies, like learning to code or editing photos, which I can easily do on my laptop.

Do you think people rely too much on technology like laptops?

Yes, I believe many people, including myself, rely heavily on laptops for daily tasks. While they offer convenience and connectivity, it's important to balance screen time with other activities, like spending time outdoors or engaging in face-to-face interactions.

Band 6-7

00:00

One piece of equipment that I have at home is the hair dryer which comes in very handy when I have, when I take a head bath. And I think hair dryers are important because medically you are not supposed to leave your hair wet. And it should be dried immediately after you have washed your hair. And I think hair dryers make our life so much easier because you just have to plug it in and use it as per the requirement. And also hair dryers come in various sizes, shapes and colours. And I think it depends, the hair dryer that you want to purchase depends on the kind of usage that you require because I think the one that I have at home is a small portable hair dryer that comes in handy when I have to pack when I am travelling. And the bigger hair dryers are used extensively in parlours and salons where they have to blow dry the hair. And that just makes their work easier. So hair dryers, I use it, I use the hair dryer whenever I have taken a head bath, when I have washed my hair and I want to dry them. It is useful because I don't have to wait for hours to dry my hair. I can use it whenever I want, wherever I want provided there is a socket and a switch, a plug that is working. And I am ready to dry my hair and rock it because wet hair do give a good look. But I think once you have your hair that's dried.

Follow up questions

How often do you use your hair dryer?

I use my hair dryer almost every time I wash my hair, which is typically every other day. It has become a part of my routine, especially since I prefer my hair to be dry and styled quickly rather than waiting for it to air dry.

What features do you look for when buying a hair dryer?

When buying a hair dryer, I look for features like heat settings, speed options, and portability. A lightweight design is important for travel, and I also prefer one with a cool shot button to help set my hairstyle after drying.

Do you think hair dryers are essential for everyone?

I believe hair dryers are essential for many people, especially those with long or thick hair. They save time and help maintain hair health by preventing prolonged wetness, which can lead to issues like dandruff or fungal infections.

Band 6-7

00:00

The equipment that I have in my home is an electronic trimmer that is made of phallus. It's 2 years old and I bought it when I was in my college. I started trimming my beard because I felt that it's not possible for me to go to the salon every time and trim and shave my beard for that purpose. It's very handy to use and it's very easy for me. Whenever I want, I can trim my beard. Also, it has a very long battery charging. So, if I charge it for 30 minutes, it will provide a trimming time of around 8 to 9 hours. So, I don't have to go through that hassle of charging it multiple times before using it. Also, I have my own freedom to shape my beard with it. It has other purposes also like hair trimming and body hair trimming also. But I don't use all those things. I just trim my hair a bit as I buy it. Also, I have a very big benefit of using it to my own freedom. I can shape my beard the way I want to. I can shape it the way I just want to look. That's the benefit that I have here.

Follow up questions

How has using the trimmer changed your grooming routine?

Using the trimmer has made my grooming routine much more convenient. I can trim my beard whenever I want without having to schedule salon visits. This flexibility allows me to maintain my appearance more easily and saves me time.

What other grooming tools do you think are essential?

Besides the trimmer, I believe a good quality razor is essential for a clean shave. Additionally, having grooming scissors can help with precise haircuts. A comb is also important for styling and maintaining the beard.

Do you think grooming equipment is worth the investment?

Absolutely! Investing in good grooming equipment saves money in the long run by reducing salon visits. It also gives you the freedom to maintain your style and appearance on your own terms, which I find very valuable.

Practice other cue cards

Describe when someone gave you something you really wanted /a gift your received

View answers

Band 6-7

00:00

My cricket bat is the thing which I would say is my favorite equipment that I had at my home. That bat was actually gifted by my father for my occasion which is a birthday. It is one of the most stylish, elegant and classy bats which you can get all around the globe and he bought that one for me as a token of affection. I use it during my practice sessions, my matches and often I take it during my vacations while we are traveling through train or car as it is easily compatible in any place because it just needs a flat surface and you can easily carry it in your hands. I tend to take it there because I love playing cricket with my cousins and that bat cost is around 100 Euros which is quite expensive and yes, it is a very rare piece which you could get. So, I wouldn't mind even if it is 500 Euros but my father would. It is useful in various ways like it helps me in getting my turns while playing cricket and when I am playing with that bat, I tend to score more runs and the elegance and the style of my playing is on a total different level and it keeps me on cloud nine whenever I am having that piece of wood in my hand. So, it is always the best equipment that I have ever had.

Follow up questions

How often do you play cricket with your bat?

I play cricket quite frequently, especially during weekends and holidays. Whenever I get the chance, I organize matches with my friends and cousins. It's a great way to bond and enjoy the sport, and I always make sure to bring my bat along.

What other sports equipment do you own?

Apart from my cricket bat, I also have a football and a badminton racket. I enjoy playing football with my friends in the park, and badminton is a fun activity I do with my family. Each piece of equipment has its own charm and brings different experiences.

How do you feel when you play cricket?

Playing cricket makes me feel exhilarated and alive. It's not just about the game; it's about the camaraderie and the thrill of competition. Every time I hold my bat, I feel a rush of excitement, and it boosts my confidence on the field.

Band 6-7

00:00

Speaker is the equipment that I have at home, which I love the most. Speakers are basically the ones which are used to listen to music, podcasts or anything that you would like to listen to. And speakers, I use speakers mostly to, you know, get relieved from stress. Whenever I'm feeling low or whenever I'm feeling stressed, speaker is something that I play music on and it is something that calms my mind, it gives me complete control over my emotions and it also just makes me feel relaxed. And I regularly use it every day before going to bed and while going to bed, I usually listen to the melodies, which helps in bringing all the chaos in my mind to a halt.

Follow up questions

What type of music do you usually listen to on your speakers?

I usually listen to a variety of music genres, but I particularly enjoy soft melodies and instrumental music. These types of music help me relax and unwind after a long day. Sometimes, I also listen to calming nature sounds or podcasts that interest me.

How do you think music affects your mood?

Music has a profound effect on my mood. It can uplift my spirits when I'm feeling down and help me focus when I'm working. Listening to my favorite tracks can instantly change my emotional state, making me feel more positive and energized.

Have you ever used your speakers for any special occasions?

Yes, I often use my speakers during special occasions like parties or family gatherings. They enhance the atmosphere by playing upbeat music that gets everyone in a celebratory mood. It's a great way to bring people together and create memorable moments.

Show all 26 answers

Cue 1:What is it?

Begin by clearly naming the piece of equipment and providing a brief description.
Mention where it is located in your home.

Example

The piece of equipment I want to describe is my microwave oven. It is a compact, silver appliance that sits on my kitchen countertop, and I use it almost every day.

Cue 2:What is its use? When do you use it?

Explain the primary functions of the equipment and how you typically use it.
Mention specific times or situations when you find it most useful.

Example

The microwave oven is primarily used for heating food quickly. I often use it during busy weekdays when I come home late from work and need to prepare dinner in a hurry. It’s also great for reheating leftovers from previous meals.

Cue 3:How is it useful?

Discuss the benefits of having this equipment at home.
Relate its usefulness to your daily life or routines.

Example

Having a microwave oven is incredibly useful because it saves me a lot of time. Instead of spending a long time cooking, I can simply heat up my food in a few minutes. It also helps me avoid eating out too often, which is healthier and more economical.

Conclusion

Summarize the importance of the equipment in your daily life.
Reflect on how it has improved your cooking or meal preparation experience.

Example

In conclusion, my microwave oven is an essential piece of equipment in my home. It not only makes meal preparation faster but also encourages me to cook at home more often, which is beneficial for my health and budget.

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: Vague Descriptions

Using vague language can make your answer unclear. It's important to provide specific details about the equipment to engage the listener and demonstrate your vocabulary.

Tip

Use descriptive adjectives and specific examples to clearly explain what the equipment is and its features.

2: Lack of Personal Experience

Failing to share personal experiences can make your response less relatable. The examiner wants to hear about your unique perspective and how you interact with the equipment.

Tip

Include personal anecdotes about when and how you use the equipment to make your answer more engaging.

Ignoring the Cues

Not addressing all the cues can lead to an incomplete answer. Each cue is designed to help structure your response and cover important aspects.

Tip

Make sure to systematically address each cue in your answer to provide a comprehensive response.

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Anonymous student Band 7.5

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Answer

I like to taste different types of cuisine. Here I would like to talk about my favorite dish at my traditional festival of Onam which is Sadya. Sadya is popular in my city. We are experimenting these cuisines on Onam festival day. Onam is a famous festival in my city. All family members get together in my home and we make a delicious Sadya. There are many ingredients includes that Sadya. Moreover, we make a big feast that day as well as we create a lot of memories together and we wear that day the traditional dress called Sari and men wear the Dhotis. That festival is really important to us because the whole day we are conducting different kinds of games at our homes and all the family members came together. It's a memorable day in my life. This is the festival. We are making the Sambar and Aviyal. These all the kinds of foods are making with the vegetables.

Talk about a toy you liked in your childhood

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 8

Sector 34 Test Centre, Chandigarh

Answer

The toy which I liked in my childhood was a panda doll, which makes me pleasant and makes me more blush. The pandas are the most beautiful creatures of the world, which looks gigantic and has pooshy cheeks and they are like stars in the clouds and they dream in me. Furthermore, these have been given by my father. My father is a very very beautiful artistic person, who makes me think of that. Every day you will face every difficulties and make you suffer and move forward. Pandas are always seen in Japanese countries. It is my lifelong dream to visit a Japanese country and click a photo with the original pandas, which makes sounds better.

Describe a time you were in a place where you didn't know the local language

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 6.5

Whitefield Test Center, Bengaluru

Answer

As India is a very large country full of diversity, so there are many places which have their own language and speak their native language. The place which I visited and I didn't know about their language was Leladakh, which is about 300 km away from my hometown and it is a very good place as it consists of different kind of trees, animals and have many scenic views and I visited over there last year in summers as it was the best time to visit because it has many, it was cold over there and we had summers in our area so it was the best time to visit over there and I went over there with my whole family.

Describe a time when your friend damaged something you owned

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7

Begumpet Test Centre, Hyderabad

Answer

When I was a kid, I had a little pencil box which had these four buttons which gave the pencil box an operative use. When you press the button, the box would open up. When you press the second button, a little part of it would slide out. Basically it was just a little electronical and a fun thing to have and I owned it when I was in 6th. One day after break, I was standing and talking there with one of my friends and another friend of mine was running through the hallway and accidentally she pushed my shoulder and my pencil box hit the ground and it broke into multiple pieces to the point that it was not functional anymore.

Describe a book you recently read

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

CBD Belapur Test Centre, Navi Mumbai

Answer

It Ends With Us is a book I read recently. It's by the author Colleen Hoare. It's mainly a story about two teenagers, Atlas and Lily, and how they just handle their life going through high school, adolescence, and just domestic violence at home. Both of them come from very, very different families. However, they have one common determining factor between them, which is domestic violence. The abuse that they've seen their moms go through is just insane, and they connect through that on a different level. They're actually in the same high school, but they never speak to each other until Atlas actually crashes into an empty house next to Lily's villa. When Atlas is homeless and he doesn't have anywhere to go, he just comes and breaks into the house next to Lily's, and Lily helps him with all the daily necessities like clothes and food, medicines and stuff. Furthermore, their friendship blossoms into love, but it doesn't really fructify as Atlas has to leave. This book really gave me a lot of knowledge about domestic abuse and how to deal with it.