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?

55 unique answers with expert feedback

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

I find the scheduling feature a bit confusing, as I’m not sure how to set it up properly. Also, understanding how to adjust the cleaning modes for different surfaces has been tricky. I often worry if it's cleaning effectively or missing spots.

How do you think technology like this can improve in the future?

I believe future robo vacuum cleaners could have better user interfaces, perhaps with more intuitive controls or voice commands. They could also improve in navigation, making them more efficient in cleaning without getting stuck or missing areas.

Have you considered any alternatives to the robo vacuum cleaner?

Yes, I have thought about traditional vacuum cleaners, which I find easier to use. However, I also see the benefits of the robo vacuum, like saving time. I might consider a hybrid model that combines both manual and robotic features for better convenience.

Band >7

00:00

A piece of technology that I find difficult for my daily living could be my own mobile phone. Yes, I am aware of most of the settings but I am not aware of some of the settings that my mobile phone has. Moreover, it is something that nowadays everyone has the access to phones and other electronic appliances but still there would be some people who doesn't know how to function it properly and in a smooth manner. For me, it is mobile phone only. This device helped me a lot during my studies for my entertainment purposes and everything but there are certain areas in which I lack my skills to operate a definite app or a particular setting. Furthermore, it is useful for my daily life and it helped me to access most of the resources effectively but however, there are certain settings which I find it difficult to understand and I am not aware of. So this leads to an unskilled and doesn't help me at all in certain aspects or areas. So that would be something which I lack my knowledge to use or I find difficult to operate often.

Follow up questions

What specific features of your mobile phone do you find most challenging?

I find features like advanced camera settings and certain app functionalities challenging. Sometimes, I struggle to navigate through the settings or understand how to use certain apps effectively, which can be frustrating.

How do you usually learn to use new technology?

I typically learn through online tutorials or by asking friends for help. However, sometimes I still find it difficult to grasp certain concepts, especially if the instructions are not clear or if the technology is very complex.

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

Yes, I have thought about it. Taking a class could help me understand my mobile phone better and learn about other technologies. I believe structured learning could fill the gaps in my knowledge and boost my confidence in using tech.

Band 7

00:00

One piece of technology that I used to find difficult was smart TV. Although it's become easier to navigate it now, it was unusually hard and challenging for me when we first bought our smart TV back in 2019. It was around the time that smart TV started becoming popular and soon after when COVID struck and everyone went on lockdown, smart TV seemed to rise in popularity. That was when we initially had the idea of bringing in a smart TV because shows and movies on cable seemed to lack diversity and smart TVs felt like a better alternative. I found it challenging to adopt because it had several options that I was unaware of and couldn't comprehend. Different systems and software like HDMI or Playstation are things I've failed to understand even after constant lessons and teaching from my father. Although it has become easy over time to navigate through channels and apps on smart TVs, it was really challenging in the beginning.

Follow up questions

What specific features of the smart TV did you find most confusing?

I found the interface and the variety of apps overwhelming. The remote control had too many buttons, and I struggled to understand how to switch between different inputs like HDMI or gaming consoles.

How did you eventually overcome the difficulties with the smart TV?

I spent time experimenting with the TV and watching tutorial videos online. My father also helped me by explaining things step-by-step, which made it easier for me to learn how to use the features effectively.

Do you think technology is becoming easier or harder for people to use?

I believe technology is becoming easier in some ways, as interfaces are designed to be more user-friendly. However, the rapid pace of new features and updates can make it challenging for some people to keep up, especially those not familiar with tech.

Practice other cue cards

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 the various editing tools quite challenging. The way layers work and how to apply effects can be confusing. Additionally, understanding the rendering process and exporting the final video adds to the complexity.

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

Yes, I have tried simpler software like iMovie and Filmora. They have more user-friendly interfaces and fewer features, which made it easier for me to learn the basics of video editing without feeling overwhelmed.

What strategies do you plan to use to improve your skills in video editing?

I plan to continue watching tutorials, but I will focus on specific tasks rather than trying to learn everything at once. Additionally, I want to practice regularly and perhaps take an online course to get structured guidance.

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 quite confusing. Unlike manual vehicles, where you have more control, automatic vehicles have a different setup that takes time to get used to. The transition from manual to automatic has been a learning curve for me.

How do you think technology can help people learn to drive automatic vehicles more easily?

I believe technology can play a significant role, such as through virtual reality driving simulators that mimic automatic vehicles. These could provide a safe environment to practice without the fear of accidents, helping learners gain confidence before hitting the road.

Have you noticed any differences in how younger and older people adapt to new technology?

Yes, younger people tend to adapt more quickly to new technology, likely due to their familiarity with gadgets. In contrast, older individuals may struggle more, as they are used to traditional methods. This can create a gap in learning and adapting to new systems like automatic vehicles.

Show all 55 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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