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?

40 unique answers with expert feedback

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

The most challenging features for me are the scheduling options and the mapping technology. I often struggle to set it up to clean specific rooms at certain times. Understanding how it navigates around obstacles is also a bit confusing, which makes me hesitant to use it more frequently.

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

I believe future robo vacuum cleaners could be more user-friendly with better tutorials and intuitive interfaces. They could also incorporate AI to learn the layout of the house more effectively and adapt to different cleaning needs without requiring much input from the user.

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 am still hopeful that with more practice, I can master the robo vacuum cleaner and make it a valuable tool for maintaining cleanliness in my home.

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 editing and the various effects panels particularly challenging. The sheer number of options can be overwhelming, and understanding how to layer effects or transitions takes time. I often get lost trying to navigate through the different menus and settings.

Have you considered using other video editing software instead?

Yes, I have thought about trying simpler software like iMovie or Filmora. They seem more user-friendly and might help me build my skills before tackling something as complex as Adobe Premiere Pro. I believe starting with easier tools could boost my confidence.

What resources have you found most helpful in learning video editing?

YouTube tutorials have been my primary resource, especially channels dedicated to Adobe Premiere Pro. I've also found online courses on platforms like Udemy helpful. However, I think hands-on practice is the best way to learn, even if it feels frustrating at times.

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?

The gear system and accelerator mechanism are particularly confusing for me. Unlike manual vehicles, where you have more control, automatic vehicles have a different feel that takes time to adjust to.

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

I believe that technology could include more intuitive interfaces or even better tutorials. For instance, having a more user-friendly dashboard or voice-guided instructions could make it easier for new drivers to adapt.

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

I would advise them not to give up and to seek help if needed. Taking lessons from a qualified instructor can make a significant difference, as they can provide personalized guidance and support.

Practice other cue cards

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 concepts of version control and branching in Git particularly challenging. Understanding how to manage repositories and collaborate with others on GitHub was also difficult. The learning curve was steep, and I often felt overwhelmed by the numerous commands and functionalities.

How did you overcome the difficulties you faced with coding?

I overcame my coding difficulties by dedicating time to practice regularly and taking online courses. I also sought help from peers and online communities, which provided valuable insights and support. Gradually, with persistence, I became more comfortable with coding.

Do you think technology should be easier to use for beginners?

Absolutely! I believe technology should be more intuitive and user-friendly, especially for beginners. Simplifying interfaces and providing better tutorials could help new users grasp complex tools like Git and GitHub more easily, fostering a more inclusive tech environment.

Band 6-7

00:00

I think one piece of technology that I find difficult to use is graphic tablet tablets which I buy because I want to try something new and I want to learn something new mainly about animations and graphic drawings but day by day it became very difficult to use and I don't know how to use that and even though it's very simple at first because it looked like very easy but it don't turn out to be much harder than I expected it's like the coordination then the drawing the main part of physical features is very difficult to draw I think I don't use it often because it's very hard to handle it I think more than twice in a month because every time I try I need a lot of patience sometimes the sending it's complicated and like pressure the sensitivity and all kind of drawing any features or any kind of expression is very difficult for me overall I feel a very mix of frustration and curiosity about the device on one hand it's definitely difficult for me to use and sometimes I don't know how to work with it very properly but I really want to learn how to use this piece of technology for my own skills and to enhance my skill I need to learn this so this type of technology it became very difficult for me to use

Follow up questions

What specific features of the graphic tablet do you find most challenging?

I find the pressure sensitivity and the coordination between my hand movements and the screen to be the most challenging. It’s hard to get the right pressure for different strokes, and sometimes it feels like my hand isn’t matching what I see on the screen.

Have you tried any resources to help you learn how to use the graphic tablet?

Yes, I’ve looked for online tutorials and videos, but sometimes they move too fast for me. I also tried following some drawing courses, but I still struggle to apply what I learn on the tablet itself.

Do you think you will continue to use the graphic tablet despite the difficulties?

I believe I will continue to use it because I’m curious and want to improve my skills. Even though it’s frustrating, I think overcoming these challenges will be rewarding in the long run.

Show all 40 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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Describe a time you were in a place where you didn't know the local language

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Anonymous student Band 6.5

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Answer

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Describe a time when your friend damaged something you owned

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Answer

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