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?

47 unique answers with expert feedback

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

I find the scheduling feature a bit tricky since I’m not sure how to set it up correctly. Also, understanding the different cleaning modes is confusing. Sometimes it gets stuck in corners, and I’m not sure how to help it navigate better.

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

I believe future robo vacuum cleaners could have better AI to avoid obstacles and learn the layout of the house more efficiently. They could also have more user-friendly interfaces and better tutorials to help users understand all the features.

Have you considered any alternatives to the robo vacuum cleaner?

Yes, I have thought about traditional vacuum cleaners or even hiring a cleaning service. However, I think the convenience of a robo vacuum is appealing, so I want to give it a fair chance before deciding on alternatives.

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 layering of video clips particularly challenging. Understanding how to properly use keyframes for transitions and effects is also quite complex. Each feature seems to have its own set of rules, which makes it hard to remember how to use them effectively.

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 makes them easier to navigate. I appreciate their simplicity, but I still want to master Adobe Premiere Pro for its advanced capabilities.

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

I plan to continue watching tutorials, but I also want to practice more hands-on. I might start with small projects to build my confidence. Additionally, joining online forums or communities could help me learn from others' experiences and tips.

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 particularly challenging. Unlike manual vehicles, where you have more control, the automatic system can be confusing, especially when trying to understand when to accelerate or brake.

How do you think technology can be improved to help new drivers?

I believe technology can be improved by incorporating better tutorials and user-friendly interfaces. For instance, having more intuitive controls or even augmented reality systems that guide drivers could make learning easier and safer.

Have you considered any other technologies that could assist in learning to drive?

Yes, I have considered using driving simulators or apps that provide virtual lessons. These technologies can help build confidence and skills in a safe environment before getting behind the wheel of an actual vehicle.

Practice other cue cards

Band 6-7

00:00

I actually got this Fitbit kind of ring recently, it actually works like a smartwatch. So basically what this does is, it calculates your heartbeat, your sleep rate, the blood levels in your oxygen and other various things. So I actually find it a bit difficult to use because I don't know how accurate this actually works. You know, I just put it to my finger and I have to track all the details in my app, but I don't find it that accurate because the average, the most sophisticated machine, which I usually use to check my, the number of times I'm breathing in a minute, it actually shows that I'm breathing around 98 to 97, it varies between it, whereas this machine actually shows 89 or 90. I doubt the accuracy which it's showing. So I actually got it because my smartwatch stopped working and it was very hard for me to use this device, whereas a good sophisticated monitor is more better to be used. However, this comes in handy because it's very tiny and you don't have to carry it wherever you go. You just have to put it on your finger and you can just go anywhere and just track the details in your watch. Well, the thing which I like the most about this is, it tracks your sleep and very precise, it tracks your sleep very precisely. So that's the thing which I like the most. And coming to the design, it has a very spectacular design. It comes in different colors and doesn't actually look like you're wearing a device on your finger. It just looks like a real watch.

Follow up questions

What features do you think could improve the accuracy of such devices?

I believe that incorporating more advanced sensors and algorithms could enhance accuracy. For instance, using multiple sensors to cross-verify data could provide a more reliable reading. Additionally, regular software updates could help improve the device's performance over time.

How do you feel about the design of wearable technology?

I think the design of wearable technology is crucial for user acceptance. A sleek and stylish design encourages more people to wear these devices. If they look good and feel comfortable, users are more likely to use them regularly, which can lead to better health tracking.

Do you think technology like this can replace traditional health monitoring methods?

While technology like this offers convenience, I don't think it can fully replace traditional methods. Professional medical devices are still more reliable for critical health monitoring. However, wearables can complement these methods by providing continuous data for everyday health management.

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 command line interface quite intimidating at first. Understanding the version control concepts like branching and merging was also challenging. Additionally, the documentation was overwhelming, which made it hard to know where to start.

How did you overcome the difficulties you faced with coding?

I dedicated time to practice regularly and sought help from online forums and communities. I also took structured courses that provided step-by-step guidance, which helped me build my confidence and skills gradually.

Do you think technology will become easier to use in the future?

Yes, I believe that as technology evolves, user interfaces will become more intuitive and user-friendly. Additionally, more educational resources and tutorials will be available, making it easier for beginners to learn complex tools.

Show all 47 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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Talk about a toy you liked in your childhood

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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

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Anonymous student Band 6.5

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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

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Describe a book you recently read

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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.