Describe a program or app on your computer or phone: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What it is
How often you use it
When/how you use it
When/how you found it

41 unique answers with expert feedback

How has YouTube changed the way you learn new skills?

YouTube has revolutionized my learning by providing access to countless tutorials and live classes. I can learn at my own pace and revisit complex topics as needed. The visual and auditory elements enhance my understanding, making it easier to grasp difficult concepts.

What type of content do you enjoy creating for your reels?

I enjoy creating cooking-related content for my reels, showcasing recipes and cooking tips. I also like to incorporate fun challenges and trends to engage my audience. This not only helps promote my cloud kitchen but also allows me to express my creativity.

Do you think YouTube is a good platform for earning money? Why?

Yes, YouTube can be a great platform for earning money if you create engaging content and build a loyal audience. Through ad revenue, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing, many creators have turned their channels into profitable ventures, including my own experience with cooking.

Band 7

00:00

One app that I use regularly on my phone is Whatsapp. Whatsapp is a messaging application that allows users to send text messages, voice messages, make audio and video calls, and share photos and documents. I use this app every day, several times a day, because it is my main source of communication. I usually use Whatsapp to stay in touch with my family, friends and classmates. As a dental student, I also use it for academic purposes such as sharing notes, receiving updates about classes and discussing assignments in group chats. I first started using Whatsapp a few years ago when my friends recommended it to me. Since then, it has become an essential app on my phone. Overall, I find Whatsapp very convenient and user-friendly, which is why it is one of the most important apps in my daily life. Also, it is easy to use and saves a lot of time. Thanks for watching!

Follow up questions

How has Whatsapp changed the way you communicate with others?

Whatsapp has significantly changed my communication style. It allows for instant messaging, which is much faster than traditional methods like email or SMS. I can easily share multimedia and have group discussions, making it more interactive and efficient for both personal and academic communication.

What features of Whatsapp do you find most useful?

I find the voice and video call features extremely useful, especially for long-distance communication. The ability to send documents and photos instantly is also great for sharing academic materials. Additionally, the group chat function helps me collaborate with classmates effectively.

Are there any drawbacks to using Whatsapp?

One drawback is the potential for distractions, as I often receive numerous messages throughout the day. Privacy concerns are also an issue, as personal information can be vulnerable. Lastly, sometimes the app can be overwhelming with too many group chats and notifications.

Band 7

00:00

The most resourceful app on my phone is the Hindu online. I use it on daily basis to read news online since getting the physical copy of the newspaper has become extremely difficult. Additionally, the advantages of using the app is the use of AI, which helps to summarize large chunks of news into smaller parts so that understanding the news becomes easy. As a student, I find this app extremely useful and resourceful in order to get knowledge about current affairs. I found out about the app from a friend of mine who recommended the app to me when I was preparing for my civil service examination. This app has been a very profound app for me as it has helped me to not only improve my knowledge but also to gain real-time updates.

Follow up questions

How has the app changed the way you consume news?

The app has made it much easier for me to access news quickly. I can read summaries and get the gist of multiple articles in a short time, which is especially helpful when I'm busy with studies.

What features of the app do you find most beneficial?

I really appreciate the AI summarization feature. It allows me to grasp the main points without having to read lengthy articles. Additionally, the user interface is intuitive, making navigation seamless.

Have you recommended this app to others? Why?

Yes, I have recommended it to several friends and classmates. I believe it’s a valuable tool for anyone who wants to stay informed, especially students preparing for exams or anyone interested in current affairs.

Practice other cue cards

Band 7

00:00

I would like to talk about an application called Lipscholar, which is a language learning platform I have on my smartphone. I have been using it for about a year now to improve my English and it has become an integral part of my morning routine. I first stumbled upon this app while I was browsing the app store, looking for a way to stay productive during my daily commute. I had heard a few friends mention it before, but I didn't realize how user-friendly and addictive it would be until I started using it myself. The app works in a very gamified way. It uses lessons that feel like mini-games, where you earn points for correct answers and lose hearts for mistakes. I primarily use it to practice my vocabulary and pronunciations. It has a voice recognition feature that allows me to speak into the phone and the AI provides instant feedback on my articulations. I find this app indispensable for several reasons. Firstly, its convenience is unmatched. I can complete a lesson in just five minutes while waiting for a bus. Secondly, it sends me daily reminders, which helps me stay consistent, which is the biggest challenge when learning a new skill. Overall, it has significantly boosted my confidence in speaking a foreign language and I honestly think it's a game-changer for anyone who wants to learn on the go. So, basically, most of the time I'm using Duolingo on my phone as an application. Duolingo and Lipscolor, both are the same, but I am using the upgraded version.

Follow up questions

What features do you find most helpful in Lipscholar?

The voice recognition feature is incredibly helpful as it provides instant feedback on my pronunciation, which is crucial for improvement. Additionally, the gamified lessons keep me engaged and motivated to learn, making the process enjoyable.

How has using Lipscholar changed your language learning routine?

Using Lipscholar has made my language learning routine more structured and consistent. The daily reminders keep me accountable, and the ability to complete short lessons during my commute means I can fit learning into my busy schedule.

Do you think gamification in apps like Lipscholar is effective for learning?

Absolutely! Gamification makes learning fun and less intimidating. Earning points and competing with myself motivates me to improve. It transforms the learning experience into a game, which helps retain information better and encourages regular practice.

Band 7

00:00

One application on my phone that I used almost every day is Google Maps. It has gradually become one of those tools that I rely on without even thinking about it. I use it very frequently, especially when I'm travelling, meeting someone in a new area or trying to estimate how long it will take to reach a place. Moreover, I often check it even before leaving home, simply to plan my route or avoid heavy traffic. I mainly use this app while commuting or walking in unfamiliar neighbourhoods. It helps me navigate confidently as well as discover nearby cafes, shops or public transport options. In addition, features like live traffic updates and estimated arrival times makes my journeys far more predictable and less stressful. I first discovered Google Maps years ago when I started travelling independently. At that stage, I needed a reliable way to move forward without constantly asking directions. As a result, the app quickly became a habit rather than a choice. Overall, I find it extremely practical and reassuring. It saves time, reduces uncertainty and allows me to explore new places with confidence. Which is why it remains one of my favourite apps on my phone.

Follow up questions

How has Google Maps changed the way you travel?

Google Maps has significantly changed my travel experience by providing real-time navigation and traffic updates. It allows me to plan my routes in advance, avoid congested areas, and discover new places effortlessly, making my journeys more enjoyable and less stressful.

What features of Google Maps do you find most useful?

I find the live traffic updates and estimated arrival times to be the most useful features. They help me avoid delays and plan my trips more efficiently. Additionally, the ability to discover nearby amenities like cafes and shops enhances my travel experience.

Do you think you would still navigate without Google Maps?

I believe navigating without Google Maps would be quite challenging for me now. I've become so reliant on it that I often feel uncertain about finding my way in unfamiliar areas without its assistance. It has become an essential tool for my daily commuting.

Show all 41 answers

Cue 1:What it is

Begin by naming the app or program and its primary function.
Mention why you find it useful or interesting.

Example

The app I want to talk about is called 'Evernote'. It is a note-taking application that helps me organize my thoughts, ideas, and tasks efficiently. I find it incredibly useful because it allows me to keep all my notes in one place, making it easy to access them whenever I need.

Cue 2:How often you use it

Specify the frequency of your usage, whether daily, weekly, or occasionally.
Explain how this frequency fits into your routine.

Example

I use Evernote almost every day, especially during my college lectures and while working on assignments. It has become a part of my daily routine, as I jot down important points and reminders throughout the day.

Cue 3:When/how you use it

Describe specific times or situations when you use the app.
Mention any particular features you utilize frequently.

Example

I usually open Evernote during my classes to take notes on the lectures. I also use it at home to create to-do lists and set reminders for upcoming deadlines. The tagging feature is particularly helpful for organizing my notes by subjects.

Cue 4:When/how you found it

Share how you discovered the app, whether through recommendations or online searches.
Explain your initial impressions and why you decided to download it.

Example

I first found out about Evernote through a friend who recommended it to me during our study sessions. I was impressed by its user-friendly interface and decided to download it right away. Since then, it has become an essential tool for my studies.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, Evernote has significantly improved my productivity and organization. It is a versatile app that I rely on daily, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to enhance their note-taking and task management.

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: Being Too Vague

Candidates often provide unclear or general answers without specific details. This can lead to a lack of engagement and lower scores.

Tip

Include specific examples and details about the app, such as its features and your personal experiences using it.

2: Ignoring the Cues

Some candidates forget to address all the cues provided, which can result in incomplete answers and missed opportunities to showcase their language skills.

Tip

Make sure to answer each cue clearly, discussing what the app is, how often you use it, and when you found it.

Overusing Technical Jargon

Using too much technical language can confuse the examiner and make your answer less accessible, especially if they are not familiar with the app.

Tip

Use simple language to explain the app and its functions, ensuring that your answer is easy to understand for everyone.

IELTS Cue Cards asked last week

Reported by Leap students who gave IELTS

Describe your favourite food at a traditional festival or a special event in your country

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

Pitampura Test Centre, New Delhi

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.