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

15 unique answers with expert feedback

How has YouTube changed the way you learn?

YouTube has revolutionized my learning by providing access to a vast array of tutorials and lectures. I can pause, rewind, and revisit complex topics at my own pace, which enhances my understanding and retention of information.

What types of cooking recipes do you find most helpful on YouTube?

I find a variety of cooking recipes helpful, especially quick and easy meals that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. I also enjoy watching videos on baking and international cuisines, as they inspire me to experiment with new dishes in my cloud kitchen.

Can you share your experience of making reels on YouTube?

Making reels on YouTube has been an exciting experience. It allows me to express my creativity while promoting my cloud kitchen. I've learned to edit videos effectively and engage with my audience, which has helped me grow my online presence and income.

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 explore new areas confidently without the fear of getting lost. I can plan my routes in advance, which saves time and reduces stress during my journeys.

Are there any other apps you use for navigation?

Besides Google Maps, I occasionally use Waze for its community-driven traffic updates. It offers unique features like alerts for accidents or police presence, which can help avoid delays. However, I still prefer Google Maps for its comprehensive features and user-friendly interface.

What features do you think are essential in a navigation app?

Essential features in a navigation app include real-time traffic updates, estimated arrival times, and offline maps. Additionally, the ability to find nearby amenities like restaurants or gas stations is crucial. User-friendly design and accurate directions are also important for a smooth experience.

Band 6-7

00:00

Well, there are finite number of apps on my phone and my computer. Out of all those, YouTube stands out. So, on a daily basis, mainly I use it for content watching such as travel vlogs, music videos or gameplays. Mostly I use it via the app. Sometimes I use it with the browser as well. I also possess the YouTube Premium subscription which removes the advertisements and also in the Brave browser, specifically that particular browser which I use, removes all the advertisements as well. In the year of 2012, as I am able to recall, I started using YouTube mainly for study purposes. Then I switched it back and forth to several other types of content such as gaming, travel vlogs, music videos, so on and so forth.

Follow up questions

What features do you like most about YouTube?

I really enjoy the variety of content available on YouTube. The recommendation algorithm is great at suggesting videos I might like. Additionally, the ability to create playlists and save videos for later viewing enhances my experience. The community aspect, with comments and likes, also adds to the engagement.

How has YouTube influenced your learning or hobbies?

YouTube has significantly influenced my learning by providing access to tutorials and educational content. For instance, I learned about video editing and photography through various channels. It has also helped me explore my hobbies, like travel and gaming, by connecting me with like-minded individuals and inspiring new interests.

Do you think YouTube is a good source of information?

While YouTube can be a great source of information, I believe it's essential to verify the credibility of the content. There are many knowledgeable creators, but there are also misleading videos. I always cross-check information with reliable sources, especially for educational topics.

Practice other cue cards

Band 6-7

00:00

There are various applications in my mobile phone, but the most favorite app of mine is Instagram. And I use this app during my weekdays and weekends. In addition to that, by using Instagram, I can gain my knowledge. It gives me enthusiasm to my lifestyle. Personally I like to watch 3D animation kind of movies and I have followed a lot of influencers who makes videos based on the 3D regarding the history and biology. I saw this app when I was in 10th class. Also I found that it is very beneficial for the students and also for the other human beings as by watching different kind of videos, we can gain our knowledge, enhance our different kind of activities.

Follow up questions

How has Instagram influenced your daily routine?

Instagram has significantly influenced my daily routine by providing me with a source of inspiration and knowledge. I often check it in the morning to see updates from my favorite influencers, which motivates me to start my day positively and stay informed about various topics.

What other apps do you find useful for learning?

Besides Instagram, I find apps like Duolingo and Khan Academy very useful for learning. Duolingo helps me learn new languages in a fun way, while Khan Academy offers a wide range of educational videos on subjects like math and science, enhancing my understanding.

Do you think social media apps can be distracting?

Yes, social media apps like Instagram can be distracting at times. While they provide valuable content, it's easy to get lost in scrolling through feeds. I try to set limits on my usage to ensure I focus on my studies and other important activities without getting sidetracked.

Band 6-7

00:00

yeah the app that I use is a video editing app called Filmora I often use it almost on every day so it's an app where we take clips video or audio clips and we edit to make it a big video clip so we can work to make vlogs and it's very easy to use and I found this app on social media and I randomly downloaded and started using it it saves a lot of time for video editing and whenever I have to post any videos on social media I use this app to edit the small photo clips on different days and different timings and I make a big video of all these small snippets instantly hence it will save a lot of time and I can use transitions in between the videos I can use filters I can make it more pleasing and appealing so the final output of the video will satisfy me so this app Filmora has been a life saviour in many ways for me

Follow up questions

What features do you like most about Filmora?

I really like the variety of transitions and filters available in Filmora. They help make my videos more engaging and visually appealing. The user interface is also very intuitive, which makes it easy for me to navigate and find the tools I need quickly.

Have you tried any other video editing apps?

Yes, I have tried a few other apps like Adobe Premiere Rush and iMovie. While they have their own unique features, I find Filmora to be more user-friendly and efficient for my needs, especially for quick edits before posting on social media.

How has using this app impacted your social media presence?

Using Filmora has significantly improved the quality of my videos, which has helped me gain more followers and engagement on my social media accounts. The polished look of my vlogs makes them more shareable and appealing to my audience.

Show all 15 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.