Describe a time when you had a problem with using the computer: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

When did it happen?
Where did it happen?
What was the problem?
How did you solve the problem in the end?

14 unique answers with expert feedback

How did you feel when your laptop stopped working during the project?

I felt a surge of panic initially because the deadline was looming. It was stressful to think that I might not be able to submit my work on time. However, I quickly realized I needed to stay calm and find a solution.

What steps did you take to resolve the issue with your laptop?

I first tried to charge the laptop and switch it on, but when that failed, I consulted a nearby store. After learning that the charger was the issue, I reached out to friends for a spare charger and eventually guided a colleague to help complete the project.

What did you learn from this experience with technology?

I learned the importance of being resourceful and staying calm under pressure. It taught me to think creatively and rely on my network for support. Also, it highlighted the need for backup plans when working with technology.

Band 7

00:00

I was in standard 10 preparing for my science project. I had to create a PowerPoint presentation on my project. The project was based on the topic thermodynamics. I completed the project but when it came to the point where I had to make my own presentation using a computer, I was confident that I could really do it but I was not that tech savvy during that time. So I started doing it and there it was. I wanted to create a really tempting PowerPoint presentation to impress the teacher but I got stuck in the middle. I asked my brother to help me out but it was quite shameful to ask my younger brother to teach me how to operate a computer but I knew learning can never be shameful at. I swallowed my pride and asked him to really teach me how to make an amazing presentation that could catch any reader's eye. He taught me how to use the various tools, AI to enhance the presentation and I could finally be able to complete it before the deadline and submit it to my teacher. Surprisingly everybody in my class loved the presentation especially my teacher who said that it was an outstanding presentation and it really stood out amongst everybody else.

Follow up questions

What specific features did you use in PowerPoint to enhance your presentation?

I used various features like animations, transitions, and smart art to make my slides visually appealing. I also incorporated images and graphs to illustrate my points better. The use of color schemes helped in making the presentation more engaging.

How did you feel when you finally completed your presentation?

I felt a huge sense of relief and accomplishment. After struggling with the technical aspects, finishing the presentation gave me confidence. I was proud of the final product and excited to share it with my classmates and teacher.

What did you learn from this experience about asking for help?

I learned that asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a strength. It’s important to seek assistance when needed, as it can lead to better outcomes. My brother's guidance not only helped me with the presentation but also strengthened our bond.

Band 6-7

00:00

So the time when I had a problem with using the computer is when I made up a 3D design for one of client and we had a deadline for 3 days but somehow my computer doesn't work and I couldn't generate a render of it. So the problem is my Lumion doesn't work properly because of slow internet. So I asked to my manager to attach a good wifi network so whenever we improve our internet speed and then... What? The gas will be low.

Follow up questions

How did you feel when your computer failed to work on the project?

I felt really stressed and anxious because I was under pressure to meet the deadline. It was frustrating to see my work halted due to technical issues, especially since I had invested a lot of time in the design.

What steps did you take to resolve the computer issue?

I immediately communicated with my manager about the problem. We discussed upgrading the internet connection, and I also tried troubleshooting the software to see if there were any settings I could adjust to improve performance.

Have you experienced similar issues with technology in the past?

Yes, I have faced similar issues before, especially with software crashing or slow internet affecting my work. Each time, I learned the importance of having a backup plan and ensuring that my equipment is up to date.

Practice other cue cards

Band 6-7

00:00

Well, technology is tremendously increasing and it provides us various technical gadgets like mobile phones, laptops and many more. It makes our life more easy as compared to past. These days, people are totally dependent on technical gadgets. However, here I would like to shed some light on a time when I had a problem with the computer. It was about 4 years before, when COVID pandemic was on peak, all the shops were closed. As per Indian government instruction, during that time, I was attending my classes because of everything was closed due to COVID pandemic. Then suddenly, I got a technical problem in my computer and I was not attending my classes because of an issue in my computer. Unfortunately, I could not go to the shopkeeper because the shops were closed. Then I decided to discuss about it with my cousin brother because he had a knowledge of technical gadgets. He is an electrician and he came in my home and he solved the problem of my computer and after that I was able to attend the classes and I felt over the moon because I have a keen interest in education. It was very precious for me to attend the classes because my career totally depends on education and I think it is very important for everyone to learn education and technical gadgets are more important nowadays in every country.

Follow up questions

How do you think technology has changed education?

Technology has revolutionized education by making learning more accessible and interactive. Online classes, educational apps, and digital resources allow students to learn at their own pace and from anywhere, enhancing the overall educational experience.

What are some common technical problems people face with computers?

Common technical problems include software crashes, hardware failures, slow performance, and connectivity issues. These problems can disrupt work and learning, making it essential for users to have basic troubleshooting skills or access to technical support.

How important is it to have technical knowledge in today's world?

Having technical knowledge is crucial in today's world as most jobs require some level of computer literacy. Understanding how to use technology effectively can enhance productivity, improve problem-solving skills, and open up more career opportunities.

Band 6-7

00:00

So, at the time when I had a problem, so there was a time when I had a problem like using a computer, which was about six months ago when I was working from home. So I needed something like an important report for my job, but suddenly my laptop froze and became completely unresponsive. So this happened in my home office, and at first I felt quite stressed because the line was very close. So the problem was the computer was stuck on the loading screen and then would not start properly. So no matter what I tried, I attempted to restart it several times, but the issue persisted since I wasn't very tech-savvy. I decided to look for a solution online. I watched a few tutorial videos and followed the steps for booting the laptop into safe mode, which allowed me to troubleshoot the issue. Eventually, I discovered that a recent software update had caused a conflict, so I restored the system to an earlier point before the update. After that, my laptop worked normally again, and I was able to finish and submit the report on time. This experience helped me to stay calm when facing technical problems and to use available resources like online guides to solve them.

Follow up questions

How do you usually handle technical issues with your devices?

I usually try to stay calm and assess the situation first. If it's a minor issue, I might attempt to fix it myself. For more complicated problems, I look for online resources or ask friends who are more tech-savvy for help.

Have you ever faced similar issues with other devices?

Yes, I've had similar issues with my smartphone and tablet. Once, my phone wouldn't turn on, and I had to research how to perform a hard reset. It was frustrating, but I learned a lot about troubleshooting different devices.

What advice would you give someone who is not tech-savvy?

I would advise them to remain calm and not panic. They should try to look for online tutorials or guides, as there are many resources available. It's also helpful to ask someone who knows more about technology for assistance.

Show all 14 answers

Cue 1:When did it happen?

Mention a specific time frame, such as a particular day or month, to give context to your experience.
Explain any relevant circumstances that led to the problem occurring at that time.

Example

It happened about three months ago, during the peak of my final exams. I was preparing for my computer science paper, and I had planned to complete my project that evening.

Cue 2:Where did it happen?

Describe the location where you were using the computer, such as your home, a library, or a friend's place.
Include details about the environment that might have contributed to the situation.

Example

I was at home, sitting at my study desk in my room. It was a quiet evening, and I had all my study materials spread out around me, creating a focused atmosphere.

Cue 3:What was the problem?

Clearly state the issue you faced with the computer, such as a software crash or hardware failure.
Explain how this problem affected your ability to complete your tasks.

Example

Suddenly, my computer froze while I was running a crucial software program for my project. I panicked because I hadn’t saved my work in a while, and I was worried about losing everything.

Cue 4:How did you solve the problem in the end?

Discuss the steps you took to resolve the issue, including any troubleshooting methods or help you sought.
Mention the outcome and what you learned from the experience.

Example

I took a deep breath and decided to restart my computer. Thankfully, when it rebooted, I found that the auto-recovery feature had saved my work. I also learned the importance of saving my work frequently and started using cloud storage for future projects.

Conclusion

Example

This experience taught me valuable lessons about technology and the importance of being prepared for unexpected issues. Now, I always make sure to back up my work regularly, which has made my study sessions much less stressful.

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: Vague Descriptions

Using vague language can make your response unclear. Avoid general statements that do not provide specific details about the problem or the situation.

Tip

Be specific about the time, place, and nature of the problem. Use clear examples to illustrate your experience.

2: Ignoring the Cues

Not addressing all the cues can lead to an incomplete answer. Each cue is designed to help structure your response effectively.

Tip

Make sure to answer all the cues in order. This will help you stay organized and cover all important aspects of your experience.

Lack of Problem-Solving Detail

Failing to explain how you solved the problem can make your response less engaging. It's important to show your thought process and actions.

Tip

Describe the steps you took to resolve the issue. Highlight any challenges you faced and how you overcame them to add depth to your answer.

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