Describe a time when your computer broke down.: IELTS Speaking Cue Card
You should say
- When & how did it happen?
- What did you about it?
- How did you feel about it?

27 unique answers with expert feedback
Band 6-7
00:00
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00:00
Follow up questions
Follow up questions
How did you feel when your laptop broke down?
What steps did you take after the incident?
Have you had any other experiences with broken technology?
Band 6-7
00:00
/
00:00
Follow up questions
Follow up questions
How did you feel when you realized your data was erased?
What steps do you take now to prevent data loss?
Did this experience change your view on technology?

IELTS Cue Cards asked last week
Reported by Leap students who gave IELTS
Band 6-7
00:00
/
00:00
Follow up questions
Follow up questions
How did you feel when your laptop broke down?
What steps did you take to prevent future breakdowns?
Have you ever considered switching to a different brand of laptop?
Band 6-7
00:00
/
00:00
Follow up questions
Follow up questions
How did you feel when your laptop broke?
What steps did you take after the incident?
How did your daughter react to the situation?
Band 6-7
00:00
/
00:00
Follow up questions
Follow up questions
How did you feel when your computer broke down?
What did you learn from that experience?
How do you think technology impacts our daily lives?
Cue 1:When & how did it happen?
- Begin by describing the situation when your computer broke down, including the date and time.
- Mention any specific tasks you were doing at that moment that made the breakdown particularly inconvenient.
Example
It was a busy Monday morning, around 10 AM, when my computer suddenly froze while I was working on an important presentation for a client meeting. I had been typing away when the screen went blank, and I couldn't do anything to revive it.
Cue 2:What did you do about it?
- Explain the immediate steps you took to try to fix the issue, such as restarting the computer or checking connections.
- Mention if you sought help from someone else, like a technician or a friend.
Example
Initially, I tried to restart my computer, hoping it was just a temporary glitch. After several attempts, I realized it wasn’t working, so I called my friend who is good with computers. He suggested I take it to a nearby repair shop.
Cue 3:How did you feel about it?
- Share your emotions during the incident, focusing on feelings like frustration or anxiety.
- Reflect on how the breakdown impacted your day and your work.
Example
I felt extremely frustrated and anxious because I had a deadline to meet. The thought of losing my work made me panic, and I was worried about how I would explain this to my boss. It was a stressful situation.
Conclusion
- Summarize the overall experience and what you learned from it.
- Mention how you ensured it wouldn't happen again, like backing up your data.
Example
In conclusion, that experience taught me the importance of regularly backing up my work. Since then, I’ve made it a habit to save my files on cloud storage to avoid such stressful situations 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: Vague Descriptions
Using vague language can make your answer unclear. It's important to provide specific details about the incident to engage the listener and demonstrate your language skills.
Tip
Include specific details such as the date, the type of computer, and what exactly happened to make your story more vivid.
2: Neglecting Emotions
Failing to express your feelings can make your response less relatable. Sharing your emotions helps to connect with the examiner and adds depth to your answer.
Tip
Describe how you felt during the breakdown, whether it was frustration, anxiety, or relief, to make your answer more personal.
Lack of Structure
A disorganized response can confuse the listener. It's essential to structure your answer clearly to ensure it flows logically and covers all the cues.
Tip
Follow the cue card prompts in order: start with when it happened, then explain what you did, and finish with how you felt.

IELTS Cue Cards asked last week
Reported by Leap students who gave IELTS
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Band 6-7
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Band 6-7
Band 6-7
Band 6-7
Band 6-7
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Band 6-7
Band 6-7
Band 6-7

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