Describe an app you use on your mobile phone.: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What is it?
How do you use it?
What benefits do you get from it?

68 unique answers with expert feedback

What type of content do you usually watch on YouTube?

I usually watch educational videos related to my course subjects, tutorials, and lectures. I also enjoy documentaries and some entertainment content to relax after studying. The variety keeps me engaged and helps me learn in different ways.

How has YouTube changed the way you study?

YouTube has made studying more interactive and accessible for me. I can find visual explanations of complex topics, which helps me understand better. Additionally, I can pause and replay videos, allowing me to learn at my own pace.

Do you think there are any downsides to using YouTube for learning?

Yes, there are some downsides. Sometimes, the quality of information can vary, and it can be distracting due to unrelated content. It's important to be selective about the channels I follow to ensure I get accurate and useful information.

Band 6-7

00:00

I use a lot of apps during my day-to-day life but especially I want to talk about the app that I use most of the times which is a chat GPT which is a AI tool now recently updated in the Play Store and this app I use day on the daily basis more than other apps like whatsapp and Instagram I use this app as much as time the benefits of that app is various benefits by using of that app like I'm a working professional so in my day-to-day life I am facing a various coding challenges like solving errors and then updating some new course into the existing environment so I often use that chat GPT app for solving my doubts and they give me an appropriate answer according to my prompt and it always helps me to solve any problem in terms of coding and others problem also within a couple of minute and this AI tool which helps to do any other tasks like suppose we want to planning to go for trip so we have to make itinerary for that so if we give the related prompt to about the trip so within a couple of seconds that tool app will be give the basic itinerary plan for you and it helps in time-consuming and also you can depend on that app so you not have to depend on any other agencies for that and there are various other benefits like suppose

Follow up questions

How has the app changed the way you approach your work?

The app has significantly streamlined my workflow. It allows me to quickly find solutions to coding issues, which saves me time and reduces frustration. Instead of spending hours searching for answers, I can get immediate assistance, making me more efficient in my job.

What features of the app do you find most useful?

I find the instant response feature particularly useful. The ability to receive quick answers to my coding queries is invaluable. Additionally, the itinerary planning feature helps me organize trips effortlessly, making it a versatile tool for both work and personal life.

Do you think you would recommend this app to others? Why?

Absolutely! I would recommend this app to anyone, especially professionals in tech fields. Its ability to provide quick solutions and assist in planning makes it a must-have. It enhances productivity and can save users a lot of time, which is crucial in today's fast-paced environment.

Band 6-7

00:00

Instagram is one of the most used apps in my phone. I use Instagram a lot because literally everything is there in the app. I can watch reels that are fun, that are cute, that give positive vibes. I can also look at the memes that my friends share and have a good laugh. I can read news and in Instagram itself the news headlines are generally short so you can read it quickly without having to read entire articles of news. There are some places, there are some pages that give long articles but then I tend to stick with the short and crisp news. I get everyday updates in Instagram, like I said, news runs faster in the app and also I get updates of my friends' lives from Instagram too. At the same time I get to connect with people who are not close by and tag each other under posts or under stories so that we keep in touch. Instagram is one of my favorite apps of all the other apps that I have and I believe I'll be using this app even when I'm well into my 50s or 60s. I'll never get fed up of Instagram.

Follow up questions

What features of Instagram do you find most appealing?

I find the variety of content on Instagram very appealing. The reels are entertaining, and I love the memes shared by friends. The ability to quickly catch up on news with short headlines is also a great feature, making it easy to stay informed without spending too much time.

How do you think social media apps like Instagram affect relationships?

Social media apps like Instagram can strengthen relationships by allowing people to stay connected, even from afar. It helps maintain friendships through regular updates and interactions. However, it can also create a false sense of closeness if people rely solely on online interactions.

Do you think you'll still use Instagram in the future? Why?

Yes, I believe I'll continue using Instagram in the future because it keeps evolving with new features. It serves as a platform for creativity, connection, and staying updated on trends, which I find valuable regardless of my age.

Practice other cue cards

Band 6-7

00:00

Okay, so well, I would like to talk about an application which I use very frequently in my mobile phone. It is none other than Instagram. You know, I use this Instagram through my mobile phone, I don't like to log in through the laptop. And the main reason why I use this application is to relieve my stress. Sometimes when I get bored, I used to, you know, scroll in this application. And there are a lot of interesting features we have in this application, like, you know, you can take a beautiful pictures using the filters in the Instagram. And I can also say that we can find a good friends over there in the Instagram. And so on so like, there are a lot of good features that we can use it when it comes to the Instagram. And obviously, I've got scold from my mother for using this application a lot because you know, like, and yes, you know, I am not an influencer, actually, I just have this application and here, whatever I have in my mind, I posted in my profile, I have collected it as a memory. So that's it.

Follow up questions

What other apps do you use for relaxation besides Instagram?

Besides Instagram, I also use meditation apps like Calm and music streaming apps like Spotify. They help me unwind and relax after a long day. I find that listening to music or guided meditations can be very beneficial for my mental health.

How do you think social media affects our relationships?

Social media can have both positive and negative effects on relationships. On one hand, it helps us stay connected with friends and family, but on the other hand, it can lead to misunderstandings and jealousy. It's important to find a balance in how we use these platforms.

Do you think you spend too much time on social media?

Yes, I sometimes feel that I spend too much time on social media, especially when I find myself mindlessly scrolling. I try to set limits for myself, but it can be challenging. I believe it's important to be mindful of our screen time and prioritize real-life interactions.

Band 6-7

00:00

Okay, talking about the app which I use most is Instagram, which is social networking app and it is available both on iOS and Android device. Okay, so talking about what I do on Instagram is I watch every kind of reels, reels can be informative, then it can be entertaining and I would like to watch reels based on knowledge gaining videos and basically it is for networking where we can post our videos, we can post our photos and after posting we get likes and there is a feature that you can, you can put your display profile on the DP and then you can mention your, let's say bio in that section and for everyone it will be the public account and if you want to have a private account then you can have a private account settings and if your account is public then you can, anyone can see your followers and following and along with that whole profile then I use that app so that I can be up to date on news and I think it's quite, it's quite hype these days because Instagram is growing day by day and using Instagram can give monetary benefits also and I think it's astonishingly great that people showcase their talent on Instagram.

Follow up questions

How do you think Instagram has changed the way we communicate?

Instagram has transformed communication by allowing users to share visual content instantly. It fosters connections through likes, comments, and direct messages, making interactions more engaging. This visual platform encourages creativity and expression, which can enhance personal and professional relationships.

What are some negative effects of using Instagram?

While Instagram has its benefits, it can also lead to issues like comparison, anxiety, and addiction. Users may feel pressured to present a perfect image, which can affect self-esteem. Additionally, excessive use can lead to decreased face-to-face interactions and a distorted perception of reality.

Do you think social media apps like Instagram can influence trends?

Absolutely! Instagram plays a significant role in shaping trends, from fashion to lifestyle choices. Influencers and brands use the platform to showcase new products, which can quickly gain popularity. This influence can drive consumer behavior and even impact cultural movements.

Show all 68 answers

Cue 1:What is it?

Begin by naming the app and its primary function.
Mention how long you have been using it and why you chose it.

Example

The app I want to talk about is WhatsApp. It's a messaging application that allows me to send texts, make voice and video calls, and share images and documents. I've been using it for over five years now because it helps me stay connected with my friends and family, especially those who live far away.

Cue 2:How do you use it?

Describe your daily routine with the app, including specific features you use.
Mention any groups or chats that are particularly important to you.

Example

I use WhatsApp daily to communicate with my family and friends. I often check my messages first thing in the morning. I also participate in a few group chats, like one with my college friends where we share updates and plan meet-ups. The voice and video call features are especially useful when I want to have a more personal conversation.

Cue 3:What benefits do you get from it?

Highlight the advantages of using the app in your life.
Discuss how it has improved your communication or social interactions.

Example

WhatsApp has greatly improved my communication. It allows me to stay in touch with loved ones without any cost, as long as I have internet access. Additionally, the ability to send quick voice messages or make video calls has made it easier to maintain relationships, especially during the pandemic when meeting in person was difficult.

Conclusion

Summarize the key points about the app and its significance in your life.
Express any future intentions regarding the app or similar apps.

Example

In conclusion, WhatsApp is an essential app for me that keeps me connected with my loved ones. I plan to continue using it as it evolves and adds new features, and I appreciate how it has made communication so much easier.

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 app to engage the listener and demonstrate your language skills.

Tip

Instead of saying 'it's useful', explain how it helps you in daily tasks or improves your life.

2: Lack of Structure

Failing to follow the cue prompts can lead to a disorganized response. This may confuse the examiner and make it hard to follow your points.

Tip

Organize your answer by addressing each cue in order: start with what the app is, then how you use it, and finally its benefits.

Overly Technical Language

Using too much technical jargon can alienate the listener, especially if they are not familiar with the app. It's important to keep your language accessible.

Tip

Use simple language to explain features of the app, and avoid complex terms unless you define them clearly.

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Anonymous student Band 7.5

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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

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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.