Describe An Invention That Changed The World: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What is it?
How has it changed people's lives?
What benefits did it bring?
And explain if it is more important for older or younger people.

13 unique answers with expert feedback

How do you think smartphones have impacted communication?

Smartphones have transformed communication by making it instant and accessible. People can connect through calls, texts, and video chats regardless of distance. This has strengthened relationships and made it easier to stay in touch with loved ones, enhancing both personal and professional interactions.

What are some negative effects of smartphone usage?

While smartphones offer many benefits, they can also lead to issues like addiction, reduced face-to-face interactions, and distractions. People may find themselves spending too much time on their devices, which can affect their mental health and relationships, as well as their productivity.

In what ways do you think smartphones will evolve in the future?

In the future, smartphones may become even more integrated with our daily lives, possibly incorporating advanced AI, augmented reality, and improved health monitoring features. They could evolve into essential tools for managing our health, work, and personal lives seamlessly, making them even more indispensable.

Band 7

00:00

One invention that has profoundly changed the world is the smartphone introduced by Martin Cooper at Motorola. This device has transformed the way we communicate, work and entertain ourselves. Initially, smartphones were just a tool for making calls, but now they serve as mini-computers, enabling us to access information, connect globally and manage our daily tasks efficiently. Looking to the future, smartphones are likely to become even more integrated into our lives, perhaps with advancements in the artificial intelligence and augmented reality.

Follow up questions

How do you think smartphones have impacted personal relationships?

Smartphones have significantly changed personal relationships by allowing constant communication. While they help maintain connections over long distances, they can also lead to misunderstandings and reduced face-to-face interactions, affecting the quality of relationships.

What are some negative effects of smartphone usage?

Some negative effects of smartphone usage include addiction, decreased attention spans, and social isolation. People may find themselves spending too much time on their devices, leading to a lack of real-world interactions and potential mental health issues.

In what ways do you think smartphones will evolve in the next decade?

In the next decade, smartphones may evolve to include more advanced AI capabilities, seamless integration with smart home devices, and enhanced augmented reality features. This could lead to more intuitive user experiences and further blur the lines between digital and physical interactions.

Band 7

00:00

There have been many inventions throughout history that have changed the world, some for the better, like the invention of penicillin, and others worse, like the invention of the nuclear bomb. But there is not one invention that has changed the world as much and as impactfully as the invention of the iPhone. It practically changed the entire communication and mobile phone landscape in the entirety of the world. The iPhone was an idea born in the head of the one and only Steve Jobs. What felt like an unthinkable concept before his engineers ended up being a catalyst for incredible change. The iPhone, as he said on stage, was not just an internet explorer, a camera, or an iPod. It was a combination of all three that would go on to revolutionize the way we communicate with each other and the way we imagine what the future could be. Because of that very reason, I would say the iPhone is the most impactful invention and innovation of the modern day world and of the 21st century in general. Sure, there have been close calls, like the emergence of AI and quantum computing, but I cannot think of a more apt describer of what technology is.

Follow up questions

What other inventions do you think have had a significant impact on society?

In addition to the iPhone, inventions like the internet, electricity, and the automobile have profoundly shaped society. The internet has revolutionized access to information and communication, while electricity powers our daily lives. Each of these inventions has transformed how we live and interact.

How do you think future inventions will change our lives?

Future inventions, especially in fields like AI and biotechnology, have the potential to further revolutionize our lives. We might see advancements in healthcare, sustainable energy, and even space exploration, which could significantly improve quality of life and address global challenges.

Do you believe that all inventions are beneficial? Why or why not?

Not all inventions are beneficial. While many improve our lives, others can have negative consequences, like pollution from industrial inventions or privacy concerns from digital technologies. It's essential to weigh the pros and cons of each invention and consider ethical implications.

Practice other cue cards

Describe a public facility( for example a museum or a library ) that been renovated and improved recently

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Describe a development in your country like shopping centre, park etcetera

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Band 7

00:00

So, firstly, the invention that changed the world from my perspective would be electricity, the invention of electricity by Thomas Alma Edison or Nikola Tesla. Now, the inventor of this electricity is a different debate altogether. But I would say that it has definitely revolutionized the way we live, as well as how industries and machineries have been working. Electricity has been used in different sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, as well as education and businesses. We use it in everyday life, right from waking up by a digital alarm clock to brushing our teeth with an electric toothbrush. We also drive an electric car nowadays and use elevators to reach our desired floor. So, I would say the use of electricity has really helped to automize a lot of monotonous tasks for humans and has benefited overall mankind by powering other inventions, other human inventions. So, I would say it's a really important invention that has changed the world.

Follow up questions

How has electricity impacted daily life beyond basic tasks?

Electricity has transformed daily life by enabling communication through devices like smartphones and computers. It powers the internet, allowing instant access to information and connecting people globally. Additionally, it has improved entertainment options, such as streaming services and video games.

What are some negative effects of our reliance on electricity?

While electricity has many benefits, its reliance can lead to issues like environmental pollution from power generation, increased energy consumption, and vulnerability to power outages. Additionally, over-dependence on electrical devices can reduce physical activity and social interactions.

Can you think of any recent inventions that rely heavily on electricity?

Recent inventions like electric vehicles, smart home devices, and renewable energy technologies such as solar panels rely heavily on electricity. These innovations not only enhance convenience but also aim to reduce carbon footprints and promote sustainability in our daily lives.

Band 6-7

00:00

Well, I believe that the greatest invention that changed the world is a pen. Well, we have heard the very famous thought or quote, as I can say, that a pen is mightier than a sword. How it has changed our lives, with the use of a pen, we could do writing. Multiple tasks can be performed with it, other than writing like it can be used for personal safety as well. Well, the things we can do with a pen are beyond our imagination. Pen we obtain nowadays in stationery are of different colors, which helps us to enhance our creativity while displaying our work on the form of our feelings, emotions or our imagination on paper. Well, the things we could do with a pen are multiple uses, which can be brought in many ways. It is beneficial to both young and old people. For young generation, it can be used for their learning to able to increase their cerebral growth in a kind of manner. For old people, it could help them to write down things well in a way is which through the history is created nowadays. A pen is something which brings us closer by reminding us our history or writing down the history to the future world, so that we could note the things which can be perspectively

Follow up questions

How do you think technology has impacted the use of pens?

Technology has greatly impacted the use of pens by introducing digital alternatives like tablets and styluses. However, traditional pens still hold value for their tactile experience and the personal touch they provide in writing. Many people still prefer using pens for note-taking and creative expression.

Can you think of any other inventions that have had a similar impact?

Yes, inventions like the printing press and the telephone have also changed the world significantly. The printing press revolutionized the way information was disseminated, while the telephone transformed communication, making it instant and accessible. Both inventions, like the pen, have shaped human interaction and knowledge sharing.

What role do you think writing plays in modern education?

Writing plays a crucial role in modern education as it enhances critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills. Despite the rise of digital tools, writing by hand is still encouraged for better retention and understanding. It allows students to express their thoughts clearly and develop their ideas effectively.

Show all 13 answers

Cue 1:What is it?

Begin by clearly stating the invention you are referring to, such as the internet or the telephone.
Provide a brief background on when it was invented and by whom.

Example

The invention I want to talk about is the internet. It was developed in the late 20th century, with significant contributions from various scientists, including Tim Berners-Lee, who created the World Wide Web in 1989.

Cue 2:How has it changed people's lives?

Discuss the transformative impact of the invention on daily life, communication, and access to information.
Mention specific examples of how it has made tasks easier or more efficient.

Example

The internet has revolutionized the way we communicate and access information. For instance, I can now connect with friends and family across the globe instantly through social media platforms. Additionally, I can find information on any topic within seconds, which has made learning much more accessible.

Cue 3:What benefits did it bring?

Highlight the various benefits that the invention has provided to society, such as improved education, business opportunities, and social connectivity.
Include personal experiences or observations to make it relatable.

Example

One of the major benefits of the internet is the enhancement of education. Online courses have allowed me to learn new skills from the comfort of my home. Moreover, businesses have thrived by reaching a wider audience through e-commerce, which has created numerous job opportunities.

Cue 4:And explain if it is more important for older or younger people.

Consider the different ways the invention impacts various age groups.
Provide a reasoned opinion on which group benefits more and why.

Example

I believe the internet is more important for younger people. They are digital natives and rely heavily on it for education, social interaction, and entertainment. However, older people also benefit, especially in staying connected with family and accessing information, but they may not utilize it as extensively as the younger generation.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, the internet is a groundbreaking invention that has profoundly changed our lives. It has made communication easier, education more accessible, and has opened up countless opportunities for people of all ages, though its impact is most significant for the younger generation.

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 invention and its impact to engage the listener.

Tip

Use clear examples and specific details about the invention to illustrate its significance and effects on people's lives.

2: Ignoring the Cues

Failing to address all the cues can lead to an incomplete answer. Each cue is designed to guide your response and ensure you cover all aspects.

Tip

Make sure to answer each cue systematically, ensuring you discuss the invention, its impact, benefits, and its relevance to different age groups.

Overly Complex Language

Using complicated vocabulary or sentence structures can confuse the listener. It's better to communicate your ideas simply and clearly.

Tip

Focus on using straightforward language and clear sentences to express your thoughts effectively, making it easier for the examiner to understand.

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Answer

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Describe a time when your friend damaged something you owned

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