Describe An Invention That Is Useful In Your Daily Life: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What is the invention?
What can it do?
How popular is it?
Is it difficult or easy to use?
And explain why it is useful.

58 unique answers with expert feedback

How do you think smartphones have changed communication?

Smartphones have revolutionized communication by allowing instant messaging, video calls, and social media interactions. This has made it easier to stay connected with friends and family, regardless of distance, and has also facilitated global communication for business and personal purposes.

What are some negative impacts of smartphone usage?

While smartphones offer many benefits, they can also lead to issues such as decreased face-to-face interactions, addiction, and distractions. Over-reliance on smartphones may affect mental health and productivity, as people often find it hard to disconnect from their devices.

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

In the future, smartphones may become even more integrated with AI, offering personalized experiences. We might see advancements in augmented reality, improved battery life, and enhanced security features. Additionally, the role of smartphones in health monitoring and smart home integration could expand significantly.

Band 7

00:00

A recent invention is the device Alexa by Amazon. Many people, many homes have it now. But I feel only very few know how to use the full extent of it. Make use of the full extent. Alexa does so many things from adding things to your shopping cart, to controlling your lights, to playing your best music, to waking you up in the morning. And all while not attaching any emotions to her voice, which is a very pleasant thing to hear. I have been using Alexa for a few months now and I think I'll continue using it for a long time. She also comes in many colours and I like the black one personally. My entire family makes use of different aspects of Alexa. She is on most of the time and she responds to voice commands, which makes her very easy to use.

Follow up questions

What are some other smart devices you think are useful?

In addition to Alexa, I find smart thermostats like Nest very useful. They help save energy by learning your schedule and adjusting the temperature accordingly. Smart security cameras are also great for keeping an eye on your home when you're away.

How do you think technology has changed our daily routines?

Technology has significantly streamlined our daily routines. Tasks that once took time, like shopping or managing schedules, can now be done quickly with voice commands or apps. This convenience allows us to focus on more important aspects of our lives.

Do you think there are any downsides to using smart devices?

Yes, while smart devices offer convenience, they can also lead to privacy concerns. There's always a risk of data breaches or unauthorized access. Additionally, over-reliance on technology might reduce our ability to perform tasks manually.

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Band 7

00:00

So, being a biology student myself, I would definitely say that the most important invention of all time is the microscope. Microscope is a device that helps us to visualize the invisible microbes that are present in the environment. And the microscope is literally used in each and every biological labs and it is kind of easy to use, I would say. And moreover...

Follow up questions

How has the microscope changed the field of biology?

The microscope has revolutionized biology by allowing scientists to study microorganisms, cells, and tissues in detail. This has led to significant advancements in understanding diseases, developing vaccines, and improving laboratory techniques, ultimately enhancing our knowledge of life sciences.

What other inventions do you think are important in scientific research?

In addition to the microscope, inventions like the centrifuge, PCR machines, and DNA sequencers have greatly impacted scientific research. Each of these tools has enabled researchers to conduct experiments more efficiently and accurately, leading to groundbreaking discoveries in various fields.

Can you explain how microscopes are used in everyday life outside of labs?

Microscopes are used in various everyday applications, such as in medical diagnostics to analyze blood samples, in quality control in manufacturing to inspect materials, and even in education to teach students about biology. Their versatility makes them essential in many fields beyond just research.

Practice other cue cards

Band 7

00:00

An invention that is useful in my daily life is an iPad. It can perform all the functions that a computer can and and it has a touchscreen. It is quite popular but the fact that it's slightly expensive may make it less accessible to a lot of people. I find it extremely user friendly. Since I am a teacher I have to take running notes in a lot of meetings. I need to teach my class, access resources from the internet and edit a lot of documents. Having an iPad helps me fulfill all of these and a lot more. One of the ways in which I use my iPad in the class is that I use a notes app of the iPad and I project that on the projector of my class. As I do my board work on the iPad I also take my iPad around in the class while I am teaching and help my students solve questions on it. So instead of coming to the board and solving questions on the board my students are able to be in their spaces and still have their responses projected to the rest of the class. It helps me identify common mistakes that students are making and how I can support them in getting better. Another reason why I find it very effective, I find the iPad very effective is because it easily connects to a lot of the projection screens in my school and the school encourages the use of the iPad. A lot of students in my school also have the iPad.

Follow up questions

What are some other inventions that have changed the way you teach?

Other inventions that have changed my teaching include interactive whiteboards and educational apps. These tools engage students more effectively and allow for a more dynamic learning environment. They also facilitate collaboration among students, making lessons more interactive.

How do you think technology will continue to impact education in the future?

I believe technology will further personalize learning experiences, making education more accessible. Innovations like virtual reality and artificial intelligence could provide immersive learning environments and tailored educational resources, enhancing student engagement and understanding.

What challenges do you face when using technology in the classroom?

Some challenges include technical issues, such as connectivity problems or device malfunctions. Additionally, not all students may have equal access to technology, which can create disparities in learning opportunities. It's important to find ways to address these challenges to ensure all students benefit.

Band 7

00:00

An invention that is extremely useful in everyday life, according to me, is the television. Television was invented in the 1900s and ever since its invention, it has always been a useful aid to humankind. I think that it is present everywhere in the world, in all the households. It is present in showrooms, it is present in cafes, houses and is ubiquitous. It is very popular among the kids, among the senior citizens and across all the age groups because it is an invention that not only provides us with audio-video, but also it is one of the best means for the entire family to spend time together by watching something on television. I think that it is more popular among the kids because many kids like to watch cartoons and movies on the television during their free time when they have completed their work.

Follow up questions

How has television changed the way families spend time together?

Television has transformed family time by providing shared entertainment experiences. Families can gather to watch shows or movies, fostering discussions and bonding moments. It has become a central part of family life, allowing for collective enjoyment and interaction over shared interests.

What are some negative effects of television on children?

While television can be entertaining, it can also have negative effects on children, such as promoting sedentary behavior, exposure to inappropriate content, and reducing time spent on physical activities or reading. It's important for parents to monitor what their children watch and encourage a balanced lifestyle.

Do you think the internet will eventually replace traditional television?

The internet has already started to change how we consume media, with streaming services becoming increasingly popular. However, traditional television still holds a significant place in many households. It may evolve rather than be completely replaced, integrating more with online platforms.

Show all 58 answers

Cue 1:What is the invention?

Begin by clearly stating the invention you want to talk about.
Provide a brief background on how you came to know about this invention.

Example

The invention I want to talk about is the smartphone. I first got my hands on a smartphone about five years ago, and it has completely transformed the way I communicate and access information.

Cue 2:What can it do?

List the main features and functions of the smartphone.
Explain how these features are beneficial in daily life.

Example

A smartphone can make calls, send messages, browse the internet, and use various applications. It allows me to stay connected with friends and family, manage my schedule, and even shop online, all from the palm of my hand.

Cue 3:How popular is it?

Discuss the widespread use of smartphones in your community or country.
Mention any statistics or observations that highlight its popularity.

Example

Smartphones are incredibly popular in India, with millions of users across the country. According to recent statistics, over 500 million people in India own a smartphone, making it an essential part of everyday life.

Cue 4:Is it difficult or easy to use?

Share your personal experience regarding the ease of use of the smartphone.
Mention any learning curve or challenges you faced initially.

Example

I found smartphones to be very user-friendly. Initially, I had some trouble navigating the apps, but with a little practice, I quickly became proficient. Now, I can easily use it for various tasks without any issues.

Cue 5:And explain why it is useful.

Highlight the advantages of having a smartphone in your daily life.
Explain how it has improved your productivity or quality of life.

Example

The smartphone is useful because it keeps me organized and connected. I can set reminders for important tasks, stay updated with news, and even video call my relatives who live far away. It has truly made my life more convenient.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, the smartphone is an invention that has significantly impacted my daily life. Its versatility and ease of use make it an indispensable tool for communication, organization, and entertainment.

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. Candidates often fail to provide specific details about the invention, which can lead to a lack of engagement from the examiner.

Tip

Be specific about the invention. Use clear examples and details to illustrate its features and benefits.

2: Ignoring Popularity

Neglecting to discuss the popularity of the invention can weaken your response. It's important to show how widely used the invention is in daily life.

Tip

Include statistics or personal observations about how many people use the invention and its impact on society.

Overcomplicating Usage

Describing the invention as overly complicated can confuse the examiner. Candidates should aim to explain how easy or difficult it is to use in simple terms.

Tip

Clearly explain the usage in straightforward language, highlighting any features that make it user-friendly.

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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

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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.