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.

71 unique answers with expert feedback

How do you think smartphones have changed communication?

Smartphones have revolutionized communication by enabling 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 effects of smartphone usage?

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

Do you think smartphones will continue to evolve in the future?

Yes, I believe smartphones will continue to evolve with advancements in technology. We may see improvements in artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and battery life, making smartphones even more integral to our daily lives and enhancing their capabilities.

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 devices like smart thermostats and smart security cameras very useful. They help manage energy consumption and enhance home security. Smart lights that can be controlled via an app are also great for convenience and energy savings.

How do you think inventions like Alexa impact family interactions?

Inventions like Alexa can enhance family interactions by providing a shared tool for entertainment and information. However, they might also lead to less face-to-face communication if family members rely too much on voice commands instead of talking to each other.

Do you think people rely too much on technology like Alexa?

Yes, I believe some people may rely too much on technology like Alexa for daily tasks. While it offers convenience, over-reliance can lead to a lack of basic skills, such as remembering shopping lists or managing schedules without assistance.

Band 7

00:00

I think an invention that is very useful in my daily life is ChatGPT. I wouldn't be surprised if everyone probably chooses this answer. What ChatGPT does is that it simplifies our lives in so many different ways. It is like Google, but just like a much more advanced version of Google. The best part about ChatGPT is that because it is based on AI and ML, it's extremely interactive, which makes it easy to have follow-up questions, which was previously very difficult when we used search engines like Google or Bing. I think it's the most popular open AI that we currently have in the world. There are competitors like Perplexity and Gemini emerging, recently even Copilot launched by Microsoft is making the headlines. But I still think that the most widely used AI currently is ChatGPT, especially in India, because we do have certain different LLMs emerge in different parts of the world. But I think the most popular LLM in India is definitely ChatGPT. I think it's super easy to use because it's so interactive and it provides instructions and directions every second. It's an extremely easy LLM to use. The most useful part about it is the interactivity that it presents, the ability to ask follow-up questions and the vast range of different features that it provides. So to sum it up, I think ChatGPT is an invention that has made our day-to-day life easy, whether you're in school, whether you're in college or whether you're at work, ChatGPT definitely makes our lives easy.

Follow up questions

How do you think ChatGPT compares to traditional search engines?

ChatGPT offers a more interactive experience than traditional search engines. While Google provides links to information, ChatGPT allows for a conversational approach, enabling users to ask follow-up questions and receive tailored responses, making information retrieval more efficient.

Can you share a specific example of how ChatGPT has helped you?

Certainly! I often use ChatGPT for studying. For instance, when I have a complex topic to understand, I can ask ChatGPT to explain it in simpler terms or provide examples. This interactive learning process has significantly improved my comprehension and retention of information.

What features of ChatGPT do you find most beneficial?

The most beneficial features of ChatGPT include its ability to provide instant responses, the option to ask clarifying questions, and its vast knowledge base. Additionally, its user-friendly interface makes it accessible for people of all ages, enhancing the overall experience.

Practice other cue cards

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 observe microorganisms and cellular structures that were previously invisible. This has led to significant discoveries in microbiology, genetics, and medicine, enhancing our understanding of life at a microscopic level.

Can you explain how microscopes are used in everyday life?

In everyday life, microscopes are used in various fields such as medicine for diagnosing diseases, in environmental science to study pollutants, and even in education to teach students about biology. They help us understand the world around us on a much smaller scale.

What are some advancements in microscope technology?

Recent advancements include digital microscopes that allow for real-time imaging and analysis, as well as super-resolution microscopy techniques that enable scientists to see structures at the nanometer scale. These innovations have greatly enhanced research capabilities in biology and other sciences.

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

How has the iPad changed the way you teach?

The iPad has transformed my teaching by allowing me to project notes and interact with students more dynamically. It enables me to take notes in real-time and address common mistakes immediately, fostering a more engaging learning environment.

What other inventions do you think are essential for teachers?

Apart from the iPad, I believe tools like interactive whiteboards and educational software are essential. They enhance interactivity and provide diverse resources, making lessons more engaging and effective for students.

Do you think technology in classrooms is beneficial for students?

Yes, I believe technology like the iPad is beneficial as it caters to different learning styles. It allows for personalized learning experiences and helps students engage with the material in a way that suits them best.

Show all 71 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

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

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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

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Answer

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