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.

75 unique answers with expert feedback

How do smartphones impact communication in your opinion?

Smartphones have revolutionized communication by allowing instant messaging, video calls, and social media interactions. They enable people to stay connected regardless of distance, fostering relationships and collaboration. However, they can also lead to misunderstandings due to the lack of non-verbal cues.

What are some negative effects of smartphone usage?

While smartphones offer many benefits, they can also lead to issues like addiction, decreased face-to-face interactions, and distractions. People may find it hard to focus on tasks or engage in real-life conversations, which can affect relationships and mental health.

How do you think smartphones will evolve in the future?

I believe smartphones will continue to evolve with advancements in AI and augmented reality. We might see more integration with our daily lives, such as smart home controls and health monitoring. The focus may shift towards enhancing user experience and connectivity while addressing privacy concerns.

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 in managing home energy efficiently and provide security by monitoring the surroundings. These devices can also be controlled remotely, adding to their convenience.

How do you think technology like Alexa will evolve in the future?

I believe technology like Alexa will become even more integrated into our daily lives. Future versions may have better AI capabilities, allowing for more personalized interactions. They might also be able to anticipate our needs and automate more tasks, making life even easier.

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

Yes, there are some downsides. Privacy concerns are significant, as these devices often collect data about our habits. Additionally, reliance on technology can lead to a lack of basic skills, as people may become too dependent on devices for everyday tasks.

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 will evolve in the future?

I believe ChatGPT will become even more advanced with better understanding of context and emotions. It may integrate more seamlessly with other technologies, making it an even more essential tool in our daily lives, possibly even helping with tasks like scheduling or personal reminders.

What are some specific tasks you use ChatGPT for?

I use ChatGPT for a variety of tasks such as brainstorming ideas for projects, getting quick answers to questions, and even learning new concepts. It's also helpful for writing assistance, whether it's drafting emails or creating content for social media.

Do you think there are any drawbacks to using AI like ChatGPT?

Yes, while ChatGPT is incredibly useful, there are drawbacks such as the potential for misinformation if the AI is not updated or trained properly. Additionally, over-reliance on AI can hinder critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the long run.

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.

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 are crucial in scientific research. Each of these tools has advanced our ability to analyze biological samples and conduct experiments, leading to breakthroughs in various fields.

Can you explain how microscopes are used in everyday life?

Microscopes are not only used in labs but also in various everyday applications, such as in medical diagnostics to examine blood samples, in education for teaching biology, and even in industries like food safety to inspect products for contaminants.

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 other inventions do you think are essential for teachers?

Other essential inventions for teachers include laptops for lesson planning, projectors for presentations, and educational software that enhances learning. Each tool serves a unique purpose, making teaching more efficient and engaging for students.

How do you think technology like the iPad will evolve in the future?

I believe technology like the iPad will become even more advanced, with features like augmented reality for interactive learning. Future devices may also become more affordable and accessible, allowing more students to benefit from them in educational settings.

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

Challenges include technical issues like connectivity problems, students being distracted by other apps, and the need for training to effectively integrate technology into lessons. Balancing tech use with traditional methods is also crucial for effective teaching.

Show all 75 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.

IELTS Cue Cards asked last week

Reported by Leap students who gave IELTS

Describe your favourite food at a traditional festival or a special event in your country

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

Pitampura Test Centre, New Delhi

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

Reported by

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.