Describe a piece of technology you find useful: cue card and sample answer

Cue card

Describe a piece of technology, other than a phone, that you find useful.

You should say:

what it is
when you got it
how often you use it

and explain why it is useful to you.

You have one minute to prepare and should speak for one to two minutes.

Try it before you read the sample. Answer this card out loud with our AI examiner and get an estimated band.

Practise with the AI examiner

Sample answer

About 237 words, or roughly two minutes of speaking.

The piece of technology I'd like to talk about is my e-reader, which is a small device for reading digital books. My sister gave it to me as a birthday present about four years ago, and at first I wasn't sure I'd use it, because I've always preferred the feel of a real book.

As it turned out, I use it almost every day. I read on the train to work, which is about forty minutes each way, and usually for a while before I go to sleep. I'd guess I get through two or three books a month on it, which is far more than I managed before.

It's useful for several reasons. The most obvious one is that it's so light. I can carry hundreds of books in my coat pocket, which makes a real difference when I travel. The screen isn't like a phone or a tablet, either. It doesn't shine a bright light into your eyes, so I can read for hours without getting a headache, and the battery lasts for weeks.

The feature I rely on most, though, is the built-in dictionary. I read a lot in English, and when I come across a word I don't know, I just press on it and the meaning appears. That has done more for my vocabulary than any course. It also doesn't send me notifications, so unlike my phone, it actually helps me concentrate.

Why this works: it covers every point on the card in order, gives specific details and a short story rather than general statements, and ends by explaining the feeling or reason, which the last line of the card asks for.

Useful vocabulary

as it turned out: used to say what actually happened, often a surprise
get through: to finish a quantity of something, such as books or work
make a real difference: to have an important effect
rely on: to need or depend on something
built-in: included as part of a device, not added separately
come across: to find or meet something by chance

Rounding-off question

After you finish, the examiner may ask one short question, such as:

Do your friends have one too?

Part 3 questions: Technology and society

In Part 3, the examiner asks more abstract questions linked to the cue card topic. Give an opinion, explain why, and add an example.

Has technology made people lazier?

In some ways, yes. We no longer remember phone numbers or directions, and many people order food rather than cook. On the other hand, technology has removed a lot of boring work, and people often use the time they save productively. So I'd say it has made us physically lazier, but not necessarily lazier in general.

Should children learn computer programming at school?

I think a basic introduction is a good idea for everyone. Programming teaches children to break a problem into small steps and to find their own mistakes, and those skills are useful in any job. However, I wouldn't make it compulsory for years. Not every child will become a software engineer, and it shouldn't replace subjects like art or sport.

Now say it out loud

Reading a good answer helps, but speaking is what improves your band. This set includes this cue card, Part 1 questions on computers and plants, and a Part 3 discussion.

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This sample answer was written by TestWise Prep to show language that scores well. It is not official IELTS material. Use it for ideas, not to memorise, because examiners mark rehearsed answers down.