Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe an app you use on your mobile phone - Cue Card # 486
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IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.
[The topic for your talk will be written on a card which the examiner will hand over to you. Read it carefully and then make some brief notes.]
Describe an app you use on your mobile phone.
You should say:
- what application it is
- how you can use it
- what benefits you get from this app
and explain why this mobile app is important to you.
[Instruction: You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you're going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]
Model Answer 1:
There are so many tools and technologies around us today that we can use in our mobile phones to make our lives a bit easier and have more fun. Today, I would like to talk about one such tool, or an “App” rather, which I have recently added to my smartphone.
The name of this “app” is called “Google Fit”. Now, before I tell you what Google Fit exactly is, and what it does, I would like to provide some general information on why we usually use an “App” on our mobile.
Well, an “app” (short for “application”) is a computer programme or software application which is specifically designed to run on a mobile phone or device in order to accomplish a specific task.
Google Fit is just like one such “application” except, of course, it is used to keep us healthy and fit in a rather systematic and yet convenient manner. Anyway, made by Google Inc., in collaboration with the World Health Organisation, this fitness application is rather easy to use. All one needs to do is open the application and “add” the workout type (like running or biking) and track the workout in order to get the related data and stats about your workout activities, like how long you have spent doing the activity, or how many calories you have burned. This app can even give us stats on how many steps we have taken and what distance we have run in order to keep our fitness activities on track. However, this particular application works best when general data, like a person’s height and weight, is also entered into this rather useful mobile app.
I would also like to add that this application is important to me, mainly because it allows me to understand what kinds of activities are working best for my health without help from a health expert. Another benefit of using this app is that it is rather simple to use, and it allows me to adjust my health metrics in real-time.
Sample Answer 2:
I own a Samsung smartphone, and it is powered by the Android Operating System. One of the applications I frequently use on my phone is Gmail. This is an email application that allows any Gmail user to send or receive emails. Gmail is a free email service owned by the tech giant Google Inc.
Both my personal and work email accounts are in Gmail, and I have to check for new emails several times a day. I often send emails to my colleagues, friends and family members using this application. The application is quite easy to use and offers an intuitive interface.
To use it, I just have to tap on the app icon, and the main interface appears. The home screen shows the Inbox, Compose Email, Search and Menu options. The menu brings several other options, including a categorised email viewing option along with the 'Label' feature. The 'Search' feature helps me find any email quite easily. Furthermore, whenever I need to open a document, I can either save it to local memory or directly open it using Google Docs, and this is quite convenient for me.
The Gmail mobile application is one of the most downloaded and widely used applications, with more than 1.9 billion monthly active users. I often need to send large files, especially to my colleagues, and I find the Gmail application a lifesaver for me! This application has an advanced spam filtering feature which keeps my 'Inbox' clean and keeps away the spammers. I tried a few email apps on my phone, but finally switched to Gmail. In terms of features, storage, accessibility, performance, and security, the Gmail application is second to none. I have been using this application for more than 6 years, and it hardly crashes or causes any problems.
Since email has become one of the primary modes of communication, and we cannot do without it in modern days, we need to use a handy email application so that we can check or send emails anytime, even when we are out. The Gmail application perfectly matches the requirements and expectations I have for such an application. I wouldn't hesitate to say that this is the most important mobile application to me.
Model Answer 3:
Thank you so much for this topic. I know exactly what I want to talk about. Well, one of the most useful mobile applications I use on a regular basis is Uber, which is essentially a ride-hailing app. I first downloaded it a few years ago when I was looking for a more reliable way to get around the city, and since then, it has become a part of my daily routine.
The app works in a very straightforward way. Once I open it, I simply type in my destination, and it automatically detects my current location through GPS. Within seconds, it shows me the available drivers nearby, their estimated arrival times, and the cost of the trip. After confirming the ride, I can even track the driver’s approach in real time, which is particularly reassuring if I’m in a hurry or travelling late at night. Payments are equally convenient because I can either pay in cash or link my debit card, so I don’t have to worry about carrying change.
The benefits of using Uber are countless. To begin with, it has made commuting much more efficient and predictable compared to hailing traditional taxis from the roadside, which used to be time-consuming and unreliable. Secondly, the fare transparency is extremely helpful because I know exactly how much I will be charged before I book the ride. Moreover, it’s generally safer since both the driver’s and the passenger’s information is logged in the system, and there’s even an emergency help option built into the app.
This app is particularly important to me because it has saved me countless hours and gives me peace of mind when travelling. For instance, during the rainy season when public transport is overcrowded, Uber ensures that I can still reach my workplace comfortably and on time. Beyond practicality, it also gives me a sense of independence, as I don’t need to rely on friends or family members to drive me around.
Sample Answer 4:
Introduction:
A mobile application that I frequently use and find indispensable in my daily life is "Google Maps". It is an online navigation and mapping service that helps people explore locations, plan routes, and find directions anywhere in the world. I rely on this app almost every single day, whether I am commuting to work, visiting a new place, or simply trying to avoid traffic congestion. Thank you for this interesting topic, and I will tell you more about this application here.
How you use it:
Google Maps can be used in several ways. I usually type in my destination, and within seconds, it provides me with multiple route options along with real-time traffic updates. It also offers different modes of transport such as walking, cycling, public transport, and driving. Apart from directions, I often use it to discover nearby restaurants, fuel stations, and even ATM booths, which saves me a great deal of time.
What benefits you get from this app:
The benefits of this app are countless. First and foremost, it helps me save time by guiding me through the shortest and most efficient routes. Another great advantage is its real-time updates about road conditions, traffic jams, or accidents, which allow me to avoid unnecessary delays. Moreover, the offline maps option is extremely useful when travelling to remote areas where internet connectivity is poor.
And explain why this mobile app is important to you:
Google Maps is important to me because it has completely transformed the way I travel. Earlier, I had to rely on asking strangers for directions or memorising complicated routes, which was often stressful and unreliable. Now, with just a few taps, I can travel confidently without any fear of getting lost. It not only makes my daily commute easier but also gives me the freedom to explore new places without hesitation.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
This topic asks you to describe an app you use on your mobile phone. To get a good band score, you should say what the application is, how you use it, what benefits you get from it, and explain why this app is important to you. Here are some ideas to help you develop your own response:
1. WhatsApp / Messaging app:
I use a messaging app daily to keep in touch with family, friends and work groups. I send voice notes, share photos, and join group video calls when plans need quick coordination. It saves time compared with emails, keeps conversations threaded, and lets me forward important documents instantly. I depend on it because it’s the easiest way to stay connected across different time zones, and it reduces friction in everyday communication.
2. Google Maps / Navigation app:
When I travel or drive to new parts of the city, I open a navigation app to find the fastest route and live traffic updates. I also use it to discover nearby cafes and check public transport options. The turn-by-turn guidance and estimated arrival times keep me relaxed and punctual. It’s important because it prevents aimless wandering and helps me plan meeting times more accurately.
3. Mobile banking app:
I regularly use my bank’s mobile app to transfer money, pay bills, and check account balances from anywhere. I set up recurring payments and receive instant notifications for transactions, which helps me track spending. The ability to block cards or report fraud quickly gives me peace of mind. For me, it’s crucial because it makes money management simple, secure, and instant without visiting a branch.
4. Notion / Note-taking and organisation app:
I keep project notes, article drafts, and content calendars in a note-taking app that syncs across my devices. I create templates for recurring tasks, embed links, and collaborate with editors when needed. This centralised workspace reduces context-switching and keeps research organised. It’s essential because it turns scattered ideas into structured plans I can actually execute.
5. Strava / Fitness-tracking app:
I track my runs and bike rides with a fitness app that records distance, pace and elevation. After each session, I review metrics, set goals, and compare progress week to week. The social element - seeing friends’ activities - motivates me to keep training. I value it because it turns exercise into measurable progress and keeps me accountable.
6. Adobe Lightroom / Photo-editing app:
I edit photos on my phone using a mobile photo app that offers RAW adjustments and presets. I crop, tweak exposure, and apply a consistent look before posting content online. The speed of editing on the go saves hours and keeps my feed cohesive. It matters to me because visual quality is central to my content work, and this app makes professional edits accessible anywhere.
7. Uber / Ride-hailing app:
When public transport is inconvenient, I request a ride through a taxi app that shows driver details and ETA. I compare prices, split fares with friends, and check driver ratings for safety. The transparent receipts and route tracking reduce uncertainty during late-night trips. It’s important because it provides reliable, on-demand mobility when schedules are tight.
8. Food delivery app:
On busy days, I order meals using a food-delivery app that lists local restaurants, menus and delivery times. I save favourite orders, apply discounts, and track the courier in real time. It’s handy for working lunches or when I’m too tired to cook. The convenience and variety make it a go-to for saving time and enjoying different cuisines at home.
9. Kindle / E-reader app:
I read books on an e-reader app that syncs my bookmarks, highlights and notes across devices. I download samples, adjust font size, and carry a library in my pocket for commutes or travel. The search and dictionary features speed up research, while the long battery life is practical for trips. I love it because it makes reading continuous and accessible without the clutter of physical books.
10. Duolingo / Language-learning app:
I practise a new language daily on a gamified learning app that gives short lessons and instant feedback. The bite-sized exercises fit into spare minutes during the day, and spaced repetition helps vocabulary stick. Progress streaks and friendly reminders keep me consistent. It’s important because steady, small practice builds real fluency over months without blocking large chunks of time.
11. Weather app with hourly forecasts:
Before heading out, I check a weather app that provides hyperlocal, hourly forecasts and severe-weather alerts. I plan outfits, decide whether to cycle, and postpone outdoor shoots if rain is likely. Push alerts warn me of sudden storms, which have saved me from ruined plans more than once. I find it indispensable because accurate timing can change a whole day’s logistics.
12. Todoist / Task-management app:
I manage daily tasks and deadlines in a to-do app that supports priorities, labels and recurring reminders. Each morning, I review the list, reorder items, and mark progress as I complete them. The satisfaction of crossing off tasks improves focus and reduces anxiety about missed deadlines. It’s crucial because it turns vague intentions into actionable steps and keeps my workload under control.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing a mobile app you use, using specific vocabulary can effectively convey its purpose, how it functions, the benefits it provides, and its personal importance to you. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate its functionality, user-friendliness, and the impact it has on your daily routine, making your response both descriptive and insightful. Here are some relevant words and phrases:
Mobile application/Mobile app: – A software application designed to run on a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet computer.
Example: I use a mobile application on my phone that helps me manage my daily tasks.
Functionality: – The quality of being suited to serve a purpose well.
Example: The app's functionality is excellent, allowing me to do multiple things at once.
User-friendly: – Easy to use or understand.
Example: The app has a very user-friendly interface, even for people who aren't tech-savvy.
Intuitive: – Easy and pleasant to use, especially by being able to be understood and operated instinctively.
Example: Its design is so intuitive that I knew how to use it right away.
Seamless: – (Of a transition or process) smooth and continuous, with no apparent gaps or interruptions.
Example: The app provides a seamless experience for all its users.
Interface: – A device or program enabling a user to communicate with a computer.
Example: The app has a clean and simple interface, which I find very appealing.
Feature: – A distinctive attribute or aspect of something.
Example: My favourite feature of the app is the ability to track my progress over time.
Versatile: – Able to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities.
Example: It's a very versatile app that I use for both work and personal tasks.
Productivity: – The state or quality of producing something, especially in great quantities.
Example: This app has dramatically boosted my productivity throughout the day.
Efficiency: – The ability to do something well or achieve a desired result without wasted energy or resources.
Example: The app has increased my efficiency by organising my schedule automatically.
Connectivity: – The ability of different systems or devices to connect to each other.
Example: Its connectivity to all my other devices is what makes it so useful.
Convenience: – The state of being able to proceed with something with little difficulty or effort.
Example: The primary benefit of this app is the immense convenience it offers.
Indispensable: – Absolutely necessary.
Example: The app has become an indispensable part of my daily routine.
Communication: – The imparting or exchanging of information or news.
Example: I use this app primarily for communication with my friends and family.
Social platform: – An online service on which users can interact with each other and share content.
Example: It serves as a social platform where I can connect with people who have similar interests.
Time-saver: – A thing that reduces the amount of time or effort required to do something.
Example: The app is a huge time-saver for me, which is why I use it so often.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe an app you use on your mobile phone", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe a piece of software or application that you often use.
2) Describe a social networking website or application that you use.
3) Describe some technology (e.g. an app, phone, software program) that you decided to stop using.
4) Describe a time when you used your smartphone to do something important.
5) Describe a useful website you have visited.
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