Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe an invention that changed how people live - Cue Card # 539
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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 invention that you believe has changed how people live.
You should say:
- what invention it is
- whether it is more important for older or younger people
- what benefits it has brought
and explain how it has changed people's lives.
[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:
Humans have invented so many different things throughout history to make their lives easier and more comfortable. Today, I would like to talk about one such invention that has revolutionised the way we work and live.
The name of this invention is “computers”, which has arguably been considered the most successful and life-changing invention in the last five decades or so. This is because computers solve all kinds of problems every minute of our lives.
From storing huge amounts of data and information in a small piece of hardware to calculating complex mathematical problems in a fraction of a second, to helping people communicate with one another in different parts of the world, there is hardly any work, industry or office where computers are not used today. It is because of computers that we can finish complex tasks at the office in minutes instead of waiting a week. Besides, it is the computer's automated system that allows companies to manufacture hundreds of products in a day, which would have probably taken years to do.
Not to mention, of course, a huge benefit it has brought in making numerous new discoveries in space as well as other planets. So, the benefits of computers are really numerous, whether we are just using them to browse some information on the Internet or trying to calculate the rotation speed of a new planet in a new solar system. By the way, the best thing about this computer is that everybody, regardless of their age or professional affiliation, uses computers and benefits one way or another.
So, anyway, computers have indeed changed our lives by not only making us more efficient at our homes, work and offices, but also by offering a huge sense of mental relief to us. Besides, it has also helped us make new discoveries in order to bring many other novel benefits to humanity.
Sample Answer 2:
Oh, that’s a great topic to talk about, and I wholeheartedly believe that the car is an invention that has completely transformed the way we live. I'd like to thank you for this wonderful topic.
I often think about how my great-grandparents used to travel by walking long distances or taking slow and manual transportation. Then I compare it to the freedom a car gives today, and the difference is enormous. The invention of the automobile, pioneered in the late 19th century by innovators like Karl Benz, opened up the possibility of personal, fast, and convenient transport in a way nothing else could.
I’d say the car is equally important for both older and younger people, but for slightly different reasons. For younger people, it represents independence. The first drive after getting a licence feels like the whole world has opened up. For senior people, it’s about convenience and comfort, whether it’s doing the weekly shopping without carrying heavy bags or visiting family who live far away.
The benefits are endless. Cars save time, allow us to travel at our own pace, and connect rural and urban areas. They’ve also shaped economies by creating jobs in manufacturing, tourism, and delivery services. For me personally, having a car means I can plan spontaneous trips, carry heavy items, and not have to depend on public transport schedules. For example, last year, I drove to a remote beach that had no bus service, and it turned into one of the most relaxing weekends I’ve ever had.
More than just a mode of transport, the car has influenced where we live, how cities are designed, and even how we spend our free time. It has given people a sense of control over their mobility, making life more flexible and connected.
Model Answer 3:
Thanks for letting me talk about this topic. I personally believe that - if there’s one invention that has completely reshaped human life, it’s the Internet.
I still remember the first time I used it - sitting in a small computer lab at school, hearing the loud dial-up connection tones, and feeling this incredible excitement when a webpage slowly loaded on the screen. Back then, it felt almost magical, like opening a window to the whole world.
In my opinion, the Internet is equally valuable to young and older generations, but their usage could be slightly different. Young people rely on it for education, entertainment, and social connections, while older people often use it for communication with loved ones, accessing health information, and learning new skills from the comfort of their homes.
The benefits of the Internet are impossible to count. It has given people instant access to knowledge that once required hours in a library. Businesses can reach customers worldwide, students can attend virtual classes from anywhere, and ordinary people can share their voices on a global stage. The possibilities and benefits are immense.
What makes the Internet technology truly life-changing is how it’s blurred the boundaries of time and place. We can order groceries at midnight, consult a doctor online, or watch a live concert happening on another continent - all without leaving our living room. It has made the world more connected, more efficient, and, in many ways, more equal. Honestly, without the Internet, I can’t imagine my day-to-day life functioning the same way. It has changed how we learn, how we work, and even how we think. It’s not just an invention - it’s the backbone of modern life.
Model Answer 4:
Thank you so much for giving me this chance to talk about a life-changing invention. Without a doubt, I’d say the "mobile phone" has completely transformed the way we live, work, and communicate.
I still remember the first time I held a mobile phone - it felt like holding a piece of the future. Back then, it was bulky, had a tiny monochrome screen, and could only make calls or send short text messages. Fast forward to today, and a mobile phone is essentially a small, powerful computer that fits in our pockets.
I believe it’s equally important for both older and younger generations. For young people, it’s a hub for education, entertainment, socialising, and even earning money through online platforms. For older people, it’s a lifeline - helping them stay connected with family, manage their health through apps, and access information instantly without feeling isolated.
The benefits of this invention are countless. It has made communication instantaneous regardless of distance, allowed businesses to operate globally, and given people access to information, entertainment, and services at any time. For example, I can attend an online meeting in the morning, order groceries by noon, and have a video call with a friend overseas in the evening - all on the same device.
I believe the mobile phone has truly changed people’s lives by making the world feel smaller and more connected. Tasks that once took hours or days can now be done in minutes. It has empowered individuals, created opportunities, and brought a sense of convenience that previous generations could hardly imagine.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
This topic asks you to describe an invention that you believe has significantly changed the way people live. To develop a great answer, you should mention what the invention is, consider whether it benefits older or younger people more, explain the advantages it has brought, and describe in detail how it has transformed daily life. Here are some ideas to help you develop your own answer:
1. The smartphone:
This device has revolutionised communication, entertainment, and productivity. It offers benefits to both older and younger people, but younger generations tend to integrate it more deeply into their daily routines. It has made instant communication possible, enabled online learning, and brought countless services to our fingertips, changing how we socialise, work, and manage daily tasks.
2. The Internet:
As a global network, the Internet has transformed how people access information, shop, communicate, and work. While it benefits all age groups, younger people often adapt to new online trends more quickly. It has opened doors to remote jobs, global markets, and educational resources, connecting communities in ways that were once unimaginable.
3. Electric cars:
Eco-friendly electric vehicles are changing how people travel and think about transportation. They offer more to younger people who will live with the environmental impact for longer, but older drivers also benefit from lower fuel costs and less maintenance. They reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable living, influencing urban planning and energy consumption.
4. Home appliances such as washing machines:
This invention has lightened household chores and freed up time for other activities. It benefits both older and younger people equally by reducing manual labour. By making laundry quick and easy, it has improved hygiene, saved time, and made home life more comfortable.
5. Online shopping platforms:
Websites and apps that allow people to buy almost anything from home have transformed consumer habits. Older people benefit from the convenience, while younger people often enjoy the wider choice and competitive prices. It has reshaped retail, delivery services, and even the way small businesses operate.
6. GPS navigation systems:
These systems have replaced paper maps and guesswork in travel. While younger drivers tend to use them more often on smartphones, older people benefit from the improved safety and efficiency. They have made navigation effortless, reduced travel stress, and made it easier to explore new places.
7. Personal computers:
The personal computer has changed how people work, learn, and entertain themselves. Both younger and older people benefit, though younger generations often grow up using them for education and gaming. They have transformed industries, supported creative work, and allowed more flexible lifestyles through remote work.
8. Social media platforms:
These have completely changed how people connect and share information. Younger people use them extensively for networking, while older people use them to reconnect with friends and family. They have influenced politics, marketing, and even how news is consumed, making communication more immediate and far-reaching.
9. The microwave oven:
This kitchen appliance has sped up cooking and made reheating food easy. It benefits people of all ages, especially busy individuals. It has made quick, safe meal preparation possible, fitting into modern lifestyles where time is often limited.
10. Digital payment systems:
Technologies such as mobile wallets and online banking have changed how we handle money. Younger people adapt quickly to these systems, but older users benefit from the convenience as well. They have reduced the need for cash, made transactions faster, and expanded access to financial services.
11. Video conferencing tools:
Platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams have become essential for remote work, online classes, and even virtual family gatherings. Younger people tend to use them more for study and work, while older people use them to stay connected with loved ones. They have bridged distances and allowed personal and professional communication without physical presence.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing an invention that has changed how people live, using specific vocabulary can effectively convey its nature, its impact on different generations, the benefits it has brought, and its transformative role in society. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate its significance, making your response both informative and insightful. Here are some relevant words and phrases:
Invention: – A new object, method, or model, or a device or process created by an inventor.
Example: The smartphone is a modern invention that has fundamentally changed society.
Revolutionary: – Involving or causing a complete or dramatic change.
Example: The invention of the Internet was a revolutionary event for communication and information.
Transformative: – Causing a marked change in someone or something.
Example: The invention was transformative, completely altering how we work and socialise.
Paradigm shift: – A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
Example: The advent of social media caused a paradigm shift in how people connect with one another.
Global connectivity: – The ability for people and systems to connect with others across the world.
Example: The Internet's greatest benefit is its role in fostering global connectivity.
Accessibility: – The quality of being able to be reached or entered.
Example: This technology has greatly improved the accessibility of education for many.
Democratisation of information: – The process by which information and knowledge become more widely available to everyone.
Example: One of the key benefits of the Internet is the democratisation of information it offers.
Digital divide: – The gulf between those who have ready access to computers and the Internet, and those who do not.
Example: A major challenge of this technology is bridging the digital divide between generations.
Indispensable: – Absolutely necessary.
Example: For many, this invention has become an indispensable part of their daily life.
Generational gap: – The differences in attitudes or experiences between people of different generations.
Example: The invention's importance varies greatly, creating a generational gap in its usage.
Streamline: – To make a process more efficient and effective by making it simpler or more direct.
Example: This invention has helped streamline many everyday tasks, from banking to shopping.
Efficiency: – The state or quality of being efficient; the ability to do something well without wasting energy or resources.
Example: Its primary benefit is the increased efficiency it brings to communication and work.
Multifaceted: – Having many different aspects or features.
Example: The impact of the invention is multifaceted, affecting every aspect of our lives.
Profound impact: – A very great or intense effect.
Example: The invention has had a profound impact on how people socialise and entertain themselves.
Widespread adoption: – The process of a new technology or product being accepted and used by a large number of people.
Example: Its widespread adoption has changed social norms and behaviours globally.
Legacy: – Something that is a part of your history or that remains from an earlier time.
Example: The invention's legacy is the foundation it provided for all subsequent technologies.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe an invention that you believe has changed how people live", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe an invention that you think is useful to people.
2) Describe an important invention that you think has positively influenced the human race.
3) Describe a piece of modern technology you own.
4) Describe an important technological advancement in your country..
5) Describe a modern technology that you use almost daily.
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