Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe an invention that you think is useful to people - Cue Card # 549
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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 think is useful to people.
You should say:
- what the invention is
- who invented it and when
- how it is useful to people
and say whether it is useful 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:
In my humble opinion, every invention of our world is useful to people in one way or another. Of course, we can all debate about which invention is useful to people to what extent, but that would probably get us nowhere. Having said that, I would like to move forward with our topic of discussion, which is to talk about an invention that is useful to us.
The invention I would like to talk about is known to virtually everybody around us as a “smartphone”. But, I like to call this invention “the jack of all trades” since it has been designed to do all kinds of intelligent things – things which are badly needed to carry our modern civilisation forward in an effective manner.
Considered the “8th wonder of the world” by many in this world, a smartphone can be described as a cellular telephone with an integrated computer system, and other features not originally associated with telephones, such as an operating system, web browsing, and the ability to run software applications or play games, just to name a few. And based on this “computer-centric” definition, many people even call it a “portable mini-computer” which is used by people to make and receive phone calls and text messages, take, show, and store pictures and video, browse the Internet, as well as send and receive e-mail. It is also used for location navigation with its GPS (Global Positioning System) feature, as well as recording and playing audio and music.
Anyway, the first smartphone was invented by the world-renowned multinational technological company called “IBM” in 1992, and the name of the first smartphone was “Simon”.
Well, just like everybody else, I also use this wonderful, little, flat and rectangular-shaped machine, called “smartphone”, mainly to communicate with other people. I also use it to browse the Internet, check my emails, take pictures and watch videos once in a while. Besides, given how convenient it is to carry with me, together with many other functionalities and features it offers, I consider this wonderful invention to be very useful to me. After all, there is no other machine like a smartphone.
Sample Answer 2:
Thank you a lot for this interesting topic. Here, I’d like to talk about the invention of the automobile, which I believe is one of the most life-changing inventions in human history.
The automobile was first invented in 1886 by a German engineer named Karl Benz, who built the first motor vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine. At that time, it was considered a luxury and was only accessible to the wealthy. But things changed dramatically in the early 20th century when Henry Ford introduced mass production techniques. This made cars more affordable and turned them into a common mode of transportation for ordinary people, not just the elite.
Since then, the automobile has completely transformed the way we live. Before cars, people relied on walking, horses, or carriages, which meant that travelling long distances could take hours or even days. Now, cars allow us to cover the same distances in a fraction of the time. This has opened up opportunities for work, education, and leisure that simply wouldn’t have been possible before. It has also given people the freedom to live further away from where they work or study, creating more choices and flexibility in life.
Personally, I use automobiles almost every day, mainly public transport or ride-sharing services, to move around the city. Whenever there’s a shortage of vehicles on the road, for example, during strikes or fuel crises, we can really feel how dependent society has become on them. I’ve experienced such situations before, and it made me realise just how essential cars are for keeping daily life running smoothly. For me, automobiles or cars are not just a machine; they are a symbol of freedom and possibility.
Model Answer 3:
Thank you for giving me this interesting topic, and it’s actually an easy choice for me. I know exactly what I am going to talk about for this topic. Well, the invention I want to talk about is the Internet, which I believe is one of the most revolutionary creations in human history.
The Internet was first developed in its early form by a group of researchers in the late 1960s under a project called ARPANET in the United States. However, it truly became accessible to the public in the 1990s, thanks to the work of Tim Berners-Lee, who invented the World Wide Web.
The Internet has transformed the way we live, work, and communicate. It connects billions of people across the globe, allowing us to share information instantly. It’s used for everything: from business transactions and education to entertainment and social interaction. For students, it’s like having the largest library in the world available 24/7. For businesses, it opens up international markets. And for families and friends, it’s a way to stay close even when they’re miles apart.
Personally, it’s incredibly useful to me. I use it every single day, whether it’s for researching new topics, communicating with colleagues, or simply relaxing by watching a film or listening to music. Without it, I can’t imagine how much more time and effort simple tasks would take. For example, instead of spending hours searching for information in physical books, I can now find it in seconds. The Internet has shaped how we think, how we learn, and even how we dream. And honestly, I feel fortunate to be living in an era where such a powerful invention exists and continues to grow.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
This topic asks you to describe an invention that is genuinely useful to people. To build a strong answer, you should clearly state what the invention is, mention who invented it and when, explain how it helps people in everyday life, and then say whether it is useful to you personally. Here are a few ideas to help you develop your own answer:
1. The smartphone:
I would talk about the smartphone as a pocket-sized computer that combines calling, messaging, camera, internet access and apps. Modern smartphones were popularised in the late 2000s, especially after Apple introduced the iPhone in 2007, although many companies contributed to the technology. It is useful because it connects people instantly, replaces multiple devices, enables mobile banking and learning, and even offers emergency help through location sharing. I find it extremely useful because I manage my schedule, communicate with my team, and create content on the go with it.
2. The internet:
I would describe the internet as a global network that lets computers share information. Sir Tim Berners-Lee introduced the World Wide Web in 1989 to make information accessible through linked pages, while the internet itself grew from earlier research networks. It is useful because it powers education, commerce, healthcare systems and social connections, making knowledge available to almost anyone. I use it every day to research, publish materials and collaborate with people in different time zones.
3. Vaccination:
I would choose vaccination, which protects people from infectious diseases by training the immune system. Edward Jenner demonstrated smallpox vaccination in 1796, and later scientists refined vaccines for many illnesses. It is useful because it prevents epidemics, reduces child mortality and allows societies to function without constant fear of outbreaks. It is useful to me because widespread vaccination keeps my community safer, which means fewer disruptions to work and daily life.
4. Electric light:
I would focus on the practical incandescent electric lamp that brought safe, reliable lighting into homes and streets. Thomas Edison and his team commercialised a long-lasting bulb in 1879, building on earlier work by several inventors. It is useful because it extended productive hours after sunset, improved safety compared with candles, and transformed education and industry. I benefit from it every evening when I read, work and record videos with consistent lighting.
5. The refrigerator:
I would explain the refrigerator as a household appliance that keeps food cold to slow bacterial growth. Mechanical refrigeration dates back to the 1800s, with early domestic fridges arriving in the early 1900s after many engineers refined the design. It is useful because it prevents food spoilage, reduces waste and keeps diets healthier by allowing safe storage of fresh produce. I rely on it daily to store ingredients for the week and save time on frequent shopping.
6. GPS navigation:
I would pick the Global Positioning System, a satellite-based navigation system developed by the United States in the 1970s and opened for civilian use in the 1990s and 2000s. It is useful because it gives accurate positioning for driving, shipping, farming and disaster response. I find it useful whenever I travel to unfamiliar places and when I geotag locations for content planning.
7. The washing machine:
I would talk about the electric washing machine that automates the cleaning of clothes. Early powered machines appeared in the early 20th century, with many inventors and companies improving drums, motors and safety features over time. It is useful because it saves hours of labour each week and improves hygiene for families. It is useful to me because it frees up time that I can invest in work and study instead of manual washing.
8. The printing press:
I would choose the movable-type printing press, introduced in Europe by Johannes Gutenberg around the 1450s. It is useful because it made books cheaper, spread literacy and accelerated the exchange of scientific and cultural ideas. It is personally useful because, even today, affordable printed materials and mass publishing underpin education and reference work I depend on.
9. The microwave oven:
I would describe the microwave as a kitchen appliance that heats food using microwave radiation. Percy Spencer observed the heating effect in the 1940s, which led to the first commercial ovens soon after. It is useful because it cooks and reheats food quickly, reduces energy use for small meals and helps busy people eat warm, safe food. I use it when I am on tight deadlines and need a fast lunch without compromising productivity.
10. Cloud storage:
I would select cloud storage as an Internet service that saves files on remote servers instead of a local device. It emerged in the late 2000s as large-scale data centres and broadband became common. It is useful because it protects against data loss, enables collaboration and allows access to files from any device. It is very useful to me because I can draft articles on my laptop, review them on my phone and share them instantly with editors or clients.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing a useful invention, using specific vocabulary can effectively convey what the invention is, its origins, its utility, and your personal relationship with it. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate its impact, efficiency, and convenience, making your response both informative and appreciative. 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 changed how we communicate.
Innovation: – The action or process of innovating, such as introducing new methods, ideas, or products.
Example: The company is known for its constant innovation in the field of renewable energy.
Breakthrough: – A sudden, dramatic, and important discovery or development.
Example: The invention of the internet was a monumental breakthrough in communication.
Pioneering: – Involving or creating new and original ideas and methods.
Example: He was a pioneering scientist whose work laid the foundation for modern medicine.
Ingenious: – (Of a person) clever, original, and inventive.
Example: The device's design was an ingenious solution to a common problem.
Revolutionary: – Involving or causing a complete or dramatic change.
Example: The invention of the printing press was truly revolutionary for spreading knowledge.
Indispensable: – Absolutely necessary.
Example: The internet has become an indispensable tool for my work and daily life.
Utility: – The state of being useful, profitable, or beneficial.
Example: The tablet's primary utility lies in its portability and versatility.
Efficiency: – The state or quality of being efficient; the ability to do something well or achieve a desired result without wasting energy or resources.
Example: This invention has significantly improved the efficiency of our daily tasks.
Connectivity: – The ability of different systems or devices to connect to each other.
Example: Its seamless connectivity allows for instant communication and information access.
Accessibility: – The quality of being able to be reached or entered.
Example: The invention's widespread accessibility means it can be used by people all over the world.
Convenience: – The state of being able to proceed with something with little difficulty or effort.
Example: The invention offers unparalleled convenience for busy individuals.
Productivity: – The state or quality of producing something, especially in great quantities.
Example: This software has dramatically boosted my productivity at work.
Transformative: – Causing a marked change in someone or something.
Example: The invention of the camera was a transformative moment for art and documentation.
Impactful: – Having a powerful effect on someone or something.
Example: This invention has had an impactful role in the lives of millions.
Groundbreaking: – Innovative or pioneering.
Example: The invention was considered groundbreaking when it was first introduced.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe an invention that you think is useful to people", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe an invention that you believe has changed how people live.
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 a piece of electronic equipment that you find useful.
5) Describe an important technological advancement in your country.
6) Describe an invention that you think has helped people develop rapidly.
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