Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe a social networking website or application that you use - Cue Card # 572
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IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.
Describe a social networking website or application that you use.
[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.]
You should say:
- what it is
- why you use it
- how often you use it
and explain how this social networking website or application helps 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:
By default, human nature is programmed to be socially active by any means to a certain extent. And for this, they don’t only use traditional methods, but also different kinds of social networking platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Today, I would like to talk about one of these social media platforms, which I also happen to use from time to time.
The social media network I like to use is Facebook. Of course, I don’t think that I need to reintroduce mighty Facebook to anybody, as it is the most popular social media networking site, which started its journey in 2004 in the USA. Since then, Facebook has not had the time to look back as the number of its users started to grow exponentially. Today, with more than 3 billion monthly users worldwide, which is more than one-third of the global population, 70 million business pages, and 10 million active advertisers, Facebook certainly has set a new benchmark in all kinds of social networking ideas.
But, anyway, I am not a businessman nor an advertiser. So, I use this “addictive” social media site purely for the purpose of remaining connected with my family, friends and relatives who live far away from me. I use it almost daily. However, I do not use it more than 40-45 minutes at a time.
Facebook offers a number of benefits to its users. For example, it is really easy to get started, and it supports different kinds of content formats, such as text, images, videos, live videos and stories. This website helps me keep in touch with my loved ones, and at no extra cost. Besides, it allows me to remain updated with trending news on health, food, fashion, sports and lifestyles, among many other things. Finally, it also helps me in sharing important ideas and information with others to rally their support to bring positive changes in our lives.
Sample Answer 2:
Well, I’m quite selective about the social networking platforms I use, and these days the one I use the most is LinkedIn. As you know, LinkedIn is a professional networking site, and unlike platforms where people mainly post holiday photos or food pictures, LinkedIn focuses on building careers, sharing industry insights, and connecting with professionals from all over the world. Thank you so much for this great topic.
Well, I first started using LinkedIn during my final year at university. At the time, I was nervous about stepping into the job market, and one of my professors advised me to create a profile there. I remember sitting in the library, filling in every detail about my education, internships, and projects. It felt almost like building a public résumé, but with the added benefit of being able to connect directly with recruiters and industry experts.
These days, I use it at least three or four times a week. Sometimes it’s to keep up with trends in my field, sometimes it’s to comment on posts from colleagues, and occasionally it’s to share an article or achievement of my own. I also keep an eye out for interesting job opportunities - even if I’m not actively job hunting, I like to know what’s happening in the market.
What I really like about LinkedIn is how it has helped me expand my network beyond my immediate circle. For example, I once commented on an insightful post about digital marketing, and a week later, I found myself having a virtual coffee chat with a marketing director from another country. That connection eventually led to a short-term freelance project, which was a pleasant surprise. So, LinkedIn helps me stay visible in the professional world, learn from industry leaders, and connect with like-minded people.
Model Answer 3:
Thank you very much for this interesting topic. It gives me the chance to talk about a social networking application or website that I use quite regularly, and this would be "Quora". I would like to talk about it here.
Quora isn't like other typical social media sites such as Facebook or Instagram. It's a platform built around questions and answers. The basic premise is that anyone can ask a question about virtually any topic, and anyone can provide an answer. The community then upvotes the best and most useful answers, so the most helpful information rises to the top.
I primarily use Quora as a tool for both learning and curiosity. I'm not on it to connect with friends or to share personal photos. Instead, I use it as a kind of crowdsourced search engine. Whenever I have a specific question about a subject, whether it's a technical query, a historical fact, or even a nuanced opinion on a current event, I often turn to Quora. I find that the answers provided by its users, who are often experts or have firsthand experience, are far more detailed and insightful than a simple web search result.
I'd say I use it quite frequently, almost on a daily basis. I typically check it for about 15 to 20 minutes in the morning with my coffee, or sometimes in the evening before I go to bed. I'm usually following a few specific topics that align with my professional and personal interests, so the feed is always full of new and relevant questions and answers for me to browse.
Quora helps me in several significant ways. Firstly, it's an incredible learning tool. I've gained a lot of knowledge from the platform, from practical advice on career development to fascinating details about space exploration. Secondly, it helps me get a broader perspective on complex issues. By reading multiple answers from people with different backgrounds and viewpoints, I can form a more well-rounded opinion. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, it's a platform for intellectual curiosity. It encourages me to think critically and to engage with information in a more thoughtful way. It's a productive use of my time online, and I find it to be a very valuable resource.
Model Answer 4:
Well, the social media app I probably use the most these days is Instagram. I first downloaded it about six or seven years ago, mostly out of curiosity, because all my friends were talking about it. Back then, it was just a fun place to post random photos with quirky filters. But over the years, it’s become a lot more than that for me. Since I use this social media app most often, I would like to talk about it here, and thank you very much for allowing me to talk about it.
These days, I use Instagram to keep up with friends and follow pages and creators who inspire me. For example, I follow travel bloggers, food photographers, and even some fitness coaches. Every time I scroll through my feed, I either discover a new recipe to try, a hidden travel destination, or just some positive words that lift my mood.
I’d say I use it almost daily, though I try to limit my screen time so it doesn’t become a distraction. Sometimes I use it for posting my own photos - usually from trips, special events, or moments I just want to remember. Other times, I’m more of a silent observer, liking posts, watching reels, or catching up on stories.
One thing I really like about Instagram is how it connects people with shared interests. For instance, last year I posted a picture from a hiking trip, and a fellow hiker from another country commented and shared some tips about trails in his area. It’s small moments like that which make it feel like more than just an app - it’s like a global community. So, for me, Instagram is both a creative outlet and a source of inspiration. Whether I’m sharing my own experiences or getting ideas from others, it’s a space where I can express myself visually and stay connected to the wider world.
Sample Answer 5:
Thank you very much for this interesting topic. It gives me a chance to talk about a social networking application I like and use frequently. Well, this is none other than TikTok, and I would like to tell you more about this social networking platform, how it helps me, apart from giving you some details about how long I have been using it, and what I use it for.
As you already know, TikTok is a social media app focused on short-form video content. Users can create, share, and discover videos on a wide range of topics - from comedy to dance, educational content to cooking tutorials, funny cat videos to serious financial advice, and so on. I initially downloaded the app out of curiosity, but I continue to use it because of the entertainment it offers and the variety of content it has. The platform is excellent at learning our preferences and showing videos we'll genuinely find interesting, so my feed is always relevant and engaging. I seldom upload my videos, and whenever I do, they are mostly about the places where I have been and liked.
I'd say I use TikTok quite a bit, probably spending about an hour on it each day, often in short bursts throughout the evening. It's my go-to for quick entertainment and a way to unwind after a long day of work or study. While it's primarily a source of entertainment, it has also helped me in a few unexpected ways. I've discovered new music artists, found some fantastic quick-and-easy recipes, and even come across useful life hacks that have genuinely simplified some daily tasks. The short-form format is great for absorbing information quickly and efficiently. It's a fun and dynamic platform that provides a great mental break while also offering some surprising educational and practical benefits. So, I like it a lot.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card / Cue card topic:
This topic asks you to describe a social networking website or application you actually use. Mention what it is, why you use it, how frequently you use it, and the specific ways it helps you (communication, learning, work, entertainment, etc.). Here are several detailed ideas you can adapt:
1. WhatsApp:
I use WhatsApp as my primary messaging app for one-to-one chats, group conversations, voice notes, and quick video calls. I use it daily, several times a day. It helps me coordinate study/work tasks in group chats, share documents and photos, and make free international calls. The ability to create topic-based groups and broadcast lists saves time, while end-to-end encryption gives me confidence about privacy when discussing personal or professional matters.
2. Facebook:
I keep Facebook for community updates, marketplace listings, and event invitations. I check it a few times a week. It helps me stay connected with local groups, follow pages related to hobbies, and discover free webinars or workshops via Events. The Marketplace feature is useful for buying and selling second-hand items responsibly, and Groups act like mini-communities where I can ask questions and crowdsource advice quickly.
3. Instagram:
I use Instagram to follow creators, learn from short tutorials, and share visual highlights through Stories and Reels. I open it daily, usually in short bursts. It helps me with creative inspiration, trend discovery, and quick how-tos (for example, design tips or simple recipes). Saved Collections let me organise references, while direct messages make it easy to collaborate or respond to opportunities that arrive via story mentions.
4. LinkedIn:
LinkedIn is my go-to platform for professional networking, job alerts, and industry news. I use it several times a week, more frequently when I’m exploring roles. It helps me present a professional portfolio, connect with mentors, and learn from thought-leadership posts. The Jobs tab, skill endorsements, and recommendations strengthen my profile, while newsletters and learning courses keep my knowledge current without leaving the platform.
5. TikTok:
I use TikTok for concise educational content and entertainment. I browse it almost daily, but I set time limits to avoid distractions. It helps me pick up quick tips - language learning snippets, productivity hacks, and bite-sized tech explainers -delivered in an engaging format. The For You feed surfaces diverse perspectives, and saving videos or following specific hashtags builds a personalised learning stream.
6. X (formerly Twitter):
I use X for real-time news, live event updates, and expert threads. I check it several times a day during major events, otherwise a few times a week. It helps me monitor breaking stories, follow niche communities, and ask quick questions with immediate feedback. Lists and keyword searches filter noise, while bookmarks and threads let me archive and revisit useful insights later.
7. Reddit:
Reddit is where I join topic-specific communities (subreddits) to learn from long-form discussions and practical guides. I use it a few times a week. It helps me troubleshoot problems - software, fitness, finance - by reading community-tested solutions. Upvotes surface high-quality answers, and AMAs (Ask Me Anything) provide direct access to experts. I also use saved posts to build a reference bank I can return to.
8. Discord:
I use Discord for focused communities and voice channels around study groups, games, and professional interests. I’m active a few evenings each week. It helps me co-work virtually via voice rooms, share screens to solve problems together, and keep organised with topic-specific channels. The combination of text, voice, bots, and pinned resources makes teamwork smoother than juggling multiple apps.
9. Telegram:
Telegram is my choice for large group channels, file sharing, and cloud-based storage of chats. I check it daily. It helps me access course materials or updates via broadcast channels and quickly share large files without compression. Features like folders, pinned messages, and bots streamline tasks - from reminders to polls - so I can manage communities more efficiently.
10. Snapchat:
I use Snapchat to maintain close connections through quick Snaps and ephemeral Stories. I open it most days, especially in the evenings. It helps me communicate casually without pressure to be polished, and Snap Maps or private stories make coordinating meetups easier. Streaks encourage consistent contact with close friends, and the built-in camera tools make it fun to share moments spontaneously.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing a social networking website or application you use, using specific vocabulary can effectively convey its nature, your reasons for using it, your usage frequency, and its overall benefits. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate its role in your life, whether for communication, information, or entertainment, making your response both clear and personal. Here are some relevant words and phrases:
Social networking platform: – A website or application that enables users to create and share content or to participate in social networking.
Example: My primary social networking platform is Instagram, which I use to share photos.
User-friendly interface: – A system or application that is easy for a user to understand and interact with.
Example: The app has a very user-friendly interface that makes it simple to navigate.
Connectivity: – The ability of different systems or devices to connect with each other, especially for the purpose of exchanging data.
Example: It offers excellent connectivity, allowing me to stay in touch with friends and family abroad.
Digital communication: – The transmission of information through electronic media.
Example: It has become my main tool for digital communication, replacing traditional text messages.
Instant messaging: – A form of communication that allows for the real-time exchange of text messages between two or more people.
Example: The application's instant messaging feature is a key reason I use it so frequently.
Information hub: – A central place where a lot of information is collected and from which it is sent to other places.
Example: I use it as an information hub to stay updated on current events and news.
Feed: – A data format used for providing users with frequently updated content.
Example: My feed is curated with content from my friends and various interest groups.
Algorithmic recommendations: – Suggestions generated by a computer program based on a user's behaviour and preferences.
Example: The application's algorithmic recommendations often introduce me to new and interesting content.
Engagement: – The emotional involvement or commitment to something.
Example: I enjoy the high level of engagement I get on my posts from friends.
Virtual community: – A group of people who primarily interact online rather than in person.
Example: The platform has allowed me to join a virtual community of like-minded individuals.
Longevity: – A long existence or service.
Example: I appreciate the platform's longevity; it’s a reliable place to store memories.
Indispensable: – Absolutely necessary.
Example: For me, the application has become an indispensable part of my daily routine.
Time-consuming: – Taking a lot of time to do or complete.
Example: While I enjoy using it, I sometimes find it can be quite time-consuming.
Mindless scrolling: – The act of repeatedly scrolling through content without any specific purpose or intention.
Example: I try to avoid mindless scrolling and use the app more purposefully.
Privacy settings: – Options that allow a user to control who can view their profile and content.
Example: I make sure to adjust my privacy settings to control who can see my posts.
Networking: – The action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts.
Example: I mainly use it for networking with professionals in my field.
If you can talk about this cue card topic, you should be able to answer the following topics as well:
1. Describe your favourite website.
2. Describe a website you often browse.
3. Describe a useful website you have recently browsed.
4. Describe an application of software you use on your mobile phone.
5. Describe a website or software you find useful to connect with others.
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