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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 aspect of modern society that you dislike.

You should say:

• what it is
• why this is happening
• if this is an old issue

and explain why you dislike it.

[Instruction: You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]

Model Answer 1:

It would not be an exaggeration to say that modern society is built by the young, is for the young, and doesn't give much consideration to the old citizens. This is an aspect of modern society that I abhor. I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to talk about this issue.

No doubt, modern society is dynamic and has eliminated many old dogmas and created better opportunities for its members. But it is a disturbing development that elderly people are no longer treated with the respect they really deserve, and this issue is widespread. It seems like modern society has taught us to evaluate the worth of people by their status, earthly possessions, productivity and physical strength. Thus, many young people behave as if our senior members are liabilities, and this is a heinous aspect of modern society that I really dislike.

I cannot say for sure why the youth of the modern era has started possessing this mentality, but I can realise that the slackening in the family bond has surely fueled it. We are trying to run so fast to reach our dreams that we even forget our parents. Thus, many unfortunate parents, in their old age, are being forced to live away in an old folks’ home. Many young, regrettably, don't bother to care for their parents, and they are not expected to respect their elders.

I can't be one hundred per cent sure if this is a fairly new development or a comparatively old one. One thing I am sure about is that the past century was different. No doubt, the term ‘generation gap’ had always been there, but it doesn't mean elderly people used to be treated as a burden in the past.

The modern society is certainly not kind to the old generation, and I have acute reasons to loathe it. I can clearly visualise the degradation of the young generation for their lack of respect for the old. This is just the beginning, and if this trend continues, they will become more selfish. Power and wealth are not the pillars of development, and I believe we should be grateful to our ancestors for everything they have done for us. And it is time for the youth to repay and respect some of these contributions.

Sample Answer 2:

We just love living in our modern society that has gone "all-digital" in recent years. And why shouldn’t we? With so many LED screens, TVs, laptops, computers and smartphones around us, the last thing that perhaps ever crosses our minds is that going “all-digital” just might not be in the best interest of our physical and mental health after all. Well, yes, we are talking about a rather important but recent phenomenon in our society which has consumed us for the most part by “forcing” us to spend way more time in front of digital screens.

This is happening primarily because digital technology has crept into our everyday lives and across all other activities in such a way that we just can’t seem to ignore our laptops or smartphones or stop interacting with them because of the kinds of information we consume daily. Research shows that in today’s world, the average adult consumes five times more information every day than their counterpart 50 years ago.

Another reason for this trend is “instant gratification”, where we are trying to provide ourselves with some kind of “fake but easy way out” from our monotonous and tiring lives by constantly tweeting, texting, posting likes, sharing things, Googling, checking emails, or viewing messages on social media networks for no obvious reasons.

Needless to say, I don’t exactly like this rather unhealthy “trend” of spending too much time in front of our digital screens because of its negative impacts on our mental and physical health, especially when it comes to socialising with our families, relatives and friends. As a result, children are becoming less and less interested in making friends at their schools, while parents are also becoming more and more distant from their children due to checking their smartphones and digital televisions like they just can’t get enough of it. In fact, going out to enjoy a lovely meal at a family restaurant or meeting friends to have a football match out in a field, instead of pushing the buttons of our smartphones and TV remotes, are becoming things of the past which certainly doesn’t augur well for our mental and physical health.

As a result, we are not only becoming more and more depressed and grumpy (sometimes, even violent) but also “obese” and “sleep-deprived”, let alone the dangers of “digital eye strains” due to staring at the digital screens for a long period of time. Anyway, our modern society has given us innumerable “benefits”, but it certainly helps to understand how much of those benefits we actually need.

Model Answer 3:

Thank you very much for this topic and the opportunity to talk about an important issue today. One aspect of modern society that I find particularly concerning is the prevalence of social media addiction among people, especially the younger generation. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat have become an integral part of daily life for many individuals, often leading to excessive usage and dependency.

This phenomenon is happening due to various factors. Firstly, social media platforms are designed to be addictive, with features like notifications, likes, comments, and shares triggering dopamine release in the brain, which creates a sense of pleasure and reinforcement. Additionally, the widespread availability of smartphones and internet connectivity has made it easier than ever to access social media anytime and anywhere.

While social media addiction is not a new issue, its impact has intensified in recent years with the rise of influencer culture, cyberbullying, and the spread of misinformation. Many individuals, particularly young people, spend countless hours scrolling through their feeds, comparing themselves to others, seeking validation through likes and comments, and often neglecting real-life relationships and responsibilities in the process.

I dislike this aspect of modern society because it has detrimental effects on mental health, productivity, and social interactions. Excessive use of social media has been linked to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and poor sleep quality. Moreover, it fosters a culture of comparison and unrealistic expectations, leading to feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction with one's life.

Furthermore, the constant bombardment of curated content and advertising on social media can distort people's perceptions of reality and perpetuate harmful stereotypes and beauty standards. It also contributes to the erosion of privacy and personal boundaries, as individuals willingly share intimate details of their lives in exchange for online validation.

I believe that while social media has its benefits in terms of connectivity and information sharing, its addictive nature and negative consequences on mental health and well-being are aspects of modern society that I find deeply troubling and worthy of addressing.

Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:

This topic invites you to describe something about modern society that you find unpleasant, problematic, or harmful. You should explain what this issue or trend is, why it exists or has developed, whether it is a new or longstanding concern, and most importantly, why you personally disapprove of it. You are encouraged to express your opinion clearly while discussing its causes, effects, and implications for individuals or society as a whole. Here are 11 detailed ideas that can help you develop your response with clarity and depth:

1. The obsession with social media:
One thing I strongly dislike about modern society is the growing obsession with social media. People, especially the younger generation, seem to live for likes and validation online. This trend stems from the widespread availability of smartphones and the dopamine-triggering design of these apps. Though relatively new, it has quickly taken over many aspects of daily life. I dislike it because it promotes fake lifestyles, lowers self-esteem, and reduces meaningful in-person communication.

2. Consumerism and materialism:
Modern society glorifies consumption, constantly pushing people to buy more things they don’t necessarily need. The rise of marketing, credit systems, and fast fashion has made this trend stronger than ever. While consumerism existed before, the current level is alarming. I dislike it because it leads to financial stress, environmental degradation, and a misplaced focus on possessions rather than values.

3. The lack of work-life balance:
Many people today struggle to maintain a healthy balance between their personal and professional lives. This is often driven by high living costs and competitive job markets. Though the issue has existed for decades, it has worsened due to remote work and 24/7 digital connectivity. I dislike it because it causes stress, burnout, and reduced time with family or for self-care.

4. Widening income inequality:
Another issue that frustrates me is the increasing gap between the rich and the poor. Globalisation and automation have benefited a small elite while leaving many behind. This problem is not new, but it has become more visible and extreme in recent years. I dislike it because it leads to social unrest, reduces fairness, and limits upward mobility for many hardworking individuals.

5. Fake news and misinformation:
With the rise of digital media, fake news has become a serious concern. It spreads faster than ever through social media and unverified websites. While misinformation has always existed, modern technology has amplified it. I dislike this trend because it confuses people, manipulates public opinion, and undermines trust in genuine sources of information.

6. Environmental negligence:
Despite knowing the damage caused by pollution, deforestation, and overconsumption, society continues to harm the planet. Industrialisation and economic greed are often behind this behaviour. Though environmental issues have been around for a while, the current scale is unprecedented. I dislike this because it threatens future generations and reflects our selfish disregard for nature.

7. The culture of instant gratification:
Many people today expect quick results in everything - success, relationships, health - thanks to fast technology and convenience-driven lifestyles. This culture didn’t exist to such a degree in the past. I dislike it because it encourages impatience, reduces resilience, and creates unrealistic expectations in life.

8. Overdependence on technology:
Modern society relies too much on technology, from basic communication to complex decision-making. While technology improves efficiency, overuse is turning people into passive consumers. This trend has accelerated in the last two decades. I dislike it because it erodes problem-solving skills, promotes physical inactivity, and increases social isolation.

9. Cancel culture:
The rise of cancel culture, where individuals are publicly shamed or boycotted for a single mistake, is troubling. Social media has enabled this behaviour, which often lacks context or forgiveness. Though public accountability has always existed, this extreme version is new. I dislike it because it discourages open dialogue and can unjustly ruin lives.

10. Decline of community bonding:
Modern urban life has weakened neighbourly relations and community spirit. People are more individualistic and rarely interact with those around them. This issue has evolved gradually with urbanisation and busy lifestyles. I dislike it because it leads to loneliness, mistrust, and a lack of social support, especially in times of crisis.

11. Normalisation of toxic productivity:
There is an unhealthy pressure in modern society to always be productive, even during personal time. Hustle culture and competitive environments fuel this mindset. Though ambition is not new, the glorification of nonstop work is a modern phenomenon. I dislike it because it disregards mental health, creativity, and the need for rest and joy in life.

Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:

When describing an aspect of modern society that you dislike, using specific vocabulary can effectively convey the nature of the issue, its underlying causes, historical context, and your personal disapproval. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate your concerns and the impact of this societal trend, making your response both critical and insightful. Here are some relevant words and phrases:

Consumerism: – The protection or promotion of the interests of consumers; the preoccupation of society with the acquisition of consumer goods.
Example: I find rampant consumerism and the 'buy more' culture quite disheartening.

Materialism: – A tendency to consider material possessions and physical comfort as more important than spiritual values.
Example: The increasing materialism in society often overshadows genuine human connections.

Digital over-reliance: – Excessive dependence on digital technology for daily tasks, communication, or information.
Example: Our digital over-reliance can lead to a decline in face-to-face interaction.

Information overload: – Exposure to or provision of too much information or data.
Example: The constant information overload from news and social media can be mentally exhausting.

Echo chambers: – An environment in which a person encounters only beliefs or opinions that coincide with their own, so that their existing views are reinforced and alternative ideas are not considered.
Example: Social media algorithms often create echo chambers, limiting exposure to diverse perspectives.

Polarisation: – Division into two sharply contrasting groups or sets of opinions or beliefs.
Example: The growing political polarisation in many societies is deeply concerning.

Instant gratification: – The desire to experience pleasure or fulfilment without delay or deferment.
Example: Modern society's emphasis on instant gratification often discourages patience and perseverance.

Disposable culture: – A society characterised by the use of large quantities of disposable products that are used once and then discarded.
Example: I dislike the disposable culture that contributes significantly to waste and environmental damage.

Erosion of privacy: – The gradual decrease or destruction of personal privacy, often due to technological advancements.
Example: The erosion of privacy in the digital age is a significant concern for many.

Superficiality: – The quality of being concerned with or understanding only what is on the surface; shallow.
Example: I feel there's a growing superficiality in interactions, often driven by online personas.

Anonymity: – The condition of being anonymous.
Example: The anonymity of the internet often leads to a rise in online aggression and bullying.

Lack of accountability: – The absence of a requirement or an expectation to justify one's actions or decisions.
Example: A disturbing aspect is the perceived lack of accountability for certain actions online.

Detrimental impact: – Causing harm or damage.
Example: This trend has a detrimental impact on mental well-being.

Unsustainable practices: – Methods or activities that cannot be continued at the current rate without depleting natural resources or causing severe environmental damage.
Example: Many aspects of modern society rely on unsustainable practices.

Ethical concerns: – Moral issues or problems that arise from a particular situation or practice.
Example: The rapid advancement of certain technologies raises many ethical concerns.

Social fragmentation: – The breakdown of social bonds and traditional structures within a community or society.
Example: Despite increased connectivity, there's a paradoxical sense of social fragmentation.

If you prepare for the topic "Describe an aspect of modern society that you dislike", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:

1) Describe a rule that you do not like.
2) Describe a law you would like to introduce in your country.
3) Describe an idea you had for improving something at work or college.
4) Describe an unpopular opinion that you hold.
5) Describe something you think should be changed in the area where you live.
6) Describe a positive change that you would like to bring to your community.
 

• IELTS Cue Card
• IELTS Speaking
• Candidate Task Card
• Speaking Part 2

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