Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe a piece of software or application that you often use - Cue Card # 712
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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 a piece of software or application that you often use.
You should say:
- what software or application it is
- what you use it for
- for how long you have been using it
and explain why it 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 are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]
Model Answer 1:
I think, these days, it is very hard to imagine a life without having access to a computer or a hand-held mobile device. This is primarily because those devices allow us to use different kinds of software and application tools to make our lives easier. Of course, different people use different kinds of software and applications, depending on their level of skills and needs, for different purposes, but when it comes to a person like me, with rather limited computer skills, Microsoft Office is my saviour.
I guess it is not really necessary to introduce "Microsoft Office", but just to make things clear, it is a collection of handy tools, which was first developed in 1988 by Bill Gates for the use of business and office work.
But, I didn’t learn about this software or start to use it until early 2005 when I started school. Since then, I have played with this software and used its applications like Word, Excel and PowerPoint at every opportunity. Today, as an Office Manager of a prestigious company in my country, I use “Microsoft Word” to create all sorts of documents in order to communicate with my fellow workers and superiors.
However, this particular application called “Microsoft Word” comes in really handy when I prepare a periodic report for my bosses, along with Excel charts on it, in order to show the progress of the production of our chocolate cake factory and the productivity of our workers. Sometimes, I also use PowerPoint to make some presentations to my fellow workers to show the overall progress of our work and efforts in order to motivate my workers.
Anyway, this software is important for me because it provides great peace of mind because I know that I can take care of all of my office work quickly and easily with the help of it. I can even work at home on the same documents that I worked on in my office, and that makes it really handy. In my life, I can not think of creating a document, spreadsheet or presentation without the help of this software.
Sample Answer 2:
Oh, thank you so much for the opportunity to let me talk about an application that I use frequently, and this application would be "Evernote". Evernote is a note-taking and organization app that has become an essential part of my daily routine.
Evernote is a productivity app that allows users to take notes, organize tasks, and save important information in various formats. It’s available on both mobile devices and desktop computers, and it syncs across all devices, so I can access my notes from anywhere. The app supports text, audio, images, and even scanned documents, making it highly versatile and user-friendly. Over the years, it has become my go-to tool for keeping track of everything from work-related notes to personal reminders.
I use Evernote primarily for note-taking and organizing my tasks. Whenever I have an idea, I can quickly jot it down, whether I’m on the go or sitting at my desk. I also use it to store important documents, such as scanned receipts, lecture notes, and travel itineraries. The ability to categorize notes into different notebooks and tag them makes it easy to find anything I need later. Additionally, I often use it to set reminders for tasks or deadlines, ensuring I stay on top of my schedule.
I’ve been using Evernote for nearly five years now. Initially, I started using it for simple note-taking, but over time, I realized how much more it could offer.
Evernote is incredibly important to me because it helps me stay organized in both my personal and professional life. As someone who is constantly juggling various tasks and responsibilities, having a central hub to keep track of everything has been invaluable. The app’s versatility allows me to store a wide range of information and access it on any device, whether I’m working from home or travelling. It has significantly improved my productivity and reduced the mental clutter of trying to remember every little detail.
Model Answer 3:
I am excited to have this topic as I know exactly what I am asked to talk about and what I am going to talk about. Well, one indispensable software that I frequently rely on is Dropbox, a cloud-based file storage solution that has become an integral part of my digital life, and for this topic, I am going to talk about this piece of software.
Dropbox is a file hosting service that allows users to store and share files in the cloud. Its seamless synchronization across devices and platforms makes it a versatile tool for managing digital content. I find it quite intuitive and handy for me.
I primarily use Dropbox for file storage and sharing. Whether it's work-related documents, personal photos, or collaborative projects, Dropbox provides a centralized and easily accessible repository. Its collaborative features enable smooth sharing with colleagues and friends, fostering efficient teamwork. I have been using this piece of software for more than a decade. Even though there are some alternatives to this software, I have always loved its features and functionality and that's why I have stuck to it ever since I started using it for the first time as a college student.
The accessibility and functionality of this software make it highly important to me. With files stored in the cloud, I can seamlessly transition between devices, ensuring I have the latest version of a document at my fingertips. The automatic synchronization feature eliminates the need for manual transfers, saving time and reducing the risk of data loss. Additionally, the sharing options make collaboration straightforward, allowing real-time updates and feedback. Its user-friendly interface and reliable performance contribute to a seamless digital workflow. Whether I'm working on a project with colleagues or accessing personal files on the go, Dropbox ensures that my data is secure, organized, and easily retrievable.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
This topic asks you to describe a piece of software or an application that you frequently use. To develop a good answer, you should talk about the name of the app or software, what purpose it serves in your life, how long you've been using it, and why it plays such an important role for you - as suggested by the supporting questions that came with the Cue Card question. Whether it’s for productivity, communication, learning, or entertainment, your response should highlight how this tool benefits you in daily life. Here are a few ideas to help you structure your response:
1. Microsoft Word:
I often use Microsoft Word for writing reports, preparing essays, and editing documents. I’ve been using it since my school days, which makes it over a decade now. It is important to me because it allows me to format and edit texts professionally, which I use in my academic and professional work.
2. Google Maps:
I use Google Maps almost daily to find routes, explore nearby places, and check traffic conditions. I started using it more actively about five years ago when I moved to a new city. It’s essential because it helps me navigate unfamiliar areas with confidence and saves me time.
3. WhatsApp:
WhatsApp is my primary communication app for both personal and professional use. I’ve been using it for nearly eight years to send messages, make voice and video calls, and stay connected with people. It’s important because it’s free, reliable, and has become part of my everyday life.
4. Canva:
I frequently use Canva to design graphics, posters, and social media content. I started using it during university to create presentations, and now I use it professionally as well. It’s important because it allows non-designers like me to create visually appealing content easily.
5. Duolingo:
I use Duolingo to learn French and improve my vocabulary. I’ve been using it for the past two years, especially during my daily commute. It’s important because it keeps me motivated to learn a new language through fun exercises and progress tracking.
6. Zoom:
Zoom is a video conferencing app I use for online classes and virtual meetings. I started using it during the COVID-19 pandemic and still use it frequently. It’s important because it allows me to connect with people worldwide for work and education.
7. Adobe Photoshop:
I often use Adobe Photoshop for editing images and creating professional designs. I’ve been using it for around six years now, both for freelance projects and personal interests. It’s crucial to me as a creative tool because it gives me full control over visual editing.
8. Spotify:
Spotify is the app I use for listening to music and podcasts. I’ve been a user for more than three years. It’s important to me because music helps me relax, stay focused while working, and discover new artists based on my taste.
9. Trello:
I use Trello to manage tasks and organize my projects efficiently. I discovered it three years ago when I started working on group assignments. It’s important because it helps me stay on track with my work and collaborate easily with team members.
10. Notion:
Notion is a multifunctional app I use to take notes, plan my schedule, and track my habits. I’ve been using it for a year now. It’s important because it combines many tools into one platform and helps me keep my personal and professional life organized.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing a frequently used piece of software or application, using specific vocabulary can effectively convey its functionality, your usage patterns, and its significance in your life. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate its benefits and your reliance on it, making your response both informative and relatable. Here are some relevant words and phrases:
Indispensable: – Absolutely necessary or essential.
Example: This application has become indispensable for my daily productivity.
Streamline: – Make an organization or system more efficient and effective by simplifying the way it works.
Example: It helps me streamline my workflow, saving a lot of time.
User-friendly interface: – A design that is easy and pleasant for people to interact with.
Example: One of its biggest strengths is its incredibly user-friendly interface.
Enhances productivity: – Improves efficiency and effectiveness in performing tasks.
Example: I rely on it heavily as it significantly enhances my productivity.
Seamless integration: – The smooth and unnoticeable combining of different systems or components.
Example: Its seamless integration with other tools I use makes it even more powerful.
Versatile functionality: – The ability to perform many different tasks or have many different uses.
Example: I appreciate its versatile functionality, catering to various needs.
Go-to tool: – A preferred or most frequently used tool or resource.
Example: It has become my go-to tool for all my research and writing.
Indispensable for daily tasks: – Absolutely essential for completing everyday activities.
Example: I find it indispensable for managing my daily tasks and appointments.
Keeps me organized: – Helps me to maintain a structured and orderly system.
Example: Without it, I doubt I could keep myself as organized as I am.
Reliable performance: – Consistent and trustworthy operation without frequent issues.
Example: Its reliable performance means I rarely encounter glitches or crashes.
A game-changer: – A newly introduced element or factor that changes an existing situation or activity in a significant way.
Example: Discovering this application was truly a game-changer for my studies.
Boosts efficiency: – Increases the ability to achieve maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense.
Example: The automation features really boost my efficiency in completing repetitive tasks.
Facilitates collaboration: – Makes it easier for people to work together.
Example: It effectively facilitates collaboration with my teammates on shared projects.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe a piece of software or application that you often use", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe a piece of software that you use on your computer.
2) Describe a software or application that you often use.
3) Describe an application that you use on your mobile phone.
4) Describe some technology (e.g. an app, phone, software program) that you decided to stop using.
5) Describe a software or mobile application which you find useful.
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