Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Equipment that is important in your home - Cue Card # 768
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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 equipment that is important in your home.
You should say:
- what it is
- how often you use it
- what you use it for
and explain why you think this is so important for your home.
[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 it is important to have different necessary pieces of equipment at a modern home because we never know what we will need them for and when. My home also carries some such equipment, and today I will try to talk about one of them.
The piece of equipment I have chosen to talk about is called a “coffee maker”. Of course, we all know what a coffee maker really is, and what it really does. But, this coffee maker is certainly no “ordinary” equipment since it has been serving its owner uninterruptedly for well over 5 years without any major sign of wear and tear! Now, how many coffee makers can actually do that? Well, the answer is “not too many”! So, what can possibly be the reasons behind such robust performance?! Well, the answer is, again, it is made by a very top-notch electronics company in the world, and my family paid a very considerable amount of money to purchase it.
Of course, by now, you are probably thinking that I am praising our coffee maker just a bit too much, but you would also probably do the same thing if you were in my position. After all, wouldn’t you also do the same thing if your coffee maker were being used at least 10 times a day by 10 different people to brew coffee for at least 20 people almost every day?! And here, I am not even counting the number of guests who treat my home like a “guest house”! But, I guess, you already got the idea.
Anyway, I do think that this equipment is indeed important for my home because it helps all of my family members to relax and enjoy whenever they wish. It also helps us to quickly serve many of the guests - who visit us quite often - even when my family members are busy. Finally, it always helps bring all of my family members together over a cup of coffee, like a true family.
Model Answer 2:
Introduction:
I think I'd easily be able to talk about this topic as I am sure what equipment it is, when and how I use it, and I know exactly why this is important to me.
What it is:
The equipment I am referring to is a washing machine. It's a home appliance that is used to wash clothes, and in this era of modernisation, where everyone is busy with their work, this equipment is a time saver and an essential item in any household including mine.
How often you use it:
I use my washing machine at least twice a week, sometimes more often depending on the laundry load. It saves me a lot of time and effort that I would have otherwise spent on handwashing clothes. I am grateful for this equipment as it helps me manage my household chores efficiently.
What you use it for:
I use my washing machine for cleaning all types of clothes, bed sheets, curtains, and towels. This appliance is equipped with different washing modes, such as a delicate cycle for silk and wool and a regular cycle for cotton and other sturdy fabrics. It also has a quick wash option that comes in handy when I am in a hurry.
And explain why you think this is so important for your home:
I think the washing is worth the money it costs as it saves both time and energy. It helps me maintain hygiene and keeps our clothes looking new for longer. It has become an essential item in our daily routine, and it's hard to imagine life without it. The washing machine has brought convenience, efficiency, and comfort to my life, making it an important piece of equipment in my home.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
Every home has its essential equipment that makes daily life easier, more efficient, or more comfortable. Some pieces of equipment are used frequently, while others are used on special occasions. Here are some ideas to help you describe a piece of equipment that is important in your home:
1. Refrigerator:
One of the most important pieces of equipment in my home is the refrigerator. I use it daily, multiple times a day, to store food, drinks, and leftovers. It keeps everything cool and fresh, which is essential for maintaining the quality and safety of the food I eat. I find it especially important because it allows me to store perishable items for longer periods, reducing food waste and making it easier to plan meals in advance. Without it, daily life would be much more difficult, as I would have to shop for fresh ingredients more frequently.
2. Washing machine:
The washing machine is another indispensable piece of equipment in my home. I use it at least twice a week, depending on my laundry needs. It is essential for washing clothes, bed linens, and other fabrics. I find it extremely important because it saves time and energy compared to hand washing. It also ensures that my clothes are properly cleaned, which is important for hygiene and comfort. Without a washing machine, I would spend a lot more time and effort doing laundry manually, which would be quite inconvenient.
3. Microwave:
The microwave is a piece of equipment I use almost every day. It’s perfect for reheating leftovers, heating up beverages, or quickly cooking simple meals. The convenience and speed it offers make it an essential part of my kitchen. I find it particularly important for busy days when I don’t have the time or energy to cook from scratch. The microwave is also important because it’s energy-efficient and doesn’t require much preparation time, making it ideal for quick and easy meals.
4. Vacuum cleaner:
The vacuum cleaner is an essential piece of equipment in my home, especially because I have pets. I use it once a week to keep the floors clean and free of dust, dirt, and pet hair. The vacuum cleaner is important because it helps maintain a clean and healthy living environment. Without it, it would be much harder to keep the house tidy, especially with the amount of dirt that can accumulate in a home with pets. It’s a time-saving and efficient way to ensure cleanliness in my home.
5. Air conditioner:
An air conditioner is another vital piece of equipment in my home, especially during the hot summer months. I use it regularly, almost every day during the warmer seasons, to keep the house cool and comfortable. It helps regulate the temperature and improves air quality by filtering out dust and allergens. I find it especially important because it makes the indoor environment livable and pleasant during extreme weather conditions. Without it, the heat would make daily activities uncomfortable, affecting my overall well-being.
6. Coffee maker:
For me, the coffee maker is a key piece of equipment in my kitchen. I use it every morning to prepare coffee, which is an essential part of my daily routine. It helps me wake up and get energised for the day ahead. The coffee maker is particularly important because it saves me time and effort compared to boiling water manually. It also allows me to enjoy high-quality coffee at home, which would otherwise be expensive if I bought it from a café every day.
7. Heater:
When the weather turns cold, the heater becomes essential in my home. I use it daily during the winter months to maintain a warm and comfortable temperature inside. It helps keep the cold at bay, ensuring that I stay cosy during the colder months. I find it important because it not only makes my home comfortable but also ensures that I don’t fall ill from the cold. The heater is vital for maintaining a pleasant indoor environment when temperatures drop significantly outside.
8. Blender:
The blender is a versatile piece of equipment in my kitchen that I use several times a week. It’s especially useful for making smoothies, soups, sauces, and even dough. I find it important because it makes preparing healthy meals quick and easy. The blender also helps me incorporate more fruits and vegetables into my diet in a convenient way. Without it, I would find it more time-consuming to prepare certain meals and snacks.
9. Dishwasher:
The dishwasher is an essential piece of equipment in my home that I use after every meal. It saves me time by cleaning my dishes automatically, which is a huge convenience. I find it particularly important because it’s much more efficient than washing dishes by hand, especially when there’s a large amount to clean. It also helps conserve water, as dishwashers generally use less water than washing by hand. It’s a great way to ensure that my kitchen remains tidy without spending too much time on chores.
10. Iron:
The iron is a necessary piece of equipment in my home, as it helps keep my clothes looking neat and presentable. I use it once a week, depending on the amount of clothing that needs pressing. I find it important because it ensures that my clothes are wrinkle-free and professional-looking, especially when I have to attend work meetings or social events. The iron is a small but significant tool that helps me maintain a polished and put-together appearance.
Model Answer 3:
Thank you so much for giving me this wonderful opportunity to talk about a piece of equipment in my home that I consider absolutely essential. It’s none other than the air conditioner, and here, I will share why this is such an important household equipment for me.
Well, living in a place where the temperature can soar to scorching levels, especially during the summer, the air conditioner has become an essential part of my home. I use it almost daily, particularly in the warmer months when the heat can be unbearable. The air conditioner is what makes my home feel comfortable and livable, and I rely on it not only for cooling but also for the air quality it provides.
I mainly use it to keep the indoor temperature pleasant, especially in the evenings when the heat becomes overwhelming. But it’s not just about temperature regulation. The air conditioner helps in maintaining a fresh and cool environment, allowing me to focus on my work, relax, and sleep better. I also use it to improve the air quality in my home, as many air conditioners come with filters that help reduce dust, pollen, and other allergens, which is especially important for me due to some respiratory issues I have.
The reason this piece of equipment is so crucial for my home is that it significantly improves the quality of life. Without it, the stifling heat would make it difficult to concentrate on my work or even enjoy simple activities like reading or watching television. It’s a lifesaver during hot days when I need a break from the oppressive heat. Moreover, the cool air helps me stay energetic and refreshed, which in turn positively affects my productivity and mood. In my opinion, it not only provides physical comfort but also supports my well-being by ensuring a comfortable, healthy environment at home. I truly believe it’s one of those things that makes a big difference in everyday life.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ cue card topic:
When describing a piece of equipment important in your home, using vocabulary that highlights its function, frequency of use, purpose, and significance can create a clear and informative response. Focusing on its practicality and the benefits it provides will help explain its importance. Here are some useful words and phrases with example sentences:
An indispensable appliance – A piece of equipment that is absolutely necessary.
Example: The refrigerator is an indispensable appliance in our home.
A vital piece of equipment – An essential item for the smooth functioning of the household.
Example: The washing machine is a vital piece of equipment for our family.
Integral to daily life – Forming an essential part of everyday routines.
Example: Our internet router has become integral to daily life.
Utilize it on a regular basis – Use it frequently or routinely.
Example: We utilize the microwave oven on a regular basis.
Use it almost constantly – Employ it very frequently, with little interruption.
Example: The lighting system is used almost constantly in the evenings.
Streamlines the process – Makes a particular series of actions more efficient.
Example: The vacuum cleaner streamlines the process of keeping our floors tidy.
Contributes to comfort – Adds to or helps to bring about a particular advantage.
Example: The air conditioner significantly contributes to our comfort during hot weather.
Enhances enjoyment – Improves a particular part of living at home.
Example: The sound system enhances our enjoyment of music and movies.
Provides an essential function – Offers a necessary service or capability.
Example: The heating system provides an essential function during the winter months.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe a piece of equipment that is important in your home", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe something you own which is very important to you.
2) Describe a piece of equipment of your household (such as a computer, television, refrigerator, mobile phone and so on).
3) Describe a piece of equipment or tool you often use at home.
4) Describe a piece of electronic equipment that you find useful.
5) Describe a product you bought and felt happy about.
6) Describe a piece of modern technology (like a Kindle e-book reader, smartphone, etc) that you own.
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