Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
When you started using a new technological device - Cue Card # 785
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IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.
Describe a time when you started using a new technological device (e.g. a new computer or phone).
You should say:
- what device you started using
- why you started using this device
- how easy or difficult it was to use
and explain how helpful this device was 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 like new technology. I also like to own them and use them if I can, except, of course, these technological devices are not always easy for me to obtain because most of them actually don’t come cheap. Fortunately, the new technology, which I started using about a few years ago, wasn’t really that expensive.
This new technological device, I am talking about, is popularly known as the “smartphone”. Now, before starting to use a smartphone, I was already using a regular mobile phone (some people call it a feature phone) which, I thought, was a good technological device since it served my purposes perfectly. After all, I could communicate with my family and friends through this “strongly-built” device whenever I wished to do so. Therefore, I didn’t really need another device called a “smartphone”, or so at least, I had thought.
But, then one day, my only nephew, the son of my elder sister, flew abroad for higher education, and he demanded that I get a smartphone so that he wouldn’t only be able to have a voice chat with me but also have a live video transmission at the same time. Of course, my nephew’s insistence was enough of a reason for me to buy that smartphone. But I wanted to buy it for another reason, and the reason was, most of the people around me, including my friends, relatives, co-workers and neighbours, were already using some kind of smartphone that offered them some advanced features like connectivity to the internet, video/movie downloading, high-resolution camera, freedom to install and use some really handy applications, checking and sending emails and so forth. By the way, this smartphone was a bit difficult to use for me, initially, as it had a rather sensitive kind of screen and buttons, but I got used to it later on, slowly but surely.
Anyway, I was glad that I bought this new device because it proved to be very useful. First, I could have live video chats with my beloved nephew and others as if they were never far away from me. Besides, it also allowed me to watch some of my favourite videos online and have some fun while I am on the run. Finally, some of the applications that I use now, for instance, a personal budget management application and an exercise application, have proven out to be very useful.
Model Answer 2:
Introduction:
In today's world, technological devices have become a necessity in our lives. With the advancement of technology, people tend to upgrade their gadgets to make their daily lives easier, and I also am a technology lover and I am never afraid of trying new technology - be it a hardware device or a new piece of useful software. Here, I will talk about my experience of starting to use a tabloid PC for the first time.
What device you started using:
The device I started using was a tabloid PC. I was given this device by my employer to carry out my official work. Before that, I was using a laptop, but this new device was much more portable and easy to carry.
Why you started using this device:
I started using this device because my work involved a lot of travelling and attending meetings. It was difficult for me to carry my laptop all the time. So, my employer decided to provide me with a more portable and convenient device, which was a tabloid PC.
How easy or difficult it was to use:
As I was used to working on a laptop, it took a couple of days for me to get accustomed to using this new device. The screen size was smaller, and the keyboard was different, which took a few hours for me to get used to. However, with time and practice, and it did not take more than three days, I got comfortable using it. Moreover, it had a touchscreen feature, which made it easier to operate.
And explain how helpful the device was to you:
The tabloid PC proved to be very helpful for me as it was lightweight, easy to carry and had a long battery life. It allowed me to work while travelling, attending meetings, and working remotely. It was also helpful in taking quick notes during meetings and presentations. The touchscreen feature made it easier to navigate through different applications, and it provided me with the same functionality as a laptop but with more convenience.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card / Cue card topic:
Technology is constantly evolving, and people often upgrade to new devices for better performance and efficiency. Below are some examples of technological devices that people have started using, along with brief responses to the cue card questions.
1. A New Smartphone – Smartphones provide communication, entertainment, and productivity features. I started using an iPhone 15 last year after switching from an Android device. I needed a better camera and faster performance for my work. Initially, I found the interface slightly different, but I got used to it quickly. This phone has been very helpful in organizing my daily tasks and staying connected.
2. A Laptop for Work – Laptops are essential for professional and academic use. I bought a MacBook Pro when I started my new job in graphic design. I needed a powerful device for editing and rendering high-quality images. At first, it was challenging to switch from Windows, but I adapted over time. This laptop has significantly improved my workflow and productivity.
3. A Smartwatch – Smartwatches help with fitness tracking, notifications, and health monitoring. I started using a Samsung Galaxy Watch to track my fitness and daily activities. I wanted to monitor my heart rate and exercise routine more efficiently. It was easy to set up, but learning all the features took some time. This device has been useful in improving my health and keeping me active.
4. A Tablet for Studying – Tablets are lightweight and great for reading and note-taking. I purchased an iPad Air for my university studies to take digital notes and read e-books. I needed a portable device that could replace heavy textbooks. It was simple to use, and the Apple Pencil made writing feel natural. This device has helped me stay organized and reduce paper clutter.
5. A Gaming Console – Gaming consoles provide entertainment and immersive experiences. I started using a PlayStation 5 after upgrading from my older console. I wanted better graphics and a smoother gaming experience. It took some time to adjust to the new controller and features, but now I love it. This device has provided hours of entertainment and a way to relax.
6. A DSLR Camera – DSLR cameras are used for professional photography and videography. I bought a Canon DSLR when I became interested in photography. I wanted to capture high-quality images for my blog and social media. Learning manual settings was difficult at first, but practice helped. This device has allowed me to explore my creative side and take stunning photos.
7. A Smart TV – Smart TVs offer streaming services and internet connectivity. I upgraded to a Samsung Smart TV to watch movies and shows online without needing extra devices. I wanted better picture quality and access to streaming platforms. Setting it up was easy, but understanding all the features took time. This TV has enhanced my entertainment experience.
8. A Wireless Earbuds – Wireless earbuds offer convenience and high-quality sound. I switched to AirPods Pro after getting tired of wired earphones. I needed something more comfortable and wireless for workouts and calls. Connecting them was simple, but learning touch controls took a while. These earbuds have made listening to music and taking calls much easier.
These are just a few examples of new technological devices that people start using. You can choose one that matches your experience and expand on it in your answer.
Part 3 - Detail discussion:
Discussion topic: "Technology and education"
Q. What is the best age for children to start computer lessons?
Q. Do you think that schools should use more technology to help children learn?
Q. Do you agree or disagree that computers will replace teachers one day?
Discussion topic: "Technology and society"
Q. How much has technology improved how we communicate with each other?
Q. Do you agree that there are still many more major technological innovations to be made?
Q. Could you suggest some reasons why some people are deciding to reduce their use of technology?
The answer to these part 3 questions - Speaking Sample 107: Part 3: Details Discussion
Vocabulary for this Cue Card topic:
Using and adapting to new technology often involves specific terms and phrases. Below are some moderately advanced words and expressions that will help you describe your experience effectively. These words and phrases will also make your answer sound more natural and sophisticated.
Cutting-edge technology: Refers to the latest, most advanced technology.
Example: "The smartphone I started using featured cutting-edge technology, including an AI-powered camera and an ultra-fast processor."
User-friendly interface: A system or device that is easy to navigate and operate.
Example: "The laptop had a user-friendly interface, so I adapted to it within a day."
Learning curve: The process of learning something new and how difficult or easy it is.
Example: "Switching from Windows to Linux Operating System had a steep learning curve, but after a week, I felt comfortable using it."
Adaptability: The ability to adjust to new conditions or changes.
Example: "My adaptability helped me get used to my smartwatch’s different features quickly."
Hands-free operation: Using a device without having to physically touch it, often through voice commands or automation.
Example: "The voice assistant in my new phone allows for hands-free operation, making daily tasks much easier."
Seamless integration: When a device connects or works perfectly with other technology.
Example: "My wireless earbuds offered seamless integration with my phone, making it convenient to switch between music and calls."
Intuitive controls: Features that are easy to understand without prior experience.
Example: "The tablet had intuitive controls, so I didn’t need to read the manual to start using it."
Enhanced performance: An improvement in speed, efficiency, or overall functionality.
Example: "Compared to my old device, my new gaming console had enhanced performance, allowing me to play without lag."
Connectivity issues: Problems with connecting to the internet or other devices.
Example: "At first, I faced some connectivity issues with my smartwatch, but they were resolved after an update."
Revolutionary features: Unique or game-changing aspects of a new device.
Example: "My phone introduced revolutionary features like facial recognition and real-time language translation."
Troubleshooting: The process of identifying and solving problems in a device or system.
Example: "I had to do some troubleshooting when my laptop wouldn’t connect to Wi-Fi."
Lag-free experience: When a device functions smoothly without delays or interruptions.
Example: "Upgrading to a high-speed processor gave me a lag-free experience while using my design software."
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