Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe an electronic medium you like - Cue Card # 99
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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 electronic medium (like TV, radio, the internet) that you like.
You should say:
- what is it
- what you do with it
- what are the advantages and disadvantages of it
and explain why you like this electronic medium.
[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:
The first television, as we see it today, was invented by a young guy called Philo Taylor Farnsworth in 1927. But little did the young American inventor, in his early 20s at that time, know that his first "electronic television" would change the trajectory of the world in such dramatic fashion. Today, with more than 1.8 billion households in the world that own at least one TV set, it is fair to conclude that TV, still today, is arguably the most popular electronic media for mainstream viewers, including me.
When I am in a "serious" mood to learn something important, I just know that I can rely upon my "audio and video" box in order to watch some of my favourite documentary shows on the "Discovery" or "History" channel. Finally, I seldom have to worry about hitting a movie theatre in order to watch a good movie simply because I know that I will be able to watch it on my cable TV one day, sooner or later.
Television can be many things to many people, but the biggest advantage of having a TV is that this particular electronic media can unite millions of us around a common cause and interest by offering us a verified and trusted platform for news, cultures, sports and entertainment. A good TV programme can also improve our world views, encourage proper education and understanding, elevate our curiosity and trigger our imagination.
But that doesn't mean that television is without its fair share of criticism, as watching too much television by remaining indoors can detach us from the realities of the outside world. Besides, the study suggests that excessive TV watching can cause sleep difficulties, lower grades (in children) and behavioural problems. Having said that, if we use it for good, it can be a marvellous electronic medium for the whole family.
Anyway, I don't know about others, but I like my television more than a radio or the internet simply because I have been watching it since the day I began to understand the world around me, and also because I am just a bit too traditional to let go of it just yet. But, to be more precise, I like my TV because it provides me with an escape from the hustle and bustle of a busy life when I need it the most. Whether I want to watch or listen to some news or just need to unwind by watching a good game, I know that my TV won't disappoint me.
Model Answer 2:
Thank you so much for allowing me to talk about this interesting topic. Here, I'll try to share an electronic medium which I really like.
Well, without a doubt, the electronic medium I value the most is the internet. It’s hard to imagine my life without it now, although I still remember the days when dial-up connections used to make that strange buzzing sound before finally loading a page after ages!
I primarily use the internet for a variety of purposes. On a typical day, I read online newspapers, stream music, attend virtual meetings, and sometimes binge-watch a TV series if I need to unwind. More importantly, it has become my gateway to knowledge. For instance, I often watch educational videos, learn new skills like coding or even cooking, and use platforms that connect me with people from completely different parts of the world. In a way, it has expanded my world far beyond the boundaries of my hometown.
Of course, like everything else, the internet comes with both advantages and disadvantages. The biggest benefit, I’d say, is accessibility to information. You can learn literally anything, from quantum physics to how to fix a leaking tap, just with a few clicks. It also keeps people connected across borders, which has been a blessing, especially during times like the pandemic. On the flip side, though, it can be a little addictive. Social media, for example, often eats up more of my time than I’d like to admit, and misinformation spreads quite quickly online, which can be dangerous.
Despite these drawbacks, I think the internet is my favourite electronic medium because it has empowered me in ways no other medium has. It has shaped the way I think, work, and communicate. Most importantly, it has given me the freedom to learn and grow at my own pace. For that reason, I don’t just like it, I’m genuinely grateful for it.
Model Answer 3:
I guess television is the most popular electronic media in the world, and this is the one I like the most. With the popularity of satellite channels and the diversity of the programmes offered by different TV channels, people have started accepting TV as a means to enjoy their time.
What do I do with this electronic media? Well, I watch the news, documentaries, movies, and music shows on TV. Many TV channels offer specialised programmes for people, and among them, I find National Geographic, Discovery and the BBC very reliable and authentic sources of information. As we have a smart TV at our house, I often connect to the Internet and watch my favourite videos on YouTube or use an application like Skype to talk to a friend. With a smart TV, the possibilities are virtually endless.
The television is the primary source of news, information and entertainment for many around the world, and TV channels are constantly working to educate people and let them know the local and international events. One can easily watch a TV programme while doing other tasks. This is quite impossible for other media, like the print media. The variation of programmes is helpful for people to easily pick their favourite channels. We can watch live events and news on TV, and with the advancement of technology, it has become easier for everyone to own a TV at home.
The main drawback of this medium is that people become addicted to TV programmes and thus often stay indoors rather than going out and socialising. Moreover, politically biased news sometimes misleads people and causes unavoidable conflicts. Overwatching television has health-related issues and specifically harms children who watch TV programmes for long hours. Apart from that, international TV channels are often thought to be the reason for the cultural degradation of youths.
Why do I like TV as an electronic medium? Well, with the satellite connection, watching even more than 500 channels does not cost much in my country. A large number of TV channels offer information, news, entertainment, insights into different events, weather reports, live shows and so on. These are thoroughly entertaining and informative for me. To me, the audio-visual representation of news and information on TV is easier to grasp than that of other media, and this is why I like to watch TV so much.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card / Cue card topic:
Electronic media come in many forms and are a staple of modern life - each medium has a distinct feel and use. Below are some clear ideas you can develop for the cue card prompt about an electronic medium you like. Use any of these as your main example and expand with personal details and examples.
1. The internet:
I use it for research, watching educational videos, keeping up with news and speaking with friends abroad. Advantages: instant access to huge amounts of information, flexibility to learn at your own pace and many free resources. Disadvantages: misinformation spreads quickly, distractions (endless clickbait) and privacy concerns. I like it because it’s versatile - I can learn a new skill at midnight, fact-check something in seconds and stay connected, which makes life more efficient even if it occasionally ruins my attention span.
2. Television (educational/documentary channels):
I mainly watch documentaries and science shows to relax and learn. Advantages: high production values, curated content and visual storytelling that make complex ideas easy to grasp. Disadvantages: can be passive (you sit and consume), commercial breaks and sometimes biased or sensationalised coverage. I like TV for its ability to combine visuals, sound and expert interviews - it’s the easiest way to turn a complicated topic into something engaging without having to read a 5000-word article.
3. Radio (live talk shows and music stations):
I listen during commutes or when cooking - talk shows keep me informed and music stations lift my mood. Advantages: portable, good for multitasking, and often immediate (live updates, traffic). Disadvantages: less visual information, quality varies, and ads or repetitive playlists can annoy. I like radio because it feels personal - a host’s voice can make you feel like you’re part of a community even when you’re alone in traffic.
4. Podcasts (specialist audio series):
I subscribe to a few podcast series and listen while exercising or commuting. Advantages: long-form, in-depth discussion, easy to fit into routines and usually ad-free or lightly sponsored. Disadvantages: some shows are variable in quality, and finding reliable information can require vetting. I like podcasts for their depth and conversational tone - they feel like a masterclass or friendly seminar you can take anywhere.
5. Streaming platforms (on-demand video services):
I use them to study language through foreign shows and to unwind with well-made dramas. Advantages: on-demand convenience, wide selection, and personalised recommendations. Disadvantages: subscription costs add up, binge-watching can become a time sink, and algorithm bubbles limit discovery. I like streaming because of the control - I pick what to watch and when, which is perfect for busy schedules and targeted learning.
6. Social media as an information medium:
I follow expert accounts for quick tips, news bites and learning resources. Advantages: fast updates, diverse perspectives and highly shareable learning snippets. Disadvantages: echo chambers, superficial coverage of complex issues, and the pressure to react quickly. I like social media when used selectively - it’s excellent for discovering new ideas and quick tutorials, but you must be careful to verify what you find.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing an electronic medium you like, using specific vocabulary can effectively convey what it is, how you use it, its advantages and disadvantages, and why you favour it. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate its functionality, impact on your life, and the different aspects that make it both useful and potentially problematic, making your response both balanced and insightful. Here are some relevant words and phrases:
Electronic medium: – A form of mass communication that uses electronic means, such as the internet, TV, or radio.
Example: My favourite electronic medium is the internet because of its endless possibilities.
The Internet: – A global computer network providing a variety of information and communication facilities.
Example: I spend a lot of time on the internet for both work and entertainment.
Streaming service: – A provider of media content delivered digitally.
Example: I like the internet because I can use streaming services to watch whatever I want, whenever I want.
Information hub: – A central place for information.
Example: The internet is an unparalleled information hub for research and learning.
Global connectivity: – The ability to connect with people or information from all over the world.
Example: The internet provides global connectivity, allowing me to stay in touch with friends and family.
User-friendly: – Easy to use or understand.
Example: A major advantage of my favourite platform is its user-friendly interface.
Versatile: – Able to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities.
Example: I like how versatile the internet is; it can be used for everything from shopping to education.
Immersive: – Seeming to surround the user, as in virtual reality or a rich media experience.
Example: The immersive content available on the internet is one of its greatest appeals.
Addiction: – The fact or condition of being addicted to a particular substance or activity.
Example: One of the main disadvantages is the risk of addiction and excessive screen time.
Misinformation: – False or inaccurate information.
Example: The spread of misinformation is a serious disadvantage of social media.
Distraction: – Something that prevents one from giving full attention to something else.
Example: It can be a huge distraction and affect my productivity during work.
Passive consumption: – The act of receiving media without active engagement or critical thought.
Example: Watching TV can lead to passive consumption of media, which I try to avoid.
Accessibility: – The quality of being able to be reached or entered.
Example: The high level of accessibility is a key advantage, as I can use it anywhere.
Convenience: – The state of being able to proceed with something with little difficulty or effort.
Example: Its convenience is what makes the internet so important to me.
Reliable: – Consistently good in quality or performance; able to be trusted.
Example: I prefer the radio because it's a reliable source of news, even without an internet connection.
Interact: – To act in such a way as to have an effect on another.
Example: I love how social media allows me to interact with people from different countries.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe an electronic medium (like TV, radio, the internet) that you like", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe your favourite source of news.
2) Describe a TV channel you like.
3) Describe a newspaper or a magazine you often read.
4) Describe something you enjoy doing regularly.
5) Describe a leisure activity that you enjoy doing.
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