The Speaking section in the IELTS exam evaluates a candidate’s proficiency in spoken English based on fluency, coherence, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. A common task in this section involves describing a personal experience, such as using new technology. This article will guide you through crafting an exemplary response to this prompt, ensuring you can impress the examiner and secure a high band score. We will explore typical questions you may encounter, provide model answers, and illustrate effective strategies.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner will ask general questions about yourself, your home, work or studies, and other familiar topics. Here are some typical questions:
Common Questions in Part 1
- Can you describe the technology you use most frequently?
- How has technology changed the way you work or study?
- Have you recently learned to use a new piece of technology?
Example Answer to “Have you recently learned to use a new piece of technology?”
“Yes, recently I had to learn how to use a new graphic design software for a project at work. It’s called Adobe Illustrator. Initially, it was quite intimidating because I had never used it before. However, after watching a few tutorials and practicing diligently, I became quite proficient at it. This experience has actually expanded my skill set significantly and boosted my confidence in using technology.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card and Sample Response
The examiner will provide you a cue card with a topic. You’ll have one minute to prepare and then you’ll need to speak for 1-2 minutes.
Cue Card: Describe A Time When You Had To Use New Technology.
- What was the technology?
- When did you use it?
- Who helped you learn it?
- Explain how you felt about using this new technology.
Sample Answer:
“A memorable time when I had to use new technology was when I started using cloud computing services at my job last year. The specific technology was Google Drive. At that time, our team decided to shift from traditional paper-based and email-based communication to a more integrated and efficient system. I was initially apprehensive about this change because it seemed quite complex.
I started using it in March, right after our departmental training session. Our IT manager conducted this session and was incredibly patient, explaining all the features comprehensively. He provided several tutorials and practice sessions, which were a great help.
Once I got used to it, I found Google Drive extremely convenient for collaborating with my colleagues. It allowed real-time editing and easy access to documents from any device, which significantly improved our productivity. This experience taught me the importance of being open to new technologies and continuously learning to stay relevant in today’s fast-paced world.”
Follow-Up Questions:
- How difficult was it to learn to use this technology?
- How has this technology impacted your daily tasks?
- Would you recommend this technology to others?
Suggested Answers:
- “Initially, it was quite challenging to grasp the functionalities. However, with regular practice and support from my colleagues, I managed to become proficient within a couple of weeks.”
- “This technology has revolutionized my daily tasks by making document sharing and collaboration seamless. It has saved me a lot of time and effort.”
- “Absolutely, I would highly recommend this technology to anyone looking to improve their workflow and enhance team collaboration. It’s very user-friendly once you get the hang of it.”
Part 3: Two-Way Discussion
In this part, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic discussed in Part 2.
Examiner Questions and Sample Discussion:
Question: Do you think all new technologies are beneficial?
Answer: “While most new technologies aim to improve efficiency and connectivity, not all of them are universally beneficial. Some technologies may have potential drawbacks, such as privacy concerns or causing job displacement. For instance, the rise of automation and AI can lead to job losses in certain sectors. Balanced implementation and ethical considerations are crucial.”
Question: How has modern technology affected the way we communicate?
Answer: “Modern technology has significantly transformed communication, making it more instantaneous and global. Platforms like social media and messaging apps have bridged geographical gaps, allowing people to stay connected effortlessly. However, this also comes with challenges, such as the risk of miscommunication and increased pressure to be constantly available.”
Learning to use new technology
Important Vocabulary and Structures
Here are some powerful words and phrases that can help you achieve a high score:
- Proficient (/prəˈfɪʃ.ənt/) – skilled and experienced
- Apprehensive (/ˌæp.rɪˈhen.sɪv/) – anxious or fearful that something bad might happen
- Revolutionized (/ˌrev.əˈluː.ʃən.aɪzd/) – completely changed
- Productivity (/ˌprɒdʌkˈtɪvəti/) – the state of being able to produce something
- Seamless (/ˈsiːm.ləs/) – smooth and continuous, with no apparent gaps or spaces
- Workflow (/ˈwɜːk.fləʊ/) – the process of taking tasks from their inception to their completion
- Balanced (/ˈbalənst/) – giving careful consideration to all sides
Example Sentences:
- “I became proficient in using Adobe Illustrator after several weeks of practice.”
- “Initially, I felt quite apprehensive about adopting cloud computing solutions.”
- “The new management system has revolutionized our workflow, making it more efficient and reliable.”
Tips for High Scores
- Practice Regularly: Familiarity comes with practice, so engage in regular speaking exercises.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Incorporate varied and sophisticated vocabulary into your responses.
- Stay Coherent: Ensure your ideas flow logically and clearly.
- Use Idiomatic Language: Phrases and idioms can boost your score, but only if used correctly.
- Seek Feedback: Regular feedback from tutors or peers can highlight areas for improvement.
By mastering these strategies and incorporating them into your practice, you’ll be well-prepared to achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking section. Good luck!
