In recent years, discussing new technologies has become increasingly common in IELTS Speaking exams. This topic allows examiners to assess candidates’ ability to articulate complex ideas and their awareness of current trends. Let’s explore how to excel when asked to describe a new technology you find useful.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about technology to warm you up. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Examiner: “Do you like using new technology?”
Candidate (Band 8-9 response): “Absolutely. I’m quite fascinated by technological advancements and try to keep up-to-date with the latest innovations. I find that new technologies often enhance our daily lives in unexpected ways, making tasks more efficient or opening up new possibilities. For instance, I recently started using a smart home system, which has revolutionized how I manage my living space.”
Describe an app you use daily for more practice on technology-related topics.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a new technology that you find useful
You should say:
- What the technology is
- How you use it
- Why you find it useful
- And explain how it has impacted your life or work
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“I’d like to talk about artificial intelligence-powered language models, specifically large language models like GPT-3 and its successors, which I find incredibly useful in my daily work and personal life.
These cutting-edge AI models are designed to understand and generate human-like text based on the input they receive. I use them in various ways, primarily as writing assistants and research tools. For instance, when I’m drafting an email or a report, I can input a brief outline or some key points, and the AI helps me expand on these ideas, offering different phrasings or suggesting additional relevant information.
I find this technology particularly useful because it significantly enhances my productivity and creativity. It acts as a brainstorming partner, helping me overcome writer’s block and explore different perspectives on a topic. Moreover, it’s an excellent tool for rapid information synthesis. When I need to quickly understand a new concept, I can ask the AI to explain it in simple terms or provide a summary of key points from multiple sources.
This technology has profoundly impacted both my work and personal life. Professionally, it has streamlined my writing process, allowing me to produce high-quality content more efficiently. This efficiency gain has freed up time for more strategic thinking and creative tasks that require a human touch. On a personal level, it has sparked my curiosity about AI and machine learning, leading me to delve deeper into these fields and consider their broader implications for society.
In conclusion, AI language models represent a paradigm shift in how we interact with information and generate content. While they’re not without limitations and ethical considerations, I believe they’re a game-changing technology that, when used responsibly, can significantly augment human capabilities and drive innovation across various sectors.”
Follow-up Questions
Examiner: “Do you think this technology could have any negative impacts?”
Candidate (Band 8-9 response): “Certainly, like any powerful technology, AI language models come with potential drawbacks. One significant concern is the possibility of spreading misinformation if users rely too heavily on AI-generated content without fact-checking. There’s also the risk of job displacement in certain writing-intensive fields. Additionally, these models can perpetuate biases present in their training data, potentially exacerbating social inequalities. It’s crucial that we develop and use this technology responsibly, with robust ethical guidelines and human oversight.”
Examiner: “How do you think this technology will evolve in the future?”
Candidate (Band 8-9 response): “I believe we’re only scratching the surface of what’s possible with AI language models. In the near future, we might see more specialized models tailored for specific industries or tasks, such as legal document analysis or medical research. There’s also likely to be significant progress in multimodal AI, which can process and generate not just text, but also images, speech, and even video. This could lead to incredibly intuitive human-computer interfaces. Furthermore, I anticipate advancements in AI transparency and explainability, addressing current concerns about the ‘black box’ nature of these models. Ultimately, the goal would be to create AI assistants that are not just powerful, but also trustworthy and aligned with human values.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: “How do you think new technologies are changing the way we work?”
Candidate (Band 8-9 response): “New technologies are fundamentally reshaping the workplace in numerous ways. Firstly, they’re enabling unprecedented levels of remote collaboration, breaking down geographical barriers and allowing for more flexible work arrangements. Tools like video conferencing, cloud-based project management platforms, and virtual reality are revolutionizing how teams interact and share information.
Secondly, automation and AI are significantly altering job roles. Many routine tasks are being automated, freeing up human workers to focus on more complex, creative, and strategic work. This shift is necessitating continuous learning and skill adaptation across various industries.
Moreover, data analytics and machine learning are empowering more data-driven decision-making in businesses. This is leading to more efficient processes and personalized customer experiences.
However, these changes also bring challenges. There’s a growing digital divide between those who can adapt to new technologies and those who struggle to keep up. Additionally, concerns about data privacy and cybersecurity are becoming increasingly important as more of our work lives move online.
In conclusion, while new technologies are undoubtedly increasing productivity and creating new opportunities, they’re also necessitating a reimagining of work structures, skill sets, and even the very nature of certain professions.”
Describe a person who is very active in adapting to new technologies for more speaking practice.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Paradigm shift /ˈpærəˌdaɪm ʃɪft/ (noun): A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
Example: “The advent of smartphones represented a paradigm shift in personal computing.” -
Cutting-edge /ˈkʌtɪŋ ɛdʒ/ (adjective): The most advanced stage of development; innovative or pioneering.
Example: “The company is known for its cutting-edge research in quantum computing.” -
Revolutionize /ˌrɛvəˈluːʃəˌnaɪz/ (verb): To change (something) radically or fundamentally.
Example: “Electric vehicles are set to revolutionize the automotive industry.” -
Augment /ɔːɡˈmɛnt/ (verb): To make (something) greater by adding to it.
Example: “AI tools can augment human creativity rather than replace it.” -
Implications /ˌɪmplɪˈkeɪʃənz/ (noun): The conclusion that can be drawn from something, although it is not explicitly stated.
Example: “We need to carefully consider the ethical implications of this new technology.”
Describe a memorable shopping experience you had with a new technology for additional speaking practice.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing new technologies:
- Demonstrate a broad vocabulary: Use a range of technology-related terms accurately and naturally.
- Show critical thinking: Discuss both advantages and potential drawbacks of the technology.
- Provide specific examples: Illustrate your points with real-life applications or personal experiences.
- Use complex sentence structures: Combine ideas fluently using a variety of grammatical constructions.
- Maintain coherence: Organize your ideas logically and use appropriate linking words.
- Express opinions confidently: Support your views with well-reasoned arguments.
- Stay relevant: Always address the question directly, using the technology topic as a springboard for broader discussion where appropriate.
Remember, practice is key. Regularly engage with technology news and discuss developments with others to build your confidence and fluency in this topic.
Describe an inspiring work of art created using new technology to further enhance your speaking skills.