In today’s digital age, our online behaviors and habits have become an integral part of our daily lives. It’s no surprise that IELTS examiners are increasingly interested in exploring candidates’ perspectives on this topic. This article will guide you through answering questions about a person who has positively influenced your digital habits in the IELTS Speaking test, providing sample answers and valuable tips to help you achieve a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about your digital habits. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Q: How much time do you spend online each day?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I spend about 4-5 hours online daily. Most of this time is for work and study, but I also use social media and watch videos for entertainment.
Band 8-9 Answer:
On average, I’d say I spend approximately 5-6 hours online per day. This time is judiciously divided between professional commitments, academic pursuits, and leisure activities. I’m conscientious about maintaining a healthy balance between my digital and offline life.
Q: Has anyone influenced the way you use technology?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, my older sister has influenced how I use technology. She taught me to be more careful about what I share online and to use social media less.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. My older sister has been instrumental in shaping my digital habits. She’s enlightened me about the importance of digital wellbeing and has instilled in me a more mindful approach to technology use. Her guidance has been invaluable in navigating the complexities of the digital world.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card related to our theme:
Describe a person who has had a positive influence on your digital habits.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What digital habits this person influenced
- And explain why you think this influence was positive
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
I’d like to talk about my university professor, Dr. Sarah Thompson, who has had a profound impact on my digital habits. I first met Dr. Thompson two years ago when I enrolled in her course on “Digital Ethics and Responsibility” at my university.
Dr. Thompson is a renowned expert in the field of digital communication and has extensive experience working with tech companies. Her passion for promoting healthy digital habits is truly infectious, and it’s had a lasting influence on how I approach technology use.
One of the key digital habits Dr. Thompson influenced was my approach to social media consumption. She encouraged us to be more critical of the content we consume and to fact-check information before sharing it. This has made me a more discerning user of social media platforms.
Another significant change she inspired was in my time management. Dr. Thompson introduced us to various productivity apps and techniques to optimize our screen time. This has helped me become more efficient and focused when using digital devices for work or study.
I believe this influence was positive because it has enhanced my digital literacy and made me a more responsible digital citizen. Dr. Thompson’s guidance has helped me strike a better balance between my online and offline life, improving my overall well-being. Her influence has not only benefited me personally but has also made me more aware of the broader implications of our digital actions on society.
Follow-up Questions
- How has this person’s influence changed your daily routine?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Dr. Thompson’s influence has made me more aware of my screen time. I now set limits on my phone usage and take regular breaks from digital devices.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Dr. Thompson’s influence has fundamentally altered my daily routine. I’ve implemented a structured approach to my digital interactions, setting specific time blocks for different online activities. I now prioritize face-to-face interactions and engage in regular digital detox sessions, which has significantly enhanced my overall productivity and mental well-being.
- Have you shared these digital habits with others?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I’ve shared some of these habits with my friends and family. I’ve told them about the importance of fact-checking and limiting screen time.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. I’ve become somewhat of an advocate for digital wellness among my peers and family members. I’ve organized workshops on responsible social media use and shared resources on digital time management. It’s been gratifying to witness the positive changes in those who’ve adopted these habits, creating a ripple effect of digital mindfulness in my community.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask you more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some sample questions and answers:
Q: How do you think digital habits affect people’s social skills?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think digital habits can have both positive and negative effects on social skills. On one hand, social media can help people stay connected, but too much screen time might reduce face-to-face interaction skills.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The impact of digital habits on social skills is multifaceted and nuanced. While digital platforms have undoubtedly expanded our social networks and facilitated global connections, there’s a growing concern about the quality of these interactions. Excessive reliance on digital communication might atrophy certain interpersonal skills, such as reading non-verbal cues or engaging in spontaneous conversations. However, when used mindfully, digital tools can complement and enhance our social abilities, allowing us to cultivate diverse relationships and practice empathy across cultural boundaries.
Q: What role should schools play in shaping students’ digital habits?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I believe schools should teach students about online safety and how to use the internet responsibly. They could include lessons on digital literacy in their curriculum.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Schools play a pivotal role in shaping students’ digital habits and should adopt a comprehensive approach to digital education. This goes beyond mere technical skills to encompass critical thinking, ethical considerations, and digital citizenship. Educational institutions should integrate digital literacy across all subjects, teaching students to navigate the online world safely, evaluate information critically, and use digital tools productively. Moreover, schools should collaborate with parents to ensure a consistent approach to digital education, recognizing that habits formed in school often extend to home life and beyond.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
To achieve a high band score, it’s crucial to use a range of sophisticated vocabulary and phrases. Here are some examples from the sample answers above:
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Judiciously divided (adverb + verb): Carefully and wisely distributed
Example: Her time was judiciously divided between work and leisure activities. -
Conscientious about (adjective): Being careful and thorough
Example: He’s conscientious about meeting all his deadlines. -
Instrumental in (adjective): Playing an important role in
Example: Her research was instrumental in developing the new vaccine. -
Instilled in (verb): Gradually but firmly established an idea or attitude in a person’s mind
Example: My parents instilled in me the value of hard work. -
Profound impact (adjective + noun): Deep and significant effect
Example: The book had a profound impact on her worldview. -
Discerning user (adjective + noun): Someone who shows good judgment
Example: As a discerning user of social media, she only follows reliable sources. -
Digital literacy (noun): The ability to use information and communication technologies effectively
Example: Improving digital literacy is crucial in today’s job market. -
Digital citizen (noun): A person who develops the skills and knowledge to effectively use the internet and digital technologies
Example: Being a responsible digital citizen involves protecting your online privacy.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing digital habits:
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Practice extensively: Regularly discuss technology-related topics with friends or language exchange partners.
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Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest digital trends and issues to provide relevant examples.
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Use personal anecdotes: Incorporate personal experiences to make your answers more engaging and authentic.
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Develop your vocabulary: Learn and use technology-related terms and idiomatic expressions.
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Structure your answers: Use discourse markers to organize your thoughts clearly.
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Show critical thinking: Demonstrate your ability to analyze the pros and cons of digital habits.
By following these tips and using the sample answers as inspiration, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss the influence of others on your digital habits in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to speak fluently, use a wide range of vocabulary, and express your ideas clearly and coherently.
For more tips on improving your IELTS Speaking skills, check out our guide on how to describe a person who has inspired you to focus on personal growth. This can provide additional insights into discussing influential people in your life.