In recent years, the IELTS Speaking test has frequently featured questions about technology and its impact on our lives. One popular topic that often appears is describing someone who is adept at using technology. This article will provide you with valuable insights and strategies to excel in this speaking task, helping you achieve a high band score in your IELTS exam.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In the first part of the IELTS Speaking test, you may encounter questions related to technology usage. Here are some common questions and suggested answers:
- Do you consider yourself tech-savvy?
- How often do you use technology in your daily life?
- What’s your favorite piece of technology?
Let’s focus on answering the first question:
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“I’d say I’m fairly tech-savvy. I’m comfortable using various devices and software for work and personal purposes. While I may not be an expert in coding or advanced technical skills, I can quickly adapt to new technologies and troubleshoot common issues. For instance, I recently set up a smart home system, which required some technical know-how.”
Part 2: Long Turn
For this section, let’s create a cue card based on our topic:
Describe a person who is good at using technology
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What kind of technology they use
- How you know about their technology skills
- And explain why you think they are good at using technologySample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about my colleague, Sarah, who is exceptionally skilled at using technology. Sarah works as a digital marketing specialist in our company and has an impressive array of technical abilities that constantly amaze me.
Sarah is proficient in using a wide range of technologies, from advanced data analytics tools to cutting-edge design software. She’s particularly adept at utilizing marketing automation platforms like HubSpot and Marketo, which require a deep understanding of both marketing strategies and technical implementation. Additionally, she’s well-versed in coding languages such as Python and JavaScript, which she uses to create custom solutions for our marketing campaigns.
I became aware of Sarah’s technological prowess shortly after she joined our team. During a major project, we encountered a significant technical hurdle that was delaying our progress. Sarah stepped in and swiftly developed a custom script that not only solved the immediate problem but also improved our overall workflow efficiency.
What makes Sarah truly exceptional in using technology is her ability to seamlessly integrate various tools and platforms to create innovative solutions. She has a knack for identifying the most suitable technologies for specific tasks and can quickly master new software or programming languages as needed. Moreover, Sarah’s problem-solving approach is highly systematic and analytical, allowing her to troubleshoot complex technical issues with ease.
Her technological expertise isn’t limited to work-related tasks either. Sarah is always up-to-date with the latest tech trends and often shares valuable insights about emerging technologies that could benefit our team. Her enthusiasm for technology is contagious, and she’s always willing to mentor colleagues who want to improve their tech skills.
In conclusion, Sarah’s comprehensive understanding of various technologies, her ability to adapt quickly to new tools, and her innovative approach to problem-solving make her an outstanding example of someone who excels in using technology.”
Examiner’s follow-up questions:
- How has this person’s technology skills benefited your workplace?
- Do you think it’s important for everyone to be as tech-savvy as this person?
Sample Answers:
-
(Band 7-8) “Sarah’s technological expertise has significantly enhanced our team’s productivity and innovation. Her ability to streamline processes through custom solutions has saved us countless hours and improved the quality of our work. Moreover, her willingness to share knowledge has elevated the overall tech competency of our entire department.”
-
(Band 8-9) “While it’s not essential for everyone to reach Sarah’s level of technological proficiency, I believe it’s crucial for individuals to strive for digital literacy in today’s increasingly tech-driven world. The degree of tech-savviness required may vary depending on one’s field and role, but a basic understanding of relevant technologies can greatly enhance one’s effectiveness and adaptability in the workplace. That said, having team members with exceptional tech skills, like Sarah, can be a tremendous asset, serving as a catalyst for innovation and efficiency within an organization.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to technology and society. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
- How do you think technology skills will impact future job markets?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“The impact of technology skills on future job markets is likely to be profound and far-reaching. As we move towards an increasingly digitalized world, technological literacy will become a fundamental requirement across virtually all sectors. We’re already seeing a surge in demand for professionals with expertise in areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, and cybersecurity.
However, it’s not just about specialized tech roles. Even traditionally non-tech jobs are being transformed by technology. For instance, marketers now need to understand data analytics, healthcare professionals must be adept at using complex medical technologies, and educators are required to leverage digital learning platforms.
This shift will likely create a bifurcation in the job market. On one hand, there will be a premium on high-level tech skills, with those possessing such expertise commanding higher salaries and having more career opportunities. On the other hand, we may see a decline in jobs that can be easily automated, potentially leading to unemployment in certain sectors.
To address this, there needs to be a concerted effort to upskill and reskill the workforce. Educational institutions and businesses will need to adapt their curricula and training programs to ensure that individuals are equipped with the necessary tech skills to remain competitive in the job market. Moreover, there will likely be an increased emphasis on soft skills that complement technological abilities, such as critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence, as these are areas where humans still hold an advantage over machines.
In conclusion, while technology skills will undoubtedly be crucial in the future job market, it’s important to foster a balance between technical prowess and uniquely human capabilities to create a workforce that can thrive in the digital age.”
- Do you think there’s a generational gap in technology adoption? Why or why not?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“There is indeed a noticeable generational gap in technology adoption, although this gap has been narrowing in recent years. Younger generations, often referred to as ‘digital natives‘, have grown up with technology as an integral part of their lives. They tend to adapt more quickly to new technologies and are generally more comfortable experimenting with digital tools and platforms.
In contrast, older generations, sometimes called ‘digital immigrants‘, may face more challenges in adopting new technologies. This can be due to several factors, including less exposure to technology in their formative years, established habits that are harder to change, and sometimes, a degree of skepticism towards new technological advancements.
However, it’s important to note that this gap isn’t universal or insurmountable. Many older individuals have embraced technology enthusiastically, recognizing its benefits in various aspects of life. Additionally, as technology becomes more user-friendly and intuitive, the learning curve for new users has decreased.
Efforts to bridge this gap, such as intergenerational technology education programs and more inclusive design practices, are helping to reduce the disparity. As technology continues to permeate all aspects of society, the generational gap in adoption is likely to diminish further, though some differences may persist due to varying levels of comfort and necessity across age groups.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To boost your IELTS Speaking score when discussing technology-savvy individuals, consider using these advanced terms and phrases:
-
Tech-savvy /ˈtek ˌsævi/ (adjective): Well-informed about or proficient in the use of modern technology.
Example: “My younger sister is incredibly tech-savvy and always knows about the latest gadgets.” -
Digital literacy /ˈdɪdʒɪtl ˈlɪtərəsi/ (noun): The ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information.
Example: “Schools are now focusing on improving students’ digital literacy to prepare them for the modern workforce.” -
Early adopter /ˈɜːli əˈdɒptə/ (noun): A person who starts using a product or technology as soon as it becomes available.
Example: “As an early adopter, John often experiences the bugs in new software releases.” -
Troubleshoot /ˈtrʌblʃuːt/ (verb): To solve problems in a logical and systematic way.
Example: “Sarah’s ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues makes her an invaluable team member.” -
Cutting-edge /ˌkʌtɪŋ ˈedʒ/ (adjective): The most advanced stage of development in a particular field.
Example: “The company invests heavily in cutting-edge technology to stay ahead of its competitors.”
Describe a time when you got lost in a city can be an interesting topic to practice your storytelling skills, which are also crucial in describing tech-savvy individuals.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a person who is good at using technology:
- Use a variety of advanced vocabulary related to technology and personal qualities.
- Provide specific examples to illustrate the person’s tech skills and how they apply them.
- Discuss the impact of their technological proficiency on their work or daily life.
- Express your opinions clearly and support them with logical reasoning.
- Practice speaking fluently about technology topics to improve your confidence and coherence.
Remember, while discussing technology is important, being able to describe a festival you look forward to every year showcases your ability to talk about diverse topics, which is crucial for a well-rounded IELTS Speaking performance.
By following these strategies and incorporating advanced vocabulary, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any question about tech-savvy individuals in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your exam preparation!