Technology has become an increasingly common topic in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly when candidates are asked to discuss how specific devices or innovations have enhanced their lives. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you tackle this topic effectively.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Common questions you may encounter:
- What types of technology do you use daily?
- How has technology changed your life?
- Do you think people rely too much on technology?
Similar to how candidates approach describe a time when you learned a new skill from a friend, discussing technology requires both personal experience and thoughtful reflection.
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe a piece of technology that has improved your life
You should say:
- What it is
- When you started using it
- How you use it
- And explain why it has improved your life
Just as with describe a habit you recently decided to change, your response should be structured and detailed.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“I’d like to talk about my smartwatch, which has revolutionized my daily routine since I started using it last year. This cutting-edge device has transformed how I manage my health and productivity.
What sets it apart is its comprehensive health monitoring features. It tracks my heart rate, sleep patterns, and physical activity with remarkable precision. I particularly appreciate how it sends me gentle reminders to move when I’ve been sedentary for too long.
The way it has enhanced my life is multifaceted. First and foremost, it has made me more health-conscious. Moreover, its ability to display notifications discreetly has helped me maintain better focus during meetings. Perhaps most significantly, it has improved my work-life balance by helping me set boundaries for screen time.
This piece of technology has genuinely improved my quality of life by making me more mindful of my health and helping me optimize my daily schedule.”
Sample Answer (Band 6-7)
“I want to talk about my smartwatch. I got it as a birthday present last year. It’s very useful for checking messages and tracking my exercise.
I use it every day to count my steps and check my heart rate. It also shows me notifications from my phone, which is convenient.
It has made my life better because I don’t need to take out my phone as often. I can see important messages right on my wrist. Also, it helps me exercise more regularly.”
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Following the approach used in describe a piece of technology you find helpful, here are some typical follow-up questions:
Q: How do you think technology will change education in the future?
Band 8-9 Response:
“I firmly believe that technology will fundamentally transform education through personalized learning experiences. Artificial intelligence will likely revolutionize how students receive feedback, while virtual reality could make learning more immersive and engaging. However, we must strike a balance between technological integration and maintaining human connection in education.”
Band 6-7 Response:
“I think technology will make education more interesting. Students will probably use more online tools and maybe virtual reality for learning. Teachers will use computers more to help students learn better.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
- Revolutionize /ˌrevəˈluːʃənaɪz/ (v): to change something completely
- Cutting-edge /ˌkʌtɪŋ ˈedʒ/ (adj): very modern and advanced
- Multifaceted /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ (adj): having many different aspects
- Optimize /ˈɒptɪmaɪz/ (v): to make something as effective as possible
As seen in describe a time when you felt very relaxed and peaceful, using sophisticated vocabulary naturally can significantly enhance your speaking score.