The topic of describing a useful piece of technology is a common one in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2. It’s a versatile subject that allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary, fluency, and ability to organize thoughts coherently. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to this topic across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about technology. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
- Do you use technology in your daily life?
- What kind of technology do you use most often?
- How has technology changed your life?
Let’s focus on question 2:
Examiner: What kind of technology do you use most often?
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
I’d say I use my smartphone the most. It’s really handy for keeping in touch with friends and family, checking emails, and browsing the internet. I also use it for social media and taking photos.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
Without a doubt, my smartphone is the piece of technology I rely on most frequently. It’s an indispensable tool that serves multiple purposes in my daily routine. From managing my schedule and responding to emails to staying connected with loved ones through various messaging apps, it’s become an extension of myself. Moreover, I utilize it for productivity tasks, such as note-taking and document editing, as well as for entertainment, like streaming podcasts during my commute.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe a piece of technology that you find useful in your daily life.
You should say:
- What it is
- How long you have been using it
- What you use it for
- And explain why you find it so useful
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
I’d like to talk about my laptop, which I find really useful in my daily life. I’ve been using it for about three years now. I mainly use it for work and studying. It’s great for writing reports, doing research online, and attending online classes. I also use it for entertainment, like watching movies and playing games.
What makes it so useful is that it’s portable, so I can take it anywhere. It’s much more convenient than a desktop computer. The battery life is good, which means I can work for hours without needing to plug it in. Overall, it’s an essential tool for both my professional and personal life.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
I’d like to discuss my smartwatch, a piece of technology that has become indispensable in my daily routine. I’ve been utilizing this device for approximately 18 months now, and it has revolutionized various aspects of my life.
Primarily, I use my smartwatch as a comprehensive health and fitness tracker. It meticulously monitors my physical activity, heart rate, and sleep patterns, providing me with invaluable insights into my overall well-being. Additionally, it serves as an extension of my smartphone, allowing me to conveniently receive notifications, make contactless payments, and even answer calls without having to reach for my phone.
What makes this device particularly useful is its seamless integration into my lifestyle. It’s unobtrusive yet always accessible, sitting comfortably on my wrist. The ability to glance discreetly at notifications during meetings or while commuting is incredibly convenient. Moreover, its fitness tracking capabilities have significantly motivated me to lead a more active lifestyle, as I can set and monitor daily goals.
Perhaps most impressively, the smartwatch has enhanced my productivity. With features like voice-activated reminders and the ability to dictate quick responses to messages, it has become an indispensable tool for managing my time more efficiently. Its water-resistant nature also means I rarely need to remove it, ensuring I’m always connected and informed.
In essence, this smartwatch epitomizes the convergence of functionality and convenience in modern technology. It’s not just a timepiece, but a multifaceted device that has seamlessly integrated into and positively impacted various facets of my daily life.
Follow-up questions:
- How has this technology improved your life?
- Are there any drawbacks to using this technology?
Sample Answer for Question 1 (Band 8-9):
The smartwatch has markedly improved my life in several ways. Firstly, it has significantly enhanced my health consciousness. The constant tracking of my physical activity and vital signs has motivated me to adopt a more active lifestyle and pay closer attention to my overall well-being. Secondly, it has streamlined my daily operations. The ability to quickly glance at notifications, respond to messages, and manage my schedule without reaching for my phone has saved considerable time and increased my efficiency. Lastly, the smartwatch has added a layer of convenience to my daily interactions, from making contactless payments to controlling smart home devices, simplifying various aspects of my routine.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some possible questions:
- How has technology changed the way we communicate?
- Do you think people rely too much on technology nowadays?
- What are some potential negative effects of technology on society?
Let’s focus on question 2:
Examiner: Do you think people rely too much on technology nowadays?
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
Yes, I think many people do rely too much on technology these days. It’s become a big part of our lives, and sometimes we use it even when we don’t need to. For example, people often use GPS for directions even for short trips they could easily remember. Also, many people spend a lot of time on social media instead of talking to people face-to-face. This can be a problem because we might forget how to do things without technology.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
This is indeed a complex issue that warrants careful consideration. While technology has undeniably revolutionized our lives in many positive ways, there are valid concerns about over-reliance.
On one hand, technology has dramatically enhanced our efficiency and capabilities in numerous areas. It has streamlined communication, made information more accessible, and automated many tedious tasks. These advancements have led to significant improvements in productivity and quality of life.
However, I believe there is a growing tendency to depend excessively on technology, often at the expense of developing important skills and maintaining human connections. For instance, the ubiquity of smartphones has led to a decrease in face-to-face interactions and potentially affected our ability to navigate without GPS or perform mental calculations.
Moreover, this over-reliance can make us vulnerable when technology fails. Many people feel lost or anxious without their devices, which suggests a level of dependency that could be problematic.
That being said, I don’t think the solution lies in eschewing technology altogether. Rather, we need to strike a balance between leveraging technological benefits and maintaining our core skills and human interactions. It’s about using technology mindfully as a tool to enhance our lives, not as a crutch that we can’t function without.
In conclusion, while I believe there is a tendency towards over-reliance on technology, the key lies in fostering a healthy relationship with it – one that enhances our capabilities without diminishing our fundamental skills and human connections.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
-
Indispensable /ˌɪndɪˈspensəbl/ (adj): Absolutely necessary.
Example: My smartphone has become an indispensable tool in my daily life. -
Revolutionize /ˌrevəˈluːʃənaɪz/ (v): To change something completely and dramatically.
Example: The internet has revolutionized the way we access information. -
Seamless integration /ˈsiːmləs ˌɪntɪˈɡreɪʃn/ (noun phrase): The smooth and effortless combination of different elements.
Example: The seamless integration of various apps in my smartphone enhances its functionality. -
Multifaceted /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ (adj): Having many different aspects or features.
Example: Modern smartphones are multifaceted devices that serve various purposes. -
Streamline /ˈstriːmlaɪn/ (v): To make a system, organization, or design more efficient and effective.
Example: Technology has helped streamline many business processes. -
Ubiquity /juːˈbɪkwəti/ (n): The state of being everywhere.
Example: The ubiquity of smartphones has changed how we communicate and access information.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing technology:
- Use a wide range of vocabulary related to technology and its impact on daily life.
- Provide specific examples to illustrate your points.
- Discuss both advantages and disadvantages to show critical thinking.
- Use appropriate tenses and complex sentence structures.
- Practice speaking about different types of technology and their uses.
- Be prepared to discuss broader implications of technology on society.
Remember, the key to success is not just in knowing the vocabulary, but in using it naturally and appropriately within the context of your answers. Regular practice and exposure to English-language discussions about technology will help you build confidence and fluency in this topic.
If you found this guide helpful, you might also be interested in learning how to describe a skill you find very useful in your daily life, which can complement your discussion on useful technology. Additionally, exploring how to describe a technology you use daily can provide more specific examples for your IELTS Speaking responses.