Technology is an ever-present topic in IELTS Speaking exams, particularly when candidates are asked to describe a technology they wish to use more proficiently. This theme has consistently appeared in past tests and is likely to remain relevant in future examinations. Let’s explore how to approach this topic effectively to maximize your score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask questions such as:
- What types of technology do you use regularly?
- How has technology changed the way you work or study?
- Is there a piece of technology you find difficult to use?
Let’s focus on question 3 as an example:
Examiner: Is there a piece of technology you find difficult to use?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I’d say artificial intelligence tools are quite challenging for me. While I’m fascinated by their potential, I often struggle to utilize them effectively in my daily work. For instance, I’ve been trying to use AI-powered writing assistants, but I find it tricky to strike the right balance between relying on the tool and maintaining my own writing style. It’s definitely an area where I need to enhance my skills.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a technology you want to use more proficiently
You should say:
- What the technology is
- How you currently use it
- Why you want to improve your skills with it
- And explain how you plan to become more proficient in using this technology
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“The technology I want to use more proficiently is virtual reality or VR. Currently, I mainly use VR for entertainment purposes, like playing immersive games or watching 360-degree videos. However, I believe there’s so much more potential in this technology that I’m not tapping into.
I want to improve my skills with VR because I think it has numerous practical applications beyond just entertainment. For example, it could be used for virtual training in various fields like medicine or engineering. Also, as an aspiring architect, I believe VR could revolutionize the way I present designs to clients, allowing them to virtually walk through their future homes or offices.
To become more proficient, I plan to take some online courses specifically focused on VR development. I also intend to join online communities of VR enthusiasts to learn from their experiences and stay updated on the latest advancements in this field. Additionally, I’m considering investing in more advanced VR equipment to practice and experiment with more sophisticated applications.
By enhancing my VR skills, I hope to not only improve my career prospects but also contribute to innovative uses of this technology in my field.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The technology I’m keen on mastering is blockchain. At present, my interaction with blockchain is rather limited, primarily confined to cryptocurrency transactions and occasionally exploring decentralized applications or DApps.
My desire to enhance my proficiency in blockchain stems from its transformative potential across various sectors. Beyond its well-known application in finance, blockchain has the capacity to revolutionize supply chain management, enhance data security, and even reshape governance systems through smart contracts. As a software developer, I believe that honing my blockchain skills could open up myriad opportunities for innovation and problem-solving in my field.
To achieve this goal, I’ve devised a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, I plan to immerse myself in comprehensive online courses offered by reputable platforms like Coursera and edX, focusing on both the theoretical foundations and practical applications of blockchain technology. Secondly, I intend to actively participate in blockchain developer communities, contributing to open-source projects to gain hands-on experience.
Furthermore, I aim to attend blockchain conferences and workshops to network with industry experts and stay abreast of the latest developments. I’m also considering pursuing a certification in blockchain development to validate my skills and enhance my credibility in the field.
By systematically upskilling myself in blockchain technology, I hope to not only advance my career prospects but also contribute meaningfully to the development of innovative solutions that leverage this groundbreaking technology.”
Examiner’s follow-up questions:
- How do you think blockchain technology might impact your industry in the future?
- What challenges do you anticipate in learning this complex technology?
Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):
“I believe blockchain technology has the potential to fundamentally transform my industry, which is software development. In the near future, we might see a paradigm shift towards decentralized applications, which could revolutionize how we approach data security and user privacy. Blockchain could also streamline many processes, particularly in areas like identity verification and secure data sharing. Moreover, it could pave the way for more transparent and efficient software development lifecycles, especially in collaborative projects. The integration of smart contracts could automate many aspects of project management and quality assurance, potentially boosting productivity and reducing human error. However, this transformation will likely also present new challenges, such as the need for specialized skills and the potential restructuring of existing systems.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How do you think technology will change the way we work in the future?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe technology will significantly transform our work environments and practices in the coming years. One major change I foresee is the increased prevalence of remote work, facilitated by advanced communication tools and cloud technologies. This shift could lead to more flexible working hours and geographically diverse teams.
Additionally, artificial intelligence and automation are likely to take over many routine tasks, allowing humans to focus on more creative and strategic aspects of their jobs. This could result in a need for continuous upskilling as job roles evolve.
However, these changes might also bring challenges, such as the need to maintain work-life balance in a constantly connected world and ensuring data security in distributed work environments. Overall, I think the future of work will be more technologically integrated, requiring adaptability and lifelong learning from workers.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The future of work is likely to be profoundly influenced by technological advancements, reshaping not just how we work, but also where and when we work. I anticipate a paradigm shift towards a more decentralized and flexible work model, powered by robust digital infrastructure and advanced communication technologies.
One of the most significant changes I foresee is the widespread adoption of augmented and virtual reality in various industries. These technologies could revolutionize fields like medicine, allowing for remote surgeries, or architecture, enabling immersive design experiences. They could also transform collaborative work, making virtual meetings feel as natural and productive as face-to-face interactions.
Moreover, the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning into our daily work processes is likely to automate routine tasks and enhance decision-making. This could lead to a recalibration of human roles, with a greater emphasis on skills like critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence – areas where humans still outperform machines.
However, this technological revolution in the workplace is not without its challenges. Issues such as digital inequality, cybersecurity threats, and the need for continuous upskilling will need to be addressed. There’s also the question of ethical considerations in AI-driven decision-making processes and the potential for technology to blur the lines between work and personal life.
In conclusion, while technology promises to make our work more efficient and flexible, it will also require us to be more adaptable, tech-savvy, and mindful of its implications on our work-life balance and society as a whole.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Proficiency /prəˈfɪʃənsi/ (noun): A high degree of skill or expertise.
Example: “I aim to increase my proficiency in using blockchain technology.” -
Innovative /ˈɪnəveɪtɪv/ (adjective): Introducing new ideas; original and creative in thinking.
Example: “The company is known for its innovative approach to problem-solving.” -
Revolutionize /ˌrevəˈluːʃənaɪz/ (verb): To change something radically or fundamentally.
Example: “Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize many industries.” -
Integration /ˌɪntɪˈɡreɪʃn/ (noun): The action or process of combining two or more things in an effective way.
Example: “The seamless integration of new technologies into our daily lives is crucial.” -
Paradigm shift /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/ (noun phrase): A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
Example: “The adoption of remote work represents a paradigm shift in how businesses operate.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing technology:
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Expand your vocabulary: Incorporate a wide range of technology-related terms and general academic vocabulary.
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Provide specific examples: When describing a technology, give concrete examples of its applications or your experiences with it.
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Demonstrate critical thinking: Don’t just describe the technology, but also analyze its impacts and potential future developments.
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Practice fluency: Aim to speak smoothly and confidently, with minimal hesitation.
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Use a variety of grammatical structures: Incorporate complex sentences and a mix of tenses to showcase your language proficiency.
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Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest technological trends to provide relevant and insightful responses.
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Develop your ideas: Ensure your answers are well-developed and coherent, especially in Parts 2 and 3 of the test.
Remember, consistent practice and exposure to English language content related to technology will significantly improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test.