The topic of describing a frequently used app or program is a common one in IELTS Speaking tests. It has appeared in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests, given the ubiquity of digital applications in our daily lives. This topic allows examiners to assess candidates’ ability to discuss technology, personal habits, and express opinions on digital tools.

Describe a course that you want to take in the future can also be an interesting topic to explore in your IELTS Speaking preparation, as it demonstrates your ability to discuss future plans and aspirations.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask questions like:

1. What types of apps do you use most often?
2. How often do you download new apps?
3. Do you think people rely too much on apps nowadays?

Let’s focus on answering the first question:

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d say I predominantly use social media and productivity apps. Instagram is my go-to for staying connected with friends and following my favorite content creators. For work and study, I heavily rely on apps like Evernote for note-taking and Trello for project management. These apps have become indispensable in my daily routine, helping me stay organized and efficient.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:

Describe An App Or Program You Use Frequently
You should say:

• What the app or program is
• What you use it for
• How often you use it
• And explain why you find it useful

Sample answer (Band 6-7):

“I’d like to talk about WhatsApp, which is a messaging app I use every day. It’s a popular app for sending text messages, making voice and video calls, and sharing photos and videos with friends and family.

I mainly use WhatsApp to stay in touch with my friends and relatives, especially those who live in different countries. It’s very convenient because I can send messages or make calls for free as long as I have an internet connection.

I use WhatsApp multiple times a day. I check it in the morning to see if I have any new messages, use it throughout the day to chat with friends, and often have group video calls with my family in the evening.

I find WhatsApp very useful because it’s easy to use and has many features. It allows me to send voice messages when I don’t want to type, share my location with friends when we’re meeting up, and even send documents for work. The group chat feature is also great for organizing events or discussing things with multiple people at once.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to discuss Notion, a versatile productivity app that has revolutionized my approach to personal and professional organization. This all-in-one workspace serves as a digital hub for note-taking, project management, and collaboration.

I leverage Notion for a myriad of purposes, from meticulously planning my daily tasks to orchestrating complex work projects. Its flexibility allows me to create custom databases, wikis, and kanban boards, tailoring the app to my specific needs.

Notion has become an integral part of my daily routine. I conscientiously check and update it multiple times throughout the day, ensuring I stay on top of my commitments and goals.

What makes Notion indispensable is its unparalleled ability to consolidate various aspects of my life into one cohesive system. Its intuitive interface, coupled with powerful features like relational databases and embeddable content, empowers me to create a personalized productivity ecosystem. This holistic approach to organization has significantly enhanced my efficiency and decluttered my digital life, making Notion an invaluable tool in my personal and professional development.”

Notion app interface showing various productivity tools

Follow-up questions:

1. How has this app changed your daily routine?
2. Would you recommend this app to others? Why or why not?

Sample answers:

Band 6-7:
“This app has made my life more organized. I now keep track of my tasks better and don’t forget important things. I would recommend it to others because it’s easy to use and helps you stay on top of your work and personal life.”

Band 8-9:
“Notion has profoundly transformed my daily routine by streamlining my workflow and eliminating the need for multiple disjointed apps. It has instilled a sense of structure and mindfulness in my approach to tasks and projects.

I would wholeheartedly recommend Notion to others, particularly those seeking to optimize their productivity and organizational systems. Its unparalleled versatility caters to a wide range of needs, from simple note-taking to complex project management. However, I would caveat that recommendation by noting that Notion’s extensive capabilities may have a steep learning curve for some users. Nonetheless, the long-term benefits of mastering such a comprehensive tool far outweigh the initial investment of time.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: How do you think apps and programs have changed the way we work and study?

Sample answer (Band 6-7):

“I think apps and programs have made work and study much easier and more efficient. We can now access information quickly, communicate with others instantly, and organize our tasks better. For example, students can use online resources to learn, and workers can collaborate on projects even when they’re not in the same place. However, these tools can also be distracting sometimes, and people might spend too much time on their devices.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“Apps and programs have fundamentally revolutionized our approach to work and study, ushering in an era of unprecedented productivity and accessibility. These digital tools have dismantled traditional barriers to information and collaboration, enabling us to transcend geographical limitations and time constraints.

In the realm of education, we’ve witnessed a paradigm shift towards more interactive and personalized learning experiences. Adaptive learning platforms now tailor content to individual students’ needs, while massive open online courses (MOOCs) have democratized access to world-class education.

In the professional sphere, these digital solutions have catalyzed a transformation in work culture, fostering remote collaboration and flexible work arrangements. Cloud-based productivity suites and project management tools have streamlined workflows and enhanced team coordination, irrespective of physical location.

However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the double-edged nature of this digital revolution. While these tools offer immense benefits, they also present challenges such as information overload, digital fatigue, and the blurring of work-life boundaries. Striking a balance between leveraging these technologies and maintaining our well-being is the key to harnessing their full potential without succumbing to their pitfalls.”

Remote work collaboration using digital tools

Describe a health problem you once had can be another interesting topic to practice, as it allows you to demonstrate your ability to discuss personal experiences and medical terminology.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Versatile /ˈvɜːrsətaɪl/ (adj): Able to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities.
   Example: “Notion is a versatile app that can be used for various purposes.”

2. Revolutionize /ˌrevəˈluːʃənaɪz/ (v): To change something completely and fundamentally.
   Example: “The internet has revolutionized the way we access information.”

3. Leverage /ˈlevərɪdʒ/ (v): To use something to maximum advantage.
   Example: “I leverage the app’s features to improve my productivity.”

4. Myriad /ˈmɪriəd/ (n): A countless or extremely great number of people or things.
   Example: “The app offers a myriad of features for organization.”

5. Indispensable /ˌɪndɪˈspensəbl/ (adj): Absolutely necessary.
   Example: “This app has become an indispensable tool in my daily life.”

6. Streamline /ˈstriːmlaɪn/ (v): To make a system, organization, or process more efficient and effective.
   Example: “The app helps streamline my workflow.”

7. Paradigm shift /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/ (n): A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
   Example: “The adoption of digital tools represents a paradigm shift in education.”

Describe a time when you received helpful feedback is another topic that can help you practice discussing personal growth and professional development in your IELTS Speaking test.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing an app or program:

1. Practice discussing various apps and their features regularly.
2. Develop a range of vocabulary related to technology and digital tools.
3. Be prepared to discuss both advantages and disadvantages of digital applications.
4. Use personal examples to illustrate your points and make your answers more engaging.
5. Practice expressing complex ideas about technology’s impact on society.
6. Work on your pronunciation and fluency, especially with technology-related terms.
7. Be ready to discuss broader topics related to technology, such as its impact on work, education, and social interactions.

Remember, the key to success is not just knowing about apps, but being able to articulate your thoughts clearly and coherently while using a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical structures.