Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe an App You Use Daily

IELTS Speaking examiners often ask candidates to describe familiar objects or experiences from their daily lives. One common topic is describing an app that you use regularly. This question allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary, fluency, and ability to organize ideas coherently. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic effectively in your IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In the first part of the Speaking test, the examiner may ask you some general questions about apps and technology. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:

Examiner: Do you use many apps on your phone?
Candidate (Band 7-8 answer): Yes, I’d say I use quite a few apps on a daily basis. I’ve got everything from social media and productivity apps to fitness trackers and language learning tools. They really help me stay organized and connected throughout the day.

Describe an interesting skill you learned recently using an app could be a great way to expand on this topic if the examiner asks for more details.

Part 2: Long Turn

In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points. Here’s a sample cue card related to describing an app:

Describe an app that you use daily
You should say:
- What the app is
- How you use it
- Why you find it useful
- And explain how it has impacted your daily routine

Sample Answer (Band 8-9)

Here’s a high-scoring sample answer:

“I’d like to talk about an app that I use every single day called Duolingo. It’s a language learning platform that gamifies the process of acquiring new linguistic skills.

I typically use the app for about 15-20 minutes each day, usually during my morning commute or just before bed. The app presents bite-sized lessons in a variety of formats, including multiple-choice questions, speaking exercises, and translation tasks. What I particularly appreciate is how it adapts to my learning pace and reinforces concepts I struggle with.

I find Duolingo incredibly useful for several reasons. Firstly, it makes language learning both accessible and enjoyable, which helps me maintain consistency in my studies. Secondly, the app’s streak feature, which tracks consecutive days of use, provides a strong motivational boost to keep up with my learning goals. Lastly, its diverse range of languages allows me to explore different cultures and broaden my global perspective.

The impact on my daily routine has been quite significant. It’s cultivated a habit of continuous learning and self-improvement in my life. I now find myself more attuned to language nuances in my surroundings, and I’ve even started watching foreign films without subtitles. Moreover, the discipline I’ve developed through daily app use has spilled over into other areas of my life, enhancing my overall productivity and time management skills.”

Follow-up Questions

Examiner: How do you think language learning apps compare to traditional classroom learning?

Candidate (Band 8-9 answer): While both approaches have their merits, language learning apps offer unparalleled flexibility and personalization. They allow users to learn at their own pace and focus on areas they find challenging. However, traditional classrooms provide invaluable face-to-face interaction and immediate feedback from instructors. Ideally, a combination of both methods would yield the most comprehensive language learning experience.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this part, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:

Examiner: How do you think apps have changed the way we learn new skills?

Candidate (Band 7-8 answer): Apps have revolutionized skill acquisition in many ways. They’ve made learning more accessible and convenient, allowing people to acquire new knowledge or abilities anytime, anywhere. Moreover, the gamification elements often found in educational apps help maintain user engagement and motivation. However, it’s worth noting that apps might sometimes lead to a more superficial understanding of complex subjects, as they tend to break information into small, easily digestible chunks.

Examiner: Do you think there are any downsides to relying heavily on apps in our daily lives?

Candidate (Band 8-9 answer): While apps undoubtedly offer numerous benefits, there are certainly potential drawbacks to over-reliance on them. One major concern is the impact on our attention spans and ability to focus deeply on tasks without constant notifications or distractions. Additionally, excessive app use may lead to decreased face-to-face social interactions and communication skills. There’s also the issue of data privacy and security, as many apps collect vast amounts of personal information. Striking a balance between leveraging the convenience of apps and maintaining a healthy, mindful relationship with technology is crucial in today’s digital age.

Describe a recent change in your routine might be relevant here if you’ve recently started or stopped using a particular app regularly.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

To achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test, it’s essential to use a range of advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions. Here are some key terms and phrases related to describing apps:

1. User interface (UI) /ˈjuːzər ˈɪntəfeɪs/ (noun): The visual part of an app that users interact with.
   Example: “The app’s user interface is intuitive and visually appealing.”

2. Intuitive /ɪnˈtjuːɪtɪv/ (adjective): Easy to use or understand without explicit instructions.
   Example: “The app’s design is so intuitive that I didn’t need to read any instructions.”

3. Customize /ˈkʌstəmaɪz/ (verb): To modify something to suit individual preferences.
   Example: “I love how I can customize the app’s features to fit my specific needs.”

4. Streamline /ˈstriːmlaɪn/ (verb): To make a process or organization more efficient and effective.
   Example: “This productivity app has really helped streamline my workflow.”

5. User-friendly /ˈjuːzə ˈfrendli/ (adjective): Easy and pleasant to use.
   Example: “The developers have created a very user-friendly interface.”

Tips from an IELTS Examiner

As an experienced IELTS Speaking examiner, here are some tips to help you excel in this part of the test:

1. Practice describing various apps you use regularly. This will help you build a repertoire of relevant vocabulary and ideas.

2. Focus on fluency and coherence. Try to speak smoothly without long pauses, and organize your thoughts logically.

3. Use a range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and conditionals, to demonstrate your language proficiency.

4. Incorporate idiomatic expressions and collocations naturally into your responses.

5. Be prepared to discuss both the benefits and potential drawbacks of app usage in modern life.

6. When given follow-up questions, try to expand on your answers and provide examples or personal experiences to support your points.

7. Listen carefully to the examiner’s questions and make sure you answer all parts of multi-part questions.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is to communicate effectively and demonstrate your English language skills. By following these tips and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss apps and technology in your test.

Describe a time when you made someone smile could be an interesting way to relate your app usage to personal interactions, especially if you’ve used an app to brighten someone’s day.

By mastering these strategies and expanding your vocabulary, you’ll be well-equipped to discuss apps and technology confidently in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember to practice regularly and stay updated on the latest technological trends to enhance your performance.