Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Effectively Describe Your Favorite Phone App

Describing a frequently used mobile application is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme has appeared regularly in past exams and is likely to continue being relevant in future tests. As smartphones become increasingly integral to our daily lives, examiners often use this topic to assess candidates’ ability to discuss technology and personal habits.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask questions like:

1. Do you use many apps on your phone?
2. What kind of apps do you find most useful?
3. How often do you download new apps?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:

Examiner: Do you use many apps on your phone?

Candidate (Band 6-7 response): Yes, I do use quite a few apps on my phone. I have apps for social media, messaging, and some productivity tools that I use regularly. I find them really helpful for staying connected and getting things done.

Candidate (Band 8-9 response): Absolutely, I’m quite the app enthusiast. My smartphone is practically brimming with a diverse array of applications, ranging from indispensable productivity tools to entertaining games. I’d say I have around 30-40 apps that I use on a regular basis, each serving a specific purpose in my daily routine. They’ve become an integral part of how I manage my personal and professional life.

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Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:

Describe an app you use on your phone frequently

You should say:
- What the app is
- What you use it for
- How often you use it
- And explain why you find it useful

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):

The app I’d like to talk about is Instagram. It’s a popular social media platform that I use quite often. I mainly use it to stay connected with friends and follow influencers in areas I’m interested in, like fashion and travel.

I usually open the app several times a day, especially when I have some free time or during my commute. It’s a great way to pass the time and catch up on what’s happening in my social circle.

I find Instagram particularly useful because it allows me to share moments from my life with friends and family through photos and short videos. It’s also a great source of inspiration for things like outfit ideas or travel destinations. The visual nature of the app makes it easy to browse and enjoy content quickly.

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

The application I’d like to elaborate on is Evernote, a versatile note-taking and organizational tool that has become an indispensable part of my daily routine. I primarily utilize this app for a myriad of purposes, ranging from jotting down fleeting ideas and creating to-do lists to archiving important documents and collaborating on projects with colleagues.

I find myself accessing Evernote multiple times throughout the day, often as soon as I wake up to review my tasks, during meetings to take comprehensive notes, and before bed to plan for the following day. Its cross-platform synchronization ensures that my information is always up-to-date and accessible, regardless of the device I’m using.

What makes Evernote particularly invaluable to me is its remarkable versatility and robust search functionality. The app’s ability to recognize text within images and handle various file formats means I can effortlessly digitize and organize everything from handwritten notes to receipts and web clippings. This comprehensive approach to information management has significantly enhanced my productivity and helped me maintain a clutter-free digital workspace.

Evernote app interface showing notes and organization features

Follow-up Questions:

1. How has this app changed your daily routine?
2. Do you think you could manage without this app now?

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
This app has definitely made my life more organized. I use it to keep track of important information, which helps me stay on top of things. I think I could manage without it, but it would be harder to stay organized.

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
Evernote has revolutionized my approach to information management. It has streamlined my workflow significantly, allowing me to capture and retrieve information effortlessly. While I could theoretically manage without it, doing so would likely result in a substantial decrease in my productivity and overall efficiency. The app has become so ingrained in my daily routine that its absence would require a complete overhaul of my organizational systems.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: How do you think mobile apps have changed the way people communicate?

Candidate (Band 6-7 response): Mobile apps have made communication much easier and faster. People can now send messages, make video calls, and share photos instantly. This has changed how we keep in touch with friends and family, especially those who live far away.

Candidate (Band 8-9 response): Mobile applications have fundamentally transformed the landscape of human communication. They’ve ushered in an era of instant, multimedia-rich interactions that transcend geographical boundaries. These apps have not only expedited the exchange of information but have also diversified the modes of expression available to us. For instance, the rise of emoji, GIFs, and short-form video content has introduced nuanced ways of conveying emotions and ideas that weren’t possible before. However, this constant connectivity has also led to potential issues with work-life balance and social expectations of immediate responsiveness. It’s a double-edged sword that offers unprecedented convenience while simultaneously reshaping social norms and interpersonal dynamics.

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Examiner: Do you think people rely too much on mobile apps nowadays?

Candidate (Band 6-7 response): Yes, I think many people do rely too much on mobile apps. They use apps for everything, from navigation to ordering food. While apps are convenient, people might forget how to do things without them.

Candidate (Band 8-9 response): There’s certainly a compelling argument to be made that our society has developed an over-reliance on mobile applications. The ubiquity of smartphones has led to a situation where many individuals habitually turn to apps for tasks that were previously accomplished without digital assistance. This dependency can be observed across various spheres of life, from navigation and time management to social interactions and entertainment.

While the convenience and efficiency offered by these apps are undeniable, there are potential drawbacks to consider. For instance, this reliance may be eroding certain cognitive skills, such as spatial awareness or mental arithmetic. Moreover, it could be fostering a degree of complacency and reducing our ability to problem-solve independently.

However, it’s crucial to maintain a balanced perspective. Mobile apps have also democratized access to information and services, enhanced productivity, and facilitated connections in unprecedented ways. The key lies in cultivating a mindful approach to technology use, leveraging the benefits of apps while preserving our capacity for independent thought and action.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Indispensable /ˌɪndɪˈspensəbl/ (adjective): Absolutely necessary.
   Example: “Evernote has become an indispensable tool in my daily life.”

2. Versatile /ˈvɜːrsətaɪl/ (adjective): Able to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities.
   Example: “The versatile nature of the app allows me to use it for various purposes.”

3. Streamline /ˈstriːmlaɪn/ (verb): Make (an organization or system) more efficient and effective by employing faster or simpler working methods.
   Example: “The app has streamlined my workflow, making me much more productive.”

4. Revolutionize /ˌrevəˈluːʃənaɪz/ (verb): Change (something) radically or fundamentally.
   Example: “Mobile apps have revolutionized the way we communicate and access information.”

5. Ubiquity /juːˈbɪkwəti/ (noun): The state of being everywhere, especially at the same time; omnipresence.
   Example: “The ubiquity of smartphones has made mobile apps an integral part of our lives.”

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Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing mobile apps:

1. Expand your vocabulary: Use a wide range of technology-related terms and general academic vocabulary.

2. Provide detailed explanations: Don’t just list features; explain how they impact your life or society in general.

3. Use complex sentence structures: Combine ideas using conjunctions and relative clauses to demonstrate linguistic flexibility.

4. Offer balanced viewpoints: Discuss both advantages and potential drawbacks of app usage to show critical thinking.

5. Use relevant examples: Draw from personal experience or general knowledge to illustrate your points.

6. Practice fluency: Aim for smooth delivery without excessive hesitation or repetition.

Remember, the key to success lies in regular practice and exposure to English. Try discussing your favorite apps with friends or language exchange partners to build confidence and fluency.

IELTS candidate practicing speaking skills

By following these guidelines and continuously working on your English skills, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any question about mobile apps in your IELTS Speaking test.