Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Effectively Describe an App You Use to Stay Organized

The topic of describing an app you use to stay organized is a common one in IELTS Speaking tests. It has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular topic in future tests. This topic allows examiners to assess your ability to discuss technology, personal habits, and time management skills.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about organization and technology. Here are some possible questions and a sample answer:

Question: Do you consider yourself an organized person?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):

I’d say I’m fairly organized, but there’s always room for improvement. I try to keep track of my tasks and appointments using a combination of digital tools and traditional methods. For instance, I rely heavily on my smartphone’s calendar app for scheduling, but I also jot down quick notes in a physical notebook. This dual approach helps me stay on top of things most of the time.

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card:

Describe An App You Use To Stay Organized. You should say:

• What the app is
• How you use it
• How long you have been using it
• And explain why you find it helpful

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):

The app I use to stay organized is called Todoist. It’s a task management application that I’ve been using for about two years now. I mainly use it to keep track of my daily tasks, both for work and personal life.

The way I use Todoist is pretty straightforward. Whenever I think of something I need to do, I immediately add it to the app. I can categorize tasks into different projects, set due dates, and even assign priority levels. For example, I have separate projects for work, study, and personal errands.

Todoist app interface

One of the features I find most helpful is the ability to set recurring tasks. For instance, I have a reminder set for paying my rent every month. This ensures I never forget important recurring responsibilities.

I’ve been using Todoist for about two years now, and it has become an integral part of my daily routine. Every morning, I check the app to see what tasks I have for the day, and I update it throughout the day as I complete tasks or add new ones.

The reason I find Todoist so helpful is that it gives me a clear overview of everything I need to do. Before using this app, I often felt overwhelmed by my to-do list or forgot important tasks. Now, I feel more in control of my time and responsibilities. It’s like having a personal assistant that keeps me on track and helps me prioritize my tasks effectively.

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

The app I rely on to maintain my organizational skills is Notion, a comprehensive productivity platform that I’ve been utilizing for approximately 18 months now. It’s revolutionized the way I manage my tasks, projects, and overall life structure.

Notion’s versatility is truly remarkable. I employ it as an all-encompassing digital workspace, where I can create intricate project plans, maintain a daily task list, and even draft long-form content. The app’s customizable database feature allows me to design tailored systems for tracking everything from my fitness goals to my reading list.

Example of a Notion workspace

One of the most invaluable aspects of Notion is its ability to integrate various organizational methods. For instance, I’ve implemented a modified version of the Getting Things Done (GTD) methodology within my Notion setup. This involves capturing all my tasks and ideas, processing them into actionable items, and organizing them into appropriate projects or areas of focus.

The longevity of my relationship with Notion – spanning about a year and a half – is a testament to its effectiveness. Unlike other productivity apps I’ve tried, Notion has proven to be a sustainable solution, adapting to my evolving needs and work patterns.

What makes Notion particularly helpful is its holistic approach to organization. It’s not just a to-do list or a note-taking app; it’s a complete system for managing information and workflows. The ability to link related items across different pages and databases helps me see connections between various aspects of my life and work, leading to improved decision-making and productivity.

Moreover, Notion’s collaborative features have been instrumental in my professional life. I can easily share specific pages or databases with colleagues, fostering seamless teamwork and communication. This aspect has been especially beneficial during remote work situations, ensuring that everyone stays aligned on project goals and progress.

In essence, Notion has become my second brain, a digital extension of my thought processes and organizational systems. It’s not just about staying organized; it’s about enhancing my cognitive capabilities and enabling me to focus on high-value tasks rather than getting bogged down in the minutiae of day-to-day organization.

Follow-up Questions:

1. How has this app changed your daily routine?
2. Do you think people rely too much on technology for organization?

Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):

The integration of Notion into my daily routine has been transformative. It has streamlined my workflow significantly, allowing me to approach each day with a clear sense of purpose and direction.

Previously, I would start my mornings feeling somewhat overwhelmed, trying to recall all the tasks I needed to accomplish. Now, I begin each day by reviewing my Notion dashboard, which provides a comprehensive overview of my priorities, ongoing projects, and upcoming deadlines. This morning ritual has become a form of mental preparation, setting a productive tone for the rest of the day.

Personalized Notion dashboard

Throughout the day, I find myself more focused and less prone to distractions. The app’s structure helps me compartmentalize different areas of my life, so I can dedicate undivided attention to the task at hand. For instance, when I’m working on a professional project, I can easily access all relevant information within that project’s Notion page, minimizing the time spent searching for resources or context-switching.

Moreover, Notion has enhanced my ability to reflect and iterate on my productivity systems. At the end of each week, I review my progress, analyze what worked well and what didn’t, and make adjustments accordingly. This continuous improvement process has led to incremental gains in my efficiency and effectiveness over time.

Perhaps most importantly, using Notion has alleviated the mental burden of trying to remember everything. By offloading this cognitive load onto the app, I’ve found that I have more mental energy for creative thinking and problem-solving. It’s not just about being more organized; it’s about creating the mental space for innovation and growth.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Question: Do you think technology has made people more or less organized?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):

That’s an interesting question, and I believe the answer isn’t straightforward. On one hand, technology has provided us with powerful tools for organization. Apps like the one I mentioned earlier, along with digital calendars and cloud storage, have made it easier to keep track of tasks, appointments, and important information. These tools can sync across devices, ensuring we always have access to our schedules and data.

However, on the other hand, technology has also introduced new challenges to staying organized. The constant stream of notifications and the ease of accessing endless information can be distracting. Many people find themselves constantly switching between tasks or getting sidetracked by social media, which can lead to decreased productivity and a sense of disorganization.

I think the key lies in how we use technology. For those who can harness its benefits while managing its potential downsides, technology can indeed make them more organized. But for others who struggle with digital distractions, it might have the opposite effect.

Ultimately, I believe that technology is a tool, and its impact on our organization depends on how we choose to use it. It’s crucial to find a balance and develop healthy digital habits to truly benefit from the organizational potential of technology.

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

The impact of technology on personal organization is indeed a complex and nuanced issue. While it’s tempting to make a blanket statement, I believe the reality is more multifaceted and depends heavily on individual circumstances and usage patterns.

On the positive side, technology has undoubtedly provided us with unprecedented tools for organization and productivity. We now have access to sophisticated task management systems, cloud-based storage solutions, and AI-powered assistants that can help streamline our workflows and keep track of vast amounts of information. These tools, when used effectively, can significantly enhance our organizational capabilities, allowing us to manage complex projects and juggle multiple responsibilities with greater ease than ever before.

However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the potential pitfalls that come with this technological abundance. The constant connectivity and information overload facilitated by our devices can lead to what psychologists call “technostress” – a modern affliction characterized by the feeling of being overwhelmed by technology. This can manifest as difficulty in focusing, increased anxiety, and paradoxically, a sense of disorganization despite having access to organizational tools.

Moreover, the ease of digital accumulation can sometimes work against us. It’s now so simple to save files, create new task lists, or start new projects that we can end up with digital clutter that’s just as overwhelming as physical clutter. This phenomenon has led to the emergence of “digital minimalism” as a countermovement, emphasizing the need to be intentional and selective in our use of technology.

I believe the key to leveraging technology for better organization lies in developing digital literacy and mindfulness. This involves not just knowing how to use various tools, but understanding when and why to use them. It requires a level of self-awareness to recognize which technological solutions genuinely enhance our organizational skills and which ones might be adding unnecessary complexity to our lives.

Furthermore, we need to consider the broader societal implications of our increasing reliance on technology for organization. While it has undoubtedly increased efficiency in many areas, it has also changed the nature of work and personal time management. The ability to work from anywhere and be constantly connected has blurred the lines between professional and personal life, requiring new strategies for maintaining work-life balance.

In conclusion, while technology has the potential to make us significantly more organized, its effectiveness ultimately depends on our ability to use it judiciously and in alignment with our personal and professional needs. As we continue to navigate this digital age, developing a thoughtful and balanced approach to technological tools will be crucial in harnessing their organizational benefits while mitigating their potential drawbacks.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

1. Task management application (noun) – /tɑːsk ˈmænɪdʒmənt ˌæplɪˈkeɪʃən/ – A software tool designed to help organize and track tasks.
   Example: “I use a task management application to keep track of my daily to-do list.”

2. Productivity platform (noun) – /prɒdʌkˈtɪvɪti ˈplætfɔːm/ – A comprehensive software system that helps improve efficiency and output.
   Example: “Notion serves as an all-in-one productivity platform for my work and personal projects.”

3. Digital workspace (noun) – /ˈdɪdʒɪtl ˈwɜːkspeɪs/ – A virtual environment where people can work and collaborate.
   Example: “Our team uses a digital workspace to share documents and communicate remotely.”

4. Streamline (verb) – /ˈstriːmlaɪn/ – To make a system or process more efficient and effective.
   Example: “The new app helped streamline our project management process.”

5. Cognitive load (noun) – /ˈkɒɡnətɪv ləʊd/ – The amount of mental effort being used in working memory.
   Example: “By using an organizational app, I’ve reduced my cognitive load and can focus better on important tasks.”

6. Digital literacy (noun) – /ˈdɪdʒɪtl ˈlɪtərəsi/ – The ability to use information and communication technologies effectively.
   Example: “Improving your digital literacy can help you make better use of organizational tools.”

7. Technostress (noun) – /ˈteknəʊstres/ – Stress or psychosomatic illness caused by working with computer technology on a daily basis.
   Example: “Many people experience technostress due to the constant notifications from their devices.”

8. Digital minimalism (noun) – /ˈdɪdʒɪtl ˈmɪnɪməlɪzəm/ – A philosophy of using technology with more intention and purpose.
   Example: “Practicing digital minimalism can help you focus on the most important digital tools and reduce distractions.”

Examiner’s Advice

To score high in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing apps and organization:

1. Vocabulary: Use a range of relevant vocabulary related to technology and organization. Include specific terms like “productivity platform”, “digital workspace”, and “task management”.

2. Fluency: Practice speaking about your organizational habits and the apps you use regularly. This will help you discuss the topic more fluently during the test.

3. Coherence: Structure your answers logically. When describing an app, start with what it is, then how you use it, and finally why you find it helpful.

4. Pronunciation: Pay attention to the pronunciation of technical terms. Practice saying app names and features clearly.

5. Elaboration: Don’t just list features of the app. Explain how these features benefit you and give specific examples of how you use them in your daily life.

6. Critical thinking: In Part 3, be prepared to discuss broader implications of technology on organization. Consider both positive and negative aspects.

7. Personal experience: Use your own experiences with organizational apps to make your answers more authentic and detailed.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Practice regularly, record yourself, and listen back to identify areas for improvement.

Tips for IELTS Speaking preparation

“Describe a time when you achieved something despite difficulties” can be another interesting topic to practice, as it allows you to showcase your problem-solving skills and resilience, which are valuable traits in any organizational context.