The topic “describe an invention you find fascinating” is a common and engaging subject in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary, critical thinking, and ability to express opinions on technological advancements. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests due to the constant evolution of technology.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about inventions and technology. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
- Do you think technology has improved our lives?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely. Technology has revolutionized various aspects of our lives. For instance, smartphones have made communication and access to information incredibly convenient. However, it’s important to acknowledge that technology also presents challenges, such as privacy concerns and potential addiction issues.”
- What’s an invention you use every day?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d say my laptop is an invention I rely on heavily every day. It’s an indispensable tool for my work, allowing me to efficiently complete tasks, communicate with colleagues, and access a wealth of information. The portability and versatility of laptops have transformed the way we work and study, making them a groundbreaking invention in my opinion.”
Describe a person you admire for their creativity can be an excellent way to expand on this topic, as many inventors are admired for their innovative thinking.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe an invention you find fascinating
You should say:
- What the invention is
- How you learned about it
- What it does
- And explain why you find it fascinating
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“The invention I find fascinating is the 3D printer. I first learned about it a few years ago when I saw a video online of someone printing a small figurine. 3D printers can create three-dimensional objects by layering materials like plastic or metal based on digital designs. What amazes me is how it can produce complex shapes that would be difficult or impossible to make by hand. It’s impressive how this technology is being used in various fields like medicine, where it can create custom prosthetics, or in manufacturing, where it can quickly produce prototypes. I find it fascinating because it’s changing how we think about manufacturing and creativity. It gives people the power to turn their ideas into physical objects right at home or in small workshops.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about an invention that I find utterly captivating – the CRISPR gene-editing technology. I first came across this groundbreaking invention while delving into a scientific journal article during my undergraduate studies.
CRISPR, which stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats, is a revolutionary gene-editing tool that allows scientists to make precise modifications to DNA. It functions like a pair of molecular scissors, capable of cutting specific sections of genetic code and either removing, adding, or altering those sections.
What truly fascinates me about CRISPR is its immense potential to transform various fields, particularly medicine and agriculture. In the medical realm, it holds the promise of curing genetic diseases by correcting faulty genes. For instance, researchers are exploring its use in treating conditions like sickle cell anemia and certain types of cancer. In agriculture, CRISPR could be used to develop crops that are more resistant to pests or drought, potentially helping to address global food security challenges.
The ethical implications of this technology are equally intriguing. While it offers unprecedented opportunities for improving human health and solving global issues, it also raises complex questions about the extent to which we should manipulate the human genome.
In essence, I find CRISPR fascinating because it represents a quantum leap in our ability to understand and modify the basic building blocks of life. Its potential applications are so far-reaching that it could revolutionize numerous aspects of our lives in the coming decades. The fact that such a powerful tool exists and continues to be refined is, to me, a testament to human ingenuity and our relentless pursuit of scientific advancement.”
Follow-up questions:
- How do you think this invention will impact society in the future?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I believe CRISPR technology has the potential to profoundly impact society in numerous ways. In healthcare, it could lead to personalized medicine becoming the norm, where treatments are tailored to an individual’s genetic makeup. This could revolutionize how we approach diseases, potentially eradicating certain genetic disorders. In agriculture, CRISPR could help create more resilient and nutritious crops, addressing global food security challenges. However, it’s crucial to consider the ethical implications. The ability to edit human embryos, for instance, raises complex questions about designer babies and the potential for exacerbating social inequalities. Balancing the immense benefits with these ethical concerns will be a significant challenge for society in the coming years.”
- Do you think there are any potential drawbacks to this invention?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“While CRISPR technology offers tremendous potential, it’s important to acknowledge its potential drawbacks. One major concern is the possibility of off-target effects, where unintended parts of the genome are accidentally modified. This could lead to unforeseen consequences in both medical treatments and genetically modified organisms. There’s also the risk of misuse or abuse of the technology, such as attempts to enhance human traits for non-medical reasons. Additionally, the accessibility of CRISPR raises biosecurity concerns, as it could potentially be used to create harmful organisms. These risks highlight the need for robust regulations and ethical guidelines to govern the use of this powerful technology.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: “Let’s consider the broader impact of inventions. How do you think new technologies affect employment?”
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“New technologies can have both positive and negative effects on employment. On the positive side, they can create new job opportunities, especially in fields related to developing and maintaining these technologies. For example, the rise of smartphones has created many jobs in app development and mobile technology. However, some technologies can also replace human workers, especially in jobs that involve repetitive tasks. This can lead to job losses in certain sectors. Overall, I think it’s important for people to continuously update their skills to adapt to technological changes in the workplace.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The impact of new technologies on employment is multifaceted and often paradoxical. On one hand, technological advancements frequently lead to the obsolescence of certain job roles, particularly those involving repetitive or easily automated tasks. This can result in significant displacement of workers in affected industries. For instance, the advent of self-checkout systems in retail has reduced the need for cashiers.
Conversely, new technologies also spawn entirely new industries and job categories. The rise of social media, for example, has created a plethora of roles that didn’t exist a decade ago, such as social media managers and influencer marketing specialists. Moreover, technology often enhances productivity, which can lead to business growth and, consequently, increased employment opportunities.
It’s crucial to note that the net effect of technology on employment is not merely a matter of job creation versus job destruction. Rather, it fundamentally alters the nature of work itself. Many roles are being augmented by technology, requiring workers to develop new skills and adapt to new ways of working. This underscores the importance of lifelong learning and the need for education systems to evolve to prepare individuals for a rapidly changing job market.
In essence, while technology can indeed lead to job losses in some sectors, it simultaneously creates opportunities in others and transforms existing roles. The key challenge lies in managing this transition effectively to ensure that the benefits of technological progress are equitably distributed across society.”
Describe a news event that you found interesting could be related to a groundbreaking invention or technological advancement, providing another perspective on this topic.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Groundbreaking (adjective) /ˈɡraʊnd.breɪ.kɪŋ/: Very new and a big change from other things of its type.
Example: “The invention of the internet was a groundbreaking moment in human history.” -
Revolutionary (adjective) /ˌrev.əˈluː.ʃən.er.i/: Completely new and having a major effect.
Example: “Smartphones have had a revolutionary impact on how we communicate.” -
To transform (verb) /trænsˈfɔːm/: To change completely the appearance or character of something or someone.
Example: “Artificial intelligence is transforming various industries.” -
Cutting-edge (adjective) /ˌkʌt.ɪŋˈedʒ/: Very modern and advanced.
Example: “The company is known for its cutting-edge research in robotics.” -
To innovate (verb) /ˈɪn.ə.veɪt/: To introduce new ideas or methods.
Example: “Companies must constantly innovate to stay competitive in today’s market.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing inventions:
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Develop a broad vocabulary related to technology and innovation. Use precise terms to describe inventions and their impacts.
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Practice expressing complex ideas clearly. Be prepared to discuss both the benefits and potential drawbacks of inventions.
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Use a variety of grammatical structures, including conditionals when discussing potential future impacts of inventions.
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Engage critically with the topic, showing your ability to analyze and evaluate the significance of inventions beyond their basic functions.
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Incorporate personal experiences or opinions when relevant, but ensure you can support your views with logical reasoning.
Remember, the key to success is not just knowing about inventions, but being able to discuss them fluently, coherently, and critically.
Describe an interesting skill you learned recently might be relevant if you’ve acquired any skills related to using or understanding new technologies.