The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal experiences with objects or devices that were initially difficult to use. This topic allows examiners to assess a candidate’s ability to describe past events, express opinions, and discuss problem-solving approaches. Given its relevance to everyday life, this theme is likely to remain prevalent in future IELTS exams.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In the first part of the IELTS Speaking test, you may encounter questions related to challenging items or technology. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Examiner: “Do you enjoy using new technology?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Generally speaking, I’d say I’m quite enthusiastic about trying out new technology. I find it fascinating to explore the latest gadgets and see how they can make our lives easier or more efficient. Of course, there’s often a learning curve involved, but I believe the benefits usually outweigh the initial challenges. For instance, when I first started using a smartwatch, it took some time to get used to all its features, but now I can’t imagine going without it for tracking my fitness and managing notifications.”
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to the theme of describing an initially challenging item:
Describe an item you found difficult to use initially
You should say:
- What the item was
- When you first used it
- Why you found it difficult to use
- How you learned to use it properly
And explain how you feel about using this item now.
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about my experience with a digital SLR camera that I found quite challenging to use at first. I received this camera as a gift for my birthday last year, and I was really excited to start taking high-quality photos.
When I first tried to use it, I was overwhelmed by all the settings and buttons. The manual mode was particularly confusing, with its various options for aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. I couldn’t understand how to balance these settings to get a good exposure, and my initial photos were either too dark or too bright.
To learn how to use the camera properly, I decided to take an online photography course. The instructor explained the basics of photography and provided practical exercises to help me understand each function. I also joined a local photography club where I could practice with other enthusiasts and get feedback on my work.
Now, I feel much more confident using my DSLR camera. While I’m still learning new techniques, I can adjust settings quickly to capture the images I want. I’m proud of how far I’ve come and excited to continue improving my skills.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to discuss my experience with a professional-grade digital SLR camera that initially posed quite a challenge for me. I acquired this sophisticated piece of equipment about 18 months ago, with the intention of elevating my photography skills to a more professional level.
Upon first handling the camera, I was utterly overwhelmed by its complexity. The plethora of buttons, dials, and menu options seemed labyrinthine, and the concept of manual mode, with its intricate interplay of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, was particularly daunting. My initial attempts at photography were fraught with frustration, as I struggled to achieve the correct exposure, often producing images that were either woefully underexposed or glaringly overexposed.
Determined to master this formidable device, I embarked on a rigorous learning journey. I enrolled in an intensive online photography course, which provided a comprehensive breakdown of photographic principles and techniques. The instructor’s methodical approach to explaining concepts like depth of field, motion blur, and dynamic range was instrumental in demystifying the camera’s functions.
To supplement my theoretical knowledge, I joined a local photography club, where I could engage in practical exercises and receive constructive criticism from more experienced photographers. This hands-on experience proved invaluable, as it allowed me to experiment with different shooting scenarios and refine my understanding of the camera’s capabilities.
Now, I feel a sense of profound satisfaction when using my DSLR. The once-intimidating array of settings has become a playground for creativity, enabling me to capture images with precision and artistry. I can now deftly manipulate the camera’s controls to achieve the desired effects, whether it’s a shallow depth of field for portraits or a long exposure for night photography.
While I acknowledge that there’s always more to learn in the ever-evolving field of photography, I’m immensely proud of the progress I’ve made. The journey from novice to confident user has not only improved my technical skills but has also deepened my appreciation for the art of photography itself.”
Follow-up Questions:
- How important do you think it is for people to learn how to use new technology?
- What are some challenges people face when learning to use new devices?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
-
“I believe it’s crucial for people to embrace and learn new technology in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. Proficiency with new devices and software can enhance productivity, open up career opportunities, and improve overall quality of life. Moreover, it helps bridge the generational gap and ensures that individuals remain competitive in the job market. However, it’s equally important to approach new technology with a critical mindset, evaluating its necessity and potential impact on our lives.”
-
“When it comes to learning new devices, people often face several hurdles. Firstly, there’s the initial intimidation factor – the fear of the unknown or the complexity of the device. This can lead to resistance to change, especially among older generations. Secondly, the learning curve can be steep, requiring time and patience that many busy individuals struggle to allocate. Additionally, the rapid pace of technological advancement means that as soon as someone masters one device, a new iteration or completely different technology may emerge, creating a sense of perpetual catch-up. Lastly, there’s the challenge of information overload – with so many features and functions, it can be overwhelming to determine which ones are truly necessary or beneficial.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: “How do you think technology has changed the way we learn new skills?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Technology has revolutionized the learning process in numerous ways. Firstly, it has made information more accessible than ever before. We can now learn almost anything online through video tutorials, interactive courses, and educational apps. This democratization of knowledge has allowed people to acquire new skills at their own pace and on their own schedule.
Moreover, technology has made learning more interactive and engaging. For example, language learning apps use gamification techniques to make the process more enjoyable and motivating. Virtual and augmented reality technologies are also being used to create immersive learning experiences, particularly in fields like medicine and engineering.
However, it’s worth noting that while technology has certainly enhanced our ability to learn, it also requires us to develop new skills, such as digital literacy and the ability to critically evaluate online information. Overall, I believe the impact of technology on learning has been largely positive, but it’s important to strike a balance between digital and traditional learning methods.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The advent of technology has fundamentally transformed the landscape of skill acquisition and learning methodologies. The most profound impact, in my opinion, is the democratization of knowledge. The internet has become a vast repository of information, accessible to anyone with a connection, effectively dismantling traditional barriers to education such as geographical limitations or financial constraints.
This accessibility has given rise to a culture of self-directed learning, where individuals can tailor their educational journey to their specific needs and interests. Platforms like MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) and specialized learning websites offer courses ranging from basic skills to advanced academic subjects, often taught by world-class experts in their fields.
Furthermore, technology has revolutionized the way we engage with learning materials. Interactive simulations, virtual laboratories, and augmented reality applications provide immersive experiences that were previously impossible or prohibitively expensive. For instance, medical students can now practice complex procedures in virtual environments, honing their skills without risk to actual patients.
The gamification of learning has also emerged as a powerful tool, particularly in language acquisition and cognitive development. By incorporating game-like elements such as points, levels, and rewards, these platforms tap into our innate motivational drivers, making the learning process more engaging and sustainable.
However, this technological revolution in learning is not without its challenges. The abundance of information available online necessitates the development of critical thinking and information literacy skills. Learners must be adept at discerning credible sources and synthesizing information from multiple perspectives.
Moreover, the ease of access to information can sometimes lead to a superficial understanding of complex topics. There’s a risk of prioritizing breadth over depth, where learners might gain a cursory knowledge of many subjects without developing true expertise in any.
In conclusion, while technology has undoubtedly expanded our learning horizons, it has also reshaped the skills required to navigate this new educational landscape. The ability to learn how to learn effectively in a digital environment has become a crucial meta-skill in itself, one that will continue to grow in importance as technology evolves.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
-
Overwhelmed /ˌəʊvəˈwelmd/ (adjective): Feeling completely overcome or overpowered by something.
Example: “I was overwhelmed by the complexity of the new software at first.” -
Labyrinthine /ˌlæbəˈrɪnθaɪn/ (adjective): Complicated and difficult to understand; like a labyrinth.
Example: “The user interface seemed labyrinthine to me initially.” -
Demystify /diːˈmɪstɪfaɪ/ (verb): To make something clearer and easier to understand.
Example: “The tutorial helped demystify the process of using the new device.” -
Rigorous /ˈrɪɡərəs/ (adjective): Extremely thorough and careful.
Example: “I underwent a rigorous training program to master the software.” -
Deftly /ˈdeftli/ (adverb): In a skillful, clever, or nimble way.
Example: “After practice, I could deftly navigate through the various menus and options.” -
Profound /prəˈfaʊnd/ (adjective): Very great or intense.
Example: “Learning to use this technology had a profound impact on my productivity.” -
Revolutionize /ˌrevəˈluːʃənaɪz/ (verb): To change something completely and fundamentally.
Example: “Smartphones have revolutionized the way we communicate and access information.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing challenging items or technology:
-
Use a variety of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced and topic-specific words to demonstrate your language proficiency.
-
Provide detailed examples: Support your points with personal experiences or hypothetical scenarios to showcase your ability to elaborate.
-
Use a range of grammatical structures: Mix simple and complex sentences, and use appropriate tenses to describe past experiences and current feelings.
-
Show critical thinking: Discuss both advantages and challenges of technology to demonstrate your ability to analyze topics from multiple perspectives.
-
Maintain fluency: Practice speaking on various topics to improve your ability to express ideas smoothly and coherently.
-
Engage with the examiner: Show interest in the conversation and respond naturally to follow-up questions.
Remember, consistent practice and exposure to a wide range of topics will help you feel more confident and perform better during the actual test. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!
Describe a time when you had to do something difficult can be a similar topic to discussing challenging items, as both require you to reflect on overcoming obstacles. Similarly, describe a person who taught you how to be resilient could relate to learning new technologies, as resilience is often needed when facing initial difficulties with complex devices.