In the IELTS Speaking section, you might be asked to talk about the gadgets and technology that you find tough to use. This is a great chance for you to show your ability to speak fluently and coherently about a topic related to technology. It will also demonstrate your vocabulary and speaking skills. Whether you are discussing an easy or tough-to-use gadget, your goal is to provide a detailed and thoughtful answer. In this blog, we will provide sample answers to the cue card topic “Describe a Piece of Technology That you Find Difficult to Use”. Moreover, the tips and follow-up questions are also mentioned later here. Scroll till the end to understand the answers and learn about their nature and versatility.
Table of Contents
The second section of the IELTS speaking is cue cards, where you will be given a small card with a main question and four additional pointers. These points will help you to create the answer structure and note down the important phrases to cover in the upcoming minutes. In addition, potential follow-up questions are given that the examiner can ask. Hence, these cards are prepared to measure your ability to explore a topic completely within two minutes. So, you must attempt all the tasks in order to excel in the speaking section. Now, let’s discuss how to respond to the cue card in the IELTS speaking exam.
Before you start, make sure you understand the pattern of the IELTS speaking part 2, to avoid any type of mistake. When you get the cue card, you will have a minute to think about it. The cue card does not come with an option to switch. Thus, put your mind on it immediately. You will be given a pen and a paper to write down your thoughts. Moreover, to score well in the cue card round you need to prove your ability to speak fluently. Thus, in this blog, we cover the sample answers for the cue card topic “Describe a Piece of Technology That you Find Difficult to Use”.
You can frame your answer based on the given points in your ELTS speaking section for the Cue Card “Describe a Piece of Technology That you Find Difficult to Use”.
Let’s show you what your IELTS cue card may look like in the IELTS speaking part 2. Refer to the image below.
Now you have looked at your most commonly asked cue card. Let’s delve into the blog and see how many ways you can frame your answer in the IELTS speaking section. Moreover, you can go with these three samples to respond to this cue card.
Also Read: Download Latest IELTS Sample Test PDF for Practice
Here is the first sample answer of your cue card “Describe a Piece of Technology That you Find Difficult to Use”. You can frame your answer in the following pattern.
Introduction
Technology has profoundly influenced nearly every aspect of human life, transforming us socially, emotionally, and physically. With the advent of the internet and advanced information and communication technologies, our world has changed dramatically. In this discussion, I will focus on the specific technology that I find challenging to use.
When did you get it?
A couple of years ago, we purchased several home appliances for ourselves. Since we bought so many at a high price, they threw in a microwave for free.
What did you get it for?
As I mentioned earlier, I received this oven at no cost. When we first got it, I didn’t even know how to use it. However, I turned to social media and figured out how to bake.
How often do you use it?
I was enthusiastic about it at first and used the oven every day. These days, however, I only pull it out occasionally—mainly to bake a cake for a family member’s birthday or when I'm feeling adventurous and want to try out new recipes.
How do you feel about it?
This product has been absolutely fantastic. After buying it, I started making my favorite recipes, and they turned out even better than what I would have gotten from restaurants. Initially, I was hesitant to eat the food I bought from outside, but learning to cook everything at home with this oven changed that. Now I feel great about enjoying healthy homemade meals.
Conclusion
Technology has progressed rapidly across various fields, including education, healthcare, and household appliances. This advancement has certainly made our lives easier and more convenient. While the rapid development in these areas has improved our comfort, it has also increased our reliance on technology to a whole new level.
Here is the second sample answer that will help you ace the IELTS speaking part 2, look below:
Introduction
In today’s modern world, it’s estimated that about half of all existing work activities can be automated. I’m going to talk about a particular piece of technology that I initially found quite challenging to use.
When did you get it?
Last year, I traveled abroad for work. Since I was there on my own, I had to handle all my responsibilities myself. To lighten my workload, I invested in some handy appliances like a washing machine, vacuum cleaner, coffee maker, and so on.
What did you get it for?
While I was there, I developed an allergy to dairy products, and my doctor advised me to steer clear of them. As a result, I started drinking black coffee. However, I struggled to perfect the brewing process, which is why I decided to buy this coffee machine.
How often do you use it?
I definitely prefer coffee to tea, and my day doesn’t kick off until I’ve had my cup. Making black coffee on the gas stove was tricky and time-consuming, so I opted for this product to streamline the process.
And explain how you feel about it.
At first, I found it a bit difficult to figure out how to operate the machine. However, after a few days, I got the hang of it, and it has since become a lifesaver for me.
Conclusion
Technology has undeniably made our lives easier and more comfortable. As time goes on, people and industries increasingly depend on technology to get things done because it’s faster and more efficient.
Here is the third sample answer to help you get an idea of how to present your views in the IELTS exam.
Introduction
We live in a remarkable age where technology has opened up possibilities once considered unimaginable. However, this progress has also brought along complexities that sometimes overshadow the simplicity of photography. Today, I want to share my journey with high-end digital cameras as I dive deeper into this art form.
When did you get it?
I bought the camera around two years ago after saving up for several months. I was captivated by its advanced features and superior image quality, which I believed would help elevate my photography to new heights.
What did you get it for?
I chose this digital camera mainly for its impressive capabilities and image quality. My goal was to enhance my skills and capture high-quality photos. Its versatility and ability to perform well in various lighting conditions really intrigued me.
How often do you use it?
Despite my initial excitement, I've found myself using the digital camera less frequently than I had hoped. I occasionally bring it out for special occasions or dedicated photography outings, but I often struggle to grasp its complex settings and achieve the results I envision.
And explain how you feel about it.
While I truly appreciate the camera's capabilities and the beautiful images it produces, I sometimes feel overwhelmed by its technical features. It can be frustrating and discouraging when my photos don't turn out as I expected. As a result, I tend to rely on simpler point-and-shoot or smartphone cameras for everyday photography.
Conclusion
Although my digital camera has allowed me to capture breathtaking images and explore my passion for photography, it also presents challenges due to its intricate settings. Despite my ongoing efforts to learn and improve, I often feel daunted by its advanced features and find myself opting for simpler alternatives for day-to-day photography.
These are the sample answers for the cue card topic “Describe a Piece of Technology That you Find Difficult to Use”.
In the table below, you will come across the meaning of the words, grammar, and pronunciation that will help you enhance your vocabulary for IELTS exam.
| Lexical Resources | Meanings |
| Enthusiastic | Full of excitement and interest in something |
| Adventurous | Liking to try new things or have adventures |
| Hesitant | Slow to speak or act because you are uncertain |
| Brewing | To make a drink of tea or coffee by adding hot water |
| Complexities | The state or quality of being intricate or complicated. |
| Overshadow | To cause somebody/something to seem less important or successful |
| Versatility | Able to change easily or to be used for different purposes |
| Discouraging | To deprive of courage or confidence |
| Daunted | To frighten or to worry somebody by being too big or difficult |
| Dramatically | Very suddenly and to a very great and often surprising degree |
| Rapid | Happening very quickly or moving with great speed |
| Estimated | To calculate the size, cost, etc. of something approximately, before you have all the facts and figures |
| Streamline | To make an organization, process, etc. work better by making it simpler |
| Breathtaking | Extremely surprising, beautiful, etc. |
| Complex | An emotional problem that makes somebody worry too much about something in a way that is not normal |
The list above will help you learn more vocabulary for the IELTS speaking section and will also explain how to use and phrase the right terms.
Also Read: Lexical Resources in IELTS Speaking and Writing Section
Once the test taker completes the IELTS cue card, the examiner will ask follow-up questions based on your responses. It’s important to pay close attention during this part, as the questions will be related to what you've said in IELTS speaking part 2. In addition, this segment lasts about 4 to 5 minutes in total. Now let’s discuss the question for the topic “Describe a Piece of Technology That you Find Difficult to Use” that can be asked after your IELTS Cue Card.
1. What technology products or technologies are used by people now?
Nowadays technologies have become a major part of everyone’s life. To every activity they required technology. For example, a coffee machine, bread toaster, vacuum cleaner, washing machine, etc.
2. Why do large companies often produce new products?
Large companies frequently launch new products to fend off competition, reposition themselves in the market, stifle rivals, break up the market, and boost their profits.
3. Can you describe any specific features or functions of the technology that you find particularly challenging?
I found the user interface of this technology particularly challenging to navigate. Despite multiple attempts to explore its menus and settings, I often feel overwhelmed and confused by the sheer number of options and controls available. The design of the interface seems complicated and lacks intuitiveness, making it difficult to locate specific functions or access various features effectively.
4. Are training programs or resources available to help users better understand and navigate this technology?
Absolutely, there are numerous training programs and resources available to help users gain a better grasp of this technology. Many companies provide user guides that outline the different aspects of how the technology works in a straightforward and accessible manner.
These are some of the follow-up questions along with answers that an examiner can ask you in your IELTS speaking section.
The IELTS cue cards round is one of the most challenging parts of the IELTS speaking test for many candidates. Thus, the following are some tips on how to prepare for your cue card round.
Summing up, while taking the IELTS speaking you must be attentive and aware of what you are speaking. Indeed, scoring in it is not that tough. If you are struggling with the speaking section, the above samples must have been helpful for you. They cover IELTS speaking part 2 which is about cue cards. You should solve the IELTS mock test regularly to understand the pattern clearly.
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