The IELTS Speaking Test 2 includes multiple cue cards. These cue cards include a diverse range of topics based on personal experiences, familiar situations, and everyday themes like hobbies, memorable events, people you admire, places you’ve visited, and more.
The “Describe a Piece of Technology That You Find Useful” is a popular cue card topic in the IELTS. Here, test-takers are given 2-3 minutes to describe useful technology based on their daily life and professional settings. While speaking on the “IELTS speaking task: Describe useful technology” topic, candidates should include the four major points: what it is, how do you use it, how long you have used it, and why you find it useful.
This article covers the IELTS exam “Describe a Piece of Technology That You Find Useful” cue card overview, sample answers, and follow-up questions for the IELTS Speaking test 2 and 3.
Describe a Piece of Technology That You Find Useful: IELTS Speaking Cue Card Overview
The IELTS cue card topic “Describe a Piece of Technology That You Find Useful” falls under the personal and modern lifestyle category.
Here, the IELTS cue card topic is “Describe a Piece of Technology That You Find Useful.” You should include the following points to frame your answers:
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Describe a Piece of Technology That You Find Useful: Model Answer 1
IELTS Cue Card Topic: Describe a Piece of Technology That You Find Useful
Sample Answer: Laptop
What it is
How do you use it
How long you have used it
Why you find it useful
One piece of technology that I find extremely useful is my laptop. I’ve been using it for around three years now, and honestly, I don’t think I could go a single day without it.
I mostly use it for work and personal tasks. Since I’m into content writing and research, having a laptop makes everything faster and smoother. I use it to write articles, attend Zoom meetings, and even organize my weekly plans. Apart from work, I also watch tutorials, listen to music, and sometimes do a bit of online shopping. So it’s kind of a one-stop solution for everything.
I bought this laptop during the lockdown when everything suddenly shifted online. At first, I wasn’t sure if I needed one because I had a phone, but soon I realised how limiting that was. A bigger screen, a better keyboard, and more storage just made life easier.
What makes it so useful is the flexibility it gives me. I can work from anywhere — home, cafe, or even while travelling. It saves time, helps me stay productive, and keeps everything organised in one place. For someone who works online, it’s not just a gadget — it’s a necessity.
Describe a Piece of Technology That You Find Useful: Model Answer 2
IELTS Cue Card Topic: Describe a Piece of Technology That You Find Useful
Sample Answer: Headphones
What it is
How do you use it
How long you have used it
Why you find it useful
One piece of technology that I find extremely useful is my Bluetooth headphones. I’ve been using them for 3 years regularly in various events such as studying, work, etc.
I use the headphones mainly for listening to songs and podcasts. I have a strong admiration for old Bollywood songs, and I often listen to them while working, studying, walking, and doing other activities to calm myself. These headphones are lightweight and easily connect with my phone and laptop sometimes. During my long drives and metro journey, I use them to listen to music, podcasts, stand-up comedy videos, or watch a funny movie.
My father bought them for me when I was pursuing my graduation at university. Due to COVID-19, I used to attend my online classes using these headphones to avoid distractions. It’s been more than three years since I have been using them for various purposes.
One of the main reasons why I find it useful is its noise-cancelling feature. In the daily hustle of work and long journeys, I find them very useful to concentrate on my important activities. I escape to a world of my own music with these headphones. Moreover, they are very useful for attending important meetings that improve my productivity.
Describe a Piece of Technology That You Find Useful: Model Answer 3
IELTS Cue Card Topic: Describe a Piece of Technology That You Find Useful Sample Answer: Mobile Phone
What it is
How do you use it
How long you have used it
Why you find it useful
One piece of technology that I find extremely useful is my mobile phone. I have been using my phone for more than 6 months regularly to attend calls, messages, stream online videos, and more.
I use my phone regularly for everything. I start my day with the alarm set on my phone. I use it to make calls, send messages, online surfing, stream videos, connect with people on social media, and manage my daily schedule. Mostly, I use it to click pictures and videos of nature, which is one of my favourite hobbies.
I bought this phone after getting my first job in Delhi. At that time, I needed it to communicate with my office colleagues and seniors. However, now I use it for different purposes.
What makes it so useful is its long battery life, camera quality, and multitasking ability. I can carry it anywhere to click meaningful photos, work, and other activities. Its gaming ability is another important factor that adds to its usability.
Describe a Piece of Technology That You Find Useful: IELTS Speaking Part 3 Follow Up Questions (H2)
Here are some common follow-up questions for the IELTS Speaking Part 3:
1. How has technology changed the way people work nowadays?
Ans. Technology has completely transformed how we work. Most jobs today rely on digital tools, like emails, project management apps, and video calls. Remote work has become normal, especially after the pandemic. It has made tasks faster, communication smoother, and even allowed people to work from different parts of the world.
2. Do you think young people use technology differently compared to older people? Why or why not?
Ans. Yes, definitely. Young people are more comfortable using the latest apps, gadgets, and social media platforms. They’re quick to adapt. Older people, on the other hand, often use technology for basic tasks like calling, texting, or reading news. It’s mostly a matter of exposure and mindset.
3. Is technology always a good thing, or can it also create problems?
Ans. While technology has many benefits, it also brings challenges. For example, overusing smartphones can lead to addiction or health issues. Some people also feel lonely because they spend more time online than with real people. So, it’s helpful, but it needs to be used wisely.
4. What role does technology play in education today?
Ans. Technology has made education more accessible and flexible. Online classes, digital textbooks, and learning apps help students study from anywhere. Even in rural areas, children can learn through smartphones now. It has also made it easier for teachers to track progress and provide feedback.
5. How do people in your country generally react to new technology?
Ans. In my country, people are usually excited about new technology, especially the youth. Every time a new phone or app is launched, it becomes a trend instantly. However, some older people take time to accept it and sometimes feel overwhelmed by frequent updates.
6. Do you think people rely too much on technology?
Ans. Yes, I think nowadays, people rely mostly on technology. Starting from the morning, people use technology to check the weather, communicate with people, work, exercise, study, and other activities.
7. How can technology improve communication among people?
Ans. Technology helps people stay connected regardless of distance. Using technology, we can easily communicate and transfer information with people living hundreds of miles away from us. Most people use technology to run high-yielding businesses and jobs.
8. What kind of technology do you think will become more popular in the next 10 years?
Ans. I think artificial intelligence will become more popular in the next 10 years. Seeing the rapid growth and development of AI, I believe things like smart homes, self-driving cars, and AI-powered healthcare tools will become inseparable parts of our daily lives.
9. Can technology help solve global problems like climate change or poverty? How?
Ans. Yes, technology can help solve global problems like climate change and poverty. For climate change, some technologies help monitor pollution, use renewable energy, and improve waste management. For poverty, edtech platforms and digital banking can reach remote areas and offer better learning and job opportunities.
10. What are some disadvantages of using smartphones or computers too much?
Ans. One major disadvantage is poor physical and mental health. People develop eye strain, back pain, and sleep problems. Emotionally, too much screen time can lead to anxiety or depression. Also, it reduces face-to-face interaction, which is important for real relationships.
Mastering the “Describe a Piece of Technology That You Find Useful” IELTS cue card can boost your speaking score and confidence. Remember, a well-structured answer with personal examples and clear language is key.
If you need more guidance or want personalized feedback, connect with upGrad experts. Their support can help you prepare effectively and achieve your target IELTS band. Start your IELTS journey with upGrad’s expert assistance today!
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FAQs
Can I talk about a mobile phone for this cue card topic?
Yes, you can talk about a mobile phone for this cue card topic. Mobile is a useful device that helps people live a comfortable life using the benefits of technology.
Is it okay to describe older technology like a radio or landline?
Yes, it is okay to describe older technology like a radio or landline. However, it is advised to talk about the latest technologies or future technological developments to show your knowledge about society and the modern world.
What if I don’t use much technology in daily life?
It is okay if you don’t use much technology in daily life. You can talk about the specific technology and talk about its usefulness in your life.
Should I stick to one piece of technology or mention more?
You should stick to one piece of technology while answering the cue card. However, you can speak about other devices while answering the follow-up questions.
Is it necessary to say how long I’ve used the technology?
Yes, it is necessary to say how long you have used the technology. It makes your answer clearer and personalised.
What if I forget to cover one bullet point during my response?
You should not forget to cover any points during your response. However, if you forget any point, try to speak more confidently and fluently.
How can I make my answer more natural and less robotic?
To make your answer more natural and less robotic, use some casual vocabulary such as honestly, I think, I believe, I feel, etc.
Is it fine to use some technical terms in my answer?
Yes, it is fine to use some technical terms in your answer. However, try to minimise the use of technical terms to sound more natural.
What should I avoid saying in this cue card topic?
You should avoid the following things in this cue card topic:
Avoid memorised or fake-sounding stories
Don’t complain too much about technological flaws
Avoid repetition
Avoid complex technical words
Can I make up a story about the technology if I haven’t used one myself?
Yes, you can make up a story about the technology if you haven’t used one. However, try to sound natural and do not exaggerate too much.
How can I improve my fluency while speaking on this topic?
To improve your fluency while speaking on this topic, follow the tips below:
Practice speaking your answer out loud
Record yourself and listen multiple times
Use connecting words
What’s the best way to start my answer?
The best way to start your answer is “One piece of technology that I find really helpful is…”.
Sunita Kadian, co-founder and Academic Head at Yuno Learning is an expert in IELTS and English communication. With a background in competitive exam preparation (IELTS, GMAT, CAT, TOEFL), interview pre...
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