Describe a piece of technology that you find difficult to use IELTS Cue Card

IELTS CUE CARD TOPIC

Describe a piece of technology that you find difficult to use

You should say:

When do you get it?
What did you get it for?
How often do you use it?
How do you feel about it?

NOTE – The examiner gives you one minute to plan your answer, and to help you prepare for the topic, the examiner provides you with a pencil and a notepad. You’ll have to answer the questions given on the topic for one-to-two minutes.

Sample 1

Introduction

It is unequivocal to say that, we thrive primarily on various technologies to handle our conflicts adroitly.

Although I am comfortable with most technologies, I felt uncomfortable using one.

When do you get it?

On my last birthday, my dad gifted me a Macbook.

What did you get it for?

The motive behind giving MacBook as a gift is to improve my productivity while studying and doing office work.

How often do you use it?

I have been using it every day for the last month.

How do you feel about it?

When it came to me, I thought I would get on swimmingly with it. However, I am not comfortable using it because, for years, I had been using a Windows-based laptop, and suddenly switching to the Macbook with a different operating system is daunting. Firstly, The Mac OS has an altogether different interface and navigation.

Secondly, the Windows software and programs I previously worked with are not compatible with a MacBook, and I am searching for alternative solutions to do my tasks.

Thirdly, the keyboard shortcuts I learned for Windows Pc do not work on Mac, and Now I am relearning the shortcuts, which is a time-consuming process for me.

Apart from this, many games easily playable on a windows pc are not compatible with Macbook, and as a user, I am deprived of my favourite games.

Lastly, most people worldwide use windows pc, and the market share of MacBooks is relatively low. Due to this, enough technical support is unavailable, and sometimes I have to wait for days to resolve the issues I encounter.

Although I find it challenging, with determination, dedication and discipline, I will master it and become an expert user of the Macbook.

Sample 2

Introduction

Although technology helps us in many ways, many gadgets are uncomfortable to use. One such device is worth mentioning.

When did you get it?

On my 18th birthday, my brother gifted me an Apple watch from his first salary. It was a wonderful surprise, and it had this assumption that it would enhance my productivity.

But in reality, it didn’t provide me with any support.

What did you get it for?

While gifting it to me, my brother told me to use it to manage the time at my disposal efficiently. He installed various applications so I could use them without many problems.

How often do you use it?

As it is uncomfortable to use, I use it at home and never use it outside. Once I wore it for calculating my steps during my morning walk, but its complex system didn’t allow me to do so.

How do you feel about it?

I do not feel comfortable using it for many reasons. First and foremost, it exhibits numerous divergent functions, making it challenging to locate many across the interface. Moreover, its design utilizes umpteen gestures and touch controls which I need clarification on as I am unfamiliar with other Apple products, especially those unfamiliar with other Apple products.

Secondly, the tiny screen size of the Apple Watch makes it challenging for me to read text or see images.

Thirdly it has multiple varied shortcut options, which makes it challenging for me to remember all of them and utilize them properly.

Lastly, its battery life is less efficient than other devices. Hence it is inconvenient for me.

Sample 3

Introduction

Although I am good at handling technology, sometimes I face challenges.

When do you get it?

Last month my father brought a new automatic one. Earlier, we had a manual car.

What did you get it for?

The prime reason behind purchasing the new car was the poor mileage of the old one.

How often do you use it?

I use it every day to drop my mother at her office.

How do you feel about it?

As I have switched from a manual to an automatic car for me, it is uncomfortable for many reasons, as both cars operate differently, which makes it challenging for me.

The main difference is that I used to shift the gears manually in my earlier car, but in the automatic version, the computer inside the card does it on its own. The automatic gear-shifting process is complicated because my habit of shifting gears is hardwired in my brain.

Moreover, manual cars have a clutch pedal that helps to engage and disengage the gears, which is not there in my vehicle. And most of the time, I look for it and feel uncomfortable while driving.

The car is undoubtedly loaded with all the new features, and the company has left no stone unturned to make it. But, for me, it is uncomfortable to control the car because, for years, I have driven a manual car.

To handle my new car adroitly, I have started reading reviews of other owners of the same automobile online. From their experience, I will learn how to drive it with perfection.

Sample 4

Introduction

Although I am good at handling technological devices, one is challenging for me to use.

When do you get it?

Last month my brother went on a business trip to Singapore and brought a special gift for me. He waited for my birthday to give it to me.

What did you get it for?

My brother knows that cleaning the house is an uphill task for me. To make my life comfortable, he gifted me a product called Roomba, a robotic vacuum cleaner.

How often do you use it?

I use it daily, but now because of its complicated work, I use it once a week only.

How do you feel about it?

I was a happy camper when I received it, but now I go nuclear whenever I use it.

It is challenging for me to use for a few reasons.

The major challenge is navigating around furniture and other hurdles; while doing so, it gets stuck or does not clean some areas on the floor.

Another issue is that travelling between carpet and hardwood flooring at some corners is tricky for this machine.

Moreover, setup and maintenance are arduous tasks for me. Firstly I need to charge it. Secondly, it requires proper cleaning of its brushes and filters. Additionally, its settings are tedious and challenging to adjust.

I have taken its product demo significantly but find it challenging to use every time. I have read many reviews of this product online, and most f the customers have the same issues as me.

Such products should be designed so that they are comfortable to use for a layperson.

Sample 5

Introduction

It is unequivocal to say that technology saves our time by automating the process of doing different tasks. However, in some cases, it poses different challenges to us. One such instance is worth mentioning.

When do you get it? , and What did you get it for?

Last month my father came to my city to meet me. He knows that for me cutting vegetables is a daunting task. To provide me with comfort, he brought a food processor with the belief that it would do everything from soups to nuts.

How often do you use it?

I use it daily with the view that I will get used to it and save my time wasted on menial tasks.

How do you feel about it?

Although I got it for making my tasks easier, that’s not the case. This piece of technology has added to my woes by making trivial jobs like cutting and dicing vegetables a daunting task.

Firstly there are umpteen attachments to use. For example, there is a different one for grating the reddish and in case you want slices, you need a different one. Then for grating divergent modes are available. On the other hand, when I do the grating and slicing by hand, the task seems very easy. Last week guests came to my home, and my dinner got late because I used the wrong attachment for cutting ginger into fine pieces.

Apart from this, it requires a lot of time for cleaning. Whatever time I save for other tasks like cutting and grating is used while cleaning the various attachments of the food processor.

Moreover, the plastic used is fragile and breaks easily. I replaced two parts with new ones because they got cracked during usage.

Sample 6

Introduction

Although I am well versed with the new technologies, I need more than one machine.

When do you get it?

It is a sewing machine. I got it last year from one of my friends who gifted it to me.

What did you get it for?

I got it for stitching the clothes of my choice.

How often do you use it?

As I remain as busy as popcorn on a skillet during weekdays, I use it during weekends when I have free time.

How do you feel about it?

This machine is very uncomfortable for me for many reasons. Firstly threading the machine is a cumbersome process which irritates me. Although properly threading the sewing machine is the utmost step to using it effectively, I always fail. The main reason for the difficulty is that it is tricky to maintain the threading path while making adjustments.

Secondly, I need help with stitch selection because different fabrics and sewing projects require different stitches. Knowing how to choose the right stitch and set the machine requires rigorous practice.

Another disturbing thing is maintaining foot and needle coordination. While using the pedal to manage the speed of the sewing machine, moving the fabric and needle is around for me. As a beginner, I need help keeping a consistent pace and usually have uneven stitches.

Lastly, maintenance and troubleshooting are pressing problems for me. The machine needs regular cleaning and maintenance to work efficiently. Sometimes it develops faults and requires hours to fix.

As I do not have the habit of quitting, I will work hard to learn the meat and potatoes of running a sewing machine.

Follow-ups

Here are some examples of follow-up questions that the examiner might ask during your speaking part 3 related to the cue card “Describe a piece of technology that you find difficult to use”.

1. What technology products or technologies are used by people now?

Technology has made inroads in our lives. Due to this, people from all walks of life use it to do trivial and collosol tasks. For example, equipment like washing machines, microwave ovens, vacuum cleaners, and refrigerators are integral to us, and spending lives without them is daunting for us.

2. Why do large companies often produce new products?

The large companies’ central focus is profit maximization; to achieve this aim, they need to sell more products. To achieve this aim, they leave no stone unturned to launch updated versions of their new products so that people buy them to strengthen the bottom line of these companies.

3. Why are people enthusiastic about buying newer iPhone models, even when nothing changes?

In this modern era have developed this uncanny knack for exhibiting their opulent lifestyle to others. And they try their best to buy the newer iPhone to attract others towards them.

4. What are the disadvantages of the overuse of technology?

Although technology provides unabated support and umpteen benefits, its overuse harms our physical and mental well-being.

Firstly the continued use of gadgets like smartphones and Playstations makes us addicted. When we use it without restriction, we get into health troubles like back pain and weakened eyesight.

Besides, our mental fitness goes for a toss when we overuse gadgets and devices. We show irritating behaviour and often interact less with near and dear ones.

Hence we must use technology productively because its overuse can lead to disastrous repercussions.

5. How can the elderly learn new technologies?

Learning new technologies is an arduous task for all, but for the elderly, it is exceptionally challenging. However, senior citizens can learn new technologies with determination, dedication, and discipline.

Firstly, they should focus on the basics. Initially, they should start with simple usage and avoid the complexities. Once they start getting into the grove, they must try their hands at the advanced options.

Secondly, they must pay sufficient attention to regular practice using the technology. There is no denying this conviction that repetition helps us to learn everything from soups to nuts about anything. Moreover, it reinforces our knowledge.

6. What is more important for learning new technologies, theoretical classes or practical applications?

Using technology is more important than gaining theoretical knowledge about it. In classes, a lot of time goes to waste because it is through the actual usage we know the working of a product; moreover, regular use helps us handle conflicts adroitly. Hence, focusing on practical applications while learning new technology is vital.

Vocab

1. Unequivocal

Meaning: Leaving no doubt

Sentence: It is unequivocal to say that to have enough willpower at our disposal, we must either stop doing menial tasks or assign them to another person. Willpower is a limited resource, and we must use it prudently.

2. Worth mentioning

Meaning: Important enough to require a comment.

Sentence: The stellar performances of Surya Kumar Yadav in contemporary cricket are worth mentioning. His unique playing style is in vogue, and many budding cricketers seek flashes of inspiration from him.

3. At your disposal

Meaning: Available for you to use at any time

Sentence: Due to the arrival of numerous gadgets and devices in our lives, the availability of time at our disposal is declining considerably. As these pieces of equipment provide us with instant gratification, people run after them and squander valuable time.

4. Umpteen

Meaning: A lot

Sentence: There are umpteen examples of people who have gained enormous success despite a humble beginning. Not every successful person is born with a silver spoon, and many people leave nepotism behind to become successful.

5. Get on swimmingly

Meaning: To get on well

Sentence: For me, getting on swimmingly with cooking is daunting because I hate going to the kitchen.

6. Everything from soups to nuts

Meaning: A variety of things.

Sentence: Thomas Edison did everything from soups to nuts in his ten thousand experiments to make a light bulb. He was a happy camper after making the breakthrough.

7. Happy camper

Meaning: A satisfied person

Sentence: After achieving the initial success, I was a happy camper. But the purple patch did not last long, and I had bigger fish to fry to lead my business towards an impressive growth trajectory.

8. Go nuclear

Meaning: Angry

Sentence: I would go nuclear on trivial matters earlier, but now I remain a happy camper during challenging times.

9. Leave no stone unturned

Meaning: Use every possible course of action to do a task.

Sentence: After World War 2, Japan was in absolute disarray. During that time, all the sections of society came together, and they left no stone unturned to lead their country toward an impressive growth trajectory.

10. Uncanny Knack

Meaning: Strange Habit

Sentence: During Corona pandemic, I developed this uncanny knack for binge eating, which inclined my weight considerably, and I had to do everything from soups to nuts to reduce it.

11. Meat and potatoes

Meaning: The essential aspects of something

Sentence: Overnight success is purely by luck; to gain success, we need to learn the meat and potatoes of the field we work.

12. As busy as popcorn on a skillet

Meaning: Constantly busy

Sentence: Post corona pandemic, I was as busy as popcorn on a skillet because of the increased demand for my services.