Describe a time when you had a problem with using the computer IELTS Cue Card

IELTS CUE CARD TOPIC

Describe a time when you had a problem with using the computer
You should say:

When it happened
Where it happened
What the problem was
And explain how you solved the problem at last

Sample 1

Introduction

Although I had problems with my computer on many occasions, one such instance is special and worth mentioning.

When it happened

It happened two years back when my younger brother accidentally spilled milk on my laptop.

Where it happened

It happened during lockdown at my home.

What the problem was

Due to milk entering the motherboard, many parts got damaged, so the laptop stopped working.

And explain how you solved the problem at last.

I had to do many things to solve the problem. Due to the lockdown, I could not go out; I researched the internet for a reliable solution. Although it was challenging for me, I managed to dismantle the whole laptop. After that, I started the cleaning process, and for that, I used earbuds. This process was challenging because milk entered most of the parts of the system, and proper cleaning was highly important.

It took me four hours to clean the laptop, and after that, I used my mother’s hair dryer for drying purposes. Once this whole process was completed, I had a sigh of relief. There were certain parts whose color changed, and it was an indication that they developed a malfunction.

I immediately ordered new parts online and the next day got the delivery. After that, the next challenge was to replace the faulty parts, and for that, again, I took the help of the internet, and finally, with a spectacular effort of two hours, I managed to reassemble the system.

Before starting it, I had goosebumps, but to my joy, it worked like a charm, and I had a proud feeling because I repaired the laptop from the comfort of my home.

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 time when you had a problem with using the computer”.

1. What do people use computers for?

In this modern era, people use computers for various tasks. The first and most important thing people do is their official work, like sending and receiving mail, coding and typing, etc. They also use it for entertainment, like playing games, watching videos, and listening to music. Moreover, students use computers for study work like preparing assignments, attending online classes, messaging friends, etc.

2. Should students be allowed to use computers at school?

Students should be allowed to use computers at school because it helps them to save time. After all, many tasks can be done in minutes, which otherwise could take hours. Moreover, its usage in classrooms reduces the use of paper, which is good for the environment because it decreases deforestation.

3. What do you think of people addicted to playing computers? People who have developed this uncanny canny for remaining glued to computers suffer greatly in the long run. Firstly, they miss out on many things that provide gratification, like talking to a friend, helping others, walking in a park, etc. Moreover, they could suffer from health problems like weakened eyesight and back pain.

4. Do you think computers make our lives simpler or more complex?

The computer’s primary purpose is to simplify our lives by handling our conflicts adroitly. However, overuse of anything complicates things, and the same is true with computers. Hence, it is in our hands to simplify complex computer usage.

5. Why do people often have problems when using new products?

People often need help when using new products because of new features that are challenging to understand. Apart from this, we develop comfort with our existing possessions and need to put extra effort into learning new products, which is why it is uncomfortable for us.