Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe a piece of electronic equipment you find useful - Cue Card # 484
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IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.
[The topic for your talk will be written on a card which the examiner will hand over to you. Read it carefully and then make some brief notes.]
Describe a piece of electronic equipment that you find useful.
You should say:
- what it is
- how you learned to use it
- how long you have had it
and explain why you find this piece of electronic equipment useful.
[Instruction: You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you're going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]
Model Answer 1:
Sometimes, I think that if this particular electronic equipment had been invented during the Middle Ages or a little later, it surely would have been considered one of the 7th wonders of the old world by replacing one of the existing ones. Today, I would like to talk about a piece of wonderful electronic equipment which I think deserves a lot more credit than we are ready to give.
This electronic equipment is called the mighty “vacuum cleaner”. Of course, we might not just call it “mighty” because we are probably too used to working with it, but if we can just manage our world for a week without a vacuum cleaner, I am sure that we would gladly change our mind about putting the word “mighty” before a vacuum cleaner.
Anyway, so what is exactly so special about a vacuum cleaner? Well, we can answer this question by simply saying that this incredible equipment helps me clean my home and office, and all other places between them, and put them in order through the mechanism of an air pump and a suction device inside it. Now, even though, we have this equipment at home since the time I can remember about things, I didn’t really learn to use it until after I had started high school. Of course, for that, I will have to thank my elder sister since it was she who taught me how to switch it on and manoeuvre it on the floor and carpet to suck the dirt off them. By the way, unlike other vacuum cleaners, the one we have at home is lightweight and rather easy to operate on all kinds of surfaces.
Anyway, I find this electronic equipment really useful, mainly because it helps me and my family keep our home dirt-free and clean without using too much of our effort and time. The equipment is useful also because it helps us save a significant amount of money since we don’t have to hire any cleaning person to clean our home.
Sample Answer 2:
This is an interesting topic. My immediate thought is that I don’t use all that much electronic equipment, but I do use a lot of rather commonplace technology. - a phone, a laptop, refrigerators and washing machines, but I think they’d be quite boring to talk about. But, I can think of something I find really useful and could be a bit more interesting than usual.
Well, the piece of equipment is a GPS (Global Positioning System) watch. If I wear it whilst out running, it tracks various bits of information. It will tell me how long I’ve run, what pace, what distance, the elevation and other useful things. It can buzz on my wrist after every mile too. When I get back home after my run, I simply connect the watch to my laptop, and through some magic of technology, it uploads my run onto a software programme called Strava.
How did I learn to use it? Last January, my running club had organised a three-month winter challenge, we were put in teams and had to commit to doing so many runs each week of a certain distance. Rather reluctantly, I went to my local running shop. They recommended a ‘cheap and cheerful’ starter watch and set it all up for me. All I had to do at first was push a button to start the watch when I set out, and push the same button again to stop! In a few weeks, I started to play around with other buttons on the watch and discovered it could do more fancy things! I am still learning how to use it properly, and it is rather trial and error, but now I can see the benefits of this nifty bit of kit.
Why do I find this GPS watch useful? Well, it’s been really unexpected, but I love that I now have a record of all my runs. Even if I feel I’ve had a bad day running, being able to see the overall distance I’ve covered, or the elevation builds my confidence. I was surprised at how many miles I actually covered each week. True, they are slow miles, but they add up all the same. It also has made running much more fun. I can see if friends have done the same run as me, and there is even a feature on Strava that allows me to identify other runners I pass en route, so you can see how your runs compare with theirs. This unexpected bit of technology has really revolutionised my running. It makes me want to try harder, so I’m not caught out slacking.
[ Written by - Lucy Marris (2016): Careers Adviser (UK), TEFL teacher (Vietnam) ]
Idea generation for this Candidate task card / Cue card topic:
When you talk about an electronic device that you find useful, think of something you use regularly in your daily life for work, study, or entertainment. The device should be something you can describe in detail — what it is, how it helps you, and how you learned to use it. Below are several ideas you can consider while preparing your response.
1. Smartphone:
I’ve had my smartphone for nearly three years now. I use it for communication, organising my schedule, navigation, social media, and even attending online classes. I learned to use it by exploring its functions and watching a few tutorials. It’s useful because it combines multiple devices into one.
2. Laptop:
I bought my laptop during my first year at university. I use it for taking notes, completing assignments, and attending Zoom meetings. Initially, I struggled with certain software, but I quickly picked it up through YouTube tutorials. It’s indispensable for my studies.
3. Smartwatch:
I received a smartwatch as a birthday gift from my sister. I use it to track my fitness, check notifications, and even receive calls. It syncs with my phone and helps me monitor my heart rate and sleep. I watched a user guide online to understand all the features.
4. E-book reader:
I purchased a Kindle last year because I enjoy reading. I carry it wherever I go and store hundreds of books in it. I learned to use it very easily through its built-in tutorials. It’s a great alternative to paperbacks, especially during travel.
5. Bluetooth headphones:
I bought a pair of noise-cancelling Bluetooth headphones to improve my focus while studying. I use them while commuting, working out, or watching movies. They connect instantly to my phone and I learned to control them through touch gestures.
6. Graphics tablet:
As an art student, I got a graphics tablet to improve my digital illustrations. I had to go through a learning curve, but after watching tutorials and practising, it became a tool I now rely on. It’s helped me complete many projects faster and more professionally.
7. Wi-Fi router:
We installed a high-speed router at home last year. I configured it myself using the instruction manual and YouTube guides. It provides internet for all our devices, and I often manage the bandwidth settings for online meetings and downloads.
8. DSLR Camera:
I bought a DSLR camera to explore photography as a hobby. I learned how to use it through online photography courses and now use it for capturing nature, events, and portraits. It has helped me develop an eye for detail.
9. Microwave oven:
I bought a microwave oven when I moved into my new apartment. It helps me reheat meals and cook simple dishes quickly. I read the instruction manual and watched a few YouTube videos to learn how to use it. It’s very convenient, especially when I’m short on time.
10. Washing machine:
We’ve had a washing machine at home for several years. I learned how to use it from my mother, who showed me how to separate clothes and select the right settings. It saves a lot of time and effort compared to hand-washing clothes.
11. Vacuum cleaner:
I purchased a cordless vacuum cleaner during a sale last year. I watched a short video tutorial to learn how to use and maintain it. It’s incredibly useful for keeping my home dust-free and clean without much effort.
12. Air purifier:
Due to increasing air pollution in my city, I invested in an air purifier. I learned to operate it by reading the manual and adjusting the settings for different times of the day. It makes a noticeable difference in air quality, especially during allergy season.
Model Answer 3:
Introduction:
In this modern era of technology, we are surrounded by electronic gadgets and devices that make our lives easier and more efficient. One such device that I find extremely useful is my smartwatch. For this topic, I will talk about this device.
What it is:
My smartwatch is a wearable electronic device that looks like a regular watch but has advanced features and functions beyond telling time. It has a touchscreen display and is designed to be synced with my smartphone.
How you learned to use it:
I learned how to use my smartwatch by reading the instruction manual and watching online tutorials. It was relatively easy to set up and connect to my phone. It has many features that took me time to learn but I eventually learned all the features this smartphone has.
How long you have had it:
I have been using my smartwatch for about a year now. I purchased it online after reading positive reviews about its features and performance. Since I walk or run almost every single day, it has proven to be a very useful device so far.
And explain why you find this piece of electronic equipment useful:
There are several reasons why I find my smartwatch useful. Firstly, it allows me to stay connected to my smartphone without having to constantly check it. I can receive notifications, check my emails and messages, and make phone calls directly from my wrist. Secondly, it has a number of health-related features such as a heart rate monitor, pedometer, and sleep tracker that help me stay on top of my fitness goals. Finally, it has a stylish design that complements my outfit and can be customized with various watch faces and bands to suit my personal style.
I find my smartwatch to be a useful and practical piece of electronic equipment that helps me stay connected and on top of my health and fitness goals.
Sample Answer 4:
Not long ago, I bought something that has truly changed the way I work, study, and even relax—a sleek and powerful Dell XPS 16 2025 Edition laptop. As an undergraduate student juggling classes, assignments, and a part-time job, owning a fast and reliable laptop had become more of a necessity than a luxury. So, I finally decided to invest in one using a mix of my savings and a generous contribution from my father.
I still remember the day I unboxed it. The brushed aluminium body gave off a futuristic feel, and the razor-thin bezels surrounding the vibrant 4K OLED display were absolutely stunning. It runs on the latest Intel Core Ultra processor and comes with AI-optimized performance, which makes multitasking effortless. I was especially excited about its touch-screen capability—crafted with ultra-durable Corning Gorilla Glass—and the backlit keyboard that allows me to type comfortably even in dim lighting. But what won my heart instantly was the sound system; it offers studio-quality audio, and when I played my favourite track, it felt like I was sitting in a live concert.
At first, I’ll admit, I was a bit overwhelmed. I’d never used a touchscreen laptop before, and the idea of tapping and swiping across a glossy screen felt foreign. But after a couple of days of trial and error—and a few YouTube tutorials—I got the hang of it. Now, I can’t imagine going back to a non-touchscreen. Another thing I had to adjust to was the backlit keyboard. It felt like typing on the light itself, and although it was unfamiliar at first, it has become a favourite feature, especially when I’m typing notes late at night.
It’s been just over a month since I started using this laptop, and it has become my constant companion. I take it to lectures for note-taking and presentations, use it at home to write essays, and even bring it along to my part-time job when I need to update spreadsheets. Compared to the clunky desktop I used before—with its painfully slow boot time and unresponsive applications—this machine is lightning-fast and incredibly reliable.
More than anything, though, I appreciate how this laptop helps me stay organised and efficient. Whether I’m designing slides, editing documents, watching educational videos, or just unwinding with a film, the Dell XPS 16 is there to support me. It’s not just a gadget—it feels like an extension of how I think and work. And for that reason, I consider it the most useful piece of electronic equipment I’ve ever owned.
Part 3 – Two-way discussion/ Detail discussion:
Discussion Topic: Technology and housework:
Q. What kinds of machine are used for housework in modern homes in your country?
Q. How have these machines benefited people? Are there any negative effects of using them?
Q. Do you think all new homes will be equipped with household machines in the future? Why?
Discussion Topic: Technology in the workplace:
Q. What kinds of equipment do most workers need to use in offices today?
Q. How have developments in technology affected employment in your country?
Q. Some people think that technology has brought more stress than benefits to employed people nowadays. Would you agree or disagree? Why?
Click here for the answer to these part 3 Questions.
Vocabulary for this Candidate Task Card / Cue Card topic:
Describing a piece of electronic equipment requires you to explain its functions, how it benefits your daily life, and your relationship with technology. Below is a list of some useful vocabulary and expressions to help you speak clearly and effectively about this topic in the IELTS Speaking test:
Gadget – A small technological device that is useful or clever.
User-friendly – Easy to use or operate, even for someone without much experience.
Multifunctional – Able to perform many tasks or roles.
Wireless connectivity – The ability to connect to the internet or other devices without wires.
Operating system – The software that supports a device's basic functions (e.g., Windows, Android, iOS).
Portable – Lightweight and easy to carry or move from place to place.
Reliable performance – Consistently effective or dependable operation.
Technical skills – Knowledge and ability to use or operate technological devices.
Smart device – An electronic gadget that is connected to other devices or networks (e.g., smart TV, smartwatch).
Assistive technology – Electronic tools that help with specific tasks or make life easier.
Digital dependency – The growing reliance on electronic devices in daily life.
Streamline tasks – To simplify or make a process more efficient with technology.
Hands-on learning – Learning something by doing it rather than just reading about it.
Smart appliance – A household or personal device enhanced with intelligent software and connectivity.
Wearable technology – Electronic devices that can be worn, like smartwatches or fitness trackers.
Indispensable – Absolutely necessary or essential.
Time-saving – Reduces the amount of time needed to complete a task.
Productivity-enhancing – Increases the amount or quality of output you can achieve.
Handy – Very useful or convenient in practical situations.
Self-taught – Learned independently without formal instruction.
Picked it up – (Informal) Learned something quickly or casually.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe a piece of electronic equipment that you find useful", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe a technological device or equipment you find useful.
2) Describe an appliance or equipment that you have at home.
3) Describe a time when you started using a new technology.
4) Describe a piece of modern technology you own.
5) Describe an electronic device or gadget you want to buy in the future.
6) Describe a piece of equipment or tool you often use at home.
7) Describe a piece of modern technology you own.
8) Describe a thing that you can not live without.
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