IELTS Cue Card 8 Sample Answer: Describe a program on computer/a mobile app on the phone that you use

IELTS Speaking Part 2 Topic: Describe a program on computer/a mobile app on the phone that you use /Describe a programme or an app that you think is useful

You should say:

You should say:

• What the program/app is
• When/where you found it
• How you use it

And explain how you feel about it.

Band 8+ Sample answer 

As a person who has quite a lot of international connections, I usually make use of Skype, a program allowing its users to communicate with others over the Internet. And in my opinion, this is a must-have program for everyone.

Basically I knew about this program a few years ago when my friend introduced it to me and as a computer buff (a person who knows a lot about something), it didn’t take me long to know the program inside out. I mainly used this program to stay in touch with my friends who are living in different parts of the world.

Not only that, I also make use of (to use something well) skype to speed up my English language learning.

So once or twice a week, I use Skype to make computer-to-computer calls with my friend in the UK, who is helping me better my English speaking skills. And because skype does allow us to make video calls, whenever I make a slip-up (error/ mistake) in terms of pronunciation or grammar, I can see my friend’s facial expression as well as his gestures, really scary, yet so effective.

In addition to that, skype is actually a life-saver for me mainly because it helps me stay connected with my foreign friends. Without Skype, a lot of my relationship would have fizzled out (become less enthusiastic, or disappear) and that is something I don’t want to see happen.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 (Discussion)

What is the importance of apps in a person’s life?

As you know, apps can be downloaded easily from the play store in order to serve different purposes. For instance, an app called Urban Company offers household doorstep services like repair of electrical appliances, haircuts, plumbing (the job of installing/ repairing water pipes, etc).There are also a wide range of useful apps for learning English, delivering food or grocery (the food and other items in a food store or supermarket), paying electricity bills, etc. They can be used from anywhere, anytime. So, they have become indispensable (=necessary) to human life.

Are there any drawbacks to apps?

Some apps consume a lot of storage. So, it becomes a problem when installing new ones. So, you have to clear your cache constantly. Except (apart from) this, there are no drawbacks (disadvantages).

Are these apps helpful in making honest relations?

Some apps promote (develop/ nurture) friendship. But there is no credibility (the quality of being trusted and believed in) to the information provided. It is up to (=depend on) the user to be smart when establishing (=build up) relationships through apps.

How can technology make our life easier?

Technology, if used wisely, is a boon (a thing that is useful). They help us a great deal in our daily lives. For instance, refrigerators and air­conditioners are very beneficial (helpful) in hot countries. The former transforms your atmosphere (=ambiance) by making it cool while the latter helps to keep the food safe. They help us to improve (=enhance) our lifestyle.

Why are mobile phones gaining popularity?

They are portable (easy to carry) and can be used from anywhere in the world. Besides, their costs are affordable (reasonable, inexpensive). They have a lot of built-in features that make life easier. People use it not only for communication but also to watch movies, listen to music, and play games. So, it is quite natural that they are becoming more prevalent (=popular) now.

Vocabulary for IELTS Speaking Part 3

Indispensable (adj) – necessary.

Eg: Water is indispensable to human life.

Constantly (adv) – without change; always.

Eg: Sheela was constantly battling with her fears.

Promote (verb) – encourage (a cause, venture, etc.)

Eg: Kevin was advised to promote his product by making campaigns.

Boon (noun) – a thing that is beneficial or helpful.

Eg: The newly constructed lane are a boon to the pedestrians.

Popularity (noun) – the state of being admired, liked, or supported by many people.

Eg: In the 1960s, the actor was at the peak of popularity.