Describe a time when a piece of equipment of yours was broken
You should say:
– What the equipment was
– What the problem was
– What you did after it was broken
– And how you felt about it
(What the equipment was)
With the advancement of technology, inventions of new equipment have greatly facilitated our life. People are offered a variety of choices of equipment for different purposes. Sometimes, such equipment cannot function properly and today, I’m going to describe a time when a piece of equipment of mine was broken. It is my favorite laptop, a 13 inches Macbook Air which was a present from my parents to mark my entrance into university. With this screen size, it provides the best balance of portability and usability.
(What the problem was)
However, the problem popped up quite unexpectedly. Being portable and slim does not guarantee that there would not be any incident involved. When I was sitting in the cafe to complete my thesis, I took it out of my backpack and was about to lay it on the desk with my hand. Somehow, I kind of overestimated my carefulness, and then one side of my Macbook Air just hit right on the wooden corner of the desk. When I realized it, it had already made a dent on my laptop. When I opened the lid, the display wasn’t functioning well. What a disconcerting incident!
(What you did after it was broken)
Without hesitation, I rushed to the Apple chain store to have it fixed. The staff told me that the display was broken and should be replaced. Fortunately, it wasn’t the hard disk, otherwise, the information stored there would be damaged, which is the worst scenario for me. Though it cost me quite a lot, I still accepted the charge.
(And how you felt about it)
Of course, I felt quite disappointed but unable to make a fuss about this incident. After all, I was to blame for it. Since then, I have been more prudent with the laptop. I put it in a case and take it firmly in my hands. Well, I think this is the most I can do. Hopefully, I won’t be such a careless person in the future.
Useful Vocabulary for IELTS Speaking Part 2
1. facilitate [v]: to make something possible or easier
Eg: The current structure does not facilitate efficient work flow.
2. properly [adv]: correctly, or in a satisfactory way
Eg: I’m not properly dressed for this kind of weather.
3. portability [n]: the quality of being light and small enough to be easily carried or moved
Eg: Campers like food pouches for their portability and long shelf lives.
4. usability [n]: the fact of something being easy to use, or the degree to which it is easy to use
Eg: Candidates must have extensive experience in website design and usability.
5. guarantee [v]: to promise that something will happen or exist
Eg: European Airlines guarantees its customers top-quality service.
6. overestimate [v]: to think that something is or will be greater, more extreme, or more important than it really is
Eg: I’m afraid Theresa is forever overestimating her strength.
7. without hesitation [expression]: if you say that someone does something without hesitation, you are emphasizing that they do it immediately and willingly
Eg: The great majority of players would, of course, sign the contract without hesitation.
8. scenario [n]: a description of possible actions or events in the future
Eg: The most likely scenario is that house prices rise again, forcing interest rates up.
9. make a fuss about [expression]: to be a nuisance or cause a disturbance by complaining, arguing, etc. (about something)
Eg: Sir, we have politely asked you to leave—please don’t make a fuss.
10. prudent [adj]: careful and avoiding risks
Eg: It’s always prudent to read a contract carefully before signing it