IELTS Speaking — Part 2 Cue Card
IELTS Speaking Cue Card: Describe a Piece of Technology You Use
Model answer + vocabulary for the IELTS Speaking Part 2 cue card about technology. Learn the examiner's expectations and how to reach Band 7+.
The Cue Card Prompt
Describe a piece of technology you often use. You should say: • what it is • how you use it • how long you have been using it And explain why it is important to you.
How to Structure Your Answer
Cover each bullet point in order. Aim for roughly equal time on each:
- What it is (name, type, brand if relevant)
- How you use it (daily/weekly, specific tasks)
- How long you have been using it
- Why it is important to you
Band 7+ Model Answer
I'd like to talk about my smartphone — specifically, the one I've had for about two years now. It's an Android device that I use for pretty much everything these days. In terms of how I use it, it serves as my primary tool for staying connected — I use messaging apps to keep in touch with friends and family, and I rely on it for email when I'm not at my desk. But beyond communication, I also use it to stream music during my commute, navigate unfamiliar areas, and — I'll admit — to practise my English with a language learning app. I've been using smartphones in general for about eight years, but this particular model for around two years. I upgraded because the camera quality had improved significantly, which matters to me since I enjoy photography as a hobby. As for why it's important to me — I'd say it's almost become an extension of my memory. I use it to set reminders, keep notes, and store information I'd otherwise forget. Without it, I honestly think my productivity would drop considerably. That said, I do make a conscious effort to put it aside in the evenings, because I'm aware of how easy it is to become overly dependent on it.
Key Vocabulary to Use
Examiner Tips for Band 7+
- ✓Speak for the full 2 minutes — prepare a 3-part structure: intro → details → personal reflection.
- ✓Use a mix of tenses: present simple (I use it for...), present perfect (I've been using it for...), and past simple (I chose it because...).
- ✓Avoid very simple vocabulary: instead of "good", try "invaluable", "indispensable", or "remarkably useful".
- ✓Add a personal anecdote or specific example — it makes your answer memorable and shows fluency.
- ✓For Part 3, always give a balanced view: acknowledge both sides before stating your opinion.
Part 3: Discussion Questions
After the cue card, the examiner will ask abstract questions on the same theme. Here are likely questions with model answers.
Q: How has technology changed the way people communicate?
Technology has fundamentally transformed communication. Instant messaging and video calls have made distance almost irrelevant — people can maintain close relationships with others on the other side of the world. However, some argue that face-to-face communication has suffered as a result, with people prioritising screen time over in-person interaction.
Q: Do you think people are too dependent on technology today?
There's certainly a case to be made for that. Studies have shown that many people check their phones dozens of times a day, often out of habit rather than necessity. That said, I think the issue is less about dependence and more about mindfulness — technology is a powerful tool, and the problem arises when we let it use us rather than the other way around.
Q: What are the advantages of technology in education?
The advantages are considerable. Technology gives students access to resources that simply didn't exist a generation ago — online courses, academic journals, educational videos. It also enables personalised learning, where AI can adapt content to a student's level and pace. The main challenge is ensuring equal access, since not all students have reliable internet or devices at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a cue card answer be?▼
You have 1 minute to prepare and then must speak for 1–2 minutes. Aim for a full 2 minutes. Stopping at 1 minute is penalised; speaking past 2 minutes is fine if the examiner hasn't stopped you.
Can I use notes during the IELTS Speaking cue card?▼
Yes — you're given a pencil and paper during the 1-minute preparation time. You can jot down key words or a brief outline, but do not write full sentences to read from.
What topics come up most often in IELTS Speaking Part 2?▼
Common cue card topics include: people (describe a person who inspired you), places (describe a place you visited), objects (describe something you own), events (describe a recent celebration), and experiences (describe a time you faced a challenge).
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