Describe a piece of technology that you feel is difficult to use is one of the topics that often appears in IELTS Speaking Part 2 and Part 3. For many candidates, this is one of the difficult topics, so to prepare a good answer for this topic, you need to equip yourself with the necessary vocabulary as well as how to develop a strong and accurate argument. Let's refer to the sample essay, vocabulary and quality expressions for this topic with IDP IELTS.
2. Topic Analysis
For this topic, you can choose from a variety of tech devices. Most candidates talk about smartphones or computers, but you can also be more creative and describe items like e-readers, headphones, gaming consoles, home appliances, or newly launched smart gadgets that are complicated for first-time users.
Cue Card:
Describe a piece of technology you own that you feel is difficult to use
You should say:
When you got it
What you got it for
How often you use it
Explain how you feel about it
2. Sample Outline for Speaking Part 2
Introduction
Introduce the role of modern technology and name one device that you find hard to use.
Example:
We now live in an era where technology enables tasks once unimaginable, but it often comes at the cost of simplicity. Today, I want to describe a washing machine that, despite having many features, is overly complicated to operate.
Body
Reason for choosing the device and how often it is used Recently, our old washing machine broke down, and we bought a new model from a well-known brand. It comes with 102 washing modes for different fabrics.
Why it is difficult to use The device has only 10 buttons to control over 100 modes. To do a basic wash, I have to press 5 buttons in a specific order, which is hard to remember.
Conclusion
Buying this machine turned out to be a mistake. I have learned that more options do not always mean better. Next time, I will focus on essential features rather than advanced ones.
3. Sample Answer – IELTS Speaking Part 2
Technology has changed almost every area of our lives. Today, I want to talk about a piece of technology that I find difficult to use.
A few years ago, my mom and I bought several home appliances. Because we spent a lot, the store gave us a microwave oven for free. But honestly, I didn’t know how to operate it at all.
The biggest problem is the control panel. It has countless buttons and symbols, which are very confusing. I often stare at it, not knowing which one to press just to reheat coffee. With so many settings for power, time, and cooking modes, it feels like decoding a secret code.
Even though I struggle with it, I haven’t given up. I hope with time and practice, I’ll be able to use it properly. Until then, I stick with the stovetop for most cooking.
Technology has definitely revolutionized our lives, but rapid development can create challenges too. It’s important that technology stays inclusive and easy to use for everyone.
Useful Vocabulary:
Sphere: field or area
Countless: very many
Baffled: confused
Decode a secret code: understand something complicated
Conquer: master or overcome
Digital divide: gap in access or knowledge about technology
User-friendly: easy to use
4. Sample Answers – IELTS Speaking Part 3
Question: What technology do people currently use the most?
Answer: People today use smartphones, laptops, tablets, smartwatches, and smart home devices. They also use tech for entertainment like streaming, communication like messaging apps, and work like cloud storage and productivity tools.
Vocabulary:
Wide range
Smart home devices
Question: Why do big companies introduce new products frequently?
Answer: I think they do this to stay ahead of competitors. Innovation attracts customers, builds brand awareness, and creates more sales. It also keeps users within their product ecosystem.
Vocabulary:
Innovating
Generate buzz
Lock customers into an ecosystem
Question: Why do technology companies keep upgrading their products?
Answer: Upgrades are essential to stay competitive. Companies like Nokia failed to innovate and lost their market share. A unique selling point can be the key to success.
Question: Why do people continue to buy iPhones even if there are no big changes?
Answer: It’s mostly due to consumerism. Many people want the latest version to stay updated or enjoy new features like “Dynamic Island,” even if older models work fine.
Vocabulary:
Consumerism
Falling behind
Question: How does technology affect how we study?
Answer: Technology has made education more accessible. For example, IELTS learners can now study online for free. However, overreliance on tools like AI may harm learning if used incorrectly.
Vocabulary:
Evolves
5. High-Scoring Vocabulary and Idioms
General Vocabulary:
Term | Meaning |
Technological device | A gadget or machine |
Technological breakthrough | Major innovation |
State-of-the-art | Very modern or advanced |
Noise-canceling | Reduces external noise |
Operate smoothly | Work without delay |
Artificial intelligence | Machine-based intelligence |
Complex user interface | Complicated control system |
Idioms:
Idiom | Meaning |
A glitch in the system | A technical error |
To troubleshoot | To fix a problem |
To reboot | To restart a device |
To go viral | Become very popular |
To get up to speed | Catch up with new info or trends |
Conquer the IELTS Speaking Test with IDP
This guide helps you analyze the topic, create structured answers, and learn high-quality vocabulary for "Describe a piece of technology that you feel is difficult to use". For more practice, try IDP’s free IELTS mock tests to get familiar with the format and build confidence.
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