In this article we will delve into one of the most popular topics for the IELTS Speaking Parts 1-3: Technology and Communication. Our aim is to provide you with sample questions and answers, as well as some valuable IELTS Speaking tips to help you excel in this particular area.
Here are some sample questions related to the Technology and Communication topic you may be asked on the exam.
- Describe a time when you started using a new technological device
- What is the best age for children to start computer lessons?
- Do you think that schools should use more technology to help children learn?
- Do you agree or disagree that computers will replace teachers one day?
- What is the impact of cell phones on young people?
- What are the disadvantages of using a mobile app?
- Do you think people will use apps even more in the future?
- Do you like using social media? Why?
- Why are social networks so popular nowadays?
- Do you think that young people spend too much time on social networking sites? Why?
- Why do people often look for a job or education on the internet?
- Do you think that the internet is the best source of information nowadays?
- If you could invent anything, what would it be?
- What websites are popular in your country?
- What's your favourite website?
1. Describe a time when you started using a new technological device.
I would like to tell you about my experience of having the first smartphone. It seems that it was not long ago but ten years have passed.
I was always keen on technology. So it was a dream to have a gadget of my own. Of course, those days smartphones used to be slow and with a small built-in memory. Despite this, I bought a smartphone to keep up with the times.
To add to this, there were lots of commercials saying that if we buy this gadget our life will become easier. And they were right.
In the beginning it was a bit challenging to get accustomed to using this device. But in a couple of days I learnt to use all functions to the fullest. And from that time my life had changed a lot: I had an electronic diary, personal assistant, fitness coach and other useful apps. That helped me to save time and money.
2. What is the best age for children to start computer lessons?
We live in the modern age of technology. Kids are growing in the digital surrounding. That is why people say that the most suitable age to start learning a computer is 4 or 5. And I agree with that. By the time a kid goes to kindergarten he or she should be able to hold a mouse and perform simple actions. To add to this, e-books and educational applications are really useful in the process of children’s development.
3. Do you think that schools should use more technology to help children learn?
I am deeply convinced that schools should use a wide variety of modern technology in the process of education. Nowadays school children have another way of acquiring knowledge: they need short videos and interactive tasks. Also IT helps to keep them stay focused and motivated. And it is very efficient, for e.g. robotics helps to develop spatial thinking and prepares for a future job.
4. Do you agree or disagree that computers will replace teachers one day?
To tell the truth, I am not sure that computers will completely replace teachers one day. There is no doubt that Artificial Intelligence is becoming more and more advanced and applicable. There are lots of electronic educational platforms that use AI in their courses. However, it is still just an additional training for the main group or face-to-face course. Private coaching would always stay as the most efficient and expensive way of studying.
5. What is the impact of cell phones on young people?
Unfortunately cell phones have mostly negative impact on young people. They often become addicted, because in social accounts they get approval and even fame. Moreover, teenagers’ vision deteriorates during the long-term use of the phone. It also impairs posture and brain function.
6. What are the disadvantages of using a mobile app?
Well, there are several drawbacks. For example, if you rely too much only on the smartphone and its applications, you will face a lot of problems when the mobile is broken or the battery is low. Even our memory is getting worse, because we prefer not to memorize information, but to store it in the application.
7. Do you think people will use apps even more in the future?
I think we will use apps more because we got used to it. They help us to save time, to optimize our actions. Also I believe that Apple will make another innovative breakthrough to make our lives better and more comfortable. By the way, there are a lot of educational applications now and many courses that take place online.
8. Do you like using social media? Why?
I am fond of using social media because it helps to keep in touch with my friends. I know that some people get addicted to it and their screen-time is too long. But as for me, it can be useful if it is not abused. It keeps me up-to-date with what is happening in the world and in my friends' lives. Moreover, I can find both clients and services online.
9. Why are social networks so popular nowadays?
There are several reasons. First of all, it connects people according to their interests and hobbies. It is amazing that we can share our experience with a person from another continent. Secondly, it is a part of human nature to seek approval and appreciation. And social networks provide us with those benefits. And in the end, a talented person can become famous quickly and for free with the help of social media.
10. Do you think that young people spend too much time on social networking sites? Why?
I can’t tell for sure. No doubt, there are teenagers who are addicted to social networks, they seek endless approval from their peers or spend hours following the lives of celebrities. I find it irresponsible and a total waste of time. They’d better learn something new online or communicate with others offline.
11. Why do people often look for a job or education on the internet?
Online learning has many advantages over traditional education: you don't need to travel anywhere, you can customize the schedule, etc. Online learning is the future. It should be borne in mind that online is an environment for mature individuals with well-established motivation. For young people, not only content is important, but also the environment, communication, because they, among other things, help to form life guidelines and motives.Thanks to the Internet, everyone can find a full-time or a part-time job according to their interests and skills. Even interviews are held online.
12. Do you think that the internet is the best source of information nowadays?
I suppose, yes. The Internet today can be considered the most convenient and accessible source of information. At present, the Global Network has united a huge number of servers that host a large number of sites containing a wide variety of information. It's no secret that on the Internet today you can find any information about how to find a job, call a taxi, see exchange rates, make purchases, and so on. Of course, thanks to the computer and the Internet, human life has become much more convenient and interesting, and the search for information has become much easier. It is the Internet that provides an excellent opportunity to improve your knowledge or just relax.
13. If you could invent anything, what would it be?
Hmm...I'm not sure, but I'd love to create something extraordinary, something truly revolutionary to make history. Something like the smartphone actually. Maybe I would invent a tiny as well as very light smartphone which would make my dream come true. It would also help me to go down in history which I find awesome. I feel that this innovation could change our lives overnight and alter our everyday life in a positive way. Hopefully, it will be pretty easy for us to adapt to this innovation and start using it immediately.
14. What websites are popular in your country?
I'd imagine the same ones that are popular everywhere; everyone loves social networks, and has a favourite news site. I'd also imagine people who play a lot of games have a preference, and I can't think of anyone who hasn't done a bit of online shopping or online window shopping at least.
15. What's your favourite website?
To be honest, I don't have one. I suppose the one thing all the major ones have in common is that they are worth spending my time on, so I can learn a new skill, or get better at doing something.
Actually, one that I find quite useful as an English teacher working with English learners and seeing their struggles to get better at speaking is SmallTalk.
It's basically a virtual AI speaking assistant that helps students improve their spoken English. One thing that I particularly like about it is that it has an IELTS speaking simulator which helps predict students' IELTS scores.
Technology and Communication Vocabulary
The following list of vocabulary and phrases can help you expand your lexicon on the Technology and Communication topic. This will enable you to express yourself more accurately during the IELTS Speaking exam.
- a gadget / appliance
- the main reason...
- user-friendly
- durable / reliable
- handy
- multifunctional
- feature
- warranty
- the latest / modern
- cutting-edge / state-of-the-art
- dated / obsolete
- breakthrough
- pioneering / ground-breaking
- water-proof
- heat-resistant
- glitch
- faulty
- preschool / kindergarten /primary classrooms
- to introduce
- to get started
- a digital household
- to experience technology
- advantages and disadvantages
- age-specific guidelines
- a kid-safe computer
- appropriate / inappropriate
- a variety of...
- digital tools
- to enable
- to encourage
- to motivate
- to keep smb up to date with...
- teaching methods
- the latest
- technologically advanced
- useful / handy
- on-the-go
- solution to...
- to rely on...
- convenient
- to purchase
- the latest / cutting-edge
- dependent on...
- immature
- irresponsible
- personal data
- to post
- to share
- to follow
- to upload
- to waste time
- have in common
- Artificial intelligence (AI)
By familiarizing yourself with these questions and practicing your responses, you can enhance your speaking skills and boost your confidence for the IELTS Speaking exam.
Furthermore, we introduced the IELTS Speaking simulator by SmallTalk2Me, which offers a convenient and efficient way to practice authentic IELTS speaking questions, receive personalized feedback and track your progress. With such regular practice you can approach the IELTS Speaking exam with confidence and achieve your desired results.
