IELTS Speaking Practice: Electronic Items and Technology

I primarily use my smartphone and laptop throughout the day. My smartphone is essential for staying connected with family and friends, while I rely on my laptop for work-related tasks and online research. I’d say I spend about six hours daily on these devices combined.

Useful language:primarilystaying connectedrely on

It has increased quite a lot, mainly because so much of my studying moved online. A few years ago I used my phone mostly for messaging, but now I use it for everything from banking to learning languages. Recently, though, I’ve started setting screen-time limits because I felt I was overdoing it.

Useful language:moved onlineoverdoing itscreen-time limits

Honestly, my smartphone. It’s my map, my wallet, my camera and my main way of keeping in touch with people. I could live without a television quite easily, but losing my phone for a day would be very inconvenient.

Useful language:keeping in touchinconvenient

For news and short articles I read on screen, because it’s quick and convenient. But for novels I definitely prefer paper books. I find it easier to concentrate without notifications, and I like the feeling of turning real pages.

Useful language:convenientconcentratenotifications

Not very often — I usually keep a phone for four or five years. I don’t see the point in buying the latest model every year when the improvements are quite small, and it’s better for the environment and my budget to use things until they actually wear out.

Useful language:the latest modelwear outdon’t see the point in

Probably the camera. The quality is good enough that I rarely carry a separate camera anymore, and it’s great for capturing spontaneous moments when I’m out with friends or travelling.

Useful language:capturing spontaneous momentsrarely

I find it a bit overwhelming, to be honest, because there are so many models with similar specifications. I usually do a lot of research and read reviews before buying, so it can take me weeks to make a decision.

Useful language:overwhelmingspecificationsmake a decision

Yes, I’m thinking about getting a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. I study in cafés quite often, and they would help me focus. I’m waiting for a sale, though, because good ones are fairly expensive.

Useful language:noise-cancellingwaiting for a sale

I’d like to talk about my first laptop, which I received as a graduation gift six years ago. It’s a MacBook Pro that has become an integral part of my daily life. When I first got it, I was just starting university, and I remember feeling incredibly excited about having my own professional-grade computer.

I use this device for various purposes, from completing academic assignments to maintaining my blog and editing photos. What makes it particularly special is how it has enabled me to pursue my passion for digital content creation. The high-resolution display and powerful processing capabilities have allowed me to learn video editing and graphic design.

This laptop has been crucial in my personal and professional development. It helped me transition from being a simple consumer of digital content to becoming a creator. Through this device, I’ve been able to work remotely, start my own small business, and stay connected with clients worldwide. The reliability and versatility of this laptop have truly transformed how I work and create.

Useful language:an integral part ofprofessional-gradepursue my passion fortransition from … toversatility

I believe we’re going to witness a significant shift toward more integrated and intuitive technology. We’re likely to see devices becoming more seamlessly incorporated into our daily lives, perhaps through advanced wearable technology or augmented reality systems. The traditional smartphone might evolve into something more organic, possibly using holographic displays or brain-computer interfaces. However, this technological evolution will probably bring new challenges regarding privacy and digital wellness that society will need to address thoughtfully.

Useful language:witness a significant shiftseamlessly incorporatedwearable technologydigital wellness

The most obvious drawback is the effect on our attention and wellbeing — constant notifications make it hard to focus, and heavy screen use is linked to poor sleep. There’s also a practical risk: when everything from payments to medical records is digital, a power cut or a cyber-attack can cause serious disruption. And socially, people sometimes interact more with their screens than with the people sitting next to them.

Useful language:dependence onlinked tocyber-attackserious disruption

To some extent, yes. Devices give students access to interactive material and teach digital skills they’ll definitely need at work. However, I don’t think technology should replace basic skills like handwriting, reading long texts or face-to-face discussion. The key is to use devices where they genuinely improve learning, not simply because they’re modern.

Useful language:to some extentdigital skillsgenuinely improve learning

In some ways they’ve made life more convenient — voice assistants can set reminders, control lighting or play music, which helps busy families. They’re also useful for elderly relatives who live alone. On the other hand, they raise privacy concerns, because these devices are constantly listening and collecting data, and some families find that technology replaces conversations rather than supporting them.

Useful language:voice assistantsprivacy concernscollecting data

A significant one, because e-waste contains toxic materials and valuable metals that shouldn’t end up in landfill. Governments can require manufacturers to take back old devices, set recycling targets and ban exporting e-waste to poorer countries. They could also introduce ‘right to repair’ laws, so that devices are designed to be fixed rather than replaced.

Useful language:e-wastetoxic materialstake backright to repair

I don’t think so, at least not completely. Some items, like paper maps or address books, have already become rare. But others, such as printed books, board games and handwritten cards, have kept a loyal following — partly because people want a break from screens. I expect them to become more of a lifestyle choice than a necessity.

Useful language:become rarea loyal followinga break from screensa lifestyle choice

It has worked in both directions. Cheaper smartphones have given millions of people access to banking, education and information they never had before, which reduces inequality. But there’s still a digital divide: people without reliable internet or digital skills — often older or poorer people — are increasingly excluded as services move online. So access has improved, but the gap in skills remains.

Useful language:worked in both directionsthe digital divideexcludedmove online

Small habits make a big difference. People can switch off non-essential notifications, keep phones out of the bedroom and set daily screen-time limits. It also helps to take regular breaks and to have device-free times, for example during meals. Most importantly, people should notice how devices make them feel and cut back on whatever leaves them stressed or distracted.

Useful language:non-essential notificationsscreen-time limitsdevice-freecut back on