IELTS speaking tests, key vocabulary + suggested answers

Part 1 – sample questions

• How much time do you spend using a computer at work or at home?
• What do you mainly use a computer for?
• Did you learn how to use a computer at school?
• Have you ever taken a course to improve your computer skills?
• Has the internet made your job / studies easier?
• Which device do you prefer to use for browsing the internet?

Part 2 – sample task card

Part 3 – sample questions

1. What are some of the main uses of technology for communication?
2. Do you agree that some people use technology for communication too much?
3. What differences are there between the attitudes of older and younger people to technology for communication?
4. Do you think that the advance of technology has improved standards of education in schools?
5. Would you agree that the rapid development of digital technology has had a positive impact on the world of work?
6. Do you think that the rate of technological expansion will slow down in the years to come?

Useful Vocabulary

Uses of internet for communication

• sending emails
• sending text messages
• tele-conferencing
• video conferencing
• online chatting
• social networking
• blogging
• posting messages on forums
• using an intranet system

Advantages

• offers immediate communication
• cheaper than telephone calls / face-to-face meetings
• allows global communication without the need to travel
• more convenient / people can communicate on-the-move
• allows friends and family overseas to stay connected
• gives everybody the chance to have a public voice

Disadvantages

• people may lose “real” social skills
• people may spend less time socialising face-to-face
• people may become more introverted
• people may become addicted to social network sites
• people spend too much time in front of a screen

Technology and Education

• interactive whiteboards
• e-learning courses /e-books
• online degrees
• self-access centres / study
• online teaching / tutoring / training
• blended learning (online + face-to-face)

Advantages

• offers more flexibility for the learner
• allows people in rural areas the same study opportunities
• cheaper for students (no travel / accommodation costs)
• students & teachers are less bound by time and space

Technology and Work

• automated processes
• automated manufacturing
• automated customer services
• high-tech computer systems
• computerised filing / administrative systems
• huge databases
• intranet system / internal emailing

Disadvantages

• has made some jobs redundant
• gives customers less personal service
• requires staff to be technically skilled
• may cause security issues / files may be lost
• requires a lot of investment
• breakdowns in the system may cause severe problems

Useful linkers for giving reasons

• due to (the fact that)
• because of
• because
• as a result of
• that’s (the reason) why

Sample Answer

Do you think that the advance of technology has improved standards of education in schools?

I think the growth of the internet has had a major impact on current teaching methods and I’m sure general standards have improved as a result. I strongly believe that the motivation for both learning and teaching has increased because of the phenomenal amount of information now available to both students and teachers. On the other hand, due to a danger of information overload, some people may be put off using technology in the classroom, wishing for a return to more traditional methods.