IELTS Speaking · Part 2 · Cue card

Describe a piece of technology you use often

Last updated 21 July 2026

In short

"Describe a piece of technology you use often" is a Part 2 cue card in the IELTS Speaking test. You get one minute to prepare, then speak for one to two minutes. This guide breaks down how to structure your long turn around all four bullet points, the topic vocabulary to reach for, and the Part 3 questions likely to follow.

The cue card

Describe a piece of technology you use often.

You should say:

what it is
how long you have had it
what you use it for
and explain why it is useful to you

How to structure your long turn

Spend roughly 20–30 seconds on each prompt. Take the bullets in order — they build a natural narrative — and save the most time for the final 'explain' point.

1
what it is
Cover this in a sentence or two with a concrete, specific detail.
2
how long you have had it
Cover this in a sentence or two with a concrete, specific detail.
3
what you use it for
Cover this in a sentence or two with a concrete, specific detail.
4
and explain why it is useful to you
This is the most important bullet — give reasons and a personal example, and spend the most time here.

Timing & delivery

Part 2 is the long turn: you get 1 minute to prepare and speak for 1–2 minutes.
Use the preparation minute to jot keywords against each bullet, not full sentences.
Cover all four bullet points, spending the most time on the final 'and explain…' prompt.
It's fine to invent details — you're scored on how you speak, not whether the story is true.

Useful vocabulary for this topic

Natural, Band 7+ language for talking about technology and society.

cutting-edge technology: the most advanced technology available; “My company invests heavily in cutting-edge technology.”
the digital divide: the gap between those with and without tech access; “The digital divide means older people can easily be left behind.”
labour-saving devices: machines that reduce physical effort or work; “Labour-saving devices like dishwashers give us far more free time.”
automate a process: make a task run by machine rather than by hand; “A lot of factories now automate processes that people used to do.”
keep up with the times: stay modern and current; “You have to keep up with the times or your skills go out of date.”

Rounding-off questions

After your long turn, the examiner may ask a short question or two before moving on to Part 3.

Do people rely too much on technology?
How has technology changed daily life?

Part 3 questions on technology and society

This cue card leads into a Part 3 discussion of the wider topic. Expect abstract, opinion-based questions such as these.

Why do some people find it hard to keep up with new technology?
How has technology changed the way families spend time together?
Do you think people depend too much on technology today?
What are the benefits and risks of a society that is always connected?

See all Part 3 questions on technology and society

Explore more IELTS Speaking practice

Frequently asked questions

How long should I talk about the "Describe a piece of technology you use often" cue card?

You should speak for one to two minutes without interruption. The examiner gives you one minute beforehand to make notes, then times the long turn and stops you at two minutes.

Can I make up my answer to this cue card?

Yes. IELTS examiners score how you speak — your fluency, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation — not whether your story is true. Inventing realistic details is completely acceptable and often easier than recalling a real event.

What Part 3 questions follow the "Describe a piece of technology you use often" topic?

This cue card leads into a Part 3 discussion on technology and society. Expect broader, opinion-based questions such as "Why do some people find it hard to keep up with new technology?"

What if I run out of things to say before two minutes?

Lean on the final 'and explain…' bullet. Adding reasons, feelings and a specific example naturally extends your answer, and it's the part that most improves your score.

Next step

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Rehearse this cue card under real exam timing with SpeakMetry's AI examiner, then get an instant band score and feedback on your long turn.

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