IELTS Speaking Part 2: Describe a piece of technology that you feel is difficult to use

Describe a piece of technology that you feel is difficult to use

You should say:

When you got it

What you got it for

How often you use it

And explain how you feel about it

 

SUGGESTED IDEAS

When you got it:

• I got it as a gift for my birthday last year.
• I purchased it online a few months ago.
• I received it as a hand-me-down from a friend.

What you got it for:

• It’s a new smartphone that I got to keep in touch with my family and friends.
• I got a new laptop for my work as a graphic designer.
• I bought a smartwatch to track my fitness activities.

How often you use it:

• I use it every day for several hours, as it’s essential for my work/studies/hobbies.
• I only use it occasionally, as I find it challenging to operate.
• I rarely use it, as I haven’t figured out how to use all of its features.

And explain how you feel about it:

• I feel frustrated with it, as it’s not user-friendly, and I have to spend a lot of time trying to figure out how to use it.
• I feel intimidated by it, as I’m not very tech-savvy, and I often make mistakes or get stuck.
• I feel determined to master it, as I know it’s a useful tool that can make my life easier and more convenient.

 

USEFUL PHRASES:

• “I’ve been struggling to figure out how to use it properly.”
• “Despite reading the instructions and watching tutorials, I still find it challenging to operate.”
• “It has so many buttons, menus, and options that I don’t know where to start.”
• “I often get error messages, freezes, or crashes, which adds to my frustration.”
• “I wish it had a simpler interface, or at least a better help system.”
• “I feel like I’m missing out on its potential benefits because I can’t use it effectively.”
• “I’m considering taking a course or asking for help to improve my skills with it.”

 

SUGGESTED ANSWER

One piece of technology that I find difficult to use is the new smartphone I received as a gift for my birthday last year.

I got it to keep in touch with my family and friends, as well as to enjoy the various features and functionalities that modern smartphones offer. However, since I received it, I’ve been struggling to figure out how to use it properly.

I use it every day for several hours, as it has become essential for my work and personal communication. Despite reading the instructions and watching tutorials, I still find it challenging to operate. It has so many buttons, menus, and options that I don’t know where to start. I often get error messages, freezes, or crashes, which adds to my frustration.

I feel frustrated with it, as it’s not user-friendly, and I have to spend a lot of time trying to figure out how to use it. It has become a source of stress rather than convenience. I feel like I’m missing out on its potential benefits because I can’t use it effectively.

I’m considering taking a course or asking for help to improve my skills with it. I wish it had a simpler interface or at least a better help system to guide users like me who are not tech-savvy. Despite my difficulties, I recognize the importance of this technology in today’s world, and I’m determined to master it.

Overall, while I appreciate the gift and the opportunities it offers, the complexity of this smartphone has made using it a challenging experience for me.