IELTS Speaking Part 2: Describe something you own that you want to replace

Describe something you own that you want to replace
You should say:
What it is
Where it is
How you got it
And explain why you want to replace it

1. What it is:
   • Suggested ideas: Smartphone, laptop, bicycle, watch, furniture.
   • Useful expressions:
     1. “The item I want to replace is…”
     2. “I own a…”
     3. “It’s a…”
   • Useful grammar structures:
     1. Relative clauses: “The item, which I use daily, is…”
     2. Present perfect tense: “I have had it for…”
     3. Adjective clauses: “It’s a device that…”
2. Where it is:
   • Suggested ideas: At home, in my room, in the garage, at the office.
   • Useful expressions:
     1. “It’s currently located…”
     2. “I keep it…”
     3. “It’s situated…”
   • Useful grammar structures:
     1. Prepositional phrases: “It’s in…”
     2. Adverbial phrases: “I usually keep it…”
     3. Demonstrative pronouns: “It’s there…”
3. How you got it:
   • Suggested ideas: Bought it, received it as a gift, inherited it.
   • Useful expressions:
     1. “I acquired it…”
     2. “I obtained it…”
     3. “It came into my possession…”
   • Useful grammar structures:
     1. Past simple tense: “I bought it…”
     2. Passive voice: “It was given to me as a gift…”
     3. Causative verbs: “I had it made…”
4. Explain why you want to replace it:
   • Suggested ideas: Outdated, broken, need an upgrade, want better functionality.
   • Useful expressions:
     1. “The reason I want to replace it is because…”
     2. “I feel the need to upgrade because…”
     3. “I’m considering replacing it due to…”
   • Useful grammar structures:
     1. Modal verbs: “I need to replace it because…”
     2. Conditional sentences: “If I replace it, I will have…”
     3. Comparatives: “I want something better than…”

Sample Answer:

Well, the item I want to replace is my smartphone. I’ve had it for about three years now, and it’s currently located in my room, on my bedside table, to be precise. I acquired it when my previous phone broke down unexpectedly. It was a sudden need, so I bought this one as a quick replacement. You know, I was in a rush, and this model seemed decent at the time.

But lately, I’ve been feeling like it’s falling behind. It’s not keeping up with my needs anymore. It’s frustrating, really. I mean, I use my phone for everything—communication, work, entertainment, you name it. And this poor thing, it’s struggling to keep up with my demands. The apps take forever to load, the battery drains within hours, and don’t even get me started on the camera quality. It’s just not cutting it anymore.

So, I’m considering replacing it. I feel the need to upgrade because, let’s face it, technology moves fast, and I need something that can keep up with my lifestyle. If I replace it, I will have access to better technology and improved functionality. Just imagine having a phone that actually responds when you need it to, with a battery that lasts the whole day without needing a recharge every few hours. That would be a game-changer for me.

Now, don’t get me wrong, it’s not like I’m ditching this phone without a second thought. It has served me well for the past few years, and I appreciate that. But it’s time to move on, you know? There are newer models out there with sleeker designs, faster processors, and better cameras. It’s like a whole new world of possibilities waiting for me.

Plus, replacing it will give me a chance to declutter and organize my digital life. I’ve accumulated so much stuff on this phone—old photos, unused apps, random files—it’s a mess, to be honest. Starting fresh with a new phone will give me the opportunity to clean house and only keep what’s essential.

In conclusion, the reason I want to replace it is that I want something better than what I currently have. It’s not just about having the latest gadget for the sake of it. It’s about having a tool that enhances my life and helps me stay connected and productive. And if replacing my old phone with a shiny new one can achieve that, then count me in.