Cue Card # 202: A piece of technology that you find difficult to use

IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card # 202

Describe a piece of technology that you find difficult to use.

You should say:

• what it is
• how long you have been using it or know about it
• how it helps you

and explain why it is difficult for you to use.

[You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]

Model Answer:

Since I am not exactly a very tech-savvy person, it is only natural that I sometimes find even the easiest technology difficult to use. Now, I am not too sure how comfortable other people really are in using a power inverter, but I definitely struggle with it.

Of course, this power inverter is a rather familiar thing in countries where electricity outage is fairly common. But, for those people, who don’t have to deal with electricity outages on a regular basis, and who don’t know much about power inverter technology, it should best be described as a form of “UPS” (uninterruptible power supply) battery that has a longer back up time in supplying electricity. This electrical appliance, not only used in factories but also in private homes, schools, offices and public buildings, can actually save the day in the worst possible scenario of a complete electricity shutdown.

I have been using this technology for almost 2 years now, and since then it has actually acted as a “life saviour” for my family, especially when we have faced a “longer than usual” power outage crisis. During such critical times, this “electricity storage device” hasn’t only helped illuminate our house at night, but also helped in running other things. It also has helped me work on my desktop at home every now and then, by supplying electricity to it, for a considerable period of time. In fact, I wouldn’t be able to finish many of my important office tasks on time if I didn’t use this good technology.

But, just because this power inverter gets things done for me, it doesn’t necessarily mean that this technology is without any glitches, or that it is not difficult to use. One such technical glitch is that it suddenly stops working by switching it off itself. Sometimes, it also keeps sounding its alarm bell continuously, which can be a bit frightening at times, even when I disconnect all the devices that cause an extra burden on the inverter. Finally, it offers a very low backup even if it is fully charged.