IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card # 183
Describe some technology (e.g. an app, phone, software program) that you decided to stop using.
You should say:
- when and where you got this technology
- why you started using this technology
- why you decided to stop using it
and explain how you feel about the decision you made.
[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 1:
In this modern era, our life is governed by technology to such a great extent that we can’t think of our lives without the use of many different types of technology that we take for granted. One such technology is a smartphone. Smartphones have become so widespread and so common that it is not a single piece of technology. Rather it is a sophisticated technology that embodies other technology like our social networking apps, Google search, GPRS, calling and texting, web surfing, fetching a car, playing video and music, ordering something online and the list goes on). This is why it is so hard to live without it – but this is exactly what I have been doing for the last few months.
Well, I got my first smartphone when I was a college student back in 2015. Smartphones were all around us at that time, and I also owned one of the latest models at that time. I had an evening job on campus, and I saved some money to buy an HTC smartphone. Afterwards, I changed to better models of different brands like Motorolla, LG, Samsung, and Apple over the years. When I stopped using it last January, I had a smartphone from the Apple brand.
After using a smartphone for more than seven years, I have decided to stop using it because I felt like it was taking a toll on my personal life, relationship and health. I felt like I was addicted to checking my Facebook and Instagram feeds every ten minutes. I was constantly twitting, watching meaningless videos and posts of others, and reading all sorts of news stories and it was deterring me from going to bed early, talking to my parents much, and going out and doing some exercise. Due to this, my lifestyle was turning to become very unhealthy. So, one morning when I heard that one of my friends died from heart disease at such a young age, I did some soul searching and stopped using the smartphone to bring about many positive changes in my life and social relationship. I switched to a basic phone which allows me to make calls and send text messages.
I think I feel pretty good about not using a smartphone anymore. I even think bad not kicking it earlier! I think I have more time to talk to my parents and friends, go outside and walk in the evening while also enjoying the outdoors, and have a better sleep pattern. These have improved my overall health condition as well. I am glad to have ditched this technology.