IELTS Speaking, parties 2 et 3 : Describe an occasion when you were not allowed to use your mobile phone

Young people often use phones for social media, videos and games. They message friends and post photos. Older people tend to use phones to call, text or for simple apps, and they may be less confident with new features. There is some overlap though, like video calls with family.

Younger people typically treat their phones as multi-purpose devices: social media, short videos, gaming and organising their social lives. It’s part of their identity and how they keep up with friends. Older generations more often use phones for practical tasks — calling family, checking news, or health apps — and sometimes choose simpler models. Of course many older people are tech-savvy now, but overall the pattern is that young people multitask and older people prioritise functionality.

Phones help friends stay in touch and share photos, which is good. But they can also cause problems like misunderstandings, jealousy or people ignoring each other in person. So there are both positive and negative effects.

Mobile phones have strengthened friendships by making it easy to keep in contact across distance, share support during tough times and organise meet-ups quickly. They also let people maintain daily small talk that keeps relationships alive. On the downside, communication can become superficial — a stream of messages without real depth — and things like ghosting or public posts can cause conflict. In short, phones are a useful tool but they can also create new kinds of friction.

Taking pictures with phones is not always a waste. It helps remember moments and share them. But sometimes people take too many photos and miss the moment. It depends how you use it.

I wouldn't call it a waste of time in general. Photographing moments can preserve memories, help with creative hobbies and even serve practical purposes like recording notes or receipts. However, there’s a trade-off: if you spend an event filming every minute you may miss the experience itself — for example, watching a concert through a screen rather than your own eyes. Moderation is key, and being selective makes photos more meaningful.

Yes, I think some laws are necessary. For example, phones should not be used while driving. There should also be rules in schools and certain workplaces. Laws help keep people safe.

I do think sensible laws are necessary, especially where safety is concerned — the ban on handheld phones while driving is a good example because it reduces accidents. Regulations are also useful in places like hospitals and aeroplanes where interference or distraction can be harmful. That said, laws must be balanced with personal freedom and be enforceable; overly strict rules that are ignored do more harm than good.

Good phone manners are putting your phone on silent, not taking loud calls in public, and not texting in the middle of conversations. Poor manners include speaking loudly, constantly checking the screen and using phones at the table.

Good phone etiquette includes simple things: switching to silent in public, quickly stepping aside for a call, replying to messages at an appropriate time and asking permission before taking photos of others. Poor manners are more intrusive: loud calls on public transport, scrolling through your phone during a meal or meeting, or filming people without consent. Small gestures like a brief apology when you need to use your phone can make a big difference.

The internet helps people find information, communicate, shop and study. It makes life easier and gives access to services like banking. But not everyone has good access.

The internet has transformed how people access knowledge, work and services: you can learn online, see a doctor via telemedicine, work remotely and access government services from home. It also enables social connection and new business models. However, benefits are uneven because of the digital divide, and there are downsides like misinformation and privacy risks. Overall it’s hugely beneficial, provided we tackle access and safety issues.