Part 2 Cue Card
Describe a program or app on your computer or phone
You should say:
- What it is
- When and how you use it
- Where you found it
- How you feel about it
You will have one to two minutes to talk about this topic.
Part 3 Discussion Questions
- What are the differences between old and young people when using apps?
- Why do some people not like using apps?
- What apps are popular in your country? Why?
- Should parents limit their children's use of computer programs and computer games? Why and how?
- Do you think young people are more and more reliant on these programs?
- What do you think about some countries banning children from using social media?
Read the complete transcript
I'd like to talk about an app called Duolingo, which I use on my phone to learn languages. It's a gamified language-learning app with short lessons and streaks, so study feels more like a game than a chore. I use it most days, usually in the morning on the commute and sometimes at lunch; lessons take five to ten minutes so they fit into spare moments and I can keep a streak going. I found it by searching for 'learn Spanish app' in the app store after deciding to improve my Spanish; I also read a few reviews and a friend recommended it. I feel quite positive about it because it keeps me motivated with points and reminders, and I've noticed real improvement: I can now hold a short conversation with a taxi driver. The app's short structure suits my busy schedule and the speaking exercises are helpful; for example, it corrects my pronunciation and gives immediate feedback. There are also paid features, like the ad-free version and offline lessons, but I mostly use the free tier which is enough for casual learning. It also has a community forum where users discuss tricky grammar points, which I sometimes consult. The progress tracker with weekly reports helps me see how consistent I am.
See the topic before you speak
Use the images as idea prompts. Describe what you notice, connect it to your experience, then answer the real question.


Model answers, heard side by side
Start with the simpler answer, switch bands to hear how the same task can be developed, then record a personal response. These are teaching examples, not official answers or score guarantees.
Part 2 — Model Answer
Part 2 cue-card response
The app I use a lot is Duolingo on my phone. It's for learning languages. I use it most days for short lessons, usually in the morning or at lunch. I found it in the app store when I searched for apps to learn Spanish. The app gives points and reminds me to practise. I like it because it's easy and quick. It helps me remember words and I feel I'm improving. I don't pay for it — the free version is fine for me.
I'd like to talk about an app called Duolingo, which I use on my phone to learn languages. It's a gamified language-learning app with short lessons and streaks, so study feels more like a game than a chore. I use it most days, usually in the morning on the commute and sometimes at lunch; lessons take five to ten minutes so they fit into spare moments and I can keep a streak going. I found it by searching for 'learn Spanish app' in the app store after deciding to improve my Spanish; I also read a few reviews and a friend recommended it. I feel quite positive about it because it keeps me motivated with points and reminders, and I've noticed real improvement: I can now hold a short conversation with a taxi driver. The app's short structure suits my busy schedule and the speaking exercises are helpful; for example, it corrects my pronunciation and gives immediate feedback. There are also paid features, like the ad-free version and offline lessons, but I mostly use the free tier which is enough for casual learning. It also has a community forum where users discuss tricky grammar points, which I sometimes consult. The progress tracker with weekly reports helps me see how consistent I am.
Part 3 — Model Answers
What are the differences between old and young people when using apps?
Young people usually adapt to new apps quickly. They try new features and use social or gaming apps a lot. Older people often prefer simple or essential apps like banking and video calls and may need help at first. There is also some repetition in how they use apps — the young try many apps, older people stick to a few.
One clear difference is attitude: younger people tend to experiment and switch between many apps because they value novelty and social features, whereas older people prioritise reliability and simplicity. Younger users are more comfortable sharing personal data and using apps for entertainment, socialising and learning, while older adults often focus on practical apps like banking, health trackers or video calls and worry more about privacy. Another distinction is interface preference — older users usually prefer larger text and fewer options — so designers often create simpler modes for them. For example, my aunt uses a video-call app daily but refuses to use mobile banking because she doesn't trust it.
Why do some people not like using apps?
Some people don't like using apps because they're worried about privacy or data. Others find apps too complicated or slow and prefer talking to a person. Some people simply don't like screens and want face-to-face contact. Also, bad experiences like a confusing app put people off.
There are several reasons why people avoid apps. Privacy and data-harvesting concerns are a major factor — many users distrust how companies collect and use their information. Usability problems also put people off: poor design, constant adverts or excessive notifications make an app irritating rather than helpful. Additionally, digital fatigue and a preference for human interaction mean some folks deliberately choose not to engage with apps; a friend of mine stopped using fitness apps because she found the notifications stressful.
What apps are popular in your country? Why?
In my country, popular apps include messaging, social media and banking apps. People also use shopping and food-delivery apps a lot. Young people spend time on Instagram or short-video apps. Many people use official banking apps because they're convenient.
Popular apps tend to reflect convenience and social needs: messaging apps, social networks and video platforms are widely used, alongside banking, shopping and food-delivery services. The pandemic accelerated adoption of these services because people wanted to order essentials online and stay connected remotely. Local favourites often include an international social platform, a couple of global short-video apps and several domestic banking or transport apps that offer contactless payments and tickets. For instance, many colleagues rely on a specific food-delivery app for late-night orders, which shows how lifestyle shapes app popularity.
Should parents limit their children's use of computer programs and computer games? Why and how?
Yes, parents should limit their children's use of programmes and games. Too much screen time is not good for sleep or exercise. Parents can set time limits, use parental controls and encourage outside activities. It's important to check the content and make rules.
Parents should certainly set sensible limits, but it should be balanced rather than an outright ban. Restricting screen time helps protect sleep, attention span and physical activity, while supervised use can teach digital literacy and sensible online behaviour. Practical measures include using parental controls, setting screen-free times like during meals, co-playing educational programmes and explaining the reasons behind rules so children understand them. In short, combine clear boundaries with guidance so children learn to use technology responsibly.
Do you think young people are more and more reliant on these programs?
I think young people are more reliant on programs than before. They use them for study, social life and entertainment. This can be useful but also distracting. They sometimes find it hard to switch off.
Young people are increasingly reliant on digital programmes, but it's a mixed picture: these tools offer instant access to information and collaboration, which can enhance learning and creativity. At the same time, dependence can reduce deep concentration and memorisation, and encourage multitasking that may harm academic performance. There are also social implications — for example, many students prefer messaging groups for classwork rather than face-to-face discussion, which changes how they communicate. Overall, reliance has grown, so it's important to teach balanced habits.
What do you think about some countries banning children from using social media?
Banning children from social media can protect them from harm, so it has some sense. But it may be hard to enforce and kids might find other ways to connect. Parents and schools should teach safe use instead of just banning. Age limits are useful.
Policies that restrict children's access to social media can be sensible in principle, because younger users are more vulnerable to cyberbullying, misinformation and privacy issues. However, outright bans by governments raise questions about enforceability and whether education would be a better long-term strategy. A more effective approach is to combine age-appropriate restrictions, stronger verification, and comprehensive digital education so children know how to behave online. We should aim to protect youngsters while also equipping them with skills to navigate social media safely.
How to answer Describe a program or app on your computer or phone IELTS Speaking questions
For the Describe a program or app on your computer or phone cue card, use the preparation minute to build a route through the talk. Choose a clear subject, add two specific moments or details and end with why it matters. Then use the linked Part 3 questions to practise broader explanation and comparison.
Cue-card prompts:
- What it is
- When and how you use it
- Where you found it
- How you feel about it
- Opening: identify the person, place, object or event.
- Development: describe two details or moments in a logical order.
- Extension: explain a reason, result, comparison or problem.
- Reflection: finish with why the subject is memorable or important.
Question-by-question approach
| Practice question | Useful answer move |
|---|---|
| What are the differences between old and young people when using apps? | Name the thing first, then describe a specific feature or example. |
| Why do some people not like using apps? | Answer with one main cause, then support it with a concrete example. |
| What apps are popular in your country? Why? | Name the thing first, then describe a specific feature or example. |
| Should parents limit their children's use of computer programs and computer games? Why and how? | Give a direct answer, one reason and a short example without memorising a script. |
Vocabulary focus
Useful language already demonstrated in the model answers includes use precise words from your own answer. Learn the meaning and a natural word partnership, then use each item in a different answer instead of copying a complete script.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Giving a memorised response that only partly answers the question.
- Adding difficult vocabulary without checking meaning or collocation.
- Restarting after every error instead of correcting briefly and continuing.
- Reading the model answer before recording your own first attempt.
Describe a program or app on your computer or phone practice FAQ
How should I use the Describe a program or app on your computer or phone cue card preparation minute?
Write keywords for an opening, two or three details and a final reflection. Do not try to write complete sentences.
Do I have to cover every cue-card bullet?
The prompts help you organise the talk. Covering them is useful, but a coherent one-to-two-minute response matters more than mechanically ticking off each line.
How are Part 3 questions connected to Part 2?
They develop the same broad theme through reasons, comparisons, social effects or future possibilities, so answers normally need more explanation than Part 1.