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IELTS Speaking Part 2 & 3 · Current season: 6.25-7.13 Predicted · Updated 2026-07-08

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?
Full answer demonstrationNotice how the answer develops and connects its details.Listen for pace, sentence stress, linking and small natural corrections.
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.

This AI-generated learner demonstration is a practice example, not an official IELTS response.
Visual warm-up

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.

Visual speaking prompt 1 for the topic describe a program or app on your computer or phone
Prompt 1Notice three concrete details, then answer without writing a script.
Visual speaking prompt 2 for the topic describe a program or app on your computer or phone
Prompt 2Change the viewpoint or example and record a second, more specific answer.
Listen · compare · repeat

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

Band 6 model

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.

Speaking criteria note: The Band 7 answer expands each bullet with extra detail and examples, uses a wider range of connectives and vocabulary, and is longer and more fluent than the Band 6.

Part 3 — Model Answers

What are the differences between old and young people when using apps?

Band 6 model

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.

Speaking criteria note: The Band 7 answer gives clearer contrasts, examples and reasons, showing a broader vocabulary and coherent organisation compared with the simpler Band 6 response.

Why do some people not like using apps?

Band 6 model

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.

Speaking criteria note: The Band 7 answer explains multiple reasons, gives a concrete example and uses more precise vocabulary, unlike the straightforward Band 6 reply.

What apps are popular in your country? Why?

Band 6 model

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.

Speaking criteria note: The Band 7 answer links app popularity to social trends and gives concrete examples and context, showing more sophistication than the Band 6 statement.

Should parents limit their children's use of computer programs and computer games? Why and how?

Band 6 model

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.

Speaking criteria note: The Band 7 answer offers a balanced approach, practical measures and justification, demonstrating better organisation and vocabulary than the simpler Band 6 reply.

Do you think young people are more and more reliant on these programs?

Band 6 model

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.

Speaking criteria note: The Band 7 answer weighs pros and cons, gives examples of effects and uses more complex language and structure compared with the Band 6 answer.

What do you think about some countries banning children from using social media?

Band 6 model

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.

Speaking criteria note: The Band 7 answer recognises complexity, suggests practical alternatives and policy measures, and uses a wider range of grammar and vocabulary than the Band 6 response.

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
  1. Opening: identify the person, place, object or event.
  2. Development: describe two details or moments in a logical order.
  3. Extension: explain a reason, result, comparison or problem.
  4. Reflection: finish with why the subject is memorable or important.

Question-by-question approach

Practice questionUseful 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.