Describe a piece of electronic equipment that you find

useful.
You should say:
 what it is
 how you learned to use it
 how long you have had it
and explain why you find this piece of electronic equipment useful.
This is an interesting topic. My immediate thought is that I don’t use all that much electronic equipment – I
don’t even have a smartphone. I do use a lot of a rather commonplace technology; phone; laptop; ‘white
goods’ like refrigerators and washing machines, but I think they’d be quite boring to talk about. I mean,
there isn’t much I could say about learning how to use a fridge is there? Not to worry, I can think of
something I find really useful and only acquired very recently. It has been a learning curve, but it is so
worth it. I’ll tell you what it is, how I’ve learned to use it, how long I’ve had it and how come I find it so
useful.

The piece of equipment is a GPS (global positioning satellite) watch. It’s called a tomtom runner, and
basically, if I wear it whilst out running it tracks various bits of information. It will tell me how long I’ve run
for, what pace, what distance, the elevation and other useful things. It can buzz on my wrist after every
mile for example which is either motivating or dispiriting depending on how well my run is going! When I
get back home after my run, I simply connect the watch to my laptop, and through some magic of
technology, it uploads my run onto a software programme called Strava. This means I can see a map of
where I’ve run, compare that day’s run with previous attempts at that route, and even see who else has
done the same run if they use Strava too. It even tells me how many calories I’ve burned doing that run –
never as many as I’d like if I’m honest!

How did I learn to use it? Hmm, shall I be honest... I cheated a bit. I’m something of a late adopter of
technology, I find it frustrating learning to use new equipment, and given that I’d been managing perfectly
well without a fancy GPS running watch ever since I’d started running a couple of years ago I couldn’t see
the benefits of putting myself through all that angst or working out how to use it properly. However, all of
that changed in January this year. My running club had organised a three-month winter challenge, we
were put in teams and had to commit to doing so many runs each week of a certain distance. To take
part, I’d need a GPS watch. Points were given for distance, elevation and number of runs, with bonus
points for running in sub-zero conditions or very early in the morning. The idea was to encourage us all to
keep on running through the dark and dismal British winter. Rather reluctantly, I went to my local running
shop. They were BRILLIANT. They recommended a ‘cheap and cheerful’ starter watch, and set it all up
for me. They charged it, connected it up to my laptop (which I took in with me); downloaded all the
software. All I had to do at first was push a button to start the watch when I set out, and push the same
button again to stop! After my run, I just connected it to my laptop and as if by magic everything updated.
To begin with, this was enough, but after a few weeks I started to play around with other buttons on the
watch and discovered it can do more fancy things! I am still learning how to use it properly, and it is rather
trial and error, but now I can see the benefits of this nifty bit of kit I’m much more motivated to invest time
in working out its finer features! I’ve now had the watch for just about 6 months.

Why do I find this GPS watch useful? Well, it’s been really unexpected, but I love that I now have a record
of all my runs. Even if I feel I’ve had a bad day running, being able to see the overall distance I’ve
covered, or the elevation builds my confidence. I was surprised at how many miles I actually cover each
week. True, they are slow miles, but they add up all the same. It also has made running much more fun. I
can see if friends have done the same run as me, and there is even a feature on Strava that allows me to
identify other runners I passen route, so you can see how your runs compare with theirs. There are some
fun things too. There is a trend towards something called Strava Art. Basically, that means you
deliberately try and run to create the outline of a picture with your route. During our winter challenge, we
had to try and ‘draw’ a rabbit, with our run route (for Easter) and a heart shape (for Valentine’s Day). It
was had planning it out, and plodding round the paths I was really unsure if it would actually work. Would
the satellite pick me up? Would the route really turn out as expected once it was uploaded? It was
incredibly rewarding when they did, but even when they didn’t that was really entertaining. Because
everyone in the running club was doing the same challenge I really forward to seeing their shapes too.

What I’m trying to say, is that this unexpected bit of technology has really revolutionised my running. It
enables me to track progress, it tells you if you’ve achieved a ‘Personal Best’ time on a particular
segment, and it makes running much more social. It has also made me a bit more accountable to others. I
can see what my friends are doing – but they can see what I’m up to as well. It makes me want to try
harder so I’m not caught out slacking. Seven months ago, before I got my GPS watch I really didn’t
understand why anyone would want one. Now, I feel bereft if I run without it. It feels like ‘if I can’t upload it
on Strava afterwards, my run didn’t really happen!’ I know rationally, that is a stupid attitude, but honestly,
it’s true. I think if you asked most runners, or cyclists who use this bit of electronic equipment they would
sheepishly admit to the same thing. It seems it is quite true, you can’t miss what you never had. I never
gave a moment’s thought to how useful a GPS watch might be until I was nudged into it by my running
club, but now I find it hard to imagine how any runner could function without one! What a difference a few
months makes eh?

I’m still not ready for a smartphone though… one day perhaps!
Sample Answer 2:
Presently, it is almost impossible to do without a laptop for an undergraduate student like me. So, recently
I have bought a Dell Inspiron 17 7000 Series Laptop for my ordinary use of the money my dad gave am
and the savings from my part-time job at a bar.
This a highly useful electronic device for me. It helps me in great ways. The outlook and design of the
laptop are extremely beautiful and the operating system has been improved. This is a great piece for
gaming as well. The design of this laptop comes with forged aluminium. Moreover, the laptop screen does
not irritate eyes and the backlit keyboard helps to work in lower lighting condition. The touch display is
made with Corning Gorilla Glass and it has made it stronger than the other brands with a smooth
touchscreen. The excellent sound quality truly impresses me when I listen to music on this machine.

I was in trouble while using the laptop in the primary stage due to my ignorance on how to use a
touchscreen. But gradually I developed skills and find it interesting to work by touching the screen.
Besides, I was not familiar with the backlit keyboard and now it seems interesting. I can work even in
dark. No chances for frequent mistakes while working in a darker room. The large display is another
blessing for me. Earlier, I used a desktop which had a 14-inch CRT monitor. So, everything appeared
smaller in size and shape. But the experience has changed completely with the 17-inch display. Though I
was unable to smoothly operate the laptop for the first two or three days, I have learnt everything within a
very short time.

I have been using the laptop for around one and a half months. By this time, I have been habituated to
use it randomly. Even I am taking the laptop at my classes for presentations. A few months ago I asked
my dad to buy me a desktop computer because my existing computer could not provide me with the
required level of performances. It was too slow to run and even took unusually long time to open the word
processor. If I got connected to the internet, the situations turned worst. The machine turned non-
responsive. Considering all the issues, I decided to buy a new computer for me. Surprisingly, I found that
the price of the Dell laptop I just bought was within my budget and thus I bought this laptop from Dell and
it was the latest model. Though it comes with a warranty for three years, I am careful in its use.

This laptop I recently bought is highly useful for me. Most of the times, I watch movies on it. The screen
resolution is the top standard and comes with a perfect sound quality. Moreover, I no longer have to worry
about the backup time as it has a good charging backup (up to around 7 hours). So, the tensions to save
the documents frequently are gone. The lightweight of this piece is also helpful for me. I can carry it easily
on my shoulder if I have any presentations in the class. Considering all such aspects, this is a very helpful
electronic equipment for me.

More Ideas to talk about this Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card
topic:
Topic: Describe a piece of electronic equipment that you find useful.
1. The application of a television is useful indeed. In fact, almost every home in the world today have a
television set. I learned to use it from my mom. And I have been using it since an early age of my life. This
is a highly useful piece of electronic equipment because it entertains us. in fact, television is the source of
entertainment and information for many of the people in the world. They use television for numerous
reasons.

2. Life would have been harder if there were no mobile phones, and to be more specific, it is iPhone. I
have learned to use an iPhone all by myself. I bought the phone using my own bucks. And I have been
using the phone for over last five years. I think an iPhone is an interesting and highly useful electronic
device as it helps to meet all the necessary needs of the present days. The photos taken using the phone
are wonderful. The apps and other services are adorable indeed and the interface is splendid! So, I find it
useful to me.

3. The invention of the digital camera has brought a sense of relief to everyone related to photography. I
came to know about photography in a learning school. I have been using a digital camera for about past
three years. This is a really useful electronic device because of its advantage. Earlier, people needed to
change the film rolls and now there are no such issues. You can take as much picture as you want or
need. Besides, the image quality is also increased in such cameras while photo editing also is simple.

4. Electric oven helps to make foods warm and best for people like me who are engaged with work all the
time. Learning to operate the device was not a big deal to me, and I learned it within a short time. I have
been using the oven for a couple of years. An electric oven is a very useful device because it helps to
keep the foods warm and fresh. In fact, this is not possible to cook every day and electric ovens help to
warm the refrigerated foods. This is a blessing for all.

5. Can you imagine how the world would be without a photocopy machine? A large chunk of daily
 activities will be stopped across the world for the want of a machine. I learned to use the machine at my
office and have been using for last three years. I know how to use it and have used it so many times in
my office. This is a really useful electronic equipment because it helps to copy necessary documents
within a very short time. In fact, the device is helpful for everyone and especially for students like me is
badly in need of such electronic device.
Describe a competition (e.g. TV, college/work or sports
competition) that you took part in.
You should say:

 what kind of competition it was

 what you had to do
 what the prizes were for winners
and explain why you chose to take part in this competition.
It was an inter-department annual indoor sports competition at my office and a circular was issued for all
notifying the issue. I am an accountant and work for a locally reputed manufacturing company in
Argentina. The company manufactures plastic materials for daily use. I feel lucky to have this cue card
topic and I will explain the matter briefly.

I took part in an indoor game. My office organizes the competition annually to make the employees feel
relaxed. In fact, this is really tough to work round the year without any reliable break. So, different
competitions were held marking the event. I took part in chess and cards. There were some other
competitions like passing the pillow for the female employees. Table tennis was the other important
competition that I did not dare to take part in. However, the prizes were attractive. The company arranged
for home appliances for the winners - a large screen television set for the first prize winner, a washing
machine for the second and a microwave oven for the third position. But all the participants received
some other awards for their participation. Actually, the authority did not disappoint anyone of the
participants. I won the third prize and another small prize for my participation. It was an enjoyable event
indeed.

I took part in the competition for some reasons. The prime motivation behind participating was to check
my skills on indoor games. I was skilled in chess when I was a student but had not been in practice for a
long time. The notice for the annual competition brought the chance for me to repair my skills. Moreover, I
enjoy playing chess and cards. And participating in the competition was enjoyable too. Considering the
reasons, I took part in this competition and won two prizes.
More Ideas to talk about this Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card
topic:
Topic: Describe a competition (e.g. TV, college/work or sports
competition) that you took part in.
1. Participation in a badminton championship was tough for me. But luckily I have obtained a prize for the
participation. The competition held by several other competitors and I had to defeat them in matches. I
got a smart amount of money as the prize. I participated in the competitions because I love to play
badminton. But this time I had some difficulties as I did not have enough time to get prepared for the
matches.

2. In my school days, I took part in a storytelling competition. I had to submit a story and unluckily, I did
not get a prize for my participation. The winners got books of different local Russian writers. I decided to
take part there to judge my skills. In fact, I used to tell stories in classes after listening from my grandma.
But I did not have ideas that those were not unique and everyone had familiarity with these stories.

3. Playing chess is difficult and the complexity level rises when the player is a newbie. A similar thing
happened to me. I took part in an inter-class chess competition in my college in Melbourne. It was very
hard for me to get a prize. The winners were awarded trophies and medals. I took part in the competition
because of my friends' encouragement. They actually instigated me and however, it was a tough
experience.

4. If you have skills, you can be a winner in table tennis. But if you are a newbie, chances are little to win
the game. And it was a failure for me. I was the later one. I lost in the game that took place in my college
in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. The winners were awarded different types of prizes like certificates and
small gifts. Just to check my skills and how my physical fitness is, I enrolled in the competition.

5. I was never fond of basketball and got an altering view about the game after I took part in. In fact, I did
not have the slightest idea how to play it and I just enjoyed the matches. But last month, I had to take part
in a basketball match as part of my college team. Luckily, my team became the best one in Hokkaido,
Japan, for outstanding performance. Just to meet curiosity and with direct inspiration from my surrounding
students and teachers, I took part in the competition.
An idea you had for improving something at work or college
You should say:
  when and where you had the idea
 what was your idea
 who you told about your idea

and explain why you thought your idea would make an improvement.

Ideas are immortal and could change lives within the twinkle of an eye. The idea of inventing
wheels has brought a massive revolution in the entire world of communication. Distance is now
not a major issue for the global population for the idea of wheels. In fact, ideas are used to
improve the current situation.

Ideas help to make things better and by applying a simple idea, I have improved my as well as
my classmates’ academic studies in both college and home. In fact, before applying the idea to
my real-life, it was troublesome for me to write. Now writings have become simple and easier
for me and many others who also adopted the idea thanked me profoundly.

The idea crossed my mind when I was in my college and still apply it in my daily life. I was a
student of 11th grade, in fact, got newly promoted at the grade at the college from where I
passed the earlier grades. Applying the idea has brought some special changes particularly for
my writings. Before applying the idea, I made huge mistakes and the ratio reduced after
applying the idea.

I started using pencils instead of using pens for taking draft notes at class, underlining on books,
writing on papers and drafting notes at home more others things. I believe this is one of the
best ideas that has helped me to improve my writing in college. Before moving to pencil, I used
ballpoint pens for all of my writing purposes. It was really troublesome when I made spelling
and other mistakes with the pen while writing. When I made mistakes using pens, it was
difficult to correct or change the mistakes but using pencils, it is easier to erase the mistakes
and write again freshly.

Initially, I shared the idea with my parents. They were glad that I am conscious of the writings
and applied the new idea. When I got approval from my parents, I shared the idea with some of
my intimate friends and classmates. They also were amazed and congratulated me to invent
such an interesting idea. Gradually, the entire class came to know about my idea of using pencil
and the reactions were mixed. Some of them adored the idea and also implemented with them
while the other mates of mine said they were informed about the idea but did not apply
 considering it as silly.

To be frank, I am not a very good student and often make mistakes while writing. the spelling
mistake is the most defective feature of mine and I wanted to check the mistakes. So, when I
made the mistakes, it was impossible for me to erase the mistakes written by pen and write the
correct word. Thereby, the idea to use pencil appeared on my mind as I have used pencils in my
childhood. So, I thought if I write with pencils to make drafts, I would be able to check the
spellings. The idea worked well and my spelling has been improved. Whenever I had a mistake, I
erased that with rubber, wrote the correct one memorised that. By this way, the idea of using
pencil helped me and my classmates to improve the spelling.

Describe a party that you enjoyed.

You should say:
 what it was about
 where the party was held
 what people did during the party
and explain what you enjoyed about this party.
Luckily I was invited to a private DJ party last month arranged by one of my college friends. This was a
different kind of experience for me. I will describe the event for this cue card topic as it was a great party.

The party was organised marking the birthday of Samantha, my bestie in college. We are at the
undergraduate level at the American College of Greece. We both share everything between us which has
created a strong bond between us, and accordingly, she invited me to this private party. I was amazed at
the party arrangement. It began in the evening with light snacks and soft drinks, and then the show
started. We took our supper during the DJ show and returned home safe and sound once the event
ended. The show was extremely exciting and the invited guests were enjoying the music. I also danced
on the rhythm and enjoyed the moments perfectly

The party was held in the garden of Samantha’s house. In fact, she lives in a large villa with her family.
Though it was difficult for her to arrange the show in the garden, she managed the permission from her
dad after a lot of struggle. Some of her cousins helped to decorate the entire garden which finally looked
like a football ground with a round boundary. So, it was really difficult for them to decorate the entire
venue. The stage for the DJs was built with the help of outside professionals. The lighting system was
unique. The food corner was set in a corner containing different delicious food items and beverages. I
liked the arrangement most among the other features of the party because it was the first of its kind for
me.

A limited number of guests were invited to the party. Before the DJ show begins, Samantha had cut the
birthday cake. She stepped 18. The guests present there, including me, sang the traditional birthday song
and wished for her very successful in the coming days. Then she distributed the pieces from her birthday
cake. Really I have never had such a juicy and delicious birthday cake before. The DJs were not on time.
So, the show was late. The people passed their time by gossiping with each other and taking
photographs. I think the number of selfies was more than any other thing on that day. However, the DJ
show began at around 7.00 pm. Then the people moved to take seats near the stage. But the majority of
them stood before the platform to dance with the music. I went there as I could not manage a seat to sit.

I enjoyed everything at the party until the last moment. It was exciting for me. In fact, this was the first
experience for me to participate in a DJ party and listen to live music. All of the people invited there were
amazing and helped me to dance by showing some steps and moves. I loved the food and drinks. Some
of the traditional foods of Greece were ordered (as her mother was unable to cook for this crowd) and we
enjoyed them profoundly. The lighting of the venue was breathtaking. Some hidden lights were set that
illuminated the entire ground from different parts. Overall, it was the very best experience of a party in my
entire life.

More Ideas to talk about this Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card
topic:
Topic: Describe a party that you enjoyed.
1. Usually, a birthday celebration is typically an event for cutting the birthday cake, singing the birthday
song, giving presents and having a meal. But the birthday party of Maria was a bit exceptional when she
turned 19 last month. So, she arranged for the party at her home, and it was a nice one I have ever
joined. The invited guests arrived on time and they praised the elaborate preparation. I also enjoyed the
party and it was the delicious foods that helped me to enjoy there. Interestingly, there was no birthday
cake in the party. Besides, I also loved the company of other friends and this was a great one for me so
far.

2. The sudden invitation at the tea party from my boss was unexpected. In fact, I did not have any idea
why boss was inviting me to a private party at his home. Later, I came to know some surprising facts.
People who went there started arriving in time and I met some of the influential people in the industry. I
enjoyed the party as I had the chance to meet new people and knowing them. Actually, it was a pre-
planned party to make me familiar with the industry bigshots. So, I enjoyed the party in all the terms.

3. Attending a Christmas party was interesting and I enjoyed it a lot. The party was held on the night of
Christmas Day at the rooftop of Sam’s home. The invited guests enjoyed the party very much and spend
their time mostly by gossiping and eating the barbeque items. I enjoyed the party because it was held in
open air. It was snowing lightly and we all were enjoying the scenario. Besides, the company of such nice
people gave me an immense pleasure. Based on everything, I enjoyed the party.

4. It was a weird idea to participate in a game night party. But I enjoyed it to the last minute as long as I
was there. The indoor party was held at the garage of Andrew here in Virginia. The invited guests took
part in different types of games. I enjoyed the party as I won the games I played. I played mostly chess
and card. Luckily, I won both the games which never had before in my life. So, I enjoyed the party to the
extreme extent.

5. Indeed, the pirate parties are the best in the world. And I was thrilled to take part in this party arranged
by Samantha at the large garden before her house. She invited all the classmates but some of them
missed the party. I enjoyed because finding out the treasures was exciting. Besides, I also played a
certain role and it was interesting too. Finally, when all the treasures were revealed we all became excited
and shared the treasures amongst us. So, I enjoyed the party very much.