- Computers
IELTS Speaking Part 1: Sample Questions with Answers
1. How often do you use a computer?
Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5
As someone who works in the tech industry, I use a computer on a daily basis for both work and personal tasks. From coding and designing to browsing the internet and communicating with friends and colleagues, my computer is an essential tool in my life.
I use a computer every day, both for work and personal things. It’s really important to me, as I use it for everything from my job to talking with my friends online.
The role of a computer in my life is indispensable as I rely on it extensively every day. From professional commitments such as software development, video editing and graphic designing, to personal activities such as online shopping and communication with loved ones, I heavily depend on my computer for efficiency and convenience.
2. What are some of the things you use your computer for?
Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5
I use my computer for a variety of tasks, including work-related activities such as programming, designing and writing reports. I also use it for leisure activities like streaming movies and TV shows, browsing social media, and playing video games.
I use my computer for lots of different things, like work tasks such as writing reports, designing and programming. I also use it for fun things like watching TV shows, playing games and using social media.
My computer serves as an all-purpose tool that facilitates my productivity, creativity and entertainment. It enables me to engage in a broad spectrum of professional activities, such as data analysis, project management, and multimedia production. Moreover, it serves as a gateway to a vast array of digital content, including streaming services, social networking sites, and gaming platforms. I also rely on it for personal organization, online banking, and research. Essentially, my computer has become a ubiquitous device that supports nearly all aspects of my daily life.
3. Do you prefer using a desktop or a laptop computer? Why?
Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5
As a professional who values performance and flexibility, I prefer using a desktop computer. It allows me to customize the components to suit my needs, and its larger screen and keyboard enhance my productivity. Plus, its superior processing power and graphics capabilities are beneficial for tasks like video editing, programming, and gaming.
I like using a desktop computer because it’s really powerful and I can change the parts to make it better. The screen and keyboard are bigger too, which makes it easier to do things like work or play games.
Given my emphasis on high-performance computing and versatility, I tend to favor desktop computers over laptops. The ability to upgrade hardware components and add peripherals like multiple monitors and ergonomic keyboards provides a superior user experience. This is especially important for demanding tasks such as 3D modeling, scientific simulations, and high-end gaming, where the hardware requirements exceed those of a typical laptop. Additionally, the extended lifespan of a desktop computer offers a cost-effective solution in the long run, given the faster rate of obsolescence of laptop computers.
4. When did you first use a computer?
Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5
I first used a computer when I was in elementary school, which was in the late 1990s. The computer was a bulky machine with a CRT monitor and a floppy disk drive, and it was mainly used for word processing and playing educational games. It was fascinating to me how the computer could accomplish these tasks, and it sparked my interest in technology.
I used a computer for the first time when I was in primary school in the late 1990s. It was a big machine with a screen that looked like a TV, and we used it to play games and write things.
My initial encounter with a computer dates back to my early childhood, in the late 1990s, during a time when computers were still a relatively new technology. It was a rudimentary machine with limited functionality, comprising a bulky tower, a cathode ray tube monitor, and a floppy disk drive. Despite its simplicity, the computer opened up a whole new world of possibilities, allowing me to create and manipulate text and graphics, play games, and explore the vast realm of the internet. This experience was pivotal in shaping my interest in computer science and technology, which has persisted to this day.
5. How important do you think computers are in today's world?
Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5
Computers are undoubtedly crucial in today’s world, as they have transformed the way we communicate, work, and learn. They facilitate global connectivity, provide access to vast amounts of information, and enable automation of various tasks. The impact of computers can be seen in virtually every sector, from healthcare to finance to entertainment.
I think computers are really important nowadays because they help us do so many things. We can talk to people from all over the world, find out about anything we want to know, and use them to make jobs easier.
The role of computers in contemporary society is paramount, as they have revolutionized nearly every aspect of human life. From accelerating scientific discoveries to transforming the way we do business, computers have enabled unprecedented levels of efficiency, innovation, and collaboration. They have facilitated the emergence of new industries, such as e-commerce, social media, and artificial intelligence, and have transformed traditional fields like medicine, education, and governance. Moreover, the widespread adoption of computers has democratized access to information and empowered individuals and communities to participate in global networks of knowledge and culture. Therefore, it is difficult to overstate the importance of computers in today’s world.
6. Have you ever had any problems with your computer? What were they?
Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5
Yes, I’ve had various problems with my computer over the years. One of the most frustrating was when it crashed and wouldn’t turn on, and I had to take it to a repair shop. Another issue was when it became infected with malware, which caused it to slow down and act erratically. These experiences taught me the importance of backing up my data and keeping my antivirus software up to date.
Yes, my computer has given me some trouble before. One time it just stopped working and I had to get it fixed. Another time it got a virus and started acting really slow.
As a long-time user of computers, I have inevitably encountered a range of technical issues, some more severe than others. Among the most vexing were instances of hardware failure, such as when the hard drive or power supply malfunctioned, resulting in data loss and system downtime. Additionally, software problems, such as viruses, corrupt files, and compatibility issues, have caused considerable inconvenience and frustration. Although these experiences have sometimes been costly and time-consuming, they have also taught me valuable lessons about computer maintenance, troubleshooting, and data security, enabling me to become a more skilled and responsible user.
7. Do you think children should be taught how to use a computer at school?
Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5
Yes, I think it’s essential for children to learn how to use computers at school. In today’s world, digital literacy is increasingly important, and the ability to use computers and technology is necessary for success in many fields. Moreover, learning how to use computers can foster creativity, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking abilities. By introducing children to computers at an early age, we can help prepare them for the digital future and ensure they are not left behind in a rapidly evolving job market.
Yes, I definitely think kids should learn how to use computers in school. It’s important for jobs and can help them be more creative and better at solving problems.
Given the ubiquitous nature of technology in contemporary society, it is imperative that children are taught how to use computers in school. This not only equips them with the necessary skills to thrive in a digital world but also cultivates a range of cognitive and social competencies, such as information literacy, adaptability, collaboration, and communication. By providing children with opportunities to engage with computers and technology, we can foster their curiosity, imagination, and resourcefulness, enabling them to become active and responsible agents of change in a rapidly evolving world. Furthermore, by addressing issues of access and digital equity, we can ensure that all children have equal opportunities to benefit from digital learning experiences.
8. How do you protect your computer from viruses and other malicious software?
Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5
I use a variety of methods to protect my computer from viruses and other malicious software. Firstly, I always ensure that my operating system and antivirus software are up to date. Additionally, I am careful when browsing the internet, avoiding potentially dangerous websites and only downloading files from trusted sources. I also regularly scan my computer for malware and use a virtual private network (VPN) when using public Wi-Fi to ensure my data is secure.
I protect my computer from viruses by keeping my antivirus software updated, being careful on the internet, and using a VPN when I’m on public Wi-Fi.
To safeguard my computer against the perils of viruses and malware, I adopt a multifaceted approach that incorporates a range of proactive and reactive strategies. Specifically, I maintain a strict regimen of regular software updates, perform comprehensive system scans using a robust antivirus program, and avoid risky online behaviors such as downloading files from unverified sources or clicking on suspicious links. Additionally, I leverage a suite of supplementary tools, such as firewalls and ad-blockers, to fortify my online defenses and minimize the likelihood of a security breach. Overall, my aim is to cultivate a culture of cyber hygiene and stay one step ahead of potential threats in an ever-changing digital landscape.
9. Do you think the internet is a good thing or a bad thing?
Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5
I believe that the internet is both a good and a bad thing, depending on how it is used. On the one hand, it has revolutionized the way we communicate and access information, making our lives easier and more convenient. On the other hand, it has also given rise to numerous issues such as cyberbullying, online fraud, and the spread of fake news. Therefore, while the internet has brought many benefits, we need to use it responsibly and be aware of its potential pitfalls.
I think the internet can be both good and bad, depending on how we use it. It’s great for connecting with people and finding information, but we also need to be careful about scams and fake news.
In my view, the internet is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that defies simple characterizations as either wholly positive or negative. While it has undoubtedly transformed our world in countless positive ways, empowering us with unprecedented access to knowledge and fostering global connections, it has also engendered a host of negative consequences, such as disinformation, cybercrime, and the erosion of privacy. Therefore, our relationship with the internet should be one of critical engagement, in which we acknowledge both its immense potential and its serious limitations, and strive to maximize its benefits while mitigating its drawbacks.
10. How has the internet changed the way we live?
Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5
The internet has revolutionized the way we live by providing instant access to information, facilitating communication across long distances, and creating new forms of entertainment and commerce. It has transformed the way we work, learn, and socialize, making it easier to connect with people from all over the world.
The internet has changed the way we live in many ways. It allows us to access information quickly, communicate with people far away, and find new things to do online. It has made work and learning easier, and it has changed the way we socialize and make friends.
The internet has had a profound impact on nearly every aspect of modern life, from the way we communicate and consume information to the way we work, shop, and entertain ourselves. It has created new opportunities for education, business, and social interaction, while also presenting new challenges and risks. Overall, the internet has fundamentally transformed society and will continue to shape our lives in ways we can only imagine.
11. Do you think it's important to have access to a computer and the internet in order to be successful in today's world? Why or why not?
Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5
In today’s world, access to a computer and the internet is crucial for success. The internet offers access to an infinite amount of information, and computers make it possible to work faster and more efficiently. With the rise of remote work and online learning, having access to a computer and the internet is essential for many career paths. Furthermore, being tech-savvy and having digital literacy skills are increasingly important in the modern job market.
Nowadays, having a computer and internet connection is necessary to achieve success. Access to the internet provides unlimited information, and computers help complete work quickly and effectively. Many professions rely on technology, making it essential to have a computer and internet access. Additionally, being familiar with technology and having digital skills is important in today’s job market.
In contemporary society, having access to a computer and the internet is indispensable for achieving success. The internet provides an extensive range of resources and knowledge, and computers enhance productivity and efficiency. The emergence of remote work and online learning further emphasizes the importance of having a computer and internet access. Additionally, digital proficiency has become a crucial aspect of the modern workplace, making it essential for individuals to be comfortable with technology and possess digital literacy skills.
