IELTS Speaking Part 1: Phones and technology

Questions and sample answers

1. 1. How often do you use your mobile phone?

   Far too often, honestly. It’s the first thing I check in the morning and the last thing I look at before bed.

2. 2. What do you use it for most?

   Messaging, mostly. I also use it for banking and maps, so it’s become difficult to leave the house without it.

3. 3. Was it difficult to learn to use a smartphone?

   Not at all. I got my first smartphone at about fifteen and worked it out in a day. My parents found it much harder.

4. 4. Do you think people spend too much time on their phones?

   Many do, yes, but I think it depends on what they use it for. Scrolling social media for hours is different from using it to study or work.

Each sample is two to four sentences: the answer, a reason or example, then stop. Use them to hear the shape, not to memorise. Examiners are trained to spot a rehearsed answer, and it costs fluency marks.

Language this topic rewards

• scroll through / browse / check: Specific phone verbs.
• I can’t do without it: Expresses dependence naturally.
• tech-savvy: Describes someone comfortable with technology.
• screen time: The current collocation for time on devices.
• it depends on what …: Introduces a balanced view.