Of course! "Difficult to use" is a very common topic in IELTS Speaking, especially in Part 1 (when talking about everyday objects) and Part 2 (when describing a device or machine). Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you tackle this topic effectively, with vocabulary, sample answers, and key strategies.

Part 1: Common Questions

In Part 1, the examiner might ask simple, direct questions.

• Do you use any complicated technology in your daily life?
• Is there any machine or device you find difficult to use?
• Tell me about a time you struggled to use a new piece of technology.

Part 2: Cue Card Example

This is a very likely topic for Part 2.

Describe a piece of technology or a machine that you find difficult to use. You should say:

• What it is
• When and where you first saw or used it
• Why you find it difficult to use
• And explain how you feel about using it.

Part 3: Follow-up Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic.

• Why do you think some people are better at using technology than others?
• Do you think technology is becoming too complicated for ordinary people?
• What should companies do to make their products easier to use?
• Do you think older people have more difficulty adapting to new technology?

Essential Vocabulary & Phrases

To get a high band score (Band 7+), you need to move beyond simple words like "difficult" and "easy." Here are some more sophisticated expressions.

Describing the Difficulty:

• It's not intuitive. (It doesn't work in a way that feels natural or obvious.)
• The user interface is clunky. (The design is awkward and slow to use.)
• It has a steep learning curve. (It takes a lot of time and effort to learn how to use it well.)
• It's overly complicated / convoluted. (It has too many unnecessary steps and features.)
• The instructions are not very clear / are poorly written.
• It's counter-intuitive. (You do the opposite of what you would normally expect to do.)
• It's frustrating to navigate. (It's hard to find your way around the menus or functions.)
• It's not user-friendly. (A classic and very useful term.)

Describing the Actions:

• I struggle with...
• I have trouble figuring out...
• I get stuck...
• I can never seem to master...
• It takes me ages to...
• I find it baffling / bewildering. (I find it confusing and impossible to understand.)

Expressing Feelings:

• It's a real headache. (Informal, but very natural.)
• It's infuriating / frustrating.
• I feel quite daunted by it. (I feel intimidated and worried about trying to use it.)
• It gives me a sense of accomplishment when I finally figure it out.

Sample Answers

Sample Answer for Part 1

Examiner: "Is there any machine or device you find difficult to use?"

Candidate: "Oh, absolutely. The one that immediately comes to mind is my new DSLR camera. It's incredibly powerful, but it's also not very intuitive. I find myself constantly struggling with the manual settings, like adjusting the aperture and shutter speed. The user interface is a bit clunky, and it takes me ages to navigate through the menus. To be honest, it's been a bit of a headache, and I mostly just use it on automatic mode, which feels like a waste of its potential."

Why this is good:

• Uses specific vocabulary (intuitive, struggling with, clunky, headache).
• Gives a clear example (a DSLR camera).
• Explains why it's difficult (manual settings, interface).
• Sounds natural and fluent.

Sample Answer for Part 2 (Cue Card)

Describe a piece of technology or a machine that you find difficult to use.

"Certainly. I'd like to talk about a piece of software called Adobe Photoshop. It's a professional photo-editing program that many designers and photographers swear by, but for me, it's an absolute nightmare.

I first saw it when I was at university. A friend of mine was studying graphic design, and he was using it to edit some photos for a project. I was amazed by what he could do, transforming a simple picture into a stunning piece of art. So, I decided to download the trial version and try it myself.

The reason I find it so difficult is that it has an overly complicated interface with hundreds of different tools, panels, and options. It has a steep learning curve, and the logic behind how it works isn't always obvious. For example, to do something simple like remove a background, you have to choose from several tools like the Magic Wand, the Quick Selection Tool, or use the Pen Tool, each with its own set of settings. I often find myself getting stuck and not knowing which tool to use, and the instructions are not very clear for a beginner.

As for how I feel about using it, I have a real love-hate relationship with it. On one hand, I feel daunted and frustrated when I can't achieve the effect I want. It can be incredibly infuriating. But on the other hand, when I finally figure out a technique after watching a YouTube tutorial for an hour, I get a huge sense of accomplishment. It’s a powerful tool, but it definitely requires a lot of patience and perseverance."

Why this is good:

• Structure: Clearly follows all the points in the cue card (What, When/Where, Why, Feelings).
• Rich Vocabulary: Uses a wide range of topic-specific words (overly complicated, steep learning curve, daunted, infuriating, sense of accomplishment).
• Specific Examples: Mentions specific tools (Magic Wand, Pen Tool) to make the answer detailed and believable.
• Complex Sentences: Uses a variety of sentence structures, including linking words ("On one hand... on the other hand...").
• Emotion: Expresses a "love-hate relationship," which is more nuanced than just saying "I don't like it."

Sample Answer for Part 3

Examiner: "Why do you think some people are better at using technology than others?"

Candidate: "That's a fascinating question. I believe it comes down to a combination of factors. Firstly, there's the aptitude factor. Some people are just naturally more analytical and logical, which helps them understand the underlying structure of software or devices. They don't get intimidated by complex interfaces.

Secondly, it's largely about mindset. People who are patient and have a growth mindset—the belief that abilities can be developed through dedication—are more willing to experiment, make mistakes, and learn from them. They see a difficult piece of technology as a challenge to be overcome, not a threat.

Finally, prior experience plays a huge role. Someone who has grown up with smartphones and computers, or perhaps has studied a related field, will find it much easier to adapt to new technology. Their brain is already wired to think in a certain way when interacting with devices. It’s less about being 'tech-savvy' and more about having the right combination of curiosity, patience, and experience."

Why this is good:

• Develops Ideas: Provides a well-structured answer with clear reasons (aptitude, mindset, experience).
• Abstract Vocabulary: Uses higher-level words (aptitude, analytical, growth mindset, wired).
• Cohesion: Uses linking words ("Firstly," "Secondly," "Finally") to structure the answer logically.
• Generalization: Moves from a personal example to a broader, more academic discussion, which is what Part 3 is all about.

Key Tips for Your Test

1. Be Specific: Don't just say "my phone is difficult." Say "the new software update on my phone changed the layout of the settings menu, and now I struggle to find the Wi-Fi option."
2. Explain the "Why": This is the most important part. Why is it difficult? Is it the design? The instructions? Your own lack of experience? Always explain.
3. Use a Range of Vocabulary: Try to naturally incorporate the words and phrases from the list above.
4. Show Emotion: Words like frustrating, daunting, and a sense of accomplishment make your answer more engaging and personal.
5. Structure Your Answers: For Part 2, use the cue card points as a guide. For Part 3, think of two or three clear points to support your opinion.