Of course! Here is a comprehensive guide to answering IELTS Speaking Part 1 questions about "computers," complete with sample answers, vocabulary, and tips.
Part 1: The Basics
In Part 1, the examiner asks you simple, personal questions about everyday topics. The goal is to have a natural, friendly conversation. Your answers should be direct, but also give a little extra information (a sentence or two more) to show you can speak at length.
Potential Questions & Sample Answers
Here are the most common questions about "computers" in Part 1.
Question 1: How often do you use a computer?
Sample Answer 1 (High Score): "Oh, I'd say I use a computer pretty much every day. It's become an essential part of my life, both for work and for leisure. For my job, I'm on it for at least six hours a day answering emails and preparing documents. And in the evening, I often use it to stream movies or catch up with friends online."
Why it's good:
- Direct answer: "pretty much every day."
- Explains the "why": "for work and for leisure."
- Gives specific details: "six hours a day," "answering emails," "streaming movies."
- Uses good vocabulary: "essential part of my life," "leisure," "streaming."
Question 2: What do you usually use your computer for?
Sample Answer 2 (High Score): "I use my computer for a wide range of things. Primarily, it's for my studies. I do a lot of research online for my assignments. But I also use it for entertainment, like watching YouTube videos or listening to music. And of course, I use it to stay connected with my family and friends through social media and video calls."
Why it's good:
- Organized answer: Uses "Primarily," "But I also," "And of course" to structure the points.
- Covers different areas: studies, entertainment, communication.
- Uses specific examples: "research for my assignments," "YouTube videos," "video calls."
Question 3: Do you prefer to use a desktop computer or a laptop?
Sample Answer 3 (High Score): "Definitely a laptop. I find it much more convenient because it's portable. I can take it to the library, a café, or even to a friend's house if I need to. A desktop is powerful, but being tied to a desk just doesn't suit my lifestyle. I like the flexibility of being able to work or study from anywhere."
Why it's good:
- Clear preference: "Definitely a laptop."
- Gives a reason: "much more convenient," "portable."
- Provides a contrast: Acknowledges the strength of the other option ("A desktop is powerful...").
- Explains the benefit: "flexibility," "work or study from anywhere."
Question 4: Do you think computers have made our lives easier or more difficult?
Sample Answer 4 (High Score): "I think they've overwhelmingly made our lives easier. Just think about how much simpler tasks like banking, shopping, and booking travel have become. We can do all of that from our homes in minutes. However, I suppose they've also brought some challenges, like information overload and the constant feeling of being connected to work. But overall, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks."
Why it's good:
- Balanced answer: Shows you can see both sides ("overwhelmingly easier," "However," "challenges").
- Uses strong language: "overwhelmingly," "far outweigh the drawbacks."
- Provides concrete examples: "banking, shopping, booking travel."
- Acknowledges a modern problem: "information overload," "constant feeling of being connected."
Question 5: Did you learn to use a computer at school?
Sample Answer 5 (High Score): "Yes, I did. My primary school had a computer lab, and we started with the very basics, like learning to type and use simple word-processing software. As I got older, the lessons became more advanced, and we learned how to do research online and create presentations. It was definitely a useful foundation for the digital world we live in now."
Why it's good:
- Direct answer: "Yes, I did."
- Shows development: Uses phrases like "As I got older..." to describe progression.
- Specific vocabulary: "computer lab," "word-processing software," "digital world."
- Reflects on the importance: "a useful foundation."
Vocabulary to Use
Using a range of topic-specific vocabulary will boost your score.
| Category | Vocabulary |
|---|---|
| General Use | essential, indispensable, a part of my daily routine, rely on, for work and leisure |
| Activities | browse the internet, check emails, stream content (movies/music), do research, word processing, create presentations, social media, online shopping, gaming |
| Types of Computers | desktop, laptop, PC (Personal Computer), Mac, tablet, all-in-one |
| Advantages | convenient, portable, efficient, time-saving, flexible, access to information |
| Disadvantages | addictive, distracting, eye strain, information overload, security risks, impersonal |
| Verbs | log on, shut down, hibernate, update, download, install, troubleshoot |
Tips for a High Score
- Be Natural and Conversational: Don't sound like you're memorizing an answer. Use contractions (I've, it's, don't) and short, simple sentences where appropriate.
- Expand Your Answers (The "Rule of Three"): Give a direct answer, then add a reason or example, and then add a final detail. This is the key to moving from a simple answer to a more developed one.
- Show Your Personality: If you love gaming, say so! If you use your computer for a specific hobby, mention it. Personal answers are more engaging.
- Don't Just Say "Yes" or "No": Even for a simple question like "Do you use a computer?", always add a little more. "Yes, I do. I use it every day for..."
- Use Linking Words: These make your answers flow smoothly. Examples:
- Adding information: Also, Furthermore, In addition, Not only... but also...
- Contrasting: However, On the other hand, Although, While...
- Giving examples: For example, For instance, *Such as...
By preparing your ideas and vocabulary for these common questions, you'll feel much more confident during your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck
