It is common to get topics related to using a mobile phone in IELTS Speaking part 2. Below you will see some typical cue cards for this topic that are also in use at the moment.
On this page, you will find:
- sample cue cards for the topic of mobile phones
- useful language
- a sample answer for a current IELTS cue card
- examples of IELTS speaking part 3 questions for this topic
1) Mobile Phone Topics for IELTS Cue Cards
A time you were not allowed to use a mobile phone
You should say:
- when it happened
- where you were
- why you couldn’t use your phone
- how you felt about it
A time when you received an important text message
You should say:
- when it was
- who you were talking to
- what the message was about
- why you remember it so well
Other Mobile Phone Topics
An app you use on your mobile phone
You should say:
- when you first started using the app
- how often you use it
- what it is used for
- why you find it useful
A time when a smart phone was very helpful
You should say:
- when it was
- what happened
- how the smart phone helped you
Your favourite smart phone
You should say:
- when you bought it
- what did it look like
- what was so special about it
Your first smart phone
You should say:
- when you got it
- why you bought it
- what you liked or didn’t like about it
A place where you couldn’t use your phone
You should say:
- when it happened
- where the place was
- what prevented you using your phone
- how you felt about it
A time when you made an important call on your phone
You should say:
- when it was
- who you were calling
- what the call was about
- why it was important to you
A useful device you use frequently
You should say:
- what the device is
- why you use it so often
- what you use it for
- why it is important for you
2) Useful Language for Mobile Phones
The lists below are not just for vocabulary, they are also for ideas of what you can talk about in your IELTS Speaking Part 1, 2 or 3 in relation to mobile phones. Having a good list of things to introduce into your answer will help with both fluency and vocabulary scores.
- wireless handheld device
- pocket-sized
- a handy device
- the battery runs out quickly
- a long lasting battery
- a quick / slow charge time
- the battery died
- landlines are still useful / landlines are becoming redundant
- a useful device when you are on the go
- connect to wifi / hotspots
- cellular network
- a weak/strong signal
- a patchy signal
- the reception is poor
- a bad line (the line keeps cutting out / crackling)
- 3G, 4G or 5G network
- 5G hasn’t fully been rolled out in my area yet
- security features
- fingerprint / voice / face recognition
- touch screen
- optical zoom lens
- front and rear camera
- stylus pen for smart phone screen
- apps run without glitches
- emojis
- organise contacts
- unlimited calls
- limited data / unlimited data
- pay as you go
- monthly contract
- a handy device
- slimline
- thick like a brick
- light weight / heavy
- couldn’t live without it
- I would be lost without
Uses of a Mobile Phone
- to call
- to text / to message
- to take photos
- to take selfies
- to email
- to make video calls
- browse online (surf the internet)
- online banking
- weather updates
- photo edit
- create videos
- make recordings
- keep track of appointments
Useful Apps on a Smart Phone
- banking apps
- calendar
- calculator
- camera
- clock
- games
- language apps
- messenger
- news
- spotify
- zoom
3) IELTS Mobile Phone Cue Card Sample Answer
A time you were not allowed to use a mobile phone
You should say:
- when it happened
- where you were
- why you couldn’t use your phone
- how you felt about it
Cue Card Sample Answer
Note: I have underlined language which the examiner will note either due to grammar or vocabulary. For grammar, you can note the range of tense used: present tense, future form, past simple, past prefect, past passive and past perfect passive. For vocabulary, you can note high level topic related vocabulary, such as “flick through a list”, “ultra slim”, “click send”, “silent mode”, “muted keypad”. There are also examples of great collocations and other relevant vocabulary.
I’m going to talk about a time last year when I was stopped from using my mobile phone in an urgent situation. It was around February when it happened. I remember because it was just after my birthday and I had been given my phone as a birthday present. I was in the library when I realised I had missed an important appointment. I was in such a panic. So, I took my ultra slim, light weight phone out of my pocket , flicked through my contact list and then clicked call. Even though my phone was on silent mode, the librarian came over before I could make the call and reminded me that I couldn’t make calls inside. I apologised and then proceeded to type out a text message. But again, before I could finish the message and click send, the librarian asked me to turn my phone off. I was really annoyed. Sending a text message isn’t intrusive to others and the keypad was muted. In the end, I went outside.
I really believe that smart phones are great pieces of technology allowing us to have instant communication with others no matter where we are. Having a silent mode on the phone means we can use it without disturbing others. While libraries are supposed to be silent, I really didn’t think sending a text would be a problem. However, I believe rules are to be followed so I left the library and made my call outside. Luckily my appointment was rescheduled for the next day. Hopefully, next time I’m in the library, I won’t have anything urgent to deal with.
Note: the above answer is not based on my personal experience or my personal opinion. It is purely fictional.
4) IELTS Speaking Part 3 Questions for Mobile Phones
- Do young and old people use smart phones the same way?
- What are the most popular smart phone apps in your country?
- How has the smart phone changed the way we live?
- Are there any disadvantages to a smart phone?
- Do you think text messages are better than phone calls?
- Should children be allowed their own smart phone?
- What are the problems allowing children to have their own smart phones?
- Why do some people get addicted to using their smart phone?
- How do you think smart phones might develop in the future?
For more IELTS Speaking free lessons, topics and tips, click here: IELTS Speaking Main Page
I hope you found this lesson useful. All the best, Liz 🙂
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I love you madam.I leaned huge from you than anyone. I’m from Bangladesh.
Love to all in Bangladesh 🙂
Thanks a lot Ma’am Liz, you’re the best.
I’m so grateful!
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Thanks a lot Liz.
You always provide very useful tips.
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From the bottom of my heart I would like, to thank you for the great job you’re doing…. l can not thank you enough only the good Lord will thank you, on my behalf….. you’re really God sent… thank you 🙏🏾 once again Liz xxx
You are very welcome. I enjoy making lessons with useful content 🙂
Dear Liz… I hope you’re great and fit….this’s simply extremely great information
I’m glad you find it useful 🙂
Thank you and love from Bangladesh 💖
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Thank you so much Liz for replying my email. My exam is on the 8th this coming saturday.l will be doing speaking test in the afternoon after the main exam in the morning.
Good luck!
Very nice information on mobile phone
Will be quite helpful in making cur Card
I’m glad it’s useful 🙂
Thank you so much! I would like you to know I admire you and your courage! When I feel bad, I sometimes remember you and am aware that all is possible as long as you are alive.
Thank you for such a lovely and uplifting comment 🙂
This is really a nice piece . Thanks mummy and God bless you .
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Indeed this has helped me a lot, atleast I now have somewhere to start on. Thank you so much Liz
Thanks, Liz, I have recommended your website to so many people and they always come out successful especially with your speaking part, but I have a phobia for taking the exam because I’m so sacred of failing.
What advice could you offer me please?
If you can afford it, take two tests. Some people find that they are more relaxed the second time. If you can only do one test, instead of feeling so worried and focusing on the atmosphere of the exam, think about your strategies and see it as a challenge that you will enjoy. The more you enjoy something, the more relaxed you are and also the more absorbed you are in it. Start enjoying IELTS. As for the speaking test, adopt a strong, brave character for just 14 mins of your life. The speaking test is an informal chat with the examiner. The more you chat, the better. Be friendly, open and chatty. Also, the more you know about the speaking test, the more confident you will be. You will understand the examiner’s reactions and behaviour if you are fully prepared. Good luck!
This is impactful and in my view a good example about tackling questions related to phone.
I’m glad it’s useful.
Hi Liz,
I am glad that I found your website. Thank you for emailing me continuously. I have to writ my IElTS exam. I keep postponing it since I have a fear of exam. However, I am hoping with using your useful website I build enough confidence to proceed with exam and pass the IELS test with required score.
Thank you
Good luck!
This is very interesting. Thank so much Liz
You’re welcome 🙂
Dear Liz,
I hope you are keeping well and thank you for the new post! Your blog has been the bible of my Ielts preparation journey.
I’m going to take my test on Saturday, and this is my 3rd time, please wish me good luck and get at least 7 for each module!
All the best!
Jin
Good luck to you!
Very informative and useful for studying Ielts.I tremendously love Liz.
I’m glad you find it useful 🙂
thank you so much liz.i love your videos.ijust stumbled upon your email and today I am over the moon to get my first email from you.thank you so much please make me a part of your emails.i would love to receive them.regards
kanwal from Pakistan
You’re welcome 🙂
Thank you ma’am, your lessons have really motivated me to put my phobias aside and study. I really appreciate this.
I’m glad you are beginning to gain confidence and enjoy learning 🙂