IELTS Speaking Task: Cue Card Question With Sample Answer on Describing Messages

IELTS Speaking Part 2 Question:

Describe an important text message you received.

You should say:

• Who sent the message
• What was in the message
• Why the person sent the message
• And explain why the message was important to you.

Answer:

All of us receive a ton of text messages every now and then throughout the day and most of them are usually some sort of promotions or spam messages. We tend not to pay a lot of attention to them but because of this we sometimes lose many important messages which can possibly contain important information.

I would like to share an incident about the time I received a significant piece of information through a text message. I can recall that my 12th standard board examinations were around the corner and I was busy attending multiple coaching classes for the same. I would not deny the fact that I was overwhelmed with the studies and I had very little time in my hand.

One fine day, I noticed a text message on my phone which was broadcasted by the Central Board of Secondary Education. At first I thought, It must be about a few general guidelines that they provide before the examinations, but what I read was unbelievable!

The text message stated that the examination dates for the 10th and 12th standards of all the state’s secondary schools have been pushed back by two weeks and will be conducted online. It further mentioned that the decision was taken to ensure that the students are safe from the ongoing Covid infection and to ensure that they get enough time to prepare for the examination. The text message also shared the revised schedule along with a few guidelines about how the examinations are to be conducted through the computers.

In my opinion, this decision is likely to have been taken keeping in view the rising number of Covid 19 cases and it was a fairly good arrangement. I am glad that I did not miss the text message and was absolutely thrilled after getting the news as I did not have to worry about my health anymore and on top of that I got some more time to prepare for the exam which was like a cherry on top.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Question

Q. Why do some people like using text messages instead of phone calls?

It has become common that people rather type on their phone than talk. 

One of the main reasons why people are more inclined to texting is that it gives them a kind of freedom that calling doesn’t. It allows them to answer at the most convenient time for them, not to mention the fact that it gives them time to think about their answers.

Also, texting encourages a shorter and more efficient exchange of information. Having a means of communication that gives you such freedom makes texting a perfect fit for today’s hectic times.

Q. Why do you think there are some people who don't like texting?

One of the main reasons some individuals don't like texting is because they don't like small talk. Especially small talk through texting. 

Text messages can't provide the human contact and perspective that come from true dialogue. On the surface, these texts may seem like an acceptable way to handle daily communication, but they actually are all examples of ways to avoid conflict and dodging in-person confrontation.

Q. Have the ways that people communicate with each other changed much in the last few decades?

Yes, there have been many changes since the past few decades, including how people talk now. New inventions have improved people's lifestyles and given them many features, which have made it easier for people to start a conversation with improved technology. This change in habits happened largely due to increased use of social media networks, but also a change in lifestyles and habits.

Many people prefer to use the free phone call feature, and social media is a very popular platform these days.  

Q. Do you think modern technology has any negative influence on communication?

In my perspective, overuse of technology can be addicting and it can surely hurt our communication skills and can also affect the quality of communication. In some cases, communicating online replaces face-to-face interaction for users, reducing the amount of time they actually spend in the company of other human beings. Another potential hazard of communicating via technology is a lack of privacy. Communications you send over the Internet can often be insecure.

Q. What do you think are some of the main differences between written communication and spoken communication?

Oral Communication is the oldest means of communication, which is most commonly used as a medium for the exchange of information. It can either be in the form of direct conversation between two or more persons  or a form of communication in which a medium is used for interchange of information like telephonic conversation. Written Communication, on the other hand, is a formal means of communication, wherein a message is carefully drafted and formulated in written form. It is kept as a source of reference or legal record.

Q. How do people in your country get important news?

The way the world runs now has significantly changed because of social media. We have undoubtedly come a long way from the days when news was spread via letters and subsequently by regions. Even our phone calls to one another no longer connect us. Sharing news on Facebook or WhatsApp is all the rage right now. Some individuals tweet about it, while others post videos online! We now prefer to share things with a group of people instead of in private. People frequently read about them in their social media news feeds in addition to the personal news, even the national and worldwide news.