IELTS CUE CARD: MY FIRST MOBILE PHONE
You have to say:
- When and where did you get it
- What did you mostly use it for
- Explain why you like it so much
By IELTS Band 7
Sample Answer
The advent of mobile phone is a boon to our society. It has not only brought world closer but also has made technology available to a common man. Exchange of messages has become so easy that within no time one can convey information in the form of texts, pictures or videos.
Although, there are so many kinds of mobile sets available due to continuous up gradation of models and software, keeping my first phone with me as a remembrance really makes me feel happy. I still have my first phone which is Nokia 1100. I purchased it from Gaffar market in New Delhi. Though it is fifteen years old, I am still very possessive about it .I had purchased it out of my pocket money and I got it for Rs 5000. It’s a grey colored, small and trendy set. The phone has got basic features without a touch screen and the internet facility. I used it to make calls while on move and be in touch with my family and friends.
It is still functional and I sometimes use it, especially when I am travelling. It’s really convenient with an excellent battery backup and I need not care of recharging it time and again. The ring tones are of vintage style, which make me feel nostalgic and remind me of my young days. Its flash light is so powerful that there is no requirement of a torch in my house. The best part of this set is its simple operation and management. The set is so strong and sturdy that even if it falls down one need not worry about its malfunctioning. Moreover, even if there are some breakages the spares are very cheap.
It’s saddening that the set is losing its charm as there are so many new smart phones available. Nowadays, its spares are not available in open market and I have to order to the Nokia company for the replacement. Irrespective of this, I adore my Nokia 1100 and do not want to part away from it.
Part 3 – Follow Up Questions
1. Do most people have mobile phones in your country?
Yes, most people have mobile phones in my country. The smart phones have become very affordable and the government is doing a lot to make the Internet access available through cellphones to even the remotest parts of India.
2. Does the use of cellphones cause any problems to others?
Yes, cellphones can cause problems to others. For example, when people use their cellphones in places like libraries, hospitals, classrooms, etc., it leads to a lot of disturbance. These days it is very common to find people talking loudly in buses, trains, and other public places, which is also a cause of disturbance.
3. What do people use cellphones for?
Cellphones have become an indispensible part of our lives. People use cellphones for various purposes, like paying bills, making train/bus/air reservations, booking movie tickets, social networking, entertainment by playing games, watching movies/TV shows, and so on.
4. What are the advantages of having a mobile phone?
There are numerous advantages of having a mobile phone. We can remain connected with our family at all times. It can be used to check work emails, when not in office. Students can use cellphones to research for their assignments and studies. Mobile phones are used to pay bills, make reservations, do online shopping, for online banking, and many other such purposes. This invention has made our life very convenient.
5. Are children allowed to use mobile phones in your country?
Yes, unfortunately many children can be seen using mobile phones these days. Parents let children use mobile phones to play games and watch videos, to keep them occupied. However, children are not allowed to use cellphone at schools and colleges, so that discipline is maintained at these places.
6. What are the effects when someone is making a lot of noise by using a cellphone in a public place?
When someone is making a lot of noise by using a cellphone in a public place, I think it is a nuisance. Especially in places like hospitals, places of worship, libraries, classrooms, etc., it leads to a lot of disturbance and is annoying. People need to be considerate when using cellphones in public places, so that it doesn’t lead to disturbance.
By Speakingquestions
Discussion Questions about Mobile Phones
Do you like having a mobile phone?
Yes, it’s extremely convenient, and essential, nowadays. It would be difficult to survive in today’s world without one. It’s just so useful for everything.
Is it a good or a bad thing to have a mobile phone? Why?
I don’t think it’s a case of whether it’s good or bad – it’s part of life for people now – that’s how we communicate and do business.
People take photos, search for information and shop online using their mobiles, they do banking and communicate for work and many other things also.
It’s a really important thing, just like having a car, it would be difficult to do many things without it.
What can you do with a mobile phone?
Well, like I said before, you can search for information on the internet, you can pay bills and do banking, you can shop and buy things online and obviously, you can email, text and call people you know.
Many phones allow you to listen to music, watch videos, navigate and use other apps depending on what you’re interested in.
I have about 50 different apps loaded on my phone so I can video chat, learn English, translate, and do other activities.
Do old and young people use mobile phones in the same way?
Generally, no, I think older people tend to still call someone when they want to talk. Younger people prefer to send texts.
I’m not sure if older people use as many apps or functions of their mobile phones as young people do or take as many pictures.
Older people still see a mobile phone as basically a way to communicate with another person. Younger people use it as part of living, as an everyday tool to enable them to do things.
What can be done to avoid children becoming inattentive in class?
Because of mobile phones? The school should have a policy for mobile phones in the classroom. Students shouldn’t be permitted to have their phones on when they are in lessons, but be allowed to use them between classes and in breaktime.
Or at least schools should require that mobile phones are muted while students are in class so nobody gets distracted by them ringing.