Speaking Part 22 min

Describe a piece of technology you own that you feel is difficult to use

By Smita Jain
September 11, 2025
Describe an important thing you learned (not at school or college)
Cue Card Topic

Describe a piece of technology you own that you feel is difficult to use.

You should say:

  • What the technology is?
  • When you got it?
  • How you use it?
  • And explain why you feel it is difficult to use.

💡 You have 1 minute to prepare and should speak for 1-2 minutes.

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Sample Answer

I would like to talk about a piece of technology that I own but often find challenging to use—my DSLR camera, a Canon EOS model that I bought to explore photography as a hobby.

What the technology is?

This is a professional digital camera with multiple lenses and advanced settings like manual focus, aperture control, and different shooting modes. I bought it because I wanted to capture high-quality photos during family trips and special events.

When you got it?

I purchased this camera about two years ago, right after finishing my college exams. It was a kind of gift to myself for completing my degree, and I was very excited to learn photography.

How you use it?

I mainly use it during vacations or when attending weddings and outdoor festivals. Sometimes I also take it to nearby parks to practice landscape photography. I usually transfer the photos to my laptop for editing and sharing with friends and family.

Why you feel it is difficult to use?

Even though the camera is amazing, I find it quite difficult to operate. First, there are so many buttons and settings that it feels overwhelming. Adjusting the shutter speed, ISO, and aperture manually is confusing, and if I don’t set them correctly, the pictures either turn out too dark or too bright.

Secondly, it is heavy and bulky, which makes it hard to carry for long hours. I also struggle with connecting it to my phone through Wi-Fi, which sometimes fails for no reason.

Because of these challenges, I still rely on my smartphone for quick photos, even though the DSLR quality is much better.

Conclusion

So, my DSLR camera is a wonderful but complicated piece of technology. I enjoy learning photography with it, but I admit that mastering all its functions takes a lot of time and patience.

Follow-up Questions (Part 3)

Why do some people find new technology hard to use?

Many devices have complex interfaces and too many features. Without proper guidance or practice, users—especially beginners—can feel confused or intimidated.

Do you think technology makes our lives easier or more complicated?

It does both. Technology simplifies tasks like communication and banking, but constant updates, new apps, and security concerns can sometimes make life more stressful.

Are older people more likely to find technology difficult than young people?

Yes, generally. Younger people grow up with gadgets and adapt quickly, while older adults might feel less confident or worry about making mistakes.

What can companies do to make technology easier to use?

They can design user-friendly interfaces, provide clear tutorials, and include step-by-step setup guides. Good customer support also helps.

Do you think it’s necessary to keep up with every new technology?

Not always. It’s important to learn the tools that are useful for work or daily life, but chasing every trend can be expensive and stressful.

How can people improve their ability to use complex technology?

They can take short courses, watch online tutorials, and practice regularly. Asking for help from experienced users can also speed up the learning process.

Speaking Part 2 Tips
  • Use the 1-minute preparation time to make notes and organize your thoughts
  • Speak for the full 1-2 minutes - don't stop too early
  • Use past tense when describing experiences or events
  • Include specific details and examples to make your answer interesting
  • Practice transitions between different points in your answer
  • Stay calm if you can't think of a perfect example - any relevant story works

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