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Describe a time you used your cellphone to do something important

Archived Old Topic

Cue Card

Describe a time you used your cellphone to do something important

You should say:

  • when it was
  • what you did with your phone
  • why it was important; and
  • explain how you felt about the experience.

Sample Part 3 Questions

  1. What do you usually do with your cellphone?
  2. What are the differences between how young people and old people use a cellphone?
  3. Do you think it’s better to make a phone call or send a text message?
  4. Do you think there should be a law to stop people from making phone calls in public?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I was on a solo hike in the mountains when I stumbled upon a severe storm. The winds were strong, and the rain was pouring down. I quickly realized I was lost and disoriented. That's when I remembered I had my trusty cellphone with me. I quickly pulled it out and opened the GPS app to try and locate myself. But to my surprise, I had no signal. I was about to give up when I remembered I had downloaded an offline map app before my trip. I quickly opened it and was able to locate myself and find the nearest trailhead. I was able to follow the map to safety, all thanks to my cellphone.

But that's not all. As I was making my way back to civilization, I came across a group of hikers who were also lost. They were frantically trying to find their way back, but were unable to get a signal on their phones. I quickly shared my offline map with them, and we were all able to find our way back together. It was a moment of pure gratitude, and I realized just how powerful a tool my cellphone can be in times of crisis.

Looking back, I realize that my cellphone was more than just a device that day. It was a lifeline. It was a tool that helped me stay safe and connected in a moment of need. And it reminded me of the importance of being prepared and having the right tools with me, especially when venturing into the wilderness. My cellphone may have started as just a simple device, but it ended up being a lifesaver that day.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

Lifeline
Something or someone that provides a means of escape or survival in a difficult or dangerous situation.
The rope was my lifeline as I climbed the mountain.
The phone was my lifeline when I was lost in the woods.
Offline
Not connected to the internet or a network.
I had to use an offline map to navigate the wilderness.
The app can be used offline, so you don't need internet access.

Sample Part 3 Answers

What do you usually do with your cellphone? I use my cellphone for a variety of tasks, but one thing I do on a daily basis is check my emails and respond to any urgent messages. I find it really convenient to be able to stay connected with work and personal contacts on the go. For instance, the other day I was on my way to a meeting and I received an email from a colleague asking for some last-minute changes to a project we were working on. I was able to quickly respond and confirm the changes, which helped us to avoid any delays or misunderstandings. It's moments like these that I appreciate the importance of having a cellphone and being able to stay connected wherever I am.

What are the differences between how young people and old people use a cellphone? From what I've observed, one of the main differences between how young people and old people use cellphones is the way they communicate. Young people tend to prefer texting and social media, whereas older people often prefer making phone calls or sending emails. I think this is because younger people are more comfortable with technology and are used to communicating in shorter, more concise messages. For example, my grandma still prefers to make phone calls to catch up with family and friends, whereas my younger cousin would rather send a quick text or Snapchat to stay in touch. It's interesting to see how different generations use cellphones in different ways.

Do you think it’s better to make a phone call or send a text message? I think it depends on the situation. If it's a personal or important conversation, I think a phone call is usually better. There's something about hearing someone's voice and being able to have a back-and-forth conversation that just can't be replicated with texting. For example, when my best friend was going through a tough time, I made sure to call her instead of just sending a text. It allowed us to have a more meaningful and emotional conversation, and I was able to offer more support and comfort. On the other hand, if it's a quick question or a casual conversation, a text message is usually fine.

Do you think there should be a law to stop people from making phone calls in public? I don't think a law is necessary, but I do think people should be considerate of those around them when making phone calls in public. It can be really annoying to be on public transportation or in a quiet space and have someone's loud conversation disrupting the peace. I think it's just a matter of being mindful of your surroundings and being respectful of others. For instance, if I need to make a call in public, I try to find a quiet spot or step outside to take the call. It's just a matter of being considerate of others and using some common sense.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

on the go
moving from place to place, often in a hurry
I'm always checking my emails on the go, so I can stay connected with work and personal contacts.

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