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Describe a piece of electronic equipment that you find useful. v.3

Describe a piece of electronic equipment that you find useful. v. 3
Describe a piece of electronic equipment that you find useful. You should say: what it is how you learned to use it how long you have had it and explain why you find this piece of electronic equipment useful. [You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you're going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish. ] Sample Answer 1: This is an interesting topic. My immediate thought is that I don’t use all that much electronic equipment – I don’t even have a smartphone. I do use a lot of a rather commonplace technology; phone; laptop; ‘white goods’ like refrigerators and washing machines, but I think they’d be quite boring to talk about. I mean, there isn’t much I could say about learning how to use a fridge is there? Not to worry, I can think of something I find really useful and only acquired very recently. It has been a learning curve, but it is so worth it. I’ll tell you what it is, how I’ve learned to use it, how long I’ve had it and how come I find it so useful. The piece of equipment is a GPS (global positioning satellite) watch. It’s called a tomtom runner, and basically, if I wear it whilst out running it tracks various bits of information. It will tell me how long I’ve run for, what pace, what distance, the elevation and other useful things. It can buzz on my wrist after every mile for example which is either motivating or dispiriting depending on how well my run is going! When I get back home after my run, I simply connect the watch to my laptop, and through some magic of technology, it uploads my run onto a software programme called Strava. This means I can see a map of where I’ve run, compare that day’s run with previous attempts at that route, and even see who else has done the same run if they use Strava too. It even tells me how many calories I’ve burned doing that run – never as many as I’d like if I’m honest! How did I learn to use it? Hmm, shall I be honest. . . I cheated a bit. I’m something of a late adopter of technology, I find it frustrating learning to use new equipment, and given that I’d been managing perfectly well without a fancy GPS running watch ever since I’d started running a couple of years ago I couldn’t see the benefits of putting myself through all that angst or working out how to use it properly. However, all of that changed in January this year. My running club had organised a three-month winter challenge, we were put in teams and had to commit to doing so many runs each week of a certain distance. To take part, I’d need a GPS watch. Points were given for distance, elevation and number of runs, with bonus points for running in sub-zero conditions or very early in the morning. The idea was to encourage us all to keep on running through the dark and dismal British winter. Rather reluctantly, I went to my local running shop. They were BRILLIANT. They recommended a ‘cheap and cheerful’ starter watch, and set it all up for me. They charged it, connected it up to my laptop (which I took in with me); downloaded all the software. All I had to do at first was push a button to start the watch when I set out, and push the same button again to stop! After my run, I just connected it to my laptop and as if by magic everything updated. To begin with, this was enough, but after a few weeks I started to play around with other buttons on the watch and discovered it can do more fancy things! I am still learning how to use it properly, and it is rather trial and error, but now I can see the benefits of this nifty bit of kit I’m much more motivated to invest time in working out its finer features! I’ve now had the watch for just about 6 months. Why do I find this GPS watch useful? Well, it’s been really unexpected, but I love that I now have a record of all my runs. Even if I feel I’ve had a bad day running, being able to see the overall distance I’ve covered, or the elevation builds my confidence. I was surprised at how many miles I actually cover each week. True, they are slow miles, but they add up all the same. It also has made running much more fun. I can see if friends have done the same run as me, and there is even a feature on Strava that allows me to identify other runners I passen route, so you can see how your runs compare with theirs. There are some fun things too. There is a trend towards something called Strava Art. Basically, that means you deliberately try and run to create the outline of a picture with your route. During our winter challenge, we had to try and ‘draw’ a rabbit, with our run route (for Easter) and a heart shape (for Valentine’s Day). It was had planning it out, and plodding round the paths I was really unsure if it would actually work. Would the satellite pick me up? Would the route really turn out as expected once it was uploaded? It was incredibly rewarding when they did, but even when they didn’t that was really entertaining. Because everyone in the running club was doing the same challenge I really forward to seeing their shapes too. What I’m trying to say, is that this unexpected bit of technology has really revolutionised my running. It enables me to track progress, it tells you if you’ve achieved a ‘Personal Best’ time on a particular segment, and it makes running much more social. It has also made me a bit more accountable to others. I can see what my friends are doing – but they can see what I’m up to as well. It makes me want to try harder so I’m not caught out slacking. Seven months ago, before I got my GPS watch I really didn’t understand why anyone would want one. Now, I feel bereft if I run without it. It feels like ‘if I can’t upload it on Strava afterwards, my run didn’t really happen! ’ I know rationally, that is a stupid attitude, but honestly, it’s true. I think if you asked most runners, or cyclists who use this bit of electronic equipment they would sheepishly admit to the same thing. It seems it is quite true, you can’t miss what you never had. I never gave a moment’s thought to how useful a GPS watch might be until I was nudged into it by my running club, but now I find it hard to imagine how any runner could function without one! What a difference a few months makes eh? I’m still not ready for a smartphone though… one day perhaps! [ Written by - Lucy Marris (2016): Careers Adviser (UK), TEFL teacher (Vietnam) ]
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
Describe
a piece of
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
electronic
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
equipment
that you
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
find
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
useful
. You should say: what it is how you learned to
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
use
it how long you have had it and
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
explain
why you
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
find
this piece of
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
electronic
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
equipment
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
useful
. [You will
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
have to
talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
think
about what you're going to say. You can
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
make
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
some
notes to
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
help
you if you wish.
Loose punctuation mark.
]
Sample Answer 1:

This is an interesting topic. My immediate
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
thought
is that I don’t
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
use
all that
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
much
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
electronic
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
equipment
Consider using an m-dash if you do not want to join two words.
–
I don’t even have a smartphone. I do
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
use
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
a lot of
a
rather
commonplace
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
technology
; phone;
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
laptop
; ‘white
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
goods
’ like refrigerators and washing machines,
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
but
I
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
think
they’d be quite boring to talk about.
I mean
, there isn’t
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
much
I could say about
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
learning
how to
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
use
a fridge is there? Not to worry, I can
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
think
of something I
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
find
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
really
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
useful
and
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
only
acquired
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
very
recently. It has been a
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
learning
curve,
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
but
it is
so
worth it. I’ll
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
tell
you what it is, how I’ve learned to
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
use
it, how long I’ve had it and how
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
come
I
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
find
it
so
useful.

The piece of
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
equipment
is a GPS (global positioning satellite)
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
watch
. It’s called a
Possible spelling mistake found.
tomtom
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
runner
, and
basically
, if I wear it whilst out
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
running
it
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
tracks
various
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
bits
of information. It will
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
tell
me how long I’ve
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
run
for, what pace, what
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
distance
, the elevation and
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
other
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
useful
things.
Three successive sentences begin with the same word. Consider rewording the sentence or use a thesaurus to find a synonym.
It
can buzz on my wrist after every mile
for example
which is either motivating or dispiriting depending on how
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
well
my
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
run
is going! When I
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
get
back home after my
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
run
, I
simply
connect the
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
watch
to my
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
laptop
, and through
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
some
magic of
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
technology
, it uploads my
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
run
onto a software
Possible spelling mistake. 'programme' is British English.
programme
called
Possible spelling mistake found.
Strava
. This means I can
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
see
a map of where I’ve
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
run
, compare that day’s
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
run
with previous attempts at that
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
route
, and even
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
see
who else has done the same
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
run
if they
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
use
Possible spelling mistake found.
Strava
too. It even
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
tells
me how
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
many
calories I’ve burned
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
doing
that
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
run
Consider using an m-dash if you do not want to join two words.
–
never as
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
many
as I’d like if I’m honest!

How did I learn to
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
use
it? Hmm, shall I be honest.
Don't put a space before the full stop
.
Don't put a space before the full stop
.
I cheated a
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
bit
. I’m something of a late adopter of
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
technology
, I
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
find
it frustrating
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
learning
to
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
use
new
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
equipment
, and
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
given
that I’d been managing
perfectly
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
well
without a fancy GPS
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
running
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
watch
ever since I’d
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
started
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
running
a couple of years ago I couldn’t
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
see
the benefits of putting myself through all that angst or working out how to
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
use
it
properly
.
However
, all of that
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
changed
in January this year. My
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
running
club had
Possible spelling mistake. 'organised' is British English.
organised
a three-month winter challenge, we
were put
in teams and had to commit to
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
doing
so
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
many
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
runs
each week of a certain
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
distance
. To
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
take part
, I’d need a GPS
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
watch
. Points were
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
given
for
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
distance
, elevation and number of
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
runs
, with bonus points for
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
running
in sub-zero conditions or
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
very
early in the morning. The
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
idea
was to encourage us all to
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
keep
on
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
running
through the dark and dismal British winter.
Rather
reluctantly
, I went to my local
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
running
shop. They were BRILLIANT. They recommended a ‘
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
cheap
and cheerful’ starter
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
watch
, and set it all up for me.
Three successive sentences begin with the same word. Consider rewording the sentence or use a thesaurus to find a synonym.
They
charged it, connected it up to my
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
laptop
(which I took in with me); downloaded all the software. All I had to do at
first
was push a button to
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
start
the
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
watch
when I set out, and push the same button again to
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
stop
! After my
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
run
, I
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
just
connected it to my
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
laptop
and as if by magic everything updated. To
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
begin
with, this was
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
enough
,
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
but
after a few weeks I
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
started
to play around with
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
other
buttons on the
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
watch
and discovered it can do more fancy things! I am
still
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
learning
how to
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
use
it
properly
, and it is
rather
trial and error
,
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
but
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
now
I can
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
see
the benefits of this nifty
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
bit
of kit I’m
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
much
more motivated to invest time in working out its finer features! I’ve
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
now
had the
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
watch
for
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
just
about 6 months.

Why do I
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
find
this GPS
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
watch
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
useful
?
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
Well
, it’s been
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
really
unexpected,
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
but
I
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
love
that I
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
now
have a record of all my
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
runs
. Even if I feel I’ve had a
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
bad
day
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
running
, being able to
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
see
the
overall
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
distance
I’ve covered, or the elevation builds my confidence. I
was surprised
at how
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
many
miles I
actually
cover each week. True, they are slow miles,
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
but
they
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
add
up all the same. It
also
has made
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
running
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
much
more fun. I can
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
see
if friends have done the same
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
run
as me, and there is even a feature on
Possible spelling mistake found.
Strava
that
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
allows
me to identify
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
other
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
runners
I
Possible spelling mistake found.
passen
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
route
,
so
you can
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
see
how your
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
runs
compare with theirs. There are
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
some
fun things too. There is a trend towards something called
Possible spelling mistake found.
Strava
Art.
Basically
, that means you
deliberately
"Try and" is common in colloquial speech, but "try to" is recommended for writing.
try and
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
run
to create the outline of a picture with your
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
route
. During our winter challenge, we had to
"Try and" is common in colloquial speech, but "try to" is recommended for writing.
try and
‘draw’ a rabbit, with our
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
run
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
route
(for Easter) and a heart shape (for Valentine’s Day). It
was had
planning it out, and plodding round the paths I was
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
really
unsure if it would
actually
work. Would the satellite pick me up? Would the
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
route
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
really
turn out as
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
expected
once it
was uploaded
? It was
incredibly
rewarding when they did,
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
but
even when they didn’t that was
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
really
entertaining.
“Because” at the beginning of a sentence usually requires a 2nd clause. Maybe a comma, question or exclamation mark is missing, or the sentence is incomplete and should be joined with the following sentence.
Because
everyone in the
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
running
club was
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
doing
the same challenge I
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
really
forward to seeing their shapes too.

What I’m trying to say, is that this unexpected
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
bit
of
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
technology
has
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
really
Possible spelling mistake. 'revolutionised' is British English.
revolutionised
my
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
running
. It enables me to
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
track
progress, it
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
tells
you if you’ve achieved a ‘Personal Best’ time on a particular segment, and it
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
makes
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
running
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
much
more social. It has
also
made me a
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
bit
more accountable to others. I can
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
see
what my friends are
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
doing
Consider using an m-dash if you do not want to join two words.
–
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
but
they can
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
see
what I’m up to as
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
well
. It
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
makes
me want to try harder
so
I’m not caught out slacking. Seven months ago,
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
before
I
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
got
my GPS
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
watch
I
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
really
didn’t understand why anyone would want one.
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
Now
, I feel bereft if I
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
run
without it. It feels like ‘if I can’t upload it on
Possible spelling mistake found.
Strava
afterwards, my
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
run
didn’t
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
really
happen! ’ I know
rationally
,
that is
a stupid attitude,
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
but
honestly
, it’s true. I
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
think
if you asked most
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
runners
, or cyclists who
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
use
this
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
bit
of
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
electronic
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
equipment
they would
sheepishly
admit to the same thing. It seems it is quite true, you can’t miss what you never had. I never gave a moment’s
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
thought
to how
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
useful
a GPS
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
watch
might be until I
was nudged
into it by my
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
running
club,
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
but
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
now
I
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
find
it
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
hard
to imagine how any
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
runner
could function without one! What a difference a few months
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
makes
eh?

I’m
still
not ready for a smartphone though… one day perhaps!

Don't put a space after the opening parenthesis
[
Written by
Consider using an m-dash if you do not want to join two words.
-
Lucy
Possible spelling mistake found.
Marris
(2016): Careers Adviser (UK), TEFL teacher (Vietnam)
Don't put a space before the closing parenthesis
]
14Linking words, meeting the goal of 7 or more
138Repeated words, meeting the goal of 3 or fewer
26Mistakes

IELTS speaking Describe a piece of electronic equipment that you find useful. v. 3

Speaking
  American English
8 paragraphs
1213 words
5.5
Overall Band Score
Coherence and Cohesion: 5.5
  • Structure your answers in logical paragraphs
  • ?
    One main idea per paragraph
  • ?
    Include an introduction and conclusion
  • ?
    Support main points with an explanation and then an example
  • Use cohesive linking words accurately and appropriately
  • ?
    Vary your linking phrases using synonyms
Lexical Resource: 5.0
  • Try to vary your vocabulary using accurate synonyms
  • Use less common question specific words that accurately convey meaning
  • Check your work for spelling and word formation mistakes
Grammatical Range: 5.5
  • Use a variety of complex and simple sentences
  • Check your writing for errors
Task Achievement: 5.0
  • Answer all parts of the question
  • ?
    Present relevant ideas
  • Fully explain these ideas
  • ?
    Support ideas with relevant, specific examples
Labels Descriptions
  • ?
    Currently is not available
  • Meet the criteria
  • Doesn't meet the criteria
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