IELTS VocabMaster

Describe a time when you had a problem using an electronic device.

Describe a time when you had a problem using an electronic device. You should say: - what the device was - when it happened - what the problem was - and explain how you solved the problem

Part 2 model answer

I had a pretty stressful experience with my smartphone during the monsoon season last year. Since I don't have a computer and I do absolutely everything on my phone, this problem felt like a real disaster at the time.

It happened one afternoon when I was coming back home from a friend's place. Suddenly, it started pouring with rain, and I didn't have an umbrella. My phone was in my shirt pocket, and by the time I found shelter, it was completely soaked. At first it seemed fine, but about ten minutes later, the screen started flickering, and then it just turned off completely. I tried pressing the power button again and again, but nothing happened.

I was really panicking, because all my study notes, my work files, and important contacts were on that phone. The first thing I did was search online using my brother's phone to find out what to do. Most websites said not to try charging it, and to put it in a bag of dry rice. So I took the battery cover off as much as I could, wiped it carefully, and left it in a container of rice overnight.

The next morning, I tried turning it on, but unfortunately, it still didn't work. So I took it to a repair shop near my house. The technician opened it, cleaned the inside with a special liquid, and dried the parts properly. After a few hours, it finally came back to life.

I learned a big lesson from this. Now, I always keep my phone in a waterproof pouch during the rainy season, and I regularly back up my important files to Google Drive, so I never risk losing everything again.

Part 3 discussion

What electronic devices do people use most in their daily lives?

The smartphone is definitely the most used device, as people use it for communication, banking, shopping, entertainment, and even work. Laptops and computers are also important, especially for students and office workers. At home, people rely heavily on TVs, refrigerators, and fans. In fact, it's hard to imagine daily life without these devices nowadays.

Are people too dependent on electronic devices?

I think so. Many people panic if they lose their phone for even a few hours, which shows how dependent we've become. We use devices for almost everything, even simple tasks like remembering phone numbers or doing basic calculations. While technology makes life easier, this dependence can be risky when devices break down or there's no electricity.

Why do some older people find it difficult to use new technology?

Mainly because they didn't grow up with it, so the interfaces and functions feel unfamiliar and confusing. Their eyesight or memory might also make it harder to learn new things. Some older people are afraid of making mistakes, especially with online banking. With patient guidance from younger family members, though, many of them can learn quite well.

Should electronic devices be designed to last longer?

Yes, definitely. Many devices today are designed to become outdated quickly, so people are forced to buy new ones every few years. This wastes money and creates a huge amount of electronic waste, which harms the environment. If companies made devices more durable and easier to repair, it would benefit both consumers and the planet.

Is it better to repair a broken device or buy a new one?

In most cases, I think repairing is better, because it's cheaper and reduces electronic waste. In countries like Bangladesh, repair shops are everywhere and quite affordable. However, if the device is very old or the repair costs almost as much as a new one, buying a new device makes more sense. It really depends on the situation.